A4 Avant S-Line Tow Bar Coding

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rhino7

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Hi Everyone,

I'm just about to get a towbar and dedicated electrics fitted to my MY2010 Avant S-Line 2.0TDI and wondered if anyone knows just what I'll need to code in VCDS / VAG COM to set it up? This will be my first use of VCDS so I'm not really sure what I'm doing but I'm sure I'll learn quickly! Knowing just which modules need updating would be a great help.

Cheers!
 
AFAIK you won't be able to code it with VAG-COM, it's requires a download at the dealer after the wiring is installed.

I'm happy to be proved wrong though! I'd be very interested how you get on...

Mind if I ask who's fitting the towbar/wiring?
 
Thanks for the reply, unless someone says different I'll make inquiries at the dealers then .... at least to see what they say!

I'm getting it fitted by PF Jones in Manchester. It's the Westfalia removable unit with the dedicated wiring so it's the one that Audi fit. Even if I have to pay the dealer to do the coding it will still end up being less than half the price the dealer wanted.
 
Hi,

If it could be coded by Vag-Com PF would offer to do it for you I'm sure.

Quick tip.....Check with Audi before you have the towbar fitted that your car doesn't need an upgraded radiator to tow. Might not sound relevant, but the dealer won't be able to code the car unless it has the correct radiator fitted, and you might end up with a bigger bill than you thought! I'm fairly sure this is just for the early 2008/09 model year though.
 
if its pf jones then unless you have asked for the genuin wiring, then they will just fit the universal wiring kit/relays. ps i fit towbars for a living, based not to far from manchester
 
Have you fitted many to B8's Scott? With aftermarket or vehicle specific/dedicated wiring?
 
upto now ive done around 5 all with non genuine/after market wiring, havent had any faults/warning lights coming on.
one of them was an s line as well, the reason why most ppl can for the after market wiring is because its a hell of a lot cheaper
 
If you do the after market wiring then I assume you miss out on some functionality?

i.e. ESP changes
reversing sensor deactivation
remote boot deactivation
etc
etc

or can non-OEM do all this?

Could you go non OEM and then get the rest coded?
 
with non oem you dont get any of those functions, if it was fitted with an aftermarket reversing kit then i think you could fit a cut of relay. but with genuin sensors this wouldnt be an option
 
If you are buying the genuine retrofit kit then it should include an instruction booklet which will tell you the coding required. It may be slightly different terminology as it will be written for the dealer system VAS and not VCDS but you ought to be able to get the gist of it. If not post it up and we'll help.
 
Hi Stu,

Thanks for your reply. The installation guide doesn't seem to be much use when using VCDS as it just states the following:

36. Adapt the vehicle coding on the following control units using guided troubleshooting, by changing them to “Trailer coupling fitted 1D2”: Confirm suggested code. Codings may only be carried out by the Software Version Management –Code (SVM).

37. Using the Software Versions Management (SVM) system of the selected diagnostics, perform an on-line document retrieval for the vehicle with the action number 050200.

As far as I'm aware that doesn't help at all when using VCDS, but I'm a complete newbie so I could be totally wrong about that!
 
Last edited:
Ahh ok, it looks like they've gone a different system then.

If you own a genuine RT cable then you could ask RT to help you, I have found the helpful in the past.
 
I finally got around to getting this sorted out at the dealers. Afterwards I used VCDS to see what changes had been made to my 2010 S-Line Avant TDI:

[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 4, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0011 to 0100

[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 5, Bit 4 Changed from 0 to 1
(via check box "Trailer Installed" in VCDS)

[03 - ABS Brakes][Security Access - 16] (Enter code presented by program)
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 1, Bit 7 Changed from 0 to 1
(via check box "Trailer Hitch Installed" in VCDS)

[09 - Central Elec]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 18, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1
(via check box "Trailer Hitch Installed" in VCDS)

[10 - Park / Steer Assist]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 0, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0000 to 0001 [Trailer Hitch Not Installed to Trailer Hitch Installed (Manually Removable) via pull-down list in VCDS]

[5F - Information Elec]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 10, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1

[19 - CAN Gateway]->[Installation List]->Tick 69 - Trailer

Hope this is useful to others!
 
Last edited:
It was £177 for the Westfalia removable towbar, £123.50 for the 13 pin oem electrics and £140 for fitting. The coding at the dealers was £90.

Prior to going to the dealers I had coded it myself to get rid of the ESP warning but I hadn't made one of the engine changes or the change to module 5F as there's no info for these in VCDS so I didn't know about them.
 
I don't think that's bad money at all. Did you do any of the fitting yourself? Does it need a cut out in the bumper?
 
I thought the cost was pretty reasonable too, less than half the dealer's quote for what is the same kit.

I didn't do any of it at all. The fitting took 3.5 hours so I imagine the dealer would be taking quite a bit longer, so there would've been a much bigger cost for labour. The £140 paid would only buy 1.5 hours at the dealers.

There was a cut out needed in the bumper but it can't be seen unless you get down on hands and knees. The electrical socket swings up into the cut out when not in use so you can't even tell that there's a tow bar there.

When something gets plugged into the socket you get an extra indicator light in the instrument cluster and the rear parking sensors are switched off. I've got the parking plus and in the display it shows a picture of a trailer in place of the sensor distance measurements.
 
Excellent, thanks.

If you get a chance sometime would you be able to post pictures of the bar and bumper mod?
 
I've taken a few snaps but I don't seem to have permission to upload attachments. I'll upload if I can figure it out!
 
You can upload to PhotoBucket or similar and link to them else drop me a PM and you can email them to me and I'll post them up. :eyebrows:
 
audi upgrades
Here goes .....

Underneath the bumper ....

01.jpg


Even further underneath ....

02.jpg


The electrical connector pulled down ...

03.jpg


The removable towball ...

04.jpg


The towball attached ...

05.jpg


A closer view of the attached towball ...

06.jpg
 
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Not sure if it helps you but there is a mounting for the tow ball -

>> MY09 - 8T0 011 213

MY10 >> - 8T0 011 213 B

I don't think it's expensive.

Google turns up this image -

 
I've actually picked one up from the local dealer and, as you say, it wasn't expensive at all. The Westfalia installation guide sort of shows that it's mounted on the side of the boot but isn't at all explicit in showing exactly where or how! I'm not really sure whether to bother installing it as it will mean that boot space is always taken up by it. I've had several removable towballs now and I've always found that I'm happy enough to leave them in the garage when not in use!
 
Just to add further thanks for your efforts with the coding details on this. I fitted my bar today and it was remarkably easy to be honest.

Only slight issue I have is that the right hand side of the trailer lights don't work as they should so I need to investigate that. The trailer was used when I bought it so I'm erring towards that as an issue at the moment as the prewiring and OEM electrics should have ruled out any issues on the car side of things.

The only other thing I've not done is change the coding on the engine -

[01 - Engine]
[Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 4, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0011 to 0100
Click to expand...

I couldn't see anything relevant to that but it maybe because mine is a 3.0, not sure yet.
 
Glad to hear that you've finally got one installed! Which bar did you go for and how long was the install?

As far as the coding goes, I know that when I originally did mine using VDCS I didn't know about that engine coding so I didn't make that change (VDCS has no info about the purpose of those bits). All the lights on the trailer still worked OK, so whatever the purpose of that bit of coding might be, it won't affect your lighting. I think I'd suspect the trailer itself as you stated.
 
I went for the Westfalia kit and Westfalia electrics similar to yours. PFJones supplied the wrong electrical kit though, I wanted the kit for cars prewired for towing (S-Line) but they supplied the full kit. It wasn't a massive issue as I just didn't make any of the extra connections just taped them back into the loom. They also supply the charging kit which I was going to fit but decided not to in the end as I don't forsee using it.

The instructions also mention a holder which according to Audi I already have fitted but I couldn't see a place for the unit to fit as I have the parking controller in the space where it indicates the trailer detection unit should go. Where is yours mounted?

If the equipment rack 8K0 907 297 for the trailer control unit is not present in the vehicle, this must be ordered from VW Kassel.
Click to expand...

Would you mind either posting or PMing me a copy of your Engine 01 and Trailer 69 coding.

One more I've got to look at tomorrow is the backup cam. Might be worth adding that to your guide above.

x0?0xxx: Trailer & Parking System
  • +1 = Trailer Hitch installed
  • +2 = Optical Parking System installed
Click to expand...

I've coded the MMI 5F, have you seen any other menu/display items on the MMI?? I've not towed the trailer yet so not really seen what is what once connected.

I did find the electrical issue, it was a dodgy connection on the O/S trailer lamp unit.
 
VRStu said:
The instructions also mention a holder which according to Audi I already have fitted but I couldn't see a place for the unit to fit as I have the parking controller in the space where it indicates the trailer detection unit should go. Where is yours mounted?
Click to expand...

To be honest I don't know as it was PF Jones that fitted mine. As you bought the kit from them I guess they'd be happy enough to tell you where they mount it?

VRStu said:
Would you mind either posting or PMing me a copy of your Engine 01 and Trailer 69 coding.
Click to expand...

The engine coding is 12194012243503080000 and the trailer is 0100000000000000. Beforehand the engine coding was 12194012232503080000.

VRStu said:
I've coded the MMI 5F, have you seen any other menu/display items on the MMI?? I've not towed the trailer yet so not really seen what is what once connected.
Click to expand...

The only changes I see in the car are an extra green light in the instrument cluster, when indicating, and when engaging the parking sensors the image of the car on the MMI now shows an image of a trailer at the rear of the car where it would normally show what the parking sensors had detected. I don't have the rear camera, just the parking system plus.

If you have further info, such as the coding related to the camera, then I'll happily add it to my original post if that's still possible!
 
Last edited:
Well I took the trailer away with us last weekend and I'm happy to report all is well. Thanks must go to Rhino7 for his invaluable assistance.

The change to the coding for the Reverse Camera is as I suggested above and I confirmed with Ross Tech Support that the coding for an A4 3.0 TDi S-Tronic with Reverse Cam etc is as follows -

Ross-Tech & Rhino7 said:
The A4/A5/Q5 (8K/8T/8R) Trailer retrofitting generally involves configuring the following modules:

* 01 - Engine [Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 5, Bit 4 Changed from 0 to 1 (via check box "Trailer Installed")

* 03 - ABS Brakes [Security Access - 16] (Enter code presented by program) [Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 1, Bit 7 Changed from 0 to 1 (via check box "Trailer Hitch Installed")

* 09 - Cent. Elect [Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 18, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1 (via check box "Trailer Hitch Installed")

* 10 - Park/Steer Assist [Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 0, Bits 0-3 Changed from 0000 to 0001 [Trailer Hitch Not Installed to Trailer Hitch Installed (Manually Removable) via pull-down list]

* 19 - CAN Gateway ->[Installation List]->Tick 69 - Trailer

* 5F - Information Elec [Coding - 07]->[Long Coding Helper]->Byte 10, Bit 5 Changed from 0 to 1

* 6C - Back-up Cam [Coding - 07]-> xx?0xxx: +1 = Trailer Hitch installed

* 69 - Trailer - No change required
Click to expand...
 
Hi,

apologies for the reply to an old thread.

I am wanting to install a Westfalia detachable tow bar and dedicated Westfalia electrics to my 58 plate (8K) A4 Avant 2.7 TDI S-Line.

Is it possible to code my car using the codes provided by the previous posters, without having to visit a main dealer for a software download? There is a guy in my area who has a RT cable and offers coding for any VAG car for £5 as long as he is provided with the coding that is required.

My car doesn't have a rear camera, only rear parking sensors.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

Louis
 
Hi,

I helped a friend with his tow bar install and couldn't recode the engine module. Each time I tried I got 'Error 22' and on one occasion 'Error 31'.

All the other modules coded as in the above quoted post by Ross-Tech & Rhino7.

What do these error codes mean and how do I get round them to code the 01 module correctly for a towbar?

Thanks
 
For what its worth, I found that the removable part stows on the left of the spare wheel, fits in there nice and snug without rattling about.
 
Thanks, thats where its placed at the moment. I believe there is a proper piece of moulded plastic available from Audi as well.
 
Have you got a log of the car?

Please show us a screen dump of the error when coding.
 
didn't take a screen dump, sorry. Can try to get one but its a friend from works car so may take a while.

I was ticking the 'trailer installed' check box in 07-long coding helper-Byte 5-Bit 4

the code was being changed from 0A194012232503080000
to 0A194012233503080000
 
Hi,
Sorry to drag this up,
I have just fitted my tow bar with dedicated 7 pin wiring. and coded with vcds as post 30, but my car has adaptive cruse control which is no longer working, And has a fault on module 13 auto distance. Reg. the code is 01044 control module incorrectly coded. I have tried recoding using long code help but there is no info when u select a byte. Any help will be appreciated.
 
Hello,

Thank you for theses informations. I have a problem, i have no access to the 5F, the VAG COM give me not access to this module.

So, is it possible to modify the access ?

Regards for all and excuse my bad english, i'm from Belgium !


VRStu said:
Well I took the trailer away with us last weekend and I'm happy to report all is well. Thanks must go to Rhino7 for his invaluable assistance.

The change to the coding for the Reverse Camera is as I suggested above and I confirmed with Ross Tech Support that the coding for an A4 3.0 TDi S-Tronic with Reverse Cam etc is as follows -
Click to expand...
 
Sorry to dig this up. But is the consensus that the Westfalia is the best looking detachable bar ?

The bumper cut looks pretty well hidden, it would of course depend on the fitter.

Any recommendations for a supply and fit in the Berks/Bucks/Oxon area. The car is a 3.0 TDI Avant 2011.
 
I have just fitted a detacheable westfalia to my avant, its a great product, easy to understand instructions for fitting and you can't see the cut out unless you get down on your hands and knees. I used a drill and jigsaw for the cutout, the inside of the plastic bumper already has an outline where to cut. I used the instructions above to do the coding and that was straight forward. I had to buy a terminal tool to do the electrics which was about £10 off ebay.

All works great, even tells you which bulb is out on the trailer! Fairly straightforward job if you are used to doing jobs on cars.
 
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