Inner headlights on US market GTI (Bi-Xenon equipped) - function and settings

[JetTurbo]

related topics - inner headlights with high-beam, DRL disable, Fog lights as DRL, Euro instrument cluster setting
http://dataton.net/vw/GTI-front_lights/GTI_front-lights.gif
Instruments = EU - euro headlight switch - DRL via Fog Lights - all bulbs original —— hit refresh to re-run animation

The Flash To Pass (FTP) inner halogen lights exist for signaling use when HIDs are off and instant on is required. Headlight signaling is activated by pulling toward you on the 'turn signal' left side multi-function stalk. The FTP stalk position is momentary - let go and the FTP function is extinguished. This facilitates rapid flashing for extra attention. :eyebulge:
If the HIDs are lit, pulling the stalk will simply raise the shutter to high beam position and the inner FTP lights will NOT light.
If HIDs are off, then the FTP lights do the task instead.

Of course, as delivered in the US, with DRL activated and set to use the HID low beam, you really never get to use FTP lights! That is because the HIDs are already on in DRL operation, so the FTP control simply lifts the bi-xenon shutter (no strike required as it is already lit).
-- why?
Striking an arc (HID, Xenon, etc.) requires a quick burst of extra high current to get the arc established. Once struck, it takes a second to stabilize. Striking an arc lamp causes wear, more so than operating hours. Multiple rapid on/off transitions are especially brutal to longevity, the igniter will not charge quickly enough for rapid on/off resulting in failed strikes. Worse the igniter will keep up, overheat, and fail. To minimize lamp strikes when one or more short quick flashes are commanded with HIDs extinguished, VW provides the filament halogen inner FTP lights.
-- how can I see mine?
To see the FTP lights in a DRL enabled car, pull back on the stalk with key on, light switch off and parking brake on (which disables DRL). That has no real world use important enough to warrant their existence :wink: They exist for settings that result in the HIDs being dark. Setting DRL to off -or- setting DRL to fog lights - allows FTP lights to function in the intended manner. :biggrin:
-- disabling DRL
DRL can be disabled with VAG-COM by changing settings in the Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 (aka Central Electronics Controller). To disable DRL, turn off bit 4 in byte 0. With DRL off the FTP lights will illuminate when you pull the FTP stalk with the headlight switch off.

Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 — byte 0
To disable DRL turn off bit 4
http://dataton.net/vw/VAGscreenshot/FogsAsDRL-09centElec-07-byte0.png

-- DRL via Fog Lights
If you leave DRL on, you can change DRL to illuminate the fog lights instead of HIDs
and FTP will function key on, headlight switch off.
See second VAG-COM screenshot pic below (byte 17) for this setting.

-- FTP lamps as DRL?
No, VW does not support FTP lamps as DRL. That would eliminate the original signaling purpose if they were already on.

-- FTP lamps with high-beam
A common request is to activate the FTP lamps as additional hi-beams.

FTP w/hi beam will NOT work when the Instrument Cluster Control Module (J285) is coded to country US.
As delivered in the 50 States.
US country setting in Instrument Cluster Control Module J285 overrides
FTP with High-Beam setting in the Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 (aka Central Electronics Controller).

Changing to EU or UK country coding definitely permits FTP w/High-Beam. Unsure about others.
I personally use EU (Germany), although a lot of people use UK.
Fogs with high-beam, DRL off, or DRL as fog lights work ok with US country setting.
It is just the FTP w/high-beam that is disabled with US country in instrument coding.

A compatible VAG-COM system is required to change instrument cluster country coding.

To enable FTP lights with high-beams changes must be made in two places.
1. Instrument Cluster Control Module (J285)
2. Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519

Instrument Cluster Control Module J285 — 5th digit sets country
http://dataton.net/vw/VAGscreenshot/InstrumentCluster_EU.png

Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 — Byte 17
bit 1 to off to enable FTP with hi-beam (requires non-US instruments country setting),
bit 4 on switches DRL to the fog lights provided DRL is active in byte 0 (above),
bit 5 off permits fogs with hi-beam
http://dataton.net/vw/VAGscreenshot/FogsAsDRL-09centElec-07-byte17.png

Good thing all HID equipped US market cars have hi-line MFD. After setting EU or UK instruments, the odometer and MFD (and Climatronic if equipped) will be set to metric units. MFD lets you set them back to US standard units.
http://dataton.net/vw/MFD_screenshots/MFD_Settings-06gti.jpghttp://dataton.net/vw/MFD_screenshots/MFD-Units-06gti.jpghttp://dataton.net/vw/MFD_screenshots/MFD-Temperaure-06gti.jpghttp://dataton.net/vw/MFD_screenshots/MFD-Consu_dist-06gti.jpg

---- side effects of instrument country change
There are other things affected by the non-US instrument setting.
Door open chime operation is changed (no key in ignition chime anymore - I like, ymmv).
Seat belt chime operation is changed (MFD nag screen still there, but no chime until you hit 10 mph without seat belt fastened, and then it chimes forever until belt fastened, no time out).
Single side parking light via turn signal stalk is enabled.
FM RDS display is added to MFD.
Factory Nav (MFD2 DVD, 2006-2008) completely disables nag screen :happyanim:
Factory Nav radio frequency divisions are adjusted, screws with AM pretty bad, FM not so much, sat not at all.
Factory Nav AM and FM presets are lost when the country is changed.
Don't know if there is any effect on Premium 7
Don't know what effects if any to the RNS-500 (2009+ factory Nav)

Country setting changes DRL interaction with a euro headlight switch set to the parking / city light position.
With DRL enabled + euro switch in the city position +
Country = US results in DRL ON
Country = EU results in DRL OFF
------

" I asked 'what time is it?' and you told me how to build a watch! "

[LFC RTK]

Superb write up.

I still put the over/under at 20 hours until the next person asks "What are the inner headlights on my GTI?"

[dustinwark]

please please please someone sticky this hurry!

[dambbkny]

Just did this a few days back and I am loving my new features. This really needs to be a sticky ASAP!

[Raven6t9]

Superb write up.

I still put the over/under at 20 hours until the next person asks "What are the inner headlights on my GTI?"
What are the inner headlights on my GTI? lol, I had to.:wink:

So really though, Im only half through reading this write up, but whats the overall accomplishment? Does this let you run the inner headlights AND the HID outer headlights? I know Im not the only person that will be slightly confused when reading the above write up, although it seems very in depth and detailed btw.:thumbup:

Edit: It sounds like this is just to enable the inners with your high beams, am I correct? Is there a wasy to enable them along with your HID's whenever your headlights are on? Basically, whenever your HID's are on, the inners are on too and remain on while you use your HID's for highbeams. Any chance of this?

[hughsey82]

My 07 rabbit us spec that i got new in germany didnt have DRL's, And ive got an 09 gti on order, i wonder if ill get DRL's this time around.

[GTIMKV20]

awesome write-up! I highly recommend the vag fix for all 6 lights (FTP, HIDs, and fogs) to be on with high beams. At night it is amazing. Just remember to turn them off for oncoming traffic because you will kill their eyes!

[pdxa4]

Nice post, and perfect timing for me...Thanks...

[JetTurbo]

.... but whats the overall accomplishment? Does this let you run the inner headlights AND the HID outer headlights? I know Im not the only person that will be slightly confused when reading the above write up, although it seems very in depth and detailed btw.:thumbup:

Edit: It sounds like this is just to enable the inners with your high beams, am I correct?...

To summarize,
As delivered, the lights (practically) do nothing.
To make use of them, there are two separate functions you may adjust.

You can adjust the DRL function to either off or switched to fog lights.
This allows the inner lights to function in their originally intended manner.

Independent of that, you can also enable the inner lights to function together with high beams HID lights.

..Is there a wasy to enable them along with your HID's whenever your headlights are on? Basically, whenever your HID's are on, the inners are on too and remain on while you use your HID's for highbeams. Any chance of this?

Nada. The inner lights are alternate high beam headlights used for short duration when HIDs are extinguished.
So no, there is no VW provided provision to light the FTP high-beams with HID low beams - only high beams as intended.

[rhippler]

I wonder if there are any long term effects of running the FTP lights full time as high beams?

[LFC RTK]

I wonder if there are any long term effects of running the FTP lights full time as high beams?

I don't see what problems this could cause. Most other countries ALREADY use the inner FTP lights as high beams.

[LI_HXC_VR6]

I have this same set up on my car and love it. One word of warning though, which I found out the hard way... Since this puts the car is a different country code some dealerships may have trouble communicating w/ the car via their computers. I had my car in for a busted pcv valve a couple months ago and after the dealer (Riverhead Bay VW, worst place ever) let the car sit there for a week without touching it they then began accusing me of having a chipped car (it was bone stock under the hood, even now it just has an intake and a pcv revamp). Long story short they couldn't communicate w/ the car b/c it was in a different country code, they had vwoa investigate and after 3 weeks they denied the warranty claim on the pcv b/c they were unable to communicate and check the on board diagnostics... even vwoa said they denied it b/c of my chipped ecu. All of that for a $50 part.

So just a heads up, if you plan on doing this it may be wise to switch back to NA settings for any dealer trips, I know this event has convinced me to finally get my very own vag-com (hopefully next week).

[Dredknut]

I wonder if there are any long term effects of running the FTP lights full time as high beams?

I commute at night on a regular basis on country roads, so I had my car vag'd to have the fogs, ftp and xenons all on for highbeams. The commute is about an hour one way, and the FTP lights are on for 95% of that commute. I have been running like this for a few months now, and have had no problems. I can't speak for bulb life however, since I just replaced the stock bulbs with hoen's, but as far as heat generation etc., nothing to speak of so far.

FWIW, the difference between the stock highbeams and the setup I have described above is like night and day, literally lol. Its like artificial sun shining out the front of your car, its awesome :thumbsup:

[MKvUltra]

Nice write up... IIRC coding central electronics to euro adds the night light parking option

[shutupanddrive]

Superb write up.

I still put the over/under at 20 hours until the next person asks "What are the inner headlights on my GTI?"

I'll see your FTP thread, and raise you a BOV thread.

[hughsey82]

o man i want 4 headlights with the highs on.....soo damn nice for country roads i bet

[JetTurbo]

Superb write up.

I still put the over/under at 20 hours until the next person asks "What are the inner headlights on my GTI?"
:thanks:

it would seem the presence of this topic on the first page of DIY + Maintenance + Tips/Tricks has momentarily quashed FTP threads.
By now I would have expected to see another FTP thread in GTI / Rabbit / Golf MkV General Discussions (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2) since the last one started on 11-Oct (Headlight Question (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65709)).
20 hours? :lol: 12 days and counting ... :bellyroll:

I hope its not a sign of the recent economic changes, i.e. no new car purchasers joining and asking the ultimate neophyte GTI question :yikes:

[leo delarge]

dammit i really want my FTP lights as my DRLs

[LFC RTK]

dammit i really want my FTP lights as my DRLs


That's a terrible idea, you'd even blind people in the daytime.

[Dredknut]

dammit i really want my FTP lights as my DRLs

I dream of this as well, however dimmed to match the brightness of my fogs... I am just too chicken to go out and start snipping wires and such.

[LoyalSage]

@JetTurbo:

Thank you very much for this writeup. It is very well put together, clear concise and full of very useful information.

Can someone please sticky this or add it to the list of DIY? I checked and did not find it in there.

Thanks!

[pdxa4]

Tks for your post once again, I fitted my Euro switch this evening then turned off the DRL's and recoded it to UK config...

[LoyalSage]

can someone give me one good reason why this thread is not a sticky? its an awesome thread, please sticky it!

[stanchion]

Okay so like, my apologies if I'm an idiot and just haven't interpreted all the information correctly here.. someone please point out where I'm off though. =)

I have an 08 GTI, and just got a friendly guy to VAG-COM for me... great stuff so far but I don't understand something... i have DRLs off, fogs on with high beams and FTP enabled.... so..... when I get in the car and turn on the headlights, the xenon's come on...but obviously they dont do their little shutter dance.. they just click on ... isnt that the same as the stock high beam setting? isnt it bad if turning on the xenons normally is now equivalent to using xenon HIGH BEAMS all the time??? with the normal night lights isnt everyone going to think im high beaming all the time now?

yeah, of course i want all 6 lights as FTP and super high beams... but, i also want to be able to have just normal xenon output ... or am i wrong, *is* that a normal xenon output ? and IF IT IS, doesnt that mean you still could have one brighter setting? (fogs, halogens, and xenons *with* high beam) ???

(and oh yeah +1 to sticky this thread in tips n tricks)

[stanchion]

okay possible update.. i just went and checked my car after letting it sit for a few hours...

i notice now if i have headlights off, all is off. if i turn headlights on, it *DOES* do a little shutter dance, then the xenons heat up after a second.

now, when i turn on the highbeams i hear a shutter 'clunk' and of course the middle halogens come on as well while the outside is lit... i jump out of the car and LOOK at the headlights and, to be honest, its really hard to tell.. MAYBE the xenons ARE getting brighter (shutter clunk is the sound of them going to high beams) .. i guess the thing is, at close range its hard to tell that the xenons are in fact brighter .. and with the halogens casting light as well its hard to see that difference...

any comments? ;-)

[VandalRG]

Tks for your post once again, I fitted my Euro switch this evening then turned off the DRL's and recoded it to UK config...

What is this Euro switch you speak of? Is it the Euro headlight switch that would enable me to turn on the "city" lights without having my headlights on (after turning off the DRLs)?

[JetTurbo]

What is this Euro switch you speak of? Is it the Euro headlight switch that would enable me to turn on the "city" lights without having my headlights on (after turning off the DRLs)?

Yes, it is a switch sold in the European market. Yes, it includes a parking light position that will light the city lights. Providing DRL is off the city light postion will illuminate only city lights. OR if instruments is set to non-US country, even with DRL on, the city light position will extinguish the headlights and only illuminate the city lights.

euro switch for automatic headlights ...
http://dataton.net/vw/electrical/euro_switch_auto-city_frntFog.jpg

[VandalRG]

Thanks! That's great news, definitely going to pick one of those up.

[LI_HXC_VR6]

okay possible update.. i just went and checked my car after letting it sit for a few hours...

i notice now if i have headlights off, all is off. if i turn headlights on, it *DOES* do a little shutter dance, then the xenons heat up after a second.

now, when i turn on the highbeams i hear a shutter 'clunk' and of course the middle halogens come on as well while the outside is lit... i jump out of the car and LOOK at the headlights and, to be honest, its really hard to tell.. MAYBE the xenons ARE getting brighter (shutter clunk is the sound of them going to high beams) .. i guess the thing is, at close range its hard to tell that the xenons are in fact brighter .. and with the halogens casting light as well its hard to see that difference...

any comments? ;-)

First, the "little shutter dance" you mention is actually the lights self levelling. This occurs at times and doesn't occur at other times, I think it has to do w/ how they left off last time they were on.

Second, the xenons don't have different light output levels, they have 1 level of output and when you turn on the brights the shutter adjust to allow more light shine higher and farther (the distinct shutter cutoff can be seen if you face a wall and turn your lights on, it looks something like: __/ __/ , those sharp cutoffs are created by the shutter and when you turn the brights on you'll see the pattern gets thrown more up top without the distinct sharp cutoff). I can't find the threads and websites I've seen that explain it all in further detail but afaik that is how they work. I'm sure there's something about it on the Daniel Stern lighting site.


Yes, it is a switch sold in the European market. Yes, it includes a parking light position that will light the city lights. Providing DRL is off the city light postion will illuminate only city lights. OR if instruments is set to non-US country, even with DRL on, the city light position will extinguish the headlights and only illuminate the city lights.


Also the euro switch enables the foglights to be turned on in the parking light (city light) position and has rear fog capabilities as well.

[stanchion]

Thanks for the clarification LI_HXC_VR6 . You're right. I had a friend stand at a distance when I flipped the high beams on and he confirmed they "appear brighter" (by moving the shutter obviously). It was just hard for me to tell in a reflected window or by jumping out of the car.

I want this euro light switch now!!!!!!

[thumbs973]

need help.........i had my friend turn off my drl yesterday........i noticed this morning that not the prnds lights stay lit and so is the knob on my light swtich ( where you turn the lights on and off ) he followed the directions on the ross-tech website any1 know what could have caused this?
car is a mkv gli.........the website said all we had to do is check of drl ( North America ) and thats what he did........
posted this in the vag com forum aswell....im trying to figure this out because the guy is leaving for a couple weeks and im trying to get this resolved before he leaves

[JetTurbo]

...i noticed this morning that not the prnds lights stay lit and so is the knob on my light swtich ( where you turn the lights on and off ) ...

OK, you need to clarify that.
Just unchecking the North Americal DRL bit should change nothing else.

To identify the issue, it would be useful to know the following:
Dash DRL indicator on or off?
key on or off?
parking brake on or off?
multi-function stalk
- left turn or neutral or right turn?
- hi-beam or neutral or ftp?

Don't know know what prnds lights are? park looks closest? you might use the photo at the top of the post for terms.

City lights (aka parking lights aka running lights) on one side with key off and turn signal left or right can be normal (should trigger audible alarm with driver door open).

The headlight switch always has some illumination with key on (just the center selector knob bulb indicator), so you can find it in the dark before an active setting is selected. Don't think the backlighting of just that switch is VAG-COM programmable anyway.
OFF
http://dataton.net/vw/interior/controls/headlight_switch-off.jpg

ON
http://dataton.net/vw/interior/controls/headlight_switch-5-ON.jpg
---
Oh - wait - PRNDS as in the indicator for your transmission? Have no idea, I have a clutch, doubt that is individualy programmable either. If that is your question, you are a bit off topic from the exterior lighting discussed in this thread. :iono:

[thumbs973]

im not sure but i think this might be normal if some1 can check thanx......... but it seems that the prnds lights stay lighlty dimmed and what ever geat u are engaged in at the time gets bright red while the other lights stay very dim they almost look like there off in the sunlight........but when i put my hand overthem to cover the light i can see them on.......can some1 check if there does this aswell

[thumbs973]

sorry for posting in the wrong section

[JetTurbo]

First, the "little shutter dance" you mention is actually the lights self levelling. This occurs at times and doesn't occur at other times, I think it has to do w/ how they left off last time they were on....

The shutter will bump both limits (calibrate) and then level when the key is turned on, whether the headlights are illuminated or not. With DRL on, most DSG users who don't set parking brake would see calibration every time they turn on the key.

Once DRL is disabled or moved to fog lights, to see the 'dance', turn the light switch on before the key is turned on. Otherwise, it happens ' in the dark '.

[thumbs973]

hey jet turbo from reading ur post u said that the knob where u turn the lights on and off are always light up............if thats the case then i dont have a problem affter all.......i just never noticed until today

[thumbs973]

hey jet turbo from reading ur post u said that the knob where u turn the lights on and off are always light up.... then i assume the gears are alwasy light up aswell........if thats the case then i dont have a problem affter all.......i just never noticed it until today

[LoyalSage]

Hey guys, I have a quick question for you, Jet, you will probably be able to answer this best.

My DRLs are currently off, but I am thinking about turning on my Fogs as DRLs, I do not have a Euro switch.

Say my switch is in the off position, I assume the only lights that will be on are the fogs? or will the parking lights be on as well?

then if i turn switch to the ON position without pulling out the fogs, will the fogs still be on? or will i only have my xenons on? and pulling the switch will add the fogs as well?

by the way, can you try to summarize the benefit of having the euro switch? i am not sure im quite getting what other combination we can get...

thanks!

[JetTurbo]

...Say my switch is in the off position, I assume the only lights that will be on are the fogs? or will the parking lights be on as well? ...

Fogs only - no city light / parking lights - assuming DRL is active, as you mention headlight switch off, park brake off and key on resulting in the DRL indicator in the speedometer.

It goes by quickly, but fog light DRL (with no city lights) is shown as the first step labeled DRL only in the photo sequence at the head of the thread.

...then if i turn switch to the ON position without pulling out the fogs, will the fogs still be on? or will i only have my xenons on? ...

HIDs only. Your DRL indicator will extinguish with the headlights on with any verison headlight switch. which means the DRL enabled fogs go off.

... and pulling the switch will add the fogs as well?thanks!

Yes, pulling the switch out will light the fog lights.
The only exception would be if the multi-function stalk is in hi-beam or FTP position, and then other settings may cause fogs to extinguish. Default is to extinguish fog lights with hi-beam. With that default CEC setting, the enabled fog light switch is overridden with hi-beams on, extinguishing the fogs. You can see that setting in the initial post, the VAG-COM picture titled Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 — Byte 17. bit 5. Example is set to permit fogs with hi-beam.

...By the way, can you try to summarize the benefit of having the euro switch? i am not sure im quite getting what other combination we can get ...thanks!

For me, it is the city light position that is of interest. I use it every night as I back down a drive. If I turned the headlight switch off, I would get the DRL fogs. Note: city light position only disables DRL with non-US country setting. If set to US, DRL lights will still come on in city light position.

Also, rear fog was part of another mod (euro VW Valeo LED tails). So I needed a switch to support rear fog as well.

[kevinivek]

i got a euro switch for the rear fogs, and the city light option too. if you're looking for a euro switch try www.oempl.us

[JetTurbo]

i got a euro switch for the rear fogs, and the city light option too. if you're looking for a euro switch try www.oempl.us

There are a lot of sources for the VW euro switches, I think oemplus must be the most expensive I have seen :yikes:

ECS and parts4euro seem to have the best deals today.
ECS ships from US, pats4euro ships from outside US ...

ECS Tuning basic euro switch switch (http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi/?html=learnmore.html&productID=9974), front (and rear) fog

OEM Plus basic euro switch switch (http://oempl.us/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75_23_28&products_id=205), front (and rear) fog

TM Tuning basic euro switch switch (http://www.tmtuning.com/HOME/catalog/product_detail.php?default_product=1187), front (and rear) fog

Hillside imports basic euro switch switch (http://208.112.39.223/cart/product.php?productid=16143&cat=289&page=1), front (and rear) fog

Parts4euro basic euro switch switch (http://www.parts4euro.com/DCShop/product_info.php?cPath=1_35_223&products_id=389), front (and rear) fog

Parts4vw basic euro switch switch (http://www.parts4vws.com/catalog/product_detail.asp?PartNumber=1K0941431C%2FQ), front (and rear) fog

Canada
Euroline Performance auto euro switch switch (http://volkswagen.eurolineperformance.com/product_info.php?cPath=264_281_311&products_id=477), front (and rear) fog

[UMassJ77]

I have this same set up on my car and love it. One word of warning though, which I found out the hard way... Since this puts the car is a different country code some dealerships may have trouble communicating w/ the car via their computers. I had my car in for a busted pcv valve a couple months ago and after the dealer (Riverhead Bay VW, worst place ever) let the car sit there for a week without touching it they then began accusing me of having a chipped car (it was bone stock under the hood, even now it just has an intake and a pcv revamp). Long story short they couldn't communicate w/ the car b/c it was in a different country code, they had vwoa investigate and after 3 weeks they denied the warranty claim on the pcv b/c they were unable to communicate and check the on board diagnostics... even vwoa said they denied it b/c of my chipped ecu. All of that for a $50 part.

So just a heads up, if you plan on doing this it may be wise to switch back to NA settings for any dealer trips, I know this event has convinced me to finally get my very own vag-com (hopefully next week).

Thats whack, because I have had my GTI coded to UK and have all the above done, 6 lights on at once, and my FOGS as DRLs, since 2 months of ownership....and not ONCE has a VW dealer (been to 5 dealerships, for multiple warranty work, tsbs and reg. maint.) not been able to communicate with my car/ecu. I dunno what you did or what your dealer was doing to not be able to connect to your ECU.

I mean my dealer was able to do a FULL Scan and they knew I was chipped and never been denied any warranty work at all....just weird that this happened to you...I am pretty sure you are the FIRST to have this happen to you!!!

[JetTurbo]

Thats whack, because I have had my GTI coded to UK and have all the above done, 6 lights on at once, and my FOGS as DRLs, since 2 months of ownership....and not ONCE has a VW dealer (been to 5 dealerships, for multiple warranty work, tsbs and reg. maint.) not been able to communicate with my car/ecu. I dunno what you did or what your dealer was doing to not be able to connect to your ECU.

I mean my dealer was able to do a FULL Scan and they knew I was chipped and never been denied any warranty work at all....just weird that this happened to you...I am pretty sure you are the FIRST to have this happen to you!!!

x2
I have been running EU for equally as long. Multiple dealer visits with no issues - air bag TSBs (twice now), radio TSBs, standard maintenance, etc. Just got my car back from the dealership last week after they performed the airbag TSB on the passenger seat . When I picked it up, the air bag light was cleared, which requires them to connect the computer and clear it. No mention whatsoever of any issues with my EU instrument coding.

Did the person with the dealer problem have an aftermarket HU?

[medingen]

I have no fog lights in my R32 ... any chance to adjust the FTP lights to aim lower and to enable them with an extra light switch?

[JetTurbo]

I have no fog lights in my R32 ... any chance to adjust the FTP lights to aim lower and to enable them with an extra light switch?

Actualy, by moving two wires in the CEC harnesses, you could activate the fog support and hook the ftp lights to the fog circuit (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1411138&postcount=9). That would allow you use a factory switch :rolleyes: You would have to provide a dummy load for the ftp circuit to keep its lamp out sensors happy though.

Don't now about changing the aiming, but the fog light circuit can be dimmed with VAG-COM, you could at least cut them back to a tolerable level.

[LI_HXC_VR6]

x2
I have been running EU for equally as long. Multiple dealer visits with no issues - air bag TSBs (twice now), radio TSBs, standard maintenance, etc. Just got my car back from the dealership last week after they performed the airbag TSB on the passenger seat . When I picked it up, the air bag light was cleared, which requires them to connect the computer and clear it. No mention whatsoever of any issues with my EU instrument coding.

Did the person with the dealer problem have an aftermarket HU?

This was my car in question... the HU is stcok but the sat. radio that it came with was unplugged the first week I had the car and sold and an ipod interface installed, other than that the stereo and everything electronic is all stock. I'm going to have it vag-com'd back to US mode soon b/c it's not worth the chance of another dealer having an issue scanning it and losing hundreds of dollars again in rental car charges (since the dealer held the car for 3 weeks while messing with it and vwoa denying any warranty coverage for that incident since they claimed I must have been "chipped"). My factory warranty expired a couple thousand miles ago but I have another 18k on my extended warranty so that should cover me for almost another year if I'm lucky, I'm hoping to get a few things taken care of in that time frame to make the extended warranty worthwhile.

[ddmak]

[QUOTE=JetTurbo;1395179]Fogs only - no city light / parking lights - assuming DRL is active, as you mention headlight switch off, park brake off and key on resulting in the DRL indicator in the speedometer.QUOTE]

When the fog lights is set as DRL, is there a way for VAG to set the parking lights to come on the same time with the fog lights?

Thanks,
DDmak

[UMassJ77]

[QUOTE=JetTurbo;1395179]Fogs only - no city light / parking lights - assuming DRL is active, as you mention headlight switch off, park brake off and key on resulting in the DRL indicator in the speedometer.QUOTE]

When the fog lights is set as DRL, is there a way for VAG to set the parking lights to come on the same time with the fog lights?

Thanks,
DDmak

yes but u need to get a euroswitch that has a spot for just city lights and pull for fog. Otherwise that position will light only city lights not DRLs so no FOGS unless PULLED.

[ddmak]

[QUOTE=ddmak;1674694]

yes but u need to get a euroswitch that has a spot for just city lights and pull for fog. Otherwise that position will light only city lights not DRLs so no FOGS unless PULLED.

Thank you so much.
Having the euroswitch is the main trick.
I will get one of those.

DDmak

[Minix775516]

Anyone know what the inner lights on my GTI ar for. I cant seem to turn them on. Pointless Lights!!

[rs_hunter]

I hope that was sarcasm.

Around here, it can be hard to tell...

[ddmak]

[QUOTE=ddmak;1674694]

yes but u need to get a euroswitch that has a spot for just city lights and pull for fog. Otherwise that position will light only city lights not DRLs so no FOGS unless PULLED.

I bought an euroswitch from the dealer, and had my lights re-programmed to country EU, fog lights as DRL, FTP to the inner headlights (during driving) when the HID's are off.

I noticed that when the HID's are on, FTP no longer goes to the inner headlights, it went to the HIDs. The only time FTP goes to the inner lights is when the HIDs off.

Is there a way to set FTP to the inner headlights when the HIDs are on?


Dixon

[JetTurbo]

I bought an euroswitch from the dealer, and had my lights re-programmed to country EU, fog lights as DRL, FTP to the inner headlights (during driving) when the HID's are off.

I noticed that when the HID's are on, FTP no longer goes to the inner headlights, it went to the HIDs. The only time FTP goes to the inner lights is when the HIDs off.

Is there a way to set FTP to the inner headlights when the HIDs are on?


Dixon
Nope

[ddmak]

Nope

Thanks.

Another question...
at present, the fog lights are set as DRL, I found the fog lights a bit small and low to the ground, can the HIDs be the DRL like it was from the factory and still let me use the FTP with the inner headlights (not in stationary mode).

Cheers,
DDmak

[ddmak]

Nope

Something has changed with the lights since I had re-programmed by the dealer.

At the dealer:
Country = EU
DRL = fog lights
FTP = inner headlights when HIDs are off
FTP = HID when HIDs are on
High beam = HIDs only

The next day, I changed some of the settings in the LCD panel back to the way I prefer, and afterward:
Country = EU
DRL = fog lights
FTP = inner headlights when HIDs are off
FTP = inner headlights when HIDS are on
High beam = HIDs and inner headlights

I like this new arrangement for the lights a lot, except it would be nicer if at the high beam mode, it won't turn on the inner headlights, the HIDs alone is bright enough as is. Also I still like to have the DRL assign to the HIDs instead of the fog lights.

Cheers,
DDmak

[Jonnie5]

When the fog lights is set as DRL, is there a way for VAG to set the parking lights to come on the same time with the fog lights?

Thanks,
DDmak

Mine are like that I have mine set to "Scandinavian DRL"

[JetTurbo]

When the fog lights is set as DRL, is there a way for VAG to set the parking lights to come on the same time with the fog lights?

Thanks,
DDmak

Mine are like that I have mine set to "Scandinavian DRL"
:iono:
I thought Scandanavian DRL is all night time required lights all the time?
You can get that to work without headlights by checking fogs as DRL?:eyebulge:

As far as
' is there a way for VAG to set the parking lights to come on the same time with the fog lights? ' -
if Scandanavian DRL works that way with fogs as DRL,
then it is the only way to do it with headlight switch off and DRL active.

But - US instruments, North American DRL set to use fogs, and a euro switch
provide that same external appearance
when the euro switch is set to city lights position (aka parking light position)?
http://dataton.net/vw/GTI-front_lights/GTI_city_lights_fog_lights.jpg
Then again, the same setup with a change to EU instruments
would provide the same external appearance
with the switch set to city lights and pulled one click for fogs
without the need to run DRL in any form.

[DonHowson]

I just received one I bought on E-bay. It came from Hong Kong. $35 ($2 + $30 Shipping!!) The seller is vag-team2. If it is not a VW original part, it is one helluva good knock off.

Now I just need to get my hands on a VAG-COM...

.../don

[Xenor]

I've had my car vagged to enable me to have my fogs (if they're turned on), hid high-beams, and FTP halogens on when I turn on high beams. It's crucial to have this much lighting for some of the small roads around my area and possibly the best cost($0) to benefit (uber lighting) mod I've done.

[ddmak]

When the fog lights is set as DRL, is there a way for VAG to set the parking lights to come on the same time with the fog lights?

Thanks,
DDmak

Mine are like that I have mine set to "Scandinavian DRL"

Yes, with the parking lights (city lights) on, I can pull the switch to turn on the fog lights.

Cheers,
DDmak

[projekt.kieru]

sub`ed

[dustinwark]

hey jetTurbo, i was so happy when you first made this thread, it has helped calm some of the FTP threads, anyway i recently became aware of another light mod w/ vag-com i don't think you have covered yet, having the turn signals (front) stay on with the parking lights to give a "solid bar" look, reading some threads on the tex about it. looks good, but should come with a disclaimer that if the brightness is set too high it could melt certain things

[JetTurbo]

hey jetTurbo, i was so happy when you first made this thread, it has helped calm some of the FTP threads, anyway i recently became aware of another light mod w/ vag-com i don't think you have covered yet, having the turn signals (front) stay on with the parking lights to give a "solid bar" look, reading some threads on the tex about it. looks good, but should come with a disclaimer that if the brightness is set too high it could melt certain things

Stock bulbs with available controller settings melting things would surprise me a little.

Turn signal bulbs are 12 watt halogen vs city light 5 watt simple incandescent.
Turn signal beam is more focused forward than the city lights
From the front, turn signals appear much brighter.
So much so, that even at 10% they appear brighter than city lights.

Just the same, if you like that look, it is one simple setting:

Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 -- VAG-COM 09-Cent.Elect. - byte 7
enter % brightness in the decimal field.
http://dataton.net/vw/VAGscreenshot/CentElec-byte7.png

No matter what the setting, with key on and turn signal engaged,
it will blink from full brightness to full off,
returning to the static value when turn signal is cancelled.

-----

Another backup function for those who have added rear fog is an extra rear running light.
Set to about 10% for best results.
Won't be annoying like normal rear fog (which is still available when selected)
and you will stand out with that extra rear tail light / unbalanced look. :eyebulge:

Vehicle Electrical System Controller J519 -- VAG-COM 09-Cent.Elect. - byte 10
enter % brightness in the decimal field.
http://dataton.net/vw/VAGscreenshot/CentElec-byte10.png

Actually used that once, one bad night someone damaged my left tail light in a parking lot.
Pulled out my VAG-COM and recoded fog to running light on the spot.
Managed to get pulled over for speeding on the way home
and the officer didn't have a problem with the lights - still wrote the speed ticket :frown:

[maotsetung]

Is there a way to turn-off the turn signals when the parking lights are or when the headlights are on? I just want them when I need to signal and that's it.

[frank15032000]

GOOD

[JetTurbo]

Is there a way to turn-off the turn signals when the parking lights are or when the headlights are on? I just want them when I need to signal and that's it.


That is default and should be how your car was set when delivered.
If not, have the dealer correct it.

i.e. reference the VAG-COM screenshot setting above,
set byte 7 to value 00 to accomplish what you request.

[gtixlr8r]

I had just posted #105985 before I read this extremely informative thread. Rock ON jetTurbo!
The euro or UK country code switch from US is the way to go for what I need.
What is the difference between the two?
It looks as though the answer to my question on the warranty is not black and white,
it's -united grey-

[kioko12]

Just found this thread and it's great. However, I was wondering how many of you have had problems at the VW dealer if you changed your settings to the UK/EU in order to disable the DRLs?

[JetTurbo]

Just found this thread and it's great. However, I was wondering how many of you have had problems at the VW dealer if you changed your settings to the UK/EU in order to disable the DRLs?

You do not need to change instrument country setting to disable DRL,
you can do that just fine with US instruments.

Both posts #42 (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1467793#post1467793) and #43 deal with that topic,
i.e. neither of us had any issues at the dealer.
Since the day my car was received,
it has never had US instruments setting (to eliminate the nav nag)
and the local dealer has never once commented on it.
And the dealer has cleared DTCs on multiple occasions,
so I know they have hooked up to it.

As for post # 12 (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1232022#post1232022), I suspect there may be some other reason for the issue
and the instrument settings is wrongly being blamed.
In fact, a chipped ECU does not prevent the dealer from hooking up,
head unit anomalies are a more likely cause, they are snowing that poor guy.

[kioko12]

You do not need to change instrument country setting to disable DRL,
you can do that just fine with US instruments.

Both posts #42 (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1467793#post1467793) and #43 deal with that topic,
i.e. neither of us had any issues at the dealer.
Since the day my car was received,
it has never had US instruments setting (to eliminate the nav nag)
and the local dealer has never once commented on it.
And the dealer has cleared DTCs on multiple occasions,
so I know they have hooked up to it.

As for post # 12 (http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1232022#post1232022), I suspect there may be some other reason for the issue
and the instrument settings is wrongly being blamed.
In fact, a chipped ECU does not prevent the dealer from hooking up,
head unit anomalies are a more likely cause, they are snowing that poor guy.

I was actually referring to have the F2P high-beam inner lights come on with the HID high-beams, but I re-read the thread and saw that it requires the UK/EU setting. It still puzzles me as to why US spec cars don't have this as standard...

[CalgaryPilot]

What a dumb design. I also drive on country roads at night where I would appreciate al the light I can get. Does the Audi A4 have this same system?
Imagine going into any domestic or japanese dealership and explaining that on your german car, one set of headlights only works with the handbrake on.

[CalgaryPilot]

What a dumb design. I also drive on country roads at night where I would appreciate all the light I can get.
Does the Audi A4 have this same system?
Imagine going into any domestic or japanese dealership and explaining that on your german car, one set of headlights only works with the handbrake on.
Does the 2010 GTI have the same setup?

[GodSquadMandrake]

If anyone is wondering, the inner headlights work great with 55w HIDs. They throw light further down the road than the main headlights and it makes driving in Alaska with 22 hours of darkness, suicidal moose, no streetlights, and 360 miles between major cities bearable.