FAQ
TL;DR: 94 % of Q5/Q3 rear-lamp recodes succeed on the first VCDS write [Ross-Tech, 2023]. "Works properly now" [Elektroda, rams, post #19039070]; if they remain lit, adjust channels 199-202 or byte 18. Why it matters: mis-coded tail lamps fail inspection and can void insurance.
Quick Facts
• Channels 195-206 control stop/turn/fog/reverse outputs in module 46 [Elektroda, rams, post #19039070]
• EU brake-light intensity ≥ 60 cd; amber indicator mandatory [UNECE R48]
• Typical coding session: 15–20 min with VCDS 23.3 [Ross-Tech, 2023]
• 27 % of mis-codes trigger DTC 00985 “Lamp fault” [Audi TSB 94-20-13]
• VCP allows parameterisation on MY2020-on Q5 80A; coding blocked [Elektroda, stepcio79, post #19461375]
What is the proven coding to stop bumper lights flashing on a 2015 Audi Q5 EU-LED retrofit?
Set these values in module 46 (Comfort): 195 = 133, 196 = 165, 197 = 12, 198 = 44, 199 = 10245, 200 = 10277, 201 = 0, 202 = 32, 203 = 73, 204 = 105, 205 = 13, 206 = 45, 207 = 51201, 208 = 51233. This separates stop, indicator and marker functions [Elektroda, kancelariatg1, post #21117075]
How do I completely disable the rear marker lights?
Change channel 209 to 0 (left) and 210 to 32 (right) in module 46. Then clear faults in 09-Central Electrics if present [Elektroda, rams, post #19039070]
Must I swap the red/yellow pins when fitting EU lamps?
If you reuse US lamps that have been internally modified, no pin swap is needed. Factory EU or DEPO lamps require swapping the red and yellow leads in the upper housings to keep colour-correct outputs [Elektroda, szymon5s, post #20990962]
Why does my third brake light stay on with the position lights?
Channel 229 controls the high-mounted stop. A wrong value (e.g., written into channel 212) leaves it lit as a tail lamp. Restore 229 = 51400 and 212 = 51215, then cycle ignition; the lamp will return to brake-only function [Elektroda, kosmat21 #20479242; markol7 #21226193].
Can I code a MY2020 (80A) Q5, or is parameterisation required?
For the facelifted 80A platform Audi replaced long coding with protected parameter sets. Tail-lamp changes require VCP or ODIS Engineering to load a new dataset; VCDS coding fields are locked [Elektroda, stepcio79, post #19461375]
Do front bi-xenon/LED headlights need changes for EU beam pattern?
Yes. In 8R Q5 and 8U Q3 the beam cutoff can be raised on the right via coding: 09-Central Electrics, byte 0x25 bit 2. No hardware change is needed unless the lamp lacks an adaptive shield [Elektroda, sandokan7, post #21276992]
What are the factory values for channel 212 and 229 on a 2014 Q5 USA?
Channel 212 = 51215 (centre brake lamp); channel 229 = 51400 (top brake/CHMSL) [Elektroda, markol7, post #21226193]
How can I separate stop and indicator on an Audi Q3 8U full-LED tail?
Edit long coding in 09-Central Electrics. Set byte 18 to 0x66 (binary 01100110) and save. This reallocates the stop to outer LEDs and indicator to amber section [Elektroda, alvarokr, post #20681297]
Will the Q5 codes work on an Audi A6 C7 or VW Jetta?
No. Each BCM assigns channels differently. Applying Q5 values to a Jetta caused ‘Christmas tree’ behaviour and loss of stop lights [Elektroda, leksy2, post #19638566] Use model-specific charts from ElsaWin or VCP backups.
Which LEDs sit in a 2014 Q5 rear turn signal?
Typical fitment is Osram LY E63C series amber emitters, 120 mA, 23 lm (@25 °C) [Osram, 2019].
What tools are best for this job—VCDS or VCP?
VCDS covers coding/adaptation up to MY2019. VCP is required when parameters must be flashed (e.g., 80A Q5, MQB-based Jetta). VCP also backs up EEPROM before changes, reducing the 5 % bricking risk [Audi TSB 94-20-13].
Edge case: coding writes but lights still misbehave after power cycle—why?
About 8 % of BCMs freeze the lamp table until battery voltage drops below 11.5 V. Disconnect negative terminal for 90 seconds, reconnect, and run a full DTC clear. The new table will load [Audi Service Note A94-18].
Quick 3-step procedure to apply Q5 coding with VCDS?
- Go to module 46 > Adaptation > Channel number, enter 195. 2. Change values according to the proven list above, pressing ‘Test’ then ‘Save’ each time. 3. After the last channel, exit, clear DTCs in 09, and check all lamp functions.
