VAG com genuis needed: Front amber turn signals off except when directional on?

[EURO_DOLL]

Hey Guys.

I have already spent a ton of time searching on AZ for an answer to this question as well as Google & outside sites and I didn't find an exact answer, especially for B6's. One of my biggest pet peeves with my two B6s has always been the horrible amber lights in the headlights that stay on very dim, even when the turn signal isn't on. They're double filament bulbs - one filament stays on whenever the headlights are turned on, and the other filament gets much brighter when the directionals are on. They just don't look right (IMO) next to hyper white headlights.. I've asked my VW Mechanic who does all my VAG COM work if he could possibly VAG my car to turn off the one, dull filament and have it coded to ONLY turn on when I put my directionals on. He's more than willing to do it, but since he's never actually done this code before he asked me to search around to see if it was possible and he would do the same thing. I've seen a ton of threads regarding turning off the amber side markers, but I haven't gotten a direct answer in terms of what I am looking to do - so I'm sorry if there is already a thread out there about this exactly.

So my question is this, is it possible to turn off the amber bulbs in the headlights on my B6 (while the headlights & fog lights are on) and to tweak them so they ONLY go on when I put my turn signals on? And does anyone have the exact code that we would be working with? Any input & your experiences are greatly appreciated! And also if anyone has any photos of what their lights look like with this done, please feel free to post them. Thank you guys in advance.

[gottaBdope]

Could you not just use a single filament bulb...if you only want one cycle?

[Wet0willy01]

buy Ecodes....

[onceover]

buy Ecodes....

Yeeeep

[imnuts]

There are only two options that I know of, get E-codes, or re-wire the headlight housings and likely deal with a bulb out warning.

[agart]

I don't think this is something you could do via vag-com because it is not an option stock on any A4. The closest thing that resembles it would be the e-codes which use a light in the high beam reflector as the new running light. I wonder if you could run a single filament bulb and wire in a resistor to trick the ECU into thinking that the other filament is still there. That way you get the effect you're looking for without having the bulb out light in the dash. I could be wrong about the vag-com but at least this gives you another option if that doesn't work.

[[email protected]]

Try using a VAGCOM and code the lighting to USA mode as this will disable any DRL functions.

[gottaBdope]

I don't think this is something you could do via vag-com because it is not an option stock on any A4. The closest thing that resembles it would be the e-codes which use a light in the high beam reflector as the new running light. I wonder if you could run a single filament bulb and wire in a resistor to trick the ECU into thinking that the other filament is still there. That way you get the effect you're looking for without having the bulb out light in the dash. I could be wrong about the vag-com but at least this gives you an other option if that doesn't work.

2nd that.

[EURO_DOLL]

I don't think this is something you could do via vag-com because it is not an option stock on any A4. The closest thing that resembles it would be the e-codes which use a light in the high beam reflector as the new running light. I wonder if you could run a single filament bulb and wire in a resistor to trick the ECU into thinking that the other filament is still there. That way you get the effect you're looking for without having the bulb out light in the dash. I could be wrong about the vag-com but at least this gives you an other option if that doesn't work.

This seems like one of the best options to get rid of that awful dull light. I actually changed the amber colored turn signals to the "White" bulbs, but they're still that dull yellow/ gold color that regular bulbs are. I was hoping that I could just have had it recoded in order to avoid seriously screwing with my lights even further lol. E-codes are absolutely beautiful and I DO plan on getting them sometime in the near future. I've had this A4 for less than a month and between getting new wheels and tires, changing the lighting, REVO Stage 1 tune, other little things and the car itself, I've spent over $13K. So E-Codes aren't in my price range this second.

My other option that I was considering before I even thought about VAG com was putting LED turn signals in - which would also require a resistor, but they would be a hyper white color instead. Now that I know it more than likely cant be done via vag, I'm gonna start looking into the LEDs again (until I refill my bank account & can actually afford e-codes).

I'm going to head over to my guy's house within the next couple of days and I'm gonna have him hook the car up to the laptop to at least determine it definitely cannot be done. Thank you guys so much for taking the time out to reply! If anyone else has any other ideas or options, I'm all ears.

[diagnosticator]

Hey Guys.

I have already spent a ton of time searching on AZ for an answer to this question as well as Google & outside sites and I didn't find an exact answer, especially for B6's. One of my biggest pet peeves with my two B6s has always been the horrible amber lights in the headlights that stay on very dim, even when the turn signal isn't on. They're double filament bulbs - one filament stays on whenever the headlights are turned on, and the other filament gets much brighter when the directionals are on. They just don't look right (IMO) next to hyper white headlights.. I've asked my VW Mechanic who does all my VAG COM work if he could possibly VAG my car to turn off the one, dull filament and have it coded to ONLY turn on when I put my directionals on. He's more than willing to do it, but since he's never actually done this code before he asked me to search around to see if it was possible and he would do the same thing. I've seen a ton of threads regarding turning off the amber side markers, but I haven't gotten a direct answer in terms of what I am looking to do - so I'm sorry if there is already a thread out there about this exactly.

So my question is this, is it possible to turn off the amber bulbs in the headlights on my B6 (while the headlights & fog lights are on) and to tweak them so they ONLY go on when I put my turn signals on? And does anyone have the exact code that we would be working with? Any input & your experiences are greatly appreciated! And also if anyone has any photos of what their lights look like with this done, please feel free to post them. Thank you guys in advance.

No. This is not possible with just a recode or adaptation channel tweak.

[diagnosticator]

Try using a VAGCOM and code the lighting to USA mode as this will disable any DRL functions.

Yes, but that coding does not effect the parking light/turn signal lamp.

[diagnosticator]

Could you not just use a single filament bulb...if you only want one cycle?

there is no single filament lamp bulbs that fit the dual filament lamp socket. either the bulb base or the bulb socket, or both would require modifications.

[[email protected]]

That is odd because when I VAG'd my car from Canada mode (DRLs) to USA mode all the marker lights turned off.

[diagnosticator]

That is odd because when I VAG'd my car from Canada mode (DRLs) to USA mode all the marker lights turned off.

I have changed my coding from US to CAN also, and the reverse effect, illuminating the corner lamps, did not happen since they are already on with the headlight switch in the parking light mode and the headlights on mode. Running without corner lights is an infraction in both the US and Canada.

[diagnosticator]

I don't think this is something you could do via vag-com because it is not an option stock on any A4. The closest thing that resembles it would be the e-codes which use a light in the high beam reflector as the new running light. I wonder if you could run a single filament bulb and wire in a resistor to trick the ECU into thinking that the other filament is still there. That way you get the effect you're looking for without having the bulb out light in the dash. I could be wrong about the vag-com but at least this gives you another option if that doesn't work.

A correctly valued resistor, properly wired replacing the corner clearance lamp, would do the job preventing the lamp failure warning for the corner lamp.

[EURO_DOLL]

A correctly valued resistor, properly wired replacing the corner clearance lamp, would do the job preventing the lamp failure warning for the corner lamp.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Definitely a great idea. I'm going to run this by my boy that does some of the work on my car to make sure hes able to do it :) I'll let you guys know how it goes

[CrazyCal]

It's illegal in the states. You'll prob get ticketed for it. The closest semi-legal way you could do it is those LEDs that are white until you use your turn signal, then they're yellow/orange.

[EURO_DOLL]

It's illegal in the states. You'll prob get ticketed for it. The closest semi-legal way you could do it is those LEDs that are white until you use your turn signal, then they're yellow/orange.

Thanks for the heads up. I know it's illegal to have anything but amber bulbs as you're turning signals, but I've swapped them out for white bulbs on my previous a4 as well and I didnt have any legal issues in my 2 years of driving with them in. While many cops in NY can be total douche bags, theyve never screwed with me over my turn signals before. I'm going to do a little more reading into my options.. As of now I'm contemplating going with LED turn signals in hyper white. As long as its an equipment issue if I ever got a ticket because of the white bulbs, (knock on wood), I'll have to opportunity to replace the bulbs back to amber and the ticket will then be dropped.

I will definitely keep that in mind when settling on a decision for my turn signals. Thanks again! :)

[Matt Devo]

Thanks for the heads up. I know it's illegal to have anything but amber bulbs as you're turning signals, but I've swapped them out for white bulbs on my previous a4 as well and I didnt have any legal issues in my 2 years of driving with them in. While many cops in NY can be total douche bags, theyve never screwed with me over my turn signals before. I'm going to do a little more reading into my options.. As of now I'm contemplating going with LED turn signals in hyper white. As long as its an equipment issue if I ever got a ticket because of the white bulbs, (knock on wood), I'll have to opportunity to replace the bulbs back to amber and the ticket will then be dropped.

I will definitely keep that in mind when settling on a decision for my turn signals. Thanks again! :)

Don't be that asshole with white turn signals. They're amber for a reason - everyone knows what a flashing amber light signifies. A flashing white light? not so much. Use the chromed bulbs that blink amber.

[imnuts]

Don't be that asshole with white turn signals. They're amber for a reason - everyone knows what a flashing amber light signifies. A flashing white light? not so much. Use the chromed bulbs that blink amber.

I'll add a +1, and that it makes me think of a Civic.

[EURO_DOLL]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep that in mind when deciding what I'd like to do to my car.

[DownhillA4]

Euro_doll, I kinda dig the idea of having the amber turn signals not show when the headlights/foglights are on and only appear when you signal to make a left/right. I don't like the idea of you putting white turn signal bulbs in... but that's just my opinion. Definately keep me in the loop if you and your boy find a way to do this vag-com or trick mod.

Also... my buddy is selling a set of E-Codes in CT you may be interested in... http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...-oem-2b&cat=65

[Kwarner]

Search corner delete, you need to block the parking light contact point on the turn signal bulb socket itself (1 of the 3) and tap a 6 ohm 50 watt resistor between the number 7 and 8 wires. To cover the contact point just put electrical tape over the contact point. The mod is completely reversible this way if you choose to do so. Been running it like this problem free for several years. If you tap the resistor in make sure to put heat shrink on the resistor to keep the insulation from deteriorating over time. I said I would do a DIY write up a couple years ago but never got around to it since it's so simple.

[EURO_DOLL]

Search corner delete, you need to block the parking light contact point on the turn signal bulb socket itself (1 of the 3) and tap a 6 ohm 50 watt resistor between the number 7 and 8 wires. To cover the contact point just put electrical tape over the contact point. The mod is completely reversible this way if you choose to do so. Been running it like this problem free for several years. If you tap the resistor in make sure to put heat shrink on the resistor to keep the insulation from deteriorating over time. I said I would do a DIY write up a couple years ago but never got around to it since it's so simple.

Thank you so much for the detailed description! I'm absolutely up for doing this instead of the LED turn signals. I'm going to show my boy your post tomorrow and hopefully he'll be able to work with it :) This is the kind of "mod" I was looking for for my turn signals. I don't mind having amber turn signals, I just really hate the way that they look when they're permanently on when the headlights are on. Definitely one of the best suggestions yet!

Euro_doll, I kinda dig the idea of having the amber turn signals not show when the headlights/foglights are on and only appear when you signal to make a left/right. I don't like the idea of you putting white turn signal bulbs in... but that's just my opinion. Definately keep me in the loop if you and your boy find a way to do this vag-com or trick mod.

Also... my buddy is selling a set of E-Codes in CT you may be interested in... http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/...-oem-2b&cat=65

You got it! And I can understand where you and everyone else are coming from regarding the white turn signals. Sure, they'd go with my headlights and fog light set up much much better than an amber bulb - but all in all if they're off EXCEPT when I'm turning I'll be ecstatic. Tomorrow I am going to run Kwarner's idea by my boy and hopefully we'll get it working. I'll keep you updated.


And again, thank you everyone for your feedback, help, and constructive criticism.

[Kwarner]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...lete-mod/page2

There's the thread with info in it. I still prefer the electrical tape method over the bulb modification since it's easily reversible. Some tips would be to use a double layer of electrical tape to cover the contact point and it's easy to figure out which one to cover through trial and error since there's only 3 choices.

[T0M3K]

I should have semi-working e-codes that I want to get rid of (broken tabs on one unit) and I am also in LI.

I forgot about those amber problems, been running e-codes for years.

Also, how is it illegal to be without ambers? I see so many cars driving like that from factory.

[EURO_DOLL]

I should have semi-working e-codes that I want to get rid of (broken tabs on one unit) and I am also in LI.

I forgot about those amber problems, been running e-codes for years.

Also, how is it illegal to be without ambers? I see so many cars driving like that from factory.

^^ I've seen numerous cars driving without ambers from the factory as well. Can't remember for the life of me right now which models and makes have, or don't have them in this case, but I know they're out there.

And with the e-codes you are thinking about getting rid of in the near future - are the broken clips actually repairable? I am considering the e-codes option in the near future, but I'm trying to convert to USP first before anything else. I would more than likely be interested in the e-codes depending on the overall condition, price, and whether they're repairable or not. If you'd like, shoot me a PM! Valley Stream isn't really all that far from me. (Maybe a little less than an hour? I'm a bit further out East).

[DownhillA4]

Looking forward to what you come up with when you do this project Euro_doll. Also, you mentioned you want to convert to USP... would love to buy your 38k mileaged unpainted doorblades from you!

[EURO_DOLL]

Looking forward to what you come up with when you do this project Euro_doll. Also, you mentioned you want to convert to USP... would love to buy your 38k mileaged unpainted doorblades from you!

Thank you much! :) and I'm in the process of buying all the pieces for the USP conversion as we speak. I wouldn't even charge you for my door blades :) Just shipping. Once I get the ball rolling on the body work I'll shoot you a PM and well work out the details. You have first dibs!

[diagnosticator]

That is odd because when I VAG'd my car from Canada mode (DRLs) to USA mode all the marker lights turned off.

I need to back pedal here. On the latest versions of the CECM, the coding can allow for DRL or no DRL, and DRL with or without corner/tail lights ON with DRLs ON. US coding does not allow corner lights ON with DRL ON. DRL is coded separately. US coding has the DRLs are ON then the corner lights are OFF. Then with the headlights ON, the corner lights are ON and the DRL are OFF.

[Matt Devo]

I need to back pedal here. On the latest versions of the CECM, the coding can allow for DRL or no DRL, and DRL with or without corner/tail lights ON with DRLs ON. US coding does not allow corner lights ON with DRL ON. DRL is coded separately. US coding has the DRLs are ON then the corner lights are OFF. Then with the headlights ON, the corner lights are ON and the DRL are OFF.

I assume this newer CECM still uses the fog lights as DRL? I'd like a way to run my city lights (ecodes) as DRL without having the rear brake lights on as well (when parking lights turned on)