Will adapting the car using VCDS invalidate the warranty?

[Bowiesst]

Im thinking of doing a few of the adaptations with the VCDS. If I take the car to a dealer for a service ect and they try to update the software will it damage the ECU or invalidate the warranty?

[andyvee]

No.

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[Bowiesst]

So any changes I do they cant invalidate it?

[Jaffa1975]

It depend what you're claiming for. Modding via VCDS wouldn't invalidate a suspension claim for example. If you changed say an AC settings and the air con screwed updated you might be on a sticky wicket. .

Edited 5 October, 2014 by Jaffa1975

[mannyo]

Essentially no, but as mentioned if you make a change that renders the car or part of the system disabled then you'll need to pay to get that corrected. For example, there is one bit in the convenience ECU that VCDS cannot read but can write to, so it is not possible to know its current value before you change it. One member has altered this value to one they found on the internet, as a result some of the cars functions were lost and it was trial and error to put things back again.

 

Do a google search for "VCDS byte 18" and read the horror stories.

 

VCDS is a great tool, but it has the possibility to render the car inoperative if you select the wrong option. Coding has to be done with the greatest of care.

[Bowiesst]

Thanks guys think I'll get it done

[Dr Zoidberg]

It depend what you're claiming for. Modding via VCDS wouldn't invalidate a suspension claim for example. If you changed say an AC settings and the air con screwed updated you might be on a sticky wicket. .

This, very much so.

If you have a problem and the dealer can see that relevant settings have been changed using VCDS then they'll quite possibly refuse any warranty claim on that part of the car. The chances of a tried and tested change having adverse effects are minimal, but it's still something that the manufacturers don't support.

[Auric Goldfinger]

Don't forget to use a ligimitate VCDS, I believe there are some hookie ones on the net    :yes:

[andyvee]

Yep, if you change the coding of the 5F infotainment to the point where component protection kicks in try explaining that one to your dealer and getting them to sort it under warranty.

If all you are doing is the standard stuff you won't have a problem, but don't go changing stuff you don't understand the implications of.

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