DRL tail lights on Octavia II FL

[johnjohn]

With any DRL's activated (separate lamps in front fogs, low-beams, front fogs) on my Octavia 2 FL (1.4 TSI, Elegance, July 2009) the tail lights (rear lights) stay off.

I've seen O2FL's with the same equipment (and coding) having the tail lights on when DRL's are on.

Seeing the same coding behaving differently on cars with the same equipment leads me to believe it has to do with Byte 18 of module 09 (BCM).

How can I enable/disable (*at will*) my tail lights when DRL's are on?

Here's an AutoScan from my car:

VCDS Version: Release 10.6.0

Data version: 20100630

Tuesday,31,August,2010,16:35:23:48106

Chassis Type: 1K0

Scan: 01 03 08 09 15 16 17 19 25 42 44 46 52 56 62 72

VIN: TMBBJ21Z1AC(six digits removed)

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000

03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000

04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000

08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000

09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000

15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000

16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000

17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000

19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000

25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000

42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000

44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000

46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000

52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000

56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000

62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000

72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 01: Engine (CAX) Labels: Redir Fail!

Part No SW: 03C 906 016 D HW: 03C 906 016 C

Component: MED17.5.5 3981

Revision: LCH02--- Serial number:

Coding: 0000072

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 206132E38AAB

No fault code found.

Readiness: 1110 0001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 1K0-907-379-MK70M.lbl

Part No SW: 1K0 907 379 AQ HW: 1K0 907 379 AQ

Component: MABS MK70M 0105

Revision: 00H32001

Coding: 0016641

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 8127D767A161

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255) Labels: 5K0-907-044.clb

Part No SW: 3T0 907 044 AK HW: 3T0 907 044 AK

Component: Climatronic H14 0302

Revision: 00004001

Coding: 0000000000

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

ASAM Dataset: EV_Climatronic A01001

ROD: EV_Climatronic_SK35.rod

VCID: 7BDB258F438D

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels: 1K0-937-08x-09.clb

Part No SW: 1K0 937 087 D HW: 1K0 937 087 D

Component: BCM PQ35 H 103 0537

Revision: 00103 AB

Coding: 46180AB8B80508C000080001150081EC034100AE400089605C0440000000

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 3245C8ABD447

Part No: 1Z1 955 119 C

Component: Wischer 11050 22 0601

Coding: 00D7B7

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 15: Airbags Labels: 1K0-909-605.lbl

Part No SW: 1K0 909 605 T HW: 1K0 909 605 T

Component: Q2 AIRBAG VW8 020 2300

Revision: 05020000 Serial number: 0038PD2DHEAJ

Coding: 0020786

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 3D5FEB971D19

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 16: Steering wheel Labels: 1K0-953-549-MY9.lbl

Part No SW: 1K0 953 549 CE HW: 1K0 953 549 CE

Component: J0527 055 0111

Coding: 0000501

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 77D339BF7FA5

Part No: 3T0 959 537

Component: E221__MFL-URO H07 0011

Coding: 00000128

Shop #: WSC 00000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 17: Instruments (J285) Labels: 5K0-920-xxx-17.clb

Part No SW: 1Z0 920 843 B HW: 1Z0 920 843 B

Component: KOMBI H21 0109

Serial number: 00000000000000

Coding: 110B00

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

ASAM Dataset: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09 A04040

ROD: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09_SK35.rod

VCID: 3753F9BF3F25

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels: 1K0-907-530.lbl

Part No SW: 1K0 907 530 AA HW: 1K0 907 951

Component: J533 Gateway H16 0222

Revision: H16 Serial number: 4020K095080620

Coding: E9807F06000202001302

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 66ED64FB280F

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 25: Immobilizer (J334) Labels: 5K0-920-xxx-25.clb

Part No SW: 1Z0 920 843 B HW: 1Z0 920 843 B

Component: IMMO H21 0109

Serial number: 00000000000000

ASAM Dataset: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09 A03004

ROD: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09_SK35.rod

VCID: 3753F9BF3F25

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 42: Door Elect, Driver Labels: 1K0-959-701-MAX3.lbl

Part No SW: 1T0 959 701 AA HW: 1T0 959 701 AA

Component: Tuer-SG 009 2107

Coding: 0004342

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 76CD34BB78AF

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 44: Steering Assist Labels: 1Kx-909-14x.lbl

Part No: 1K0 909 144 H

Component: EPS_ZFLS Kl. 68 2901

Revision: 00H15000

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 2F43C1DFC775

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. Labels: 1K0-959-702-MAX3.lbl

Part No SW: 1T0 959 702 S HW: 1T0 959 702 S

Component: Tuer-SG 009 2107

Coding: 0004342

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 48B18A4342DB

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 56: Radio (J503) Labels: 5M0-035-1xx-56.clb

Part No SW: 1Z0 035 161 F HW: 1Z0 035 161 F

Component: SWING 008 0062

Revision: 0H001001 Serial number: SKZ1Z2I8242386

Coding: 050004000001

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 3147C7A7D141

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 62: Door, Rear Left Labels: 1K0-959-703-GEN3.lbl

Part No SW: 5K0 959 703 A HW: 5K0 959 703 A

Component: Tuer-SG 007 2101

Coding: 0000144

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 1012545

VCID: 3245C8ABD447

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 72: Door, Rear Right Labels: 1K0-959-704-GEN3.lbl

Part No SW: 5K0 959 704 A HW: 5K0 959 704 A

Component: Tuer-SG 007 2101

Coding: 0000144

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 1012545

VCID: 334BCDAF2B5D

No fault code found.

End ---------------------------------------------------------------------

[johnjohn]

Disable the DRL's mounted in the front fog lights, and enable Scandanavian DRL, this gives you dipped headlights and rear lights whenever the ignition is on.

If you want rear lights on, don't select North American option - this only gives front dipped headlights, and then only when the handbrake is off.

Mike

To my knowledge, there are no Scandinavian/NAR options in the documented coding of VCDS 10.6.0 for my BCM. This is a Facelift model. In case I'm wrong, please point to the appropriate couple of bytes. Thank you.

My initial question still stands:

How can I enable/disable (*at will*) my tail lights when DRL's are on?

[johnjohn]

I don't know exactly where the option is without plugging a facelift in, but on a facelift Elegance 10 plate I had a look at a few months ago, I'm sure the Scandinavian was an option, I remember it because I was asked what the difference was over the fog light mounted extra bulbs.

OK, I checked. VCDS 10.6.0. There is no description with the word "Scandinavia" anywhere in module 09 coding. I double-checked all 30 bytes. You're talking about a different BCM.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels: 1K0-937-08x-09.clb

Part No SW: 1K0 937 087 D HW: 1K0 937 087 D

Component: BCM PQ35 H 103 0537

Revision: 00103 AB

Coding: 46180AB8B80508C000080001150081EC034100AE400089605C0440000000

Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001

VCID: 3245C8ABD447

Part No: 1Z1 955 119 C

Component: Wischer 11050 22 0601

Coding: 00D7B7

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry for repeating myself, but my initial question still stands:

How can I enable/disable (*at will*) my tail lights when DRL's are on?

[Theresias]

VW/Skoda changed the entire scheme on how the light related codings work on the newer models, in addition there is now the difference between Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Permanent Running Lights (PRL). So activating PRL instead may be the option you are looking for... In addition you may want to ask your dealer to update your BCM to Software Level 0575.

[johnjohn]

VW/Skoda changed the entire scheme on how the light related codings work on the newer models, in addition there is now the difference between Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Permanent Running Lights (PRL). So activating PRL instead may be the option you are looking for... In addition you may want to ask your dealer to update your BCM to Software Level 0575.

The only option in my 09 concerning "PRL" is "Permanent Running Light (PRL) via Low Beam active".

When I enable this option (and at the same time disable the "separate lights" option), the following occurs:

Light switch at 0 (off) = Front Low Beams turn on (as DRL), all tail lights stay off.

Light switch at 1 (side lights) = Front Low Beams turn off, front parking lights turn on, tail lights (including license plate lights) turn on.

Light switch at 2 (low beam) = Front Low Beams turn on, front parking lights stay on, tail lights (including license plate lights) stay on.

When I enable this option (and at the same time leave the "separate lights" option enabled), the following occurs:

Light switch at 0 (off) = Separate lights (additional small lamps in front fogs) turn on (as DRL), Front Low Beams turn on (as DRL), all tail lights stay off.

Light switch at 1 (side lights) = Separate lights turn off, Front Low Beams turn off, front parking lights turn on, tail lights (including license plate lights) turn on.

Light switch at 2 (low beam) = Separate lights stay off, Front Low Beams turn on, front parking lights stay on, tail lights (including license plate lights) stay on.

Testing the above two cases, I noticed no difference between 92% "DRL dimming" and 100% "DRL dimming".

However, when "DRL dimming" is set at 20%, the difference between "Light Switch at 0" and "Light Switch at 2" is noticeable.

During my tests, the "DRL dimming" setting affected *any* DRLs enabled; even all 3 at once (separate, low beams and fogs). In any case, all tail lights stayed off.

...So activating PRL instead may be the option you are looking for...

So, unfortunately, "activating PRL instead" is not the option for me...

...

In addition you may want to ask your dealer to update your BCM to Software Level 0575.

When I ask the dealer for an update (not any time soon), I'll try the same thing. I don't expect much change though...

In the meantime, any other suggestion?

Thank you very much for your help.

[JonA]

We (Norway) get the new cars delivered without tail lights on when running with the DRL's on and light switch in either "auto" or "0". The tail lamps (when using DRL's) can be activated using a function in the dealer diagnostic equipment. I don't think activating tail lamps alters coding, but that it is more of an adaption??

This could change, and UK dealers might have different software on their diagnostic machines, but I do it all the time with the software i have on "my" VAS 5051B. I used basis CD 18.00 until today, and updated to 18.01.01 today.

I have not checked if the function still exists with the new software installed on the VAS5051B.

Hope you get it sorted! :yes:

[johnjohn]

We (Norway) get the new cars delivered without tail lights on when running with the DRL's on and light switch in either "auto" or "0". The tail lamps (when using DRL's) can be activated using a function in the dealer diagnostic equipment. I don't think activating tail lamps alters coding, but that it is more of an adaption??

This could change, and UK dealers might have different software on their diagnostic machines, but I do it all the time with the software i have on "my" VAS 5051B. I used basis CD 18.00 until today, and updated to 18.01.01 today.

I have not checked if the function still exists with the new software installed on the VAS5051B.

Hope you get it sorted! :yes:

Thanks for helping JonA!

Using "your" VAS 5051B, can you reverse the procedure? I mean, if you have activated the DRL tail lamps, can you deactivate them again?

Assuming it's an adaptation channel (and not some Byte 18 value changing and then returning back to 00), perhaps I could compare adaptation channels before and after the procedure. I'm thinking renaming the Labels folder and perform an AutoScan with Debug Level 2 (Type #1 Map). Then take the car to the dealer and ask to enable DRL tail lights. Then perform an AutoScan with Debug Level 2 again, and compare the files.

Sebastian, is there anything else I should do besides renaming the Labels folder?

edit:

...

I have not checked if the function still exists with the new software installed on the VAS5051B.

...

JonA, I case you check the function still exists with the new software (18.01.0) please let me know. Thank you.

Edited 7 September, 2010 by johnjohn

[JonA]

Yes, the procedure can be reversed using the same function. There is also a choice between right hand drive and left hand drive cars in the programme, so my guess would be that this function is present in UK VAS testers as well.

And yes, the function is still there after I updated the software in the VAS tester

[johnjohn]

Yes, the procedure can be reversed using the same function.

...

And yes, the function is still there after I updated the software in the VAS tester

Great, thanks! It's good to know that at least it's possible to activate/deactivate it at the dealer. Then maybe I can compare the channels/coding. Unless of course someone finds it earlier and posts. :yes:

...There is also a choice between right hand drive and left hand drive cars in the programme, so my guess would be that this function is present in UK VAS testers as well.

...

I'm not really interested in UK VAS testers though; I live in Greece. But I guess it's the same everywhere...

[Mike 'kropeck']

Hi!

johnjohn, it is true that you can activate rear light at the dealer. But I can also say, that you won't find any change in adaptation or coding. I did the same :-) :-) the change is made directly in EEPROM. You could do it by yourself, but you need special software for EEPROM changes :-) and the knowledge where to search appropriate byte.

Also left/right hand drive info is written in EEPROM.

[Dana@Ross-Tech]

Hi!

johnjohn, it is true that you can activate rear light at the dealer. But I can also say, that you won't find any change in adaptation or coding. I did the same :-) :-) the change is made directly in EEPROM. You could do it by yourself, but you need special software for EEPROM changes :-) and the knowledge where to search appropriate byte.

Also left/right hand drive info is written in EEPROM.

Yes I completely agree, after using the VAS to code the 09 module, you will see 00 in byte 18 after it's done. However, I have one additional comment...

On the US Gti (and similar Jetta models, 1K/AJ/5K) equipped with Xenon and PRL coding, the Fogs as DRL's coding does just that. The Front fogs can act as DRL's either with or without the normal headlights.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4743553-VCDS-MKVI-MK6-Platform-Handy-Coding-tweaks

But, we had some feedback about all of the exterior lighting running as DRL's when this bit was modified on RoW vehicles that use a different Byte 18 coding. I want to say there was a '10 Australian Eos, '10 Seat Altea, and I'm sure I missed one or two in there. The discussion starts here:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4743553-VCDS-MKVI-MK6-Platform-Handy-Coding-tweaks&p=65096862&viewfull=1#post65096862

Some Byte 18 reference again and the source of the coding chart dimitrisTSI pointed out :

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4743553-VCDS-MKVI-MK6-Platform-Handy-Coding-tweaks&p=65746832&viewfull=1#post65746832

If you already have this sorted with dealer coding, that's great but if not please see what happens with this Byte 14 tweak:

46180AB8B80508C000080001150083EC034100AE400089605C0440000000

[johnjohn]

...

If you already have this sorted with dealer coding, that's great but if not please see what happens with this Byte 14 tweak:

46180AB8B80508C000080001150083EC034100AE400089605C0440000000

Hi Dana. Sorry for taking so long to reply.

I haven't yet been to the dealer and hopefully it won't happen any time soon.

I did try this coding in the past, but I tested it again just to make sure. As expected, my front fogs *and* my separate lamps in the fogs became DRLs at the same time. Still no tail lights when DRLs are on.

As stated before, my O2FL can have *any* combination for DRLs at once (separate lamps, front fogs, low beams, just one of them, any two, all three). On any DRL combination, the tail lights remain off.

Any other suggestions?

I really like having my tail lights off when DRLs are on. I don't want to change that. I want to know how I can revert it back, in case an upgrade at the dealer turns them on. As JonA confirmed, it's good to know that at least it's possible to deactivate them again using VAS. However, I still wonder how I can do it using VCDS.

dimitrisTSI (from your tweaks thread) has his tail lights on and wants to turn them off. He has the "luxury" of knowing what the initial value of Byte 18 is, so he can try different "scenarios" and always be able to revert back. I can't do that because I have no initial value to rely on...

[climbonice]

I have an OctaviaII FL 1.8tsi Scout. I have activated the DRLs via VCDS. No matter what combination of front lights I choose as DRLs, the tail lights remain always on. I wonder if someone has found how to activate/deactivate the tail lights when the DRLs are switched on. Personaly, I prefer the tail lights off when the DRLs are on. I hope someone has found a way to do it via VCDS!

[vickys]

I have an OctaviaII FL 1.8tsi Scout. I have activated the DRLs via VCDS. No matter what combination of front lights I choose as DRLs, the tail lights remain always on. I wonder if someone has found how to activate/deactivate the tail lights when the DRLs are switched on. Personaly, I prefer the tail lights off when the DRLs are on. I hope someone has found a way to do it via VCDS!

I had the same issue and got mine reconfigured at a dealer. A friendly dealer who thankfully did not attempt a loot my of my wallet

[mucden]

I have activated the rear lights as DRL in my own car. I have used VCP (Vag Can Pro) and VAGHelper.