[RKM]

Ok everyone ... I purchased the RT cable in February and have been playing with VCDS mods for the last couple of months with a lot of enthusiasm (maybe to recoup the investment). Most of what I have learned is from this forum for which I am thankful. I am listing below the mods on my Q3 that I am satisfied with keeping. If you have others mods that you like, please post them here so we can all benefit. I will be happy to provide details on any of the mods below:
1) Use Remote to Close Windows & Sunroof with extended hold on lock button
2) Allow Rain Sensor to Close Sunroof & Windows
3) DRLs (LEDs) Remain on During Turn Signal
4) Turn Seat Belt Warning Chime Off
5) Automatically Fold Mirrors Upon Locking
6) Turn signal change – in the back
7) Video in Motion
8) Hidden Menu in MMI Navi Plus (3G)
9) Fog lights ON with cornering
10) Disable NAV & Phone warning messages while entering data at speed
11) Enable Adaptive brake lights
12) Enable Fogs control with high beams

 

[dipaola]

I would like to do these things to my car. Do I need to buy a special tool and then connect it to my car? This is one thing I've never known how to do and have always wanted to do it.

 

[rnlabas]

I think it would be good to go ahead and post a new thread titled with the event (like your list) and then include the coding in the familiar convention. Then folks can just look down the thread heading for the event they desire. I'll ask an admin to create a separate section with the Tech Section sub-forum specifically for VCDS Mods...>

 

[RKM]

I would like to do these things to my car. Do I need to buy a special tool and then connect it to my car? This is one thing I've never known how to do and have always wanted to do it.

The folks on this forum and others have recommended the purchase of a Ross-Tech VCDS cable at www.ross-tech.com. It comes with cable and software access. I purchased the micro-can cable which is $249+shipping. The cable connects to a port at the bottom of the steering wheel in the footwell area. The other end connects to your laptop USB.


Hope that helps.

 

[RKM]

I think it would be good to go ahead and post a new thread titled with the event (like your list) and then include the coding in the familiar convention. Then folks can just look down the thread heading for the event they desire. I'll ask an admin to create a separate section with the Tech Section sub-forum specifically for VCDS Mods...>

Good idea

 

[rnlabas]

Good idea

...it's up, I'll be placing a few stickies shortly, stay tuned.

 

[dipaola]

The folks on this forum and others have recommended the purchase of a Ross-Tech VCDS cable at www.ross-tech.com. It comes with cable and software access. I purchased the micro-can cable which is $249+shipping. The cable connects to a port at the bottom of the steering wheel in the footwell area. The other end connects to your laptop USB.


Hope that helps.

Can you post a link to the exact product or the actual product name. I went to the site, and there are many products to order. Thanks so much.

 

[rnlabas]

Can you post a link to the exact product or the actual product name. I went to the site, and there are many products to order. Thanks so much.

This is the product referred to, BUT PLEASE REVIEW your needs completely, and compare with the other R-T products you may want to consider before you purchase this one. Remember, this forum cannot be responsible for recommendations of products, but the use of VCDS software should only be used in conjunction with genuine Ross-Tech hardware.

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCuCAN.html

 

[dipaola]

This is the product referred to, BUT PLEASE REVIEW your needs completely, and compare with the other R-T products you may want to consider before you purchase this one. Remember, this forum cannot be responsible for recommendations of products, but the use of VCDS software should only be used in conjunction with genuine Ross-Tech hardware.

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCuCAN.html

I'm interested in doing the 12 things RKM mentioned. Can i do those mods with the cable/software referred by you Roger? If so, I'm going to purchase it...

 

[rnlabas]

I'm interested in doing the 12 things RKM mentioned. Can i do those mods with the cable/software referred by you Roger? If so, I'm going to purchase it...

The short answer is yes - BUT, you MUST take responsible care when doing any of these mods to your car's coding. Make backups and learn to use the hardware/software from someone who's used it. You may make changes that could render your car impossible or unsafe to drive, and possibly damage some system components that may not be covered under your warranty.

 

[AMILL]

Hey Roger
You taking appointments for new customers???? Wish you lived closer I'd love for you to put that stuff on my Q3!!! I'm not afraid to attempt it, I'm afraid of permanently screwing it up!!!

 

[rnlabas]

Hey Roger
You taking appointments for new customers???? Wish you lived closer I'd love for you to put that stuff on my Q3!!! I'm not afraid to attempt it, I'm afraid of permanently screwing it up!!!

Make a road trip - quattro de mayo ( http://www.quattrodemayo.com) is coming soon...

 

[dipaola]

I have plans the weekend of QDM but how long does it take to do the mods listed above? We talking like an hour or a whole day?

 

[AMILL]

Hey Roger
Sounds like a blast...but in an automatic? Them there are roads for the stick shifts.... My son and his Yuppy Racing buddies do this all spring and summer. Driving road trips all over tarnation all lined up in a row following each other with their souped up manual cars that hug that road like there's no tomorrow....

If I owned two cars my other car would be a manual.....Zoom Zoom.....Maybe I'll become one of those gray hairs in my later years behind the wheel of a zippy sports car....

 

[rnlabas]

We have almost 75 cars registered and I think more than 60 of them - 80%, are automatics or DSGs - (the list includes TDIs, Qs and Allroads) so no need to miss a great time. Plus, we're not crazy, these are public roads with two-way traffic, it's not a race, but just a nice, (with levels of relaxed to spirited) drive to enjoy. You can have a great time with an automatic too...don't think not.

 

[rnlabas]

I have plans the weekend of QDM but how long does it take to do the mods listed above? We talking like an hour or a whole day?

Each one takes a few minutes, figure another 5-10 for an initial scan and BUP...

 

[dipaola]

Thanks roger. I really want to do this and will try and do it on my own. Im a very technical person in general with technology and computers and I'm assuming it's something like doing firmware updates, and am thinking I can do it. My goal is to find someone kind enough to take a few minutes and explain how it all works and give me a quick tutorial over the phone. I'm sure I'll find someone. And once I know how to do it I will pay it forward to other newbs.

 

[rnlabas]

Thanks roger. I really want to do this and will try and do it on my own. Im a very technical person in general with technology and computers and I'm assuming it's something like doing firmware updates, and am thinking I can do it. My goal is to find someone kind enough to take a few minutes and explain how it all works and give me a quick tutorial over the phone. I'm sure I'll find someone. And once I know how to do it I will pay it forward to other newbs.

As long as you do a full scan and BUP of the as-built data file (log) you'll be able to recover fine - I wouldn't be frightened off, it's just being reasonable. It's not hard and especially not intrinsically unsafe... Look over the documentation and tutorials - you should be fine.

I or somebody, might be able to help remotely with something like TeamViewer too...

 

[AMILL]

Hey Roger
Take a look at this app I found....Claims with bluetooth cable and cell phone you can program many mods to the car...I don't know how legitimate it is but it was very interesting.

http://www.caristaapp.com/ios/


You too D....

 

[rnlabas]

Hey Roger
Take a look at this app I found....Claims with bluetooth cable and cell phone you can program many mods to the car...I don't know how legitimate it is but it was very interesting.

http://www.caristaapp.com/ios/


You too D....

Anne - This is NOT a device that can do what VCDS does - but rather looks at the standard OBDII (ELM 327) info that is the same (essentially) for all newer cars. There can be SOME programming functionality using this tool, but that largely depends upon the interface - which must be bought separately (for $30-$100). Since VCDS can do ALL this and more, it's a no-brainer for me, but for just checking what is industry-standard with some limited programming capabilities (NOT anything on the list in this sub-forum btw), it IS interesting.Thanks for sharing, cuz some folks may only want to do what this can do, but do NOT be confused into thinking this can do what VCDS can ...

Lastly, be careful choosing the hardware - as most are WiFi -ONLY and NOT Bluetooth too ...as the software depicts.