Coding

Coding on the MQB cars is made up of HEX decimal numbers in each module within the ECU. These HEX numbers tell the ECU what to do, where to do and what signals to detect and monitor. These numbers control everything within the vehicle from your airbag, lights, brakes and various other functions. You can scan and diagnose faults and problems when a sensor is trigged within the ECU. These HEX decimal numbers are constantly monitoring and looking for changes to the vehicle through its CANBUS systems. This actively communicates with the ECUs to warn you as an owner of any potential issues.

For example, if you gain a brake pad sensor warning on your dash. This is most likely caused by a break in the brake pad sensor. Once this is broken, the HEX decimal will change based on the code on the ECU. Until this is rectified, the car will display an error on your dash. This is the same case for EML (Engine Management Lights) and various other errors like ABS failures etc.

What Device Should I Use?

As above, we suggest using a device which can manage and code your vehicle effectively and properly. Improper use may damage your ECU or vehicle and other components. We do not advise anybody to buy any of these devices without proper knowledge, training or information provided by a technician or professional.

Can I Revert My Changes?

The recommended applications we have suggested above have a backup feature built into them. You will need to manually perform this yourself before changing anything. Majority of coding changes can be reversed without backing up but we do not suggest doing so encase of a change which cannot be undone. Please be cautious and careful with all changes and do proper research or advisal from an experienced technician or professional.

Should I Use Any Other Devices?

No. If you use any other devices which are on the market, no matter how cheap or convenient they are - they will cause damage to your vehicle. Some devices will work in the exact same way and provide you changes as per how you request them too. The problem with other devices is that the HEX Decimal code isn't regulated or changed properly. The problem? When coming to diagnose the car or look at the coding changes on officially licensed applications, of which as such main dealers will use, they cannot effectively manage the ECU properly. This means that if you have a fault somewhere on your vehicle, the changes made by 3rd party applications or devices, may hide them. This will end up with a technician taking more time to diagnose faults, potentially having further issues which you havent been prompted about, and/or your ECU becoming bricked/dead eventually.