Audi A3/S3 & A3 Cabriolet (8P/FM) Tweaks

From Ross-Tech Wiki


Ross-Tech is not responsible for any damage or problems that may result from following these instructions. They are to be used at your own risk.

These instructions apply to the Audi A3 (8P) 2010+. Other similar models include the 2010 + Audi R8 (42) and Audi TT (8J/FK). These vehicles use a "BCM" instead of the the older / conventional 09-Central Electronics module. This can be easily identified by looking at the Component Field in VCDS for the BCM identification.

Previous 2009 and older M.Y. vehicles will use the VW Golf/Jetta/Bora (1K/5M) Tweaks tweaks page instead.


  • It is always recommended to perform a complete Auto-Scan and save it prior to coding changes. Please see the Online Manual: Auto Scan Screen
  • Never Copy coding from a different vehicle and Paste it to your module(s)!


The installed control modules vary by vendor, firmware level and equipment level, some of the noted tweaks may not be supported by all control modules/vehicles.


[03] - Brake Electronics

On Vehicles using the MK60EC1 ABS system it may be possible to:

  • Alter the HHA (Hill Hold Assist) using the documented [Adaptation -10] Channel while connected to the vehicle.



[09] - Central Electronics / Body Control Module (BCM)

Note: Make sure to have all Doors unlocked, otherwise this Control Module may not communicate with the Scan Tool / VCDS.

Lighting

All modifications are found in Found in [Coding - 07] > Long Coding Helper unless otherwise noted. Click on each of the Bytes and Bits for the documented options and check or un-check the appropriate boxes as shown in the example below:

[Select]
[09 - Cent. Elect.] Or the module you intend on tweaking as per the list below
[Coding - 07]
[Long Coding Helper]
Click on each of the Byte numbers in row 3) and you'll see the selectable options below. Check or Un-check the boxes for the desired results. Example: Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) via separate Lights active

Close the Long Coding Helper by clicking the Windows X box on the top right of the screen or clicking the Exit button on the top left of the screen to send your altered Coding value back to the Coding screen.
[Do It!]
.

Daytime Running Lights - The lamp systems (i.e. DRL or PRL) are different and only ONE option is enabled:

  • Factory configurations using a separate bulb such as LED DRL strip (or filament) for DRL function only – Byte 15 (DRL)
  • Factory Xenon or Halogen DRL's that are using the main low/dipped beam – Byte 11 (PRL) for alternate configuration


Fogs as Daytime Running Lights Factory configurations using a separate bulb such as LED DRL strip (or filament) for DRL function only – Byte 15 (DRL)

Note: Depending on the Byte 18 coding, this may result in all of the parking lights illuminating.


Fogs as Daytime Running Lights for alternate configurations Xenon or Halogen DRL's that are using the main low/dipped beam (PRL)


Fogs and Headlights as DRLs (Both) for alternate configurations Xenon or Halogen DRL's that are using the main low/dipped beam (PRL)


Daytime Running Lights enabled with OFF and Auto switch positions - common when importing vehicles from the US -to- Canada

  • Disable "Daytime Running Light (DRL) only active with Assistance Driving Light (ADL) active"


Daytime Running Lights enabled via DIS/MFA

  • Still experimental at this point, please see this thread and report any feedback (negative or positive) in the linked thread.

A3 DRL via MFA


Cornering Lights via Front Fog Lights active

Notes: After "Cornering Lights via Front Fog Lights active" is enabled, the lights may work under the following conditions:

  • The headlights must be turned on and the steering wheel must be in the turning direction.
  • The headlights must be turned on and the turn signal must be on in the turning direction.
  • Also see Byte 17, Adaptive Light/Cornering Light Variant. This seems to control the fogs as cornering lights with turn signal.


Front Fog Lights active when in Reverse Gear

  • Enable "Enabling Cornering Light with Reverse Gear active"


Front and /or Rear Fog Light dimming behavior with High Beams

  • Depending on equipment level, two separate coding bits should be available.
  • Automatic Front and /or Rear Fog Light dimming (shutting OFF) may be required by law, altering these settings is NOT recommended.


Comfort Turn signals

  • Found in Adaptation. From the drop down list, choose the number of flashes and Save.
  • Coding may apply to this setting in some cases.

Note: MY 2011 VW Golf owners report problems in this area: Change comfort turn signals count in the VW Vortex

If this tweak does NOT change the comfort signal count and a battery disconnect and MFA/DIS menu options are not present it might not be supported. In which case we are not aware of any other way to alter this setting at this time.


Emergency Brake Warning via turn signals and/or via brake lights active
The vehicle must be under panic stopping conditions before the lighting activates as shown here.


Byte 18 - Do Not alter this if you are not retrofitting rear lights !


Alarm, Locking and Coming Home

Various options are primarily found in Coding, Long Coding helper. Some Adaptation Channels and/or DIS menu options may be available after enabling coding options.

Alarm Confirmation via lights and horn
Lights and/or horn chirps to confirm alarm activation when locking. Several coding and adaptation options are available.

Auto-Lock
The doors will lock automatically when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 km/h or 10 mph.

Auto-UnLock
Doors unlock when removing the key from the ignition -or- opening a vehicle door (depending on the module and configuration).

Selective Central Locking active (Single Door Locking)
Selective door locking will typically default to the driver's door and is most common per the factory configuration. Turning OFF selective locking should enable all vehicle doors locking/unlocking unless configured otherwise in the DIS/MFA or respective adaptation channels.

Coming Home

  • Several Bits may control CH options such as Manual or Automatic.
    • Note:If the vehicle is not equipped with an "Auto" headlight switch and a (RLS) light sensor, coming home activation will likely require you to pull the high beam stalk back briefly after shutting the vehicle off and before exiting. The description should be found in your owner's manual.

Leaving Home

  • Leaving home will require the "Auto" switch and a (RLS) light sensor. The description should be found in your owners manual.


Coming Home/Leaving Home via Fog-Lights and Parking lights

  • Found in Coding, the Adaptation values for the duration of time are not affected.


Windows

Windows up via remote Comfort Operation (via Remote Control)

  • Found in Adaptation. Channel 6, change the value to 1 (On) and Save.
    • Notes, On the 2010 A3 models changing the Adaptation value of Channel 6 may only enable an additional menu in the DIS (MFA). It may be necessary to activate this using the dash menu and selecting Display Type > Set > Windows > Convenience > Automatic. Please see: Audi A3 - Windows Up via Remote Control (Comfort Windows) for additional details.
    • If this feature turns off after other coding modifications, see the Long Coding Helper for additional Coding enabling.


Auto Closing Sunroof & Windows via Rain Light Sensor
Requires the (RLS) light sensor. This will require coding the master [09] - Central Electronics module and the Sub-System RLS.

  • [09] - Central Electronics module using Coding, Long Coding Helper
  1. Byte 4 Comfort Operation Windows/Sunroof via Rain Sensor must be enabled
  2. Byte 4 Comfort Operation Windows/Sunroof via Rain Sensor (Rain Closing) active must be enabled
  • Sub-System RLS (from the drop-down menu) using Coding, Long Coding Helper
  1. Rain Closing active must be enabled

Forum information found in these locations:




[17] - Instrument Cluster

Seatbelt Chime May remove the light as well

  • Found in [Coding - 07].

Unlike the 09 and 46 modules the Instrument Cluster uses conventional Short coding. The coding is the sum of numbers that need added or subtracted from the proper position(s).

Look at the fourth digit in the coding ( xxx?x ). Use the values for the desired option and put it in the fourth digit location to get the new coding.

The coding chart will appear in a pop-up balloon while connected to the vehicle. The actual coding may vary for some modules however this is a example from a 2010 US market A3:

0 = No Seat Belt Warning
6 = USA and Canada NAR-NEW (including passenger - permanent visual warning and acoustic warning active every 30 seconds)

So, if your stock Soft Coding is 0016058 and you want to remove the seatbelt chime, put in a new value of 0010058 .


Modify Service Intervals Mileage and Time

  • Found in [Adaptation - 10].

Depending on the vehicle configuration, options for Min. Distance and Time to service may be altered.

  • The [SRI Reset] function is used for normal Service Reset procedures.


Fuel Gauge and Fuel Consumption Adaption when applicable

  • Found in [Adaptation - 10].
    • Consumption Correction
    • Fuel gauge adaptation may be found under "Tank Characteristic" options

Additional Functions

  • Found in [Adaptation - 10].
  • Depending on the installed equiptment, Additional Functions may include options like:
    • Ambient Temperature
    • Date Display
    • Range Display



[46] - Comfort System

Note: The Comfort System known from earlier Models has been integrated with the Central Electronics / Body Control Module (BCM) and is no longer available as a separate Address/Module. All related Diagnostics/Settings have to be performed via Central Electronics / Body Control Module (BCM).



Retrofits

Some of the common retrofits are found in the Ross-Tech Wiki in this location: Retrofitting.
Additional retrofitting links and information can be found at the bottom of this forum thread: VCDS MKVI / MK6 Platform, Handy Coding tweaks