Guides

Coding

Coding changes owners make to the Golf MK7 and MK7.5 with VCDS or OBDeleven, grouped by what they change. Each entry gives the module address, the byte and bit or the adaptation channel, and whether the source covers MK7, MK7.5 or both.

Before you start

Back up and prepare

Save a full coding backup of every module before changing anything.¹
On 2018 and later cars, address 09 shows its coding as zeros.¹
Some late cars have a diagnostic firewall and need the bonnet open before coding is accepted.¹
Keep the battery on a support charger while coding. This is standard practice, but no source in the research states it Unverified. For online SVM work VW requires at least 12.5 V.²

Tools

Tool	What it is	Limits	Source
VCDS	Ross-Tech software on a PC or tablet with a cable. Long Coding Helper shows each byte and bit by name.	No Immobiliser 5 support. No online functions.	[1] [3] [4]
OBDeleven (OBD11)	Subscription Bluetooth dongle with an Android or iPhone app. One-click apps apply common tweaks for credits.	No online functions.	[5] [4]
ODIS	VW's own dealer software, on a PC or tablet. Runs retrofit routines, SVM and component protection release online with a GeKo account.	Needs dealer or specialist access.	[2] [6] [4]

All three can back up coding, but you have to take the backup yourself before any change.⁴¹ Data from the MQB Track Cars owners' club, credited and linked, is used here and in the brake adaptations below. The club says most changes can be reversed even without a backup, and advises against other tools because, in its view, they can leave coding that licensed tools then struggle to read.⁴ Unverified

Some faults stay until the part is repaired. A broken pad wear sensor, for example, keeps its dash warning on until it is fixed.⁴

Jobs that need ODIS online are listed on the Electronics page.

Security access codes

Some changes need a security access (login) code entered first. Where the list gives more than one code for an address, all are recorded as used.⁷

Address	Module	Codes	Source
03	ABS / ESC	20103, 24435	[7]
09	Central electrics (BCM)	31347	[7] [8]
10	Park / steer assist	71679, 20103	[7]
13	ACC	14117, 20103, 91153	[7]
17	Instruments	20103, 25327	[7]
19	Gateway	20103	[7]
44	Steering	19249, 28183, 44595	[7]
5F	Infotainment	20103, S12345	[7]
A5	Front camera	20103	[7]

In the tables below, "Both" means the source lists the change for the Golf 7 (5G) without splitting MK7 and MK7.5.

Instruments and displays

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Needle sweep at start-up	17	Byte 1 Bit 0 on	Both	Save with the engine off.	[9] [8]
Lap timer	17	Byte 1 Bit 3 on, or adaptation "Lap counter" = Display	Both		[10]
Oil temperature	17	Byte 10 Bit 1 on	Both		[11]
Battery charge level	17	Login 20103, adaptation "No-voltage display / Battery charge"	Both		[12]
Gear display on a manual	17	Byte 1 Bit 7 off	Both		[13]
Drive mode in the cluster	19	Byte 8 Bit 4 on	Both	One source says it does not work on the Golf 7 R. Sources differ	[14] [15]
AID look	17	Adaptation "Tube version" 0–F (4 = R); "Display depiction" 1–4; Byte 2 Bits 3–6	AID cars	Only partly confirmed. Unverified	[16]
Seat belt warning off	17	Login 20103, Byte 0 Bits 2–4, or adaptation "Deactivate Seat belt warning"	Both	See the warning below.	[17]

Turning off the seat belt warning removes a safety reminder for everyone in the car. Do not do it on a car you are selling or working on for a customer.¹⁷

Lighting

Most lighting changes are made in the BCM (address 09) through its "Leuchte" lamp channels. Each channel has settings such as Lichtfunktion (what the lamp does) and Dimmwert (brightness).¹⁸¹⁹

Leuchte channel numbers vary with the BCM version, model year and lamp type. Check what each channel drives on your car before changing it.²⁰

Typical Leuchte channels

Channels	Usual lamp	Source
0–1	Front indicators	[20]
2–5	Daytime running lights	[20]
12–13	Front fog lights	[20]
16–19	Rear indicators	[20]
20–22	Brake and tail lights	[20]
25	Number plate light	[20]
26–27	Rear fog and inner tail lights	[20]
28–29	Reversing lights	[20]

Lighting changes

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Coming and leaving home	09	Comfort illumination channels: status, menu, time 0–60 s, which lamps, trigger	Both	Works without a light sensor.	[21]
DRL on/off in the menu	09	"Tagfahrlicht Aktivierung durch BAP oder Bedienfolge moeglich" active	Both		[14]
DRL dims on the indicator side	09	Leuchte2SL VLB10 and Leuchte3SL VRB21: Lichtfunktion E = blink, Dimmwert EF = 30, minimise	Both	Channel numbers may differ.	[18]
Both rear fog lamps on	09	Leuchte26 and Leuchte27: Lichtfunktion A = rear fog (no trailer)	Both		[22]
Rear fog light warning	09	Method not recorded in the research	Both	See source.	[23]
Cornering fog lights	09	Leuchte12 and Leuchte13: Lichtfunktion D = Abbiegelicht left / right; Dimmwert 100 halogen, 127 LED	Both		[19]
Hazards flash under emergency braking	09	"Emergency alert blinken"	Both		[24]
US-style tail light behaviour	09	Coding route Unverified; Kufatec sells a coding dongle (40207)	Not stated		[25]
Ambient lighting menu, all zones	09 (5F on MK7)	09 channels; pre-facelift also 5F Byte 02 Bit 4	Both		[26]
Light Assist keeps its last state	09	"Fernlichtassistent Reset" not active	Both	Needs Light Assist fitted.	[27]

Comfort and locking

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Lock and unlock beep or horn	09	"Akustische Rueckmeldung" channels	Both		[28]
Comfort indicator flashes	09	"Komfortblinken Blinkzyklen" = 3 or 5	Both		[29]
Start-stop remembers its last setting	19	No coding on MQB. A hardware module, or a 19 adaptation to turn start-stop off entirely	Both		[30]
Driver profiles (Individual mode)	09, 17, 08, 36	09 Byte 8 Bit 2 plus personalisation; 17 Byte 10 Bit 0; 08 Byte 15 Bits 3–4; 36 Byte 9	Both	A "Race" mode on non-R cars Unverified	[31]
Recirculation memory	08	Byte 4 Bits 4–5	Both		[8]
Fan level display	08	Byte 11 Bit 6	Both		[8]
Transport mode off	19	IDE00002	Both		[32]

Mirrors and windows

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Comfort windows with Kessy	09	Login 31347; "Access control 2-Kessy Komfort oeffnen/schliessen" = active	Both	Kessy cars.	[33]
Windows work with ignition off	09	"Freigabenachlauf FH bei Kl 15 aus" = active; "FH bei Tueroeffnen abbrechen" = not active	Both		[34]
Passenger mirror dips in reverse	52, 09	52 Byte 4 Bits 2 and 3; 09 "Spiegelabsenkung bei Rueckwaertsfahrt" and its menu entry active	Both		[35] [8]
Mirrors fold on lock	42, 52, 09	42 and 52 Byte 4 Bit 6; 09 "Funk Spiegelanklappen", menu entry, and mode set to remote	Both	Only with power-fold mirrors fitted.	[36] [8]
Puddle lights	42, 52	Byte 1 Bit 2	Both	Retrofit: lamps wired to door plug pins 5 and 16.	[37]

Driving dynamics and Golf R

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Soundaktor volume	A9	Adaptation "Volume of structure-borne noise actuator" 0–100; 0 = off	Both		[38]
ESC Sport on the R	03	Byte 29 = 06 or 09	MK7; check the byte on MK7.5	See the warning below.	[39]
ESC menu on non-R cars	03	Byte 29 = 02, 06, 07 or 09. Early 29-bit ABS: Byte 25 = 3A	Both	The club's meanings: 06 = ESC Sport and ESC Off; 07 = ASR Off and ESC Off; 09 = ASR Off and ESC Sport Unverified. The right value depends on the ABS unit's part number and software. For track the club suggests a half-off or fully-off option. See the warning below.	[39] [40] [41]
XDS strength	03	Login 20103; "Expanded electronic differential lock" = Standard, Weak, Medium or Strong	Both	XDS brakes the inside driven wheel to limit wheelspin under power, which adds pad wear and heat on track. The club suggests switching it off for track (it can stay on for the road), and says switching it off makes no difference on cars with an electronic or mechanical limited-slip differential Unverified. The club describes XDS as working under braking; that appears to be in error, since XDS works under power, out of a corner.	[42] [41]
Haldex mode	22	Adaptation "Logic" = Standard, Increased Traction or Less Noise	Both	Owners describe the effect as subjective.	[43] [44]
Steering weight	44	Login 19249, steering curve adaptation	Both		[45] [8]
Exhaust flaps	01	Byte 9 Bit 2	MK7 only	A 2019 MK7.5 refused the change.	[46]
Indirect tyre pressure monitoring (RKA)	03	Enable byte Unverified	Both		[47]

Changing ESC coding changes what stability control the driver can switch off, and the brake adaptations below switch off or alter brake assistance. Both change how the car brakes in an emergency and how it catches a slide. Save the full coding of address 03 before changing anything, change one channel at a time, and keep reduced ESC settings for a closed track.³⁹⁴¹

Brake adaptations in address 03

These are adaptation channels: Control units, 03 Brakes, Adaptation. The ESC change in the table above is long coding. The club gives two sets of login codes, one for MQB cars except Audi and one for Audi and US-market cars. Some cars built after 2019 do not have every channel.⁴¹

Channel	What it does	Club recommends	Login, MQB	Login, Audi / US	Source
Brake booster	The club believes it reduces vacuum-servo assist for a firmer pedal. Set to taste Unverified	4 to 1	25004 Unverified	08252 Unverified	[41]
Brake disc drying	Lightly applies the pads in the wet to keep the discs dry. Useful on the road; on track it can overheat pads and fluid Unverified	Not activated	40304 Unverified	04205 Unverified	[41]
Brake prefill	The club says it works even without Front Assist: it judges how fast you lift off the throttle and pre-pressurises the brakes, which changes pedal feel Unverified	Not activated	11966 Unverified	20103 Unverified	[41]
Engine drag torque control (MSR)	Part of traction control. On a sudden throttle change on a slippery surface it adds engine torque when the wheel sensors see slip. The club says it makes traction control unpredictable on track Unverified	Not activated	40304 Unverified	04205 Unverified	[41]
Hydraulic brake booster	Lets the ABS pump add brake pressure when vacuum assist is not enough. The club believes the change moves brake balance; no evidence was found for that Unverified	8 to 6	11966 Unverified	02817 Unverified	[41]
Hydraulic brake assistant	Emergency brake assist: builds pressure fast when closing on an object. The club says it makes the pedal inconsistent on track Unverified	Not activated	11966 Unverified	02817 Unverified	[41]
Overboost in brake system	Adds pressure when the driver brakes hard but not hard enough. The club says it was set up for the low-friction standard pads, and with bigger brakes or high-friction pads it causes ABS trouble, extra heat and an inconsistent pedal Unverified	Not activated	11966 Unverified	20103 Unverified	[41]
Rough road optimisation	Adjusts ABS control on rough surfaces. The club says it takes information from the DCC module and matters even where DCC has been removed Unverified	Activated (leave on)	20103 Unverified	20103 Unverified	[41]
Straight-ahead brake stabilisation	Fine with standard brakes. The club says with stronger brakes it over-reacts, putting random pressure on single wheels and possibly locking one Unverified	Not activated	25757 Unverified	02727 Unverified	[41]
Starting vibration reduction, and its torque limitation	Stops the engine cutting torque and timing when the wheels lose grip at low speed Unverified	Both deactivated	20103 Unverified	20103 Unverified	[41]

The club links rough road optimisation to engine knock detection. That appears to be in error: in the ABS unit the channel concerns ABS control on rough surfaces, as the table says.⁴¹

Launch control (DSG)

This is a driving procedure, not coding. With the car warm, set ESC to Sport or Off, select S or manual, hold the brake, press the throttle fully, then release the brake. The engine holds about 3,000–3,200 rpm.⁴⁸⁴⁹ Repeated launches overheat the clutches.⁴⁸

Infotainment and FEC codes

Some infotainment features on MIB2 units are switched on with feature enablement codes (FEC), not coding.⁵⁰

FEC	Feature	Source
00060800	Apple CarPlay	[50]
00060900	Android Auto	[50]
00060300	MirrorLink	[50]
00040100	Navigation	[50]
00060400	Sport HMI (Performance Monitor)	[50] [51]
00060A00	Race app	[50]
00060F00	DAB	[50]

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Performance Monitor	5F	FEC 00060400 plus SportHMI settings	MIB2		[51]
CarPlay and App-Connect	5F	FEC activation	Discover Pro built after 25.05.2015	Retrofit Solutions sells the activation for £299.	[52]
USB port for CarPlay after a retrofit	5F	Byte 19 Bits 6–7	Both		[53]

Driver assistance

Do not disable autonomous emergency braking (Front Assist). Changes to assistance warnings reduce how much the car tells you about hazards. Keep them to what the source describes and test the system afterwards.⁵⁴

Change	Module	Method	MK7 / 7.5	Notes	Source
Parking "check surroundings" message off	03 per source	Login 71679, Byte 01 Bit 5	Both	The login list gives 71679 for address 10, not 03. Check which module holds the option. Sources differ	[55] [7]
Lane Assist warning timing	A5	Early, Middle or Late	Both		[54]
Light Assist activation	09, A5	09 Byte 2 = 03; A5 Byte 2 = 01	Both	Needs the windscreen camera fitted.	[56]

Removing the parking "check surroundings" message takes away a prompt to look around the car before manoeuvring. Make sure every driver of the car knows it is gone.⁵⁵

More one-click changes for OBDeleven are listed by vag-coding.net.⁵ Hardware retrofits and their coding are on the Retrofits page.