VCDS on Remko's Blog

Enable Developer mode on VW Discover Pro with VCDS

Tue, 17 May 2016 22:46:21 +0000

If you try to enable "Developer mode" on the VW Discover Pro navigation with VCDS you will get the following error: "Request out of range:"

This happens because VCDS uses a type 0x02 (Programming) session but this adaptation needs type 0x4F (Developer) session.

Activate XDS with VCDS on Passat B7

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:47:02 +0000

XDS is an electronic differential lock, which was developed for the Golf GTI. But later on it was introduced as an option for other cars.

XDS is an advanced electronic differential lock, linked to the ESP system.

In moments of fast cornering XDS gives out exactly the right amount of power, providing pressure on the inside wheel to prevent wheel spinning. The result is better traction and a reduction of any tendency to under steer.

Golf mk6
On the Golf mk 6 it's possible to activate XDS with VCDS by going to control module 03, ABS Brakes, then 10, Adaptation.

Channel 36 controls XDS which can be set to:

0 - default
1 - weak
2 - strong

Skoda Octavia II
It's also possible on other cars, for instance the Skoda Octavia II where it can be coded in module 03, ABS Brakes, 07 Long Coding, Byte 17, Bit 3.

Passat B7
I wanted to know how to activate this on a Passat B7, but searching with google returned nothing.

Change OPS picture with VCDS

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:31:56 +0000

This time a car topic: using VCDS you can change the picture that it's shown on the navigation headunit to match your car.

In my case it's a VW Passat Variant B7/3AA and it can be coded with VCDS:

Open Module 76 - Park Assist:

Automatic Coming Home on Passat B7

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:01:50 +0000

I am not sure why Volkswagen has altered the behavior of the Coming Home function but on recent B6 and all B7 Passats it works differently.

Previously the Coming Home function was activated automatically either when taking out the ignition key or when leaving the car (depending on coding).

In newer B6 and all B7 models you need pull the high beam stalk towards you before leaving the car which is annoying and looks very silly.

So how can we restore the old behavior?

Remember Driver Seat Heater Level

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:39:26 +0000

On a friend's car, a Passat B7 (3AA) the seat heaters didn't work. So I connected to the car with VCDS to see if we could troubleshoot this.

I opened Control Module 9, Central Electronics:

Then went to 7 Long Coding, and it turned out that the Seat Heating was not properly coded.

RNS 315: Enable the hidden bluetooth carkit

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:37:13 +0000

The Volkswagen RNS 315 Navigation has a builtin Bluetooth carkit which is disabled by default. I am not sure why, I presume this is done because VW also sells carkits that integrate into the MFD.

The builtin carkit can be enabled using VCDS like this:

RNS 315 Enable Developer Mode

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:24:19 +0000

I recently had some time to play with VCDS and a friend's RNS 315 navigation. By default there is no test mode or hidden menu with extra features like on some other Volkswagen systems.

Using VCDS we can however (temporarily) enable the Developer mode.