Enabling VIM With VCDS: A Comprehensive Guide

Enabling Video In Motion (VIM) with VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) is a popular modification for Audi owners who want to enjoy DVD playback or other video content while driving. At CARDIAGTECH.NET, we’ll guide you through the process and explain everything you need to know about unlocking this feature. Our detailed instructions and expert tips will help you customize your Audi’s multimedia experience. Unlock enhanced entertainment with VCDS coding, multimedia functionality, and in-car video options.

1. Understanding VIM (Video In Motion)

Video In Motion (VIM) is a software modification that allows the playback of video content on your Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) screen while the vehicle is in motion. By default, Audi disables video playback above a certain speed (typically around 5 mph) for safety reasons. Enabling VIM bypasses this restriction, letting passengers (or the driver, though it’s not recommended for safety reasons) watch DVDs or other video sources while the car is moving.

Benefits of Enabling VIM:

Enhanced Entertainment: Passengers can enjoy movies, TV shows, or other video content during long drives.
Unrestricted Multimedia Access: Unlock the full potential of your Audi’s multimedia system.
Customization: Tailor your in-car entertainment experience to your preferences.

2. What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and information:

VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System): This is the primary tool for making the necessary coding changes. You can purchase VCDS from Ross-Tech or authorized resellers.
Laptop: You’ll need a laptop running Windows to install and run the VCDS software.
VCDS Cable: This cable connects your laptop to your Audi’s OBD-II port.
Audi Vehicle: This guide is primarily for Audi vehicles with MMI 3G, but the general principles may apply to other models.
Vehicle Serial Number: You’ll need this to generate the login codes required for VIM activation.
Internet Access: To access online resources and code generators.

3. Safety Precautions

Disclaimer: Modifying your vehicle’s software can have unintended consequences. Perform these steps at your own risk. CARDIAGTECH.NET is not responsible for any issues that may arise.
Battery Voltage: Ensure your vehicle’s battery is fully charged before starting. Low voltage can interrupt the coding process and cause errors.
Stable Environment: Perform the coding in a safe and stable environment. Avoid distractions and ensure your laptop is securely connected.
Backup: Before making any changes, create a backup of your vehicle’s original coding. This will allow you to revert to the original settings if something goes wrong.
Drive Responsibly: While VIM allows video playback while driving, it is crucial to prioritize safety. The driver should not be distracted by the video content. It is intended for passenger use only.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling VIM with VCDS

This guide assumes you have a basic understanding of how to use VCDS. If you’re new to VCDS, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the software and its functions before proceeding.

4.1. Connecting to Your Vehicle

Connect the VCDS cable to your laptop and the OBD-II port in your Audi (usually located under the dashboard).
Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
Launch the VCDS software on your laptop.
Click on “Select” and then choose “5F – Information Electr.” This is the control module for the MMI system.

4.2. Retrieving Your Vehicle’s Serial Number

Within the “5F – Information Electr.” module, click on “Advanced ID – 1A.”
Make a note of the Serial Number displayed. You’ll need this for the next step.

4.3. Generating Login Codes

Visit a VIM code generator website. One popular option is trick77.com.
Enter your Serial Number into the input field.
The website will generate a personal login code and an alternative login code. Note both of these down.

4.4. Entering Security Access

In VCDS, click on “Security Access – 16.”
Enter the personal login code you obtained in the previous step.
Click “Do it!“
If you receive a “code not valid” message, try the alternative code. If neither code works, it’s possible that your control module doesn’t support VIM adaptation.

4.5. Adapting Channel 48

Click on “Adaptation – 10.”
Select channel 48 from the drop-down menu.
Press “read.” The current value will be displayed.
Set the value from 0 to 255. This disables the speed restriction for video playback.
Press “test” to verify the change.
Press “save” to apply the new value.
Click “Done, Go Back.”

4.6. Rebooting the MMI

To ensure the changes take effect, you need to reboot the MMI system.
Press and hold the MENU button, the central MMI knob, and the top-right softkey simultaneously.
The MMI screen will go black and then restart.

4.7. Testing VIM

Insert a DVD or connect a video source to your Audi’s MMI system.
Start driving and verify that the video continues to play even when the vehicle exceeds 5 mph.

4.8. Alternative Methods

Depending on your Audi model and MMI version, there might be alternative methods to enable VIM. Some users have reported success using different adaptation channels or coding values. However, these methods are not officially documented and may not work for all vehicles. Always proceed with caution and back up your original settings before attempting alternative methods.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

“Code Not Valid” Error: This usually indicates that the login code you entered is incorrect. Double-check the serial number and try generating the codes again. If you’re still having trouble, try the alternative login code.
VIM Not Working After Coding: Ensure that you have rebooted the MMI system after making the changes. Also, verify that the video source is properly connected and that the correct input is selected on the MMI screen.
MMI Freezing or Crashing: In rare cases, incorrect coding can cause the MMI system to become unstable. If this happens, try reverting to the original coding settings or consult a qualified Audi technician.
Compatibility Issues: VIM may not be compatible with all Audi models or MMI versions. Check online forums and resources to see if other users have successfully enabled VIM on your specific vehicle.

6. Advanced VCDS Coding Options

While enabling VIM is a popular modification, VCDS can be used for a wide range of other customizations and diagnostic tasks. Here are a few examples:

6.1. Enabling Gauge Test/Needle Sweep

This feature sweeps the needles of the speedometer and rev counter through their full range when you start the engine.

[Select] [17 – Instruments] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 1 and check the option: “Gauge Test/Needle Sweep active”
[Do It!]

6.2. Enabling Lap Timer

This activates a lap timer function in the instrument cluster (may require firmware update).

[Select] [17 – Instruments] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 1 and check the option: “Lap Timer active”
[Do It!]

6.3. Enabling Kerb Lighting

This illuminates the kerb when turning at low speeds.

[Select] [09-Cent. Elect.] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 4 and enable bit 0
[Do It!]

6.4. Beep on Lock

This activates a brief chirp from the alarm siren when the car is locked.

[Select] [46-Central Conv.] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 1 and enable bit 2: “Anti-Theft-System: Horn Confirmation active”
[Do It!]

6.5. Hidden Menu

This enables access to the green engineering menu in the MMI (use with caution).

[Select] [5F – Information Electr.] [Adaptation – 10]
Select Channel 6 and change the value from 0 to 1, then Test, then Save
Reboot the MMI (Press MENU, central MMI knob, and top right softkey)

6.6. Battery Meter

Displays battery information in the MMI.

Enter the Hidden Menu (see step 6.5)
Select Car, then Carextdevicelist
Check “Battery”
Return, then select Carmenuoperation
Set “Battery” from 0 to 5
Return, then press CAR to exit the hidden menu
Reboot the MMI

6.7. Passenger Door Mirror Dip on Selecting Reverse

Dips the passenger door mirror when reverse is selected.

[Select] [52 – Door Elect, Pass] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on Byte 4 (5th one along from the left)
Set Bit 2 to “on”
[Do It!]

6.8. Disabling Seatbelt Reminder Chimes

Turns off the seatbelt warning chime.

[Select] [17 – Instruments] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 0 and disable bit 4: “Seat Belt Warning inactive”
[Do It!]

6.9. Disabling Engine Stop When Opening Driver’s Door

Prevents the engine from turning off when opening the driver’s door.

[Select] [46 – Central Conv.] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Change the binary code from 00000111 to 00001111
[Do It!]

6.10. Enabling the Default Distance Setting in the MMI for Adaptive Cruise Control

Allows you to modify the default distance for ACC via the MMI.

[Select] [13 – Auto Distance Regulation] [Adaptation – 10]
Select channel 07
Set the value from 0 to 1
Press test, then save
Close VCDS and reboot your MMI

6.11. Modifying the High Beam Assist Speed Threshold

Changes the speed at which High Beam Assist activates.

[Select] [20 – High Beam Assist] [Adaptation – 10]
Select “High Beam Speed Threshold”
Enter the speed in KM/h
Press save
Close VCDS and reboot your MMI

6.12. Enabling the Daytime Running Lights On/Off Setting in the MMI

Adds the option to turn off/on DRLs via the MMI.

[Select] [09-Cent. Elect.] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 3 and enable bit 0 (Daytime running lights adjustable via MMI)
[Do It!]

6.13. Enabling Tourist Mode Setting for Headlights in the MMI

[Select] [09-Cent. Elect.] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 4 and enable bit 6
[Do It!]

6.14. Enable Auto Handbrake When Shift into P

[Select] [53 – Parking Brake] [Security Access – 16]
Code displayed to me was – 78713
[Adaption – 10]
[Select] “Shift P to EPB”
Set to Activated
[Do It!]

6.15. Close Electric Boot Lid from Key

[Select] [46 – Cent Conv] [Coding – 07]
Click on byte 2, bit 2
Tick Comfort operation: Remote control active
[Do It!]
[Select] [4D – Trunk Elec] [Security Access – 16]
Input 12345
[Adaption – 10]
Activation using rear lid opening button in remote key – Touch function for closing
Change to ACTIVE
[Do It!]

6.16. Enable Double Disarm Chirp

[Select] [46 – Central Conv.] [Adaption – 10]
Channel 63
Add 4
[Do It!] (Prompt shows options for other settings)

6.17. Disable DRL Dim on Turn Signal

[Select] [09 – Central Elec.] [Security Access – 16]
Code: 20113
[Adaption – 10]
Channel 3
Set between 5 and 100
[Do It!] (I found 50 to be a good setting)

6.18. Parking Brake Release Without Seat Belt On

[Select] [53 – Parking Brake] [Security Access – 16]
Code presented by program
[Adaption – 10]
Select from drop down menu
Change parameter
[Do It!]

6.19. Tail Lights on with Front DRLs

[Select] [09-Cent. Elect.] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 2 and enable bit 7
[Do It!]

6.20. Enable Ripping From CD to MMI HDD

Enter the Hidden Menu
Select Main
Select Diagnose
Select Settings
Select Import_Multimedia
Check “Ripping”
Return
Press CAR to exit the hidden menu
Reboot the MMI

6.21. Disable NAV & Phone Warning Messages While Entering Data at Speed

[5F – Information Electr.] -> Adaptation -> Set channel 2 & 3 to 250

6.22. Enable Adaptive Brake Lights

[46 – Comfort System] [Coding – 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 8
Bit 0 – Emergency Brake Flashing via Turn Lights active (1 = active)
Bit 1 – Emergency Brake Flashing via Brake Lights active (1 = active)

6.23. Enable Independent Fogs Control With High Beams

[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding – 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 4
Bit 1 – (Front) Uncheck the box or change :Bit 1 to 0
Bit 2 – (Rear) Uncheck the box or change :Bit 2 to 0

6.24. Enable TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

* You need the 1AT ABS unit – check your stickers (1AS does not work)
[Hidden menu] [car] [cardevicelist] [RDK] Enable
[Hidden menu] [car] [carmenuoperation] [Tires Air Pressure Control] Set to 5
[03 – ABS Brakes] [Security Access – 16] (probably with login code: 61378)
[Coding – 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 1
Bit 3 – Tire Pressure Monitoring (PR-7K6) active (1 = active)
The TPMS needs to be enabled in the Instrument Cluster:
[17 – Instruments] [Coding – 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 4
Bit 0 – Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) installed (1 = active)
Reset MMI

6.25. Set Audi Parking System – Switch OFF Speed

[10 – Park/Steer Assist] [Adaptation – 10] -> Channel 23
Set to 20 (max value in km/h)

6.26. Adjust LED Brightness

[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Security Access – 16] (enter security code. One of the default codes is- 20113)
[Adaptation – 10] -> Channel 3
Set between 5 and 100

6.27. Adjust Bluetooth Microphone Sensitivity

Hidden menu
Diagnose
Settings
Mic sensiblity – choose -6db/0db/+6db

6.28. Enable Driver’s Memory Seat

36: Seat Mem – 07 Coding – Long Coding Helper – change Byte 2, bit 0, to 1
Seat memory will be there however greyed out in MMI
Press and hold down unlock button on key fob for 5 seconds for the windows to come down
Press and hold down lock button on key fob for 5 seconds for the windows to go back up
In MMI, Seat Adjustment you are now able to find Driver’s seat, you can set Key memory on/off.
Set it “on” for both keys separately.

6.29. Disable/Memorize/Invert Start & Stop

module 09-Cent. Elec.
enter Security Code (20113)
Adaptation on Channel 34:
subtract 4 to the value –> Start&Stop always disabled
add 32 to the value –> memorize last status (the Start & Stop status at engine startup will be the one at last engine shutdown)
test & save
In addition to these values, if you add 64 to the value, the Start & Stop button light will be reversed: off if Start & Stop is disabled, and on if Start & Stop is enabled

6.30. Activation of Footwell Lighting for Vehicles Without Lighting Pack / Ambient Lighting

This allows you to use the MMI to set the footwell lighting level while driving. Tested on cars with MMI 3G+ (Tech pack).

[Select] [09-Cent. Elect] [Coding – 07] [Long Coding Helper]
Click on byte 16 and enable bit 6
[Do It!]
Enter the Hidden Menu
Select Car
Select Cardevicelist
Check “Interior Light”
Return
Select Carmenuoperation
Set “Interior Light” from 0 to 5
Return
Press CAR to exit the hidden menu
Reboot the MMI

6.31. Lowering AAS (Adaptive Air Suspension) with VCDS

Set your car to “Auto” mode (not dynamic, comfort, etc.). Make sure car is on level ground. Close doors. If any doors are opened during the procedure, it will be interrupted. Make sure your car is NOT in a towing or tire changing mode.
Load up VCDS, go to Module 34 – Level Control
Go to “10 – Adaptation”, take note of 4 values titled as “Body height front left wheel house edge” – mine were set to around 384 from factory.
Take the values you noted above, and ADD your desired drop in millimeters (mm) to each value, write it down… So if your left front wheel was 384.5, your new value will be 401.5. Repeat for the other wheels. It is not critical to be 100% precise here, rounding the values is fine. Note that maximum Audi-approved drop is 17mm from what I’ve gathered. You can go lower, but if you go lower, you’re also affecting other systems, such as cameras, adaptive cruise, etc., so be careful.
Technically, if you want this procedure to be done properly, instead of taking existing values, you will measure all 4 wheels after completion of the step 7, and then add your drop value if desired. Suspension height values are measured from the center of the wheel to the edge of the fender.
Go to Security Access, enter code provided on the following website, under VCDS section, item #3 (I’m not posting this directly to avoid spreading sensitive data, although it’s been posted on other forums in past) http://www.stemei.de/pages/coding/au…ng-des-aas.php
You should get a message stating that security code has been accepted – if you don’t, something failed, stop doing what you’re doing
Go to 04 – Basic Settings
*** IMPORTANT: Whatever you do, DO NOT select “Reset All Adaptations” – this is not undoable, and will require a visit to the dealer. ***
Select “Activate Level Control”, hit “Go”, wait for it to complete (should only take a second, until it says “not running”).
Select “Delete Calibration For Level Control”, hit “Go”, wait for it to complete, your car will throw a fault code and you will see an error message stating Air Suspension Malfunction – this is normal.
Select “Start Up to Reference Level”, hit “Go”. This step will take about a minute, and your car will go up/down during the process (you’ll hear hissing noises). Wait for it to complete, until it says “not running”. DO NOT use the “start up to reference level production” option.
Select “Go Back”, go to “10 – Adaptation” on the previous screen.
Next you will need to enter new adaptation values for all 4 wheels. Select “Body height front left wheel house edge”, then enter new adaptation value, and hit “Do it”, then repeat for the other 3 wheels. I did it in the order the menu was arranged (FL, RL, FR, RR) – not sure if the order matters, but just in case. Each time you enter a value, you should get a message stating that it has been accepted.
After you’re done entering adaptation for all 4 wheels, select “Go Back”, and return to “04 – Basic Settings” again.
In basic settings, select “Calibrate Level Control” and hit go, it will take a few seconds. Wait for it to say “not running”. If you get an error during this step, you either missed a step, or something went horribly wrong.
Select “Activate Level Control”, hit “Go”
You’re done, now go to “02 – Fault Codes” and Reset codes.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is enabling VIM legal?

Enabling VIM may violate local traffic laws, as it allows video playback while the vehicle is in motion. It is the driver’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Q2: Will enabling VIM void my Audi’s warranty?

Modifying your vehicle’s software can potentially void certain aspects of your warranty. Consult your Audi dealer for more information.

Q3: Can I disable VIM if I no longer want it?

Yes, you can easily disable VIM by reverting the adaptation channel 48 value back to its original setting (usually 0).

Q4: Does VIM work with all video sources?

VIM should work with most video sources connected to your Audi’s MMI system, including DVDs, external video players, and smartphone mirroring.

Q5: Can I enable VIM on other Volkswagen Group vehicles?

The VIM procedure may be similar for other Volkswagen Group vehicles (e.g., Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat) with compatible MMI systems. However, the specific steps and coding values may vary.

Q6: What are the risks of using the Hidden Menu?

The Hidden Menu provides access to advanced settings that can potentially damage your MMI system if modified incorrectly. Only use the Hidden Menu if you are confident in your abilities and understand the risks involved.

Q7: Where can I find more information about VCDS coding?

There are many online forums and resources dedicated to VCDS coding. Ross-Tech’s website (https://www.ross-tech.com/) is a great place to start.

Q8: Can CARDIAGTECH.NET help me with VCDS coding?

Yes CARDIAGTECH.NET can provide expert advice and support for VCDS coding. Contact us via Whatsapp: +1 (641) 206-8880. Trang web: CARDIAGTECH.NET for assistance.

Q9: Do I need special tools to lower my car’s suspension?

You will need VCDS software to adjust Adaptive Air Suspension(AAS).

Q10: What is the best setting to adjust LED Brightness?

The best setting is dependent on the user preference. A good starting point is 50.

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