Many Volkswagen and Skoda owners desire the convenience of the “coming home” feature, where the headlights illuminate the path ahead after exiting the vehicle. While often associated with automatic light sensors, this feature can be activated and customized using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) even on vehicles without these sensors. This guide focuses on enabling and tailoring the “coming home” functionality using VCDS, drawing on community experiences and successful implementations.
VCDS and Coming Home: Overcoming the Light Sensor Requirement
It’s a common misconception that a light sensor (RLS, RLHS, or RLFS) is mandatory for the “coming home” feature. In reality, while the “leaving home” function relies on these sensors, “coming home” activation is triggered by flashing the high-beam stalk before unlocking and opening the driver’s door. This opens up possibilities for vehicles lacking factory-equipped light sensors.
Successful “coming home” activation has been reported on various models, including the Skoda Octavia 3 and Mk7 Golf variants, without light sensors. This suggests that with proper VCDS coding, the feature can be enjoyed across a wider range of vehicles. A key differentiator is that the “leaving home” feature necessitates the light switch to be in the “auto” position, while “coming home” doesn’t have this requirement.
Utilizing VCDS Adaptation Channels for Coming Home Customization
VCDS allows access to specific adaptation channels within the vehicle’s BCM (Body Control Module) to configure the “coming home” feature. While specific channel numbers might vary slightly between models, focusing on channels related to “comfort illumination” is crucial.
A common set of adaptation channels used for “coming home” configuration includes:
- (1) Comfort Illumination – Coming Home Installation Status: This channel typically allows selecting between “manual” or “automatic” activation. Choosing “manual” aligns with the high-beam stalk activation method.
- (2) Comfort Illumination – Coming Home Menu Control Factory Setting: Setting this channel to “active” enables the “coming home” feature within the vehicle’s menu system.
- (3) Comfort Illumination – Coming Home Menu Setting: This channel controls the duration of the “coming home” illumination, often allowing adjustments in seconds (e.g., 10 seconds).
- (4) Comfort Illumination – Coming Home Lights: This crucial setting determines which lights are activated. Options usually include low beams, fog lights, or a combination. Experimentation might reveal variations, such as both low beams and fog lights activating together.
- (5) Comfort Illumination – Coming Home Activation Trigger: This channel confirms the trigger event, which should be set to “driver door” for activation upon opening the driver’s side door.
Conclusion: Bringing “Coming Home” to Your Car with VCDS
The “coming home” feature enhances safety and convenience. By leveraging VCDS and understanding the relevant adaptation channels, you can enable and customize this feature even without factory-installed light sensors. Remember to consult model-specific forums and resources for precise adaptation channel numbers and recommended settings, as minor variations might exist between different vehicles. With careful adjustments and testing, you can illuminate your path with the “coming home” feature, regardless of your vehicle’s light sensor configuration.
