I have just spent a couple of hours at my dealers for what was called an Aftersales Evening. It was held in the workshop with drinks and food and a lot of the staff and technicians available to answer any questions. There were also quite a number of different new cars in the workshop. When I received the invitation I replied asking if they would be able, whilst I was there, to enable the extra ACC menu which allows you to set the default distance. When I arrived I spoke to one of the Master Techs I know and he drove my car into the workshop and used a special laptop and a dongle in the OCD port to connect the car to Audi in Germany. He was quite happy for me to watch the process.
He said this is now the way most changes are made these days. The first thing the system did was to check my car for any faults. There were none. He then used the software on the laptop to go through various menus and just select the item to enable this function and job done. He also said that if any changes have been made to the original car software settings since it left the factory, say by using VCDS, these will be listed on the screen but not changed. If the Engine Management has been changed at all it registers the TD1 code and warns the technician not to do any warranty work on certain parts of the car, like engine, clutch and brakes without first referring it to Audi. He did say most minor software changes are ignored but they are recorded against the car's VIN number.
Also if for example a car comes in to have a tow bar fitted the same system is used. Once it is fitted and the car is again connected to the system it automatically changes all the necessary settings like rear parking sensors to accommodate the tow bar and they don't have to make any changes themselves. All very high tech
He then took the car to the wash bay for a free wash and valet. When I left I was given a 'goodie' bag with an Audi mug, some chocolates and some vouchers for 10% and 20% off any accessories. A pleasant and useful evening.
He said this is now the way most changes are made these days. The first thing the system did was to check my car for any faults. There were none. He then used the software on the laptop to go through various menus and just select the item to enable this function and job done. He also said that if any changes have been made to the original car software settings since it left the factory, say by using VCDS, these will be listed on the screen but not changed. If the Engine Management has been changed at all it registers the TD1 code and warns the technician not to do any warranty work on certain parts of the car, like engine, clutch and brakes without first referring it to Audi. He did say most minor software changes are ignored but they are recorded against the car's VIN number.
Also if for example a car comes in to have a tow bar fitted the same system is used. Once it is fitted and the car is again connected to the system it automatically changes all the necessary settings like rear parking sensors to accommodate the tow bar and they don't have to make any changes themselves. All very high tech
He then took the car to the wash bay for a free wash and valet. When I left I was given a 'goodie' bag with an Audi mug, some chocolates and some vouchers for 10% and 20% off any accessories. A pleasant and useful evening.
