VCDS, or VAG-COM Diagnostic System, is a powerful tool that allows you to access and modify the hidden settings within your Audi’s various control modules. With the right knowledge, you can customize your car’s behavior, enable hidden features, and personalize your driving experience. This guide provides a comprehensive list of VCDS tips and tricks for both pre-facelift (2011-2014) and facelift (2015 onwards) Audi A6 C7 models.
VCDS Tweaks for Pre-Facelift Audi A6 C7 (2011-2014)
Instrument Cluster Modifications
- Gauge Test/Needle Sweep: Activate a dramatic needle sweep upon starting the engine.
[Select] [17 - Instruments] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 1: "Gauge Test/Needle Sweep active". - Lap Timer: Enable the lap timer function within the DIS.
[Select] [17 - Instruments] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 1: "Lap Timer active". Functionality may vary depending on the specific model. - Seatbelt Chime Disable: Silence the seatbelt warning chime.
[Select] [17 - Instruments] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 0: Bit 4 "Seat Belt Warning inactive".
Lighting Adjustments
- Cornering Lights (Kerb Lighting): Activate the all-weather light for improved visibility when turning at low speeds.
[Select] [09 - Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 4: Enable Bit 0. - DRLs On/Off Setting: Add the option to control Daytime Running Lights via the MMI.
[Select] [09 - Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 3: Enable Bit 0. - Tourist Mode for Headlights: Enable a setting for adjusting headlights for driving in countries with opposite traffic flow.
[Select] [09 - Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 4: Enable Bit 6. - Tail Lights with DRLs: Activate tail lights along with daytime running lights.
[Select] [09 - Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 2: Enable Bit 7. - DRL Dimming with Turn Signal Adjustment: Control the dimming level of DRLs when the turn signal is activated.
[Select] [09 - Central Elec.] [Security Access - 16] Code: 20113 [Adaptation - 10] Channel 3: Value between 5 and 100. - Adjust Brightness of DRLs with Headlights On: Fine-tune the brightness of DRLs when the headlights are on.
[Select] [09-Cent. Elect.] [Security Access - 16] Code: 20113 [Adaptation - 10] Channel 03: Value from 5 to 100.
Convenience and Comfort Features
- Audible Lock Confirmation: Enable a chirp confirmation when locking the car.
[Select] [46 - Central Conv.] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 1: Bit 2 "Anti-Theft-System: Horn Confirmation active". - Hidden Green Menu Access: Unlock the hidden green engineering menu in the MMI.
[Select] [5F - Information Electr.] [Adaptation - 10] Channel 6: Change value from 0 to 1. WARNING: Exercise extreme caution when modifying settings in the hidden menu. - Video in Motion (VIM): Enable video playback while the car is in motion (use responsibly and in accordance with local laws). Requires specific steps involving the control module’s serial number. Refer to online resources for detailed instructions.
- Passenger Mirror Dip in Reverse: Enable the passenger side mirror to dip when reversing.
[Select] [52 - Door Elect, Pass] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 4: Set Bit 2 to "on". - Disable Engine Stop on Door Open: Prevent the engine from shutting off when opening the driver’s door after moving the car a short distance.
[Select] [46 - Central Conv.] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Modify the red byte as instructed in the original post. - Auto Handbrake in Park: Activate the automatic handbrake engagement when shifting into Park.
[Select] [53 - Parking Brake] [Security Access - 16] Code: 78713 [Adaption - 10] "Shift P to EPB": Set to Activated. - Close Electric Boot from Key: Enable closing the electric boot lid using the key fob. Requires modifications in both
[46 - Cent Conv]and[4D - Trunk Elec]modules as outlined in the original post. - Double Disarm Chirp: Enable a double chirp confirmation when disarming the alarm.
[Select] [46 - Central Conv.] [Adaption - 10] Channel 63: Add 4. - Parking Brake Release Without Seatbelt: Allow releasing the parking brake without the seatbelt fastened.
[Select] [53 - Parking Brake] [Security Access - 16] Access code provided by the program [Adaption - 10] Select from dropdown menu and change parameter. - Disable/Memorize/Invert Start/Stop: Customize the behavior of the Start/Stop system.
[Select] [09-Cent. Elect.] [Security Access - 16] Code: 20113 [Adaptation - 10] Channel 34: Modify value as described in the original post for desired behavior. - Activate Footwell Lighting: Enable control over footwell lighting levels via the MMI in vehicles without the Lighting Pack.
[Select] [09-Cent. Elect] [Coding - 07] [Long Coding Helper] Byte 16: Enable bit 6. Also requires adjustments in the hidden menu. - Change Dashboard Brightness Range: Expand the dimming range for the instrument cluster. Requires adjustments to multiple channels within
[17 - Instruments]as detailed in the original post. - Alter Parking System Switch-Off Speed: Change the speed at which the parking assist system deactivates.
[Select] [10 - Park/Steer Assist] [Adaptation - 10] Channel 23: Change value from 10 to 20 (km/h).
MMI Modifications
- Battery Meter: Attempt to enable a battery meter display within the MMI. Requires accessing the hidden menu and making adjustments as detailed in the original post. Success may vary.
- Enable CD Ripping to HDD: Enable the ability to rip CDs to the MMI hard drive. Requires accessing the hidden menu and enabling the “Ripping” option.
- Enable “Make Calls Using” Feature: Enable the option to choose between the MMI and mobile phone for making calls in pre-2013 models updated to MMI 0770. Requires modifications within the hidden menu as described in the original post.
- Default Distance for Adaptive Cruise Control: Enable the option to adjust the default following distance for Adaptive Cruise Control in the MMI.
[Select] [13 - Auto Distance Regulation] [Adaptation - 10] Channel 07: Change value from 0 to 1. - Modify High Beam Assist Speed Threshold: Adjust the speed at which High Beam Assist activates.
[Select] [20 - High Beam Assist] [Adaptation - 10] Select "High Beam Speed Threshold" and enter desired speed in km/h.
VCDS Tweaks for Facelift Audi A6 C7 (2015 Onwards)
Many of the pre-facelift tweaks also function on facelift models. Refer to the original post for a list of confirmed working modifications and those requiring further verification. Note that the MMI reboot procedure for facelift models is: Press MENU, central MMI knob, and top right softkey simultaneously.
Remember to proceed with caution when using VCDS. Always back up your original coding before making any changes. Incorrect modifications could potentially damage your vehicle’s systems. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Consult with a qualified technician if you have any doubts or concerns.
