The VAG-COM software is a powerful tool that allows us to access and reprogram vehicle functions in your Audi or VW. There are many coding strings available that can change settings for European running lights, door chimes, alarm settings, turn signal blinks and even DRL/LED intensity.
With so many options, we can customize your settings as you please. We offer our VAG-COM with a $25 hook-up fee and then charge by the amount of time it takes to program the various settings desired.
Some examples of what can be done:
Comfort Windows via Remote:
The most common feature to enable on all VW/Audi cars that doesn't come enabled from the factory is known as Comfort Windows via Remote. This feature allows you to roll the car's windows up down via the lock and unlock buttons on the key remote. It can also be configured to operate the sunroof to vent position or fully open.
Comfort Blinking Disabled:
Most VW/Audi products come with "Comfort Blinking" enabled. This feature causes the turn signal to blink 3 times even if you only just tap the turn signal switch. Many customers desire this feature to be disabled so the turn signal only blinks when the switch is engaged.
LED DRL's on with turn signal:
Newer Audi's with the LED daytime running lights will turn off the LEDs whenever the turn signal is on. The idea is that Audi wishes for the turn signal to be more visible, but in reality it just makes it look like your light is broken. This feature can be switched off so that the LED stays on even when the turn signal is on.
LED brightness:
The LED DRL's come set to about 20% of their brightness capability. We can change the brightness setting anywhere from 0 to 100%. At maximum brightness, they are bright enough to be used as low-beam headlights! Note that this will decrease bulb life and we typically recomend a setting somewhere around 75% to avoid adding too much glare to oncoming cars. Many other LED bulbs in the car can also be adjusted including interior lights and tail lights.
Rear hatch closing via remote:
A new one to us that we found and enabled on the A7 and A8 is operation of the rear tail gate via the remote. The ability to open the rear hatch/trunk is present on all of them, but through the software we can also enable closing of the hatch via the remote. This feature can be configured as a simple tap on the button or, for safer operation, can be set so that the button needs to be held for the closing to continue.
Video in motion:
For the US market, playback of DVDs on the car's video screen is disabled while the car is moving. Removing this lock is a common desire, especially by owners with kids. Removing this lock requires security access to the MMI system, which we have been able to obtain.
Current gear display:
When in manual shifting mode on a DSG or Tiptronic, the car's driver display shows you the currently selected transmission gear, but while in drive, the display simply shows "D". A simple change to the instument cluster settings allows display of the current gear, even when in drive, by placing the gear number next to the letter "D". For example, "D1" for 1st gear.
Instrument Staging:
Another neat little feature to enable is gauge staging. As you turn on the car, the gauges in the instrument cluster will run a self-test that has them rotate to the end of their travel and back (see video below).
