Audi A5

VAG-COM An Newbies Introduction

Version 2.0

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VAG-COM

1.0 VCDS AN INTRODUCTION

If youre like me, keen to want to take advantage of the optional extras that you can enable via
VAG-COM, but afraid that you might screw things up, here is an introduction and a simple task
that should help overcome your initial concerns.
Please note this is not an authorative document, purely a guide to help you get started. For some it
may appear overtly verbose, but is purely aimed at getting you through each step with to build your
initial knowledge and confidence.
So, before you start a few simple tips.

Having connected your cable to the car and using the VAG-COM software, the ignition
should be on. (The engine doesnt need to be running). Normally a good idea to turn off
your lights set switch to 0.
Leave the MMI switched on as you will need to use the MMI screen to view the hidden
menu and such like.
When running tests it is normal for the car to flash up warnings like ESP Failure Warning
on the DIS, accompanied by various clicks as the car runs through these checks.

1a). VCDS Home screen

Pressing on the Select Control module button will

present you with a display of all the control
modules available (see next screen)

1b). The modules are contained in a separate tab

format starting with Common through to
Electronics 2.
INFO: The common tab changes name to
Installed, when connected to your car reflecting
the modules installed on your car.
If 09-Cent. Elect. is selected, you will be presented
with the controller info (see next screen)

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1c). Changes are typically completed by selecting

the Coding 07 button, you will be presented
with the re-code module (see next screen)

1d). Modules and Slave Modules (Drop Down

Menu).
INFO: If the module shown is greyed out, there are
no selectable slave modules.
On the latest cars, many "slave" modules are
codeable.
The coding screens (both regular and "long") will
present a drop-list of available modules which can
be selected for coding.
You have the option of writing the new coding in
here; however for ease of use it is strongly
recommended that the Long Code Helper is used
(see next screen)
1e). For ease of understanding a separate
explanation of each aspect of this screen is show
below

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1.1 LONG CODE HELPER

Item 1) in the screen below shows the current long code
Item 3) are the Bytes and Bits
Item 4) shows current items installed. (Sometime these are accompanied with a check box)

1.2 BYTES AND BITS

Note: when you change a bit in any one of the bytes for example change bit 6 in byte 16 from 0 to 1 you
have to tab or arrow into the next byte otherwise simply changing 0 to 1 and then clicking exit and do it
will not work.
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A RECOMMENDATION FROM A SEASONED PRO ( NOT ME I MIGHT ADD!!!)

As you starting out dont get over confident using VCDS and ALWAYS, ALWAYS keep an eye on everything
you do regardless of how many times you have used it until you have become semi pro.
It is very easy to change something and you may end up with a dead MMI or rock hard steering just by a
simple change of a 0 or a 1. Then its either off to the dealers (along with some currency in your hand), or
requesting codes for comaprisons from fellow members along with the resulting headache.

KEEPING TRACK OF CHANGES

Before changing any setting, have a blank Word doc open and copy a screenshot before changing the
setting values. Therefore, if you have an error after changing the value you can always revert back to the
original setting.

(Ctrl + Alt + PrtSc) captures the uppermost open screen

(Ctrl + V) will paste it into the Word Doc.

Hold (Alt) button then press (tab) to swap between Word and VCDS

Finally good luck and be careful!

Remember to make notes and "backups" of any settings you change so that you can try to
go back if something goes wrong.
Please be aware that VAG-COM is potentially a dangerous tool, you can mess your car up.

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2.0 Adjustable Footwell lighting:

Task Difficulty Rating:

Okay, so here is a simple task (1/5) that will get you accessing bytes, changing bit values and
activating the hidden menu.
The mod enables you to adjust the footwell lighting on Audi A4 B8/A5 cars that do not have the
adjustment menu enabled as standard.
There are three stages to this, first is enabling the Ambiance lighting and second is activating the
hidden menu and lastly setting the lighting in the MMI to control the brightness.

2.1 (STEP 1) - ENABLE AMBIANCE LIGHTING

MMI 3G
Go to 09 Cent. Elect

Select Coding 07

Select Long Coding Helper

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Select Byte 16

Then change Bit 6 to 1

i.e. change from 00001111 to
01001111
Select Exit
Then select Do It
Then go back to Main Screen
Tip: when you change a bit 6 from 0
to 1 you have to tab or arrow
into the next byte otherwise
simply changing 0 to 1 and then
clicking exit and do it will not
work.

2.2 (STEP 2) - ENABLING THE MMI MENU

You will need to access the Cars Hidden Menu to
complete this function. If you havent enabled this
yet, follow the steps opposite:

Caution: Keep away from the "Bootloader" in

the hidden menu

Hidden Menu in MMI Navi Plus (3G):

(Only for Navigation Equipped Cars)
Module 5F - Information Electr.
Select [Adaptation 10]
Using the up/down arrows, goto Channel 6

Change the value from 0 to 1

Go to cars hidden menu.

How: Press Car and Setup buttons simultaneously.
Note: sometimes this takes one or two goes to
activate the hidden menu.
Tip: It is sometime easier to press the radio button
first, and then press the above buttons to activate the
hidden menu.

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Hidden Menu now Active

Once the menu comes up scroll to Car and select it by

pushing down on the MMI scroll wheel.

Scroll to carmenuoperation and select with the

scroll wheel.

Scroll to interior light and select it with the scroll

wheel.
It will be set to 0 you will change it to 1 or 5 then push
the scroll wheel to set it.
1 allows access while your not moving
5 allows access at all times.
Push the return button which will take you to the
previous menu. Select cardevicelist.

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Scroll to Interior Light and push to select. The box

should go from empty to filled in.
Press return to go back.

Now reset the MMI.

How: Push down the Setup, Scroll Wheel and top
right menu buttons at the same time.
Tip 1: make sure you have exited back to the first
screen before doing this step, as it prevents
inadvertant selection / deselection of options.
Tip 2: You do not need to hold down these buttons for
an extended period. As soon as all three are pressed,
release the buttons and the MMI will commence
restart.

2.3 (STEP 3) CONFIGURING THE SETTING IN THE MMI MENU

Complete
MMI Screen Shots

2G

3G

Once the MMI

has reset, click on
the car button
scroll down to
Ambiance
Lighting or
"Background
Lighting"
(Title dependant
on MMI version)

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FAQS
FAQs

The lights stay on all the time the car is on when headlight is set to off.
It has been confirmed the lights will go on and off with the light sensor if the headlight
switch is set to Auto.
This does work on both the front and rear foot lights.
If you turn the lights all the way down the lights will go to full brightness when you open
the door. Master light switch will not control these lights at all anymore. They will work
separately through the MMI.
Lights will not go to 100% in Ambiance mode but will when door is opened.

REFERENCES
References and
originator posts

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?346857-DIY-Ambiance-Lighting%28Full-time-adjustable-foot-lighting%29

FOOTNOTE
I cannot lay claim to being the first to put a guide together, as that accolade goes to others far
more experienced than I, who discovered and saw fit to share their find in the public domain
many thanks to each of you.

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