A common issue Volkswagen owners face when using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) is the inability to modify certain settings, such as the number of comfort blinks for turn signals. This article addresses this problem, specifically focusing on a 2017 GTI, and offers a potential solution. One user reported successfully changing the value within VCDS (module 09-Cent. Elect., Adjustment, Turn signal control-Komfortblinken Blinkzyklen) from the default 3 blinks to 5. However, despite VCDS accepting the new value, the car continued to execute only 3 blinks.
Possible Solution: Factory Reset Procedure
While the exact cause of this issue in the 2017 GTI isn’t confirmed, a potential solution involves an in-car factory reset procedure that was necessary for similar modifications in earlier Mk7 models. This procedure might be required to activate the changes made via VCDS. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Access Vehicle Settings: Press the “Car” button located on the right-hand side of the Discover Pro or Composition Media head unit.
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Navigate to Setup: Select the “Setup” option on the bottom right-hand side of the infotainment screen.
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Find Factory Settings: Scroll down to the bottom of the Vehicle Settings menu and select “Factory Settings.”
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Reset Vehicle Settings: In the Factory Settings menu, choose “Reset individual settings/data” and then select “Vehicle.”
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Confirm Reset: A confirmation window will appear asking “Reset ‘Vehicle’ settings – are you sure?”. Press the “Reset” tab to confirm.
Important Note: This procedure will reset all personalized vehicle settings to their factory defaults. You will need to reconfigure any previously customized settings after completing this reset.
Understanding the Implications
Resetting the “Vehicle” settings essentially forces the car to reload its configuration parameters. This can sometimes resolve conflicts between the values stored in the car’s control modules and the modifications attempted via VCDS. While this fix has worked in previous models, it’s not guaranteed to resolve the issue in all 2017 GTIs.
Conclusion
If you’re encountering issues with VCDS modifications not taking effect on your VW, particularly with comfort blink adjustments, try this factory reset procedure after coding the desired value. Remember to back up any personalized settings before performing the reset. If the problem persists, further diagnostics might be required to identify the root cause. Consulting with a qualified VW technician or the Ross-Tech community forums may be helpful.
