VCDS issues (control module not available, blocks not returning values)

[ven0m]

Hey guys,

I tried to check a couple of things in VCDS and I ran into some trouble. Can you elaborate why this is happening? I googled a bit and it said that these functionalities may be disabled on some ECU's.

I tried to check the IGNITION misfire count and the PDC distance value:
- The blocks 015, 016 and 017 in the 1-engine module give no value (brackets remain blank)
- The control module 76 for parking assist where you can read the PDC values is not reachable (OEM PDC works normally)








Here's the complete scan of all available modules on my ECU. 76 - Park Assist is not reachable...

Tuesday,22,March,2016,18:07:05:32264
VCDS Version: Release 11.11.3
Data version: 20120401



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Address 01: Engine
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E1 910 560
Component: 4.2L V8/4V FSI ª0080
Coding: 01040003180F0160
Shop #: WSC 00191

Address 03: ABS Brakes
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E0 910 517 G
Component: ESP8 quattro H06 0150
Coding: 0004533
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 08: Auto HVAC
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 820 043 BM
Component: A4 Klimaautomat 2832
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000

Address 09: Cent. Elect.
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 907 279 L
Component: int. Lastmodul ECE 0704
Coding: 01021
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 11: Engine II
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E1 910 560
Component: 4.2L V8/4V FSI ª0080
Coding: 01040003180F0160
Shop #: WSC 00191

Address 15: Airbags
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E0 959 655 G
Component: Airbag 9.41 H12 3730
Coding: 0430712
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 16: Steering wheel
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 953 549 T
Component: Lenksáulenmodul 0201
Coding: 06021
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 17: Instruments
Protocol: KWP2000
Part No: 8E0 920 931 G
Component: KOMBI+WFS 4 H14 0030
Coding: 0023101
Shop #: WSC 63480

Address 25: Immobilizer
Protocol: KWP2000
Part No: 8E0 920 931 G
Component: KOMBI+WFS 4 H14 0030
Coding: 0023101
Shop #: WSC 63480

Address 31: Engine other
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E1 910 560
Component: 4.2L V8/4V FSI ª0080
Coding: 01040003180F0160
Shop #: WSC 00191

Address 45: Inter. Monitor
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 951 177
Component: Innenraumueberw. 0804
Coding: 00001
Shop #: WSC 00000

Address 46: Central Conv.
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 959 433 CH
Component: Komfortgerát T3B 4035
Coding: 06762
Shop #: WSC 06335

Any help would be much appreciated, because I'm completely in the dark and tried googling for a solution 2 days straight with no luck.

[komseh]

The misfires can only be read from ECU 2, which is controller 11 I believe.

[your daddy]

you need to scan for a RS4. rs4 has ecm 1 and 2.

[PetrolDave]

That's a very, very old version of VCDS (11.11.3) that you're using, the latest version is 15.7.4 (and there's a beta 16.3.1).

[ven0m]

The misfires can only be read from ECU 2, which is controller 11 I believe.

Thank you for this info, I'll check.
I did go a bit through module 11 (the second ECU) but maybe I didn't check block 15, 16 and 17.

That's a very, very old version of VCDS (11.11.3) that you're using, the latest version is 15.7.4 (and there's a beta 16.3.1).

It supports all VAG vehicles up to 2011. I highly doubt a newer version would change which blocks the cars ECU displays.


Any thoughts about the PDC? Anybody?

[Mr Hyde]

Is this a genuine Ross Tech cable?

[PetrolDave]

Is this a genuine Ross Tech cable?

Not running the latest VCDS (which is a free for life upgrade if you have a genuine cable, so it would be crazy not to always run the latest version) suggests to me that's it's not a genuine Ross-Tech cable.

[ven0m]

Is this a genuine Ross Tech cable?

Mine isn't. But I tested in parallel at Audi with an Audi tech., that used the OE VAG tool (the big one that comes with a complete tray table) and he also was not able to access module 76.
All other readouts, modules and the scan were the same on both reading devices.

[ven0m]

Bump.

Anybody else had the same problem with not being able to access module 76 for the PDC read-out?

[iduff]

It supports all VAG vehicles up to 2011. I highly doubt a newer version would change which blocks the cars ECU displays.

Any thoughts about the PDC? Anybody?

I don't know any differently, but don't be too sure. The updates are free, so why not just use the latest?

[PetrolDave]

The updates are free, so why not just use the latest?

Because OP doesn't have a genuine Ross-Tech lead.

[iduff]

Well, there's his problem.

ven0m, suggest you consider getting a genuine cable, for a couple of reasons: one, eliminate the variables in this troubleshooting exercise, and two, support a long-time vendor to the VAG community and help him keep the updates coming.

[gesTTalt]

Bump.

Anybody else had the same problem with not being able to access module 76 for the PDC read-out?

Do you have a tune on your car? When I was helping a friend out with his car, interestingly, blocks 15 - 17 were not available. I use a Ross tech cable. I didn't pursue the issue as it was not my car.

[ven0m]

Do you have a tune on your car? When I was helping a friend out with his car, interestingly, blocks 15 - 17 were not available. I use a Ross tech cable. I didn't pursue the issue as it was not my car.

I have the rear O2 sensors disabled due to removed pre-cats and the limiter at 270kmh was also removed. Does that count as a tune since the ECU was read and re-written?

[gesTTalt]

I have the rear O2 sensors disabled due to removed pre-cats and the limiter at 270kmh was also removed. Does that count as a tune since the ECU was read and re-written?

I would say you have a tune. I don't know enough of the parameters disabling the pre cats. Can you enable it again and if the misfires recognition is there, you can just leave it in until you complete your diagnosis?

[ven0m]

The misfires can only be read from ECU 2, which is controller 11 I believe.

@Komseh you were right regardin module 11 (ECU2) to be for the missfire recognition.

I found the correct measuring blocks and logged a few WOT runs and a bit of city coasting.
I had 0 miss-fires except for cylinder 6 getting 5 miss-fires after stopping right after a WOT run.
I believe that is well in tolerance, comparing with other results I read through on AZ.

I would say you have a tune. I don't know enough of the parameters disabling the pre cats. Can you enable it again and if the misfires recognition is there, you can just leave it in until you complete your diagnosis?

The miss-fires can be read from module 11 which I found out after Komseh pointed me in that direction. The problem is module 76 with the PDC readouts that I would like to check. That one can't be accessed.

Well, there's his problem.

ven0m, suggest you consider getting a genuine cable, for a couple of reasons: one, eliminate the variables in this troubleshooting exercise

I tested in parallel at Audi with an Audi tech., that used the OE VAG tool (the big one that comes with a complete tray table) and he also was not able to access module 76.
All other readouts, modules and the scan were the same on both reading devices.

[PetrolDave]

But I tested in parallel at Audi with an Audi tech., that used the OE VAG tool (the big one that comes with a complete tray table) and he also was not able to access module 76.
All other readouts, modules and the scan were the same on both reading devices.

Have you done a full Auto-Scan - to see if there are any other modules that are not reachable. This will check if it's a problem with only module 76 or either of the K or K2 (sometimes called L) diagnostic signals.

[ven0m]

Have you done a full Auto-Scan - to see if there are any other modules that are not reachable. This will check if it's a problem with only module 76 or either of the K or K2 (sometimes called L) diagnostic signals.

We did auto scans but I don't know which modules should be available by default. Auto-Scan result was:

Address 01: Engine
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E1 910 560 
Component: 4.2L V8/4V FSI ª0080
Coding: 01040003180F0160
Shop #: WSC 00191

Address 03: ABS Brakes
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E0 910 517 G
Component: ESP8 quattro H06 0150
Coding: 0004533
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 08: Auto HVAC
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 820 043 BM
Component: A4 Klimaautomat 2832
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000

Address 09: Cent. Elect.
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 907 279 L
Component: int. Lastmodul ECE 0704
Coding: 01021
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 11: Engine II
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E1 910 560 
Component: 4.2L V8/4V FSI ª0080
Coding: 01040003180F0160
Shop #: WSC 00191

Address 15: Airbags
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E0 959 655 G
Component: Airbag 9.41 H12 3730
Coding: 0430712
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 16: Steering wheel
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 953 549 T
Component: Lenksáulenmodul 0201
Coding: 06021
Shop #: WSC 06335

Address 17: Instruments
Protocol: KWP2000
Part No: 8E0 920 931 G
Component: KOMBI+WFS 4 H14 0030
Coding: 0023101
Shop #: WSC 63480

Address 25: Immobilizer
Protocol: KWP2000
Part No: 8E0 920 931 G
Component: KOMBI+WFS 4 H14 0030
Coding: 0023101
Shop #: WSC 63480

Address 31: Engine other
Protocol: CAN
Part No: 8E1 910 560 
Component: 4.2L V8/4V FSI ª0080
Coding: 01040003180F0160
Shop #: WSC 00191

Address 45: Inter. Monitor
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 951 177 
Component: Innenraumueberw. 0804
Coding: 00001
Shop #: WSC 00000

Address 46: Central Conv.
Protocol: KW1281
Part No: 8E0 959 433 CH
Component: Komfortgerát T3B 4035
Coding: 06762
Shop #: WSC 06335

[PetrolDave]

We did auto scans but I don't know which modules should be available by default.

That's a VERY incomplete list which appears to be missing many modules common on a B7.
The default list that VCDS scans for on a B7 are 01 02 03 08 09 0F 11 15 16 17 18 36 37 45 46 55 56 57 65 67 69 75 76 77

You're missing ones such as 37 (Navigation if you have an RNS-E), 55 (Xenon Range), 56 (Radio), 65 (Tyre Pressures), 76 (Park Assist), 77 (Phone).

So to me that says you have a problem on the K2(L) diagnostic line.

The modules you can see are there because they either use CAN diagnostics (e.g. 01 & 11 Engine) or use the K line.

[WinterRunner]

Why are you using just can?

- - - Updated - - -

you should grab a hex+USB line, bet you get all the modules then.

[PetrolDave]

Why are you using just can?

On the B7 only powertrain modules (e.g. engine, ABS, transmission) use CAN diagnosis, and there are modules other than those on the Powertrain CAN bus in OPs list - as proven by OPs list including modules where the protocol is shown as KW1281 and KWP2000 - so using a CAN only lead is not his problem.

[WinterRunner]

Beyond my knowledge....

[ven0m]

That's a VERY incomplete list which appears to be missing many modules common on a B7.
The default list that VCDS scans for on a B7 are 01 02 03 08 09 0F 11 15 16 17 18 36 37 45 46 55 56 57 65 67 69 75 76 77

You're missing ones such as 37 (Navigation if you have an RNS-E), 55 (Xenon Range), 56 (Radio), 65 (Tyre Pressures), 76 (Park Assist), 77 (Phone).

So to me that says you have a problem on the K2(L) diagnostic line.

The modules you can see are there because they either use CAN diagnostics (e.g. 01 & 11 Engine) or use the K line.

That's some very valuable info PetrolDave. Thank you for your input!

Question:
Could the K2 bus not functioning be the result of disabling the rear O2 sensors or disabling the TPMS?
The TPMS was disabled after I bought the car by editing a value for the minimum threshold - I believe at the time the Audi tech still could access the TPMS module to perform the change.
Later after that a tuner re-wrote the ECU when he disabled the rear O2 sensors due to pre-cat removal.


Just to make sure I'll double check on the VW OE reader that Audi has at their service center - I got a service coming up next month so I'll pester them a bit more with an extra request regarding the scan tool.

[PetrolDave]

Question:
Could the K2 bus not functioning be the result of disabling the rear O2 sensors or disabling the TPMS?

No and no.

The O2 sensors connect to the engine ECUs which use the Powertrain CAN Bus for diagnostics.
Disabling the TPMS meant the TPMS module could be communicated with using the K2 line, so the K2 line was fine then.

[ven0m]

No and no.

The O2 sensors connect to the engine ECUs which use the Powertrain CAN Bus for diagnostics.
Disabling the TPMS meant the TPMS module could be communicated with using the K2 line, so the K2 line was fine then.

I'll have look at Audi with the OE VW tool, to check if me and the tech botched something up.
PetrolDave I can't thank you enough for your help with troubleshooting! I'll report back with what I find.

[ven0m]

@PetrolDave and everybody else

Thank you all for the support and I feel like a complete moron. You were right to begin with as the problem lay in the cheap'o cable, that should have been a Dual-K and HEX-CAN bus cable, but was actually only a CAN-bus cable...

PetrolDave, I'm sorry to have taken up your time for such a ridiculous problem... Thank you for your extensive explanations!
As the saying goes "If it's cheap, it probably ain't good. If it's good, it probably ain't cheap." so time to buy a proper cable I guess.


ps: After accessing the PDC actual values we troubleshooted the rear and found the following:
All 4 rear sensors show 255. If you put your hand in-front of a sensor or walk past them, they don't change, they just stay at 255. Sometimes 1 of the 4 randomly show the accurate value, but it is never the same sensor. Sometimes it also show the accurate value for a split second and then again back to 255. The front works normally.

Any idea what would cause such an acting up of the rear parking sensors? It's no problem to go out and buy 4 new sensors, I just don't want to do that out of the blue and then still have the same issue, because the problem would lie elsewhere.

[PetrolDave]

PetrolDave, I'm sorry to have taken up your time for such a ridiculous problem... Thank you for your extensive explanations!

No problem, happy to be able to help.

ps: After accessing the PDC actual values we troubleshooted the rear and found the following:
All 4 rear sensors show 255. If you put your hand in-front of a sensor or walk past them, they don't change, they just stay at 255. Sometimes 1 of the 4 randomly show the accurate value, but it is never the same sensor. Sometimes it also show the accurate value for a split second and then again back to 255. The front works normally.

Any idea what would cause such an acting up of the rear parking sensors? It's no problem to go out and buy 4 new sensors, I just don't want to do that out of the blue and then still have the same issue, because the problem would lie elsewhere.

It seems unlikely but not impossible that all 4 rear sensors are intermittently faulty. The intermittent nature suggests to me a problem with a connector or a kink in the wiring harness to the sensors that has caused one or more of the wires to break.

[ven0m]

No problem, happy to be able to help.

It seems unlikely but not impossible that all 4 rear sensors are intermittently faulty. The intermittent nature suggests to me a problem with a connector or a kink in the wiring harness to the sensors that has caused one or more of the wires to break.

I'll start there; pop the rear bumper and check the wiring harness. Some soldering and heat-shrink is worth a shot, before I go and replace all 4. Thanks man!