Launch Control Counter - way to reset to 0?

[Black3.2]

Just as title says is there a way to go in and change the launch counter back to 0 on a stock car? I have been told that the "flash counter" on the ECU can be reset to zero if needed was just wondering if this can be as well.

[martz]

that would be a **** thing to do, it's like winding back the speedometer.

[gk1]

No, but with APR TCU tune you can increase max number of launches to 3000

[darklorax]

In my case, APR doesn't make a TCU. With the RS7 I need an alternate way to reset the Launch counter or extend it. Any ideas out there?

[gta7]

RS7 doesn’t have a launch counter.

[limeypride]

RS7 doesn’t have a launch counter.

You seem to say that with a lot of certainty--can you elaborate a bit, please?

I think most of us believe it does though I don't know if we've got anyone in an RS7 exhibiting related symptoms.

[Dasquade]

I indeed hope aswell launch counter can't be reset :).

Out of curiousity and boredom, maybe gta7 was refurring to the fact the S has 'real' launch controle versus break boots, or does here the famous AMAX comes into play?

[Chris Morales]

I thought Arin stated on this board that there is a launch counter on RS7s and that he had seen a limit as low as 100 launches until AMAX is lost.

[Phantom75]

We have launch control?

[limeypride]

We have launch control?

As far as I'm concerned, the RS7 does have launch control. That is, it has a consciously designed feature that allows the car to jump off the line with turbos already nicely spooled up and attain the highest speed as fast as it can. What we have is different to a DCT but equally as effective. Put the car in S, lower the DSC or turn it off, left foot hard on the brake, mash the gas pedal to the floor, watch the boost climb and when it settles, let go of the brake.

[Older_not_Wiser]

If there is actually a launch counter, is it accessible to view the quantity thru VAG-COM or is it only something the tuning companies can see in the code?

[limeypride]

I thought Arin stated on this board that there is a launch counter on RS7s and that he had seen a limit as low as 100 launches until AMAX is lost.

This is also my current understanding but I learned it here on the forum and possibly from Arin, too. I'd love it to be hearsay...

[gta7]

I’m no expert to be sure but in my research I’ve not seen any actual counter that can be checked or unchecked.

There has been talk of AMAX being disabled after many launches but I’ve not seen proof or coding to reverse it.

[limeypride]

I’m no expert to be sure but in my research I’ve not seen any actual counter that can be checked or unchecked.

There has been talk of AMAX being disabled after many launches but I’ve not seen proof or coding to reverse it.

I'm a bit confused. You kinda said with authority that we don't have a launch counter but above you mention you don't know if AMAX is disabled after a certain number of launches. That would seem to imply there's a launch counter (assuming it's accurate) since the only way to trigger AMAX that I know of is to launch.

Anyhoo--my hopes are shot. I'd love to have had you come back and say you have conclusive proof so we can all start launching from every other stop sign.

[gta7]

I'm a bit confused. You kinda said with authority that we don't have a launch counter but above you mention you don't know if AMAX is disabled after a certain number of launches. That would seem to imply there's a launch counter (assuming it's accurate) since the only way to trigger AMAX that I know of is to launch.

Anyhoo--my hopes are shot. I'd love to have had you come back and say you have conclusive proof so we can all start launching from every other stop sign.

Nope we’ve probably read all the same posts on the topic.

[Phantom75]

If you don't have an actual launch control feature, how would it have anything to count - this makes zero sense to me.

Secondly, if there is some feature that gives you x, and then is disabled after y, as some kind of wear item, there would be a class action lawsuit if this wasn't clearly and explicitly listed in the owners manual.

This sound to me like some people after tunes, are having trouble with some torque management / transmission features being disable with hard launches with higher than stock HP cars probably related to the ECU trying to protect the car.

[gta7]

If you don't have an actual launch control feature, how would it have anything to count - this makes zero sense to me.

Secondly, if there is some feature that gives you x, and then is disabled after y, as some kind of wear item, there would be a class action lawsuit if this wasn't clearly and explicitly listed in the owners manual.

This sound to me like some people after tunes, are having trouble with some torque management / transmission features being disable with hard launches with higher than stock HP cars probably related to the ECU trying to protect the car.

This articulates my thoughts exactly. Not to say it isn’t real but I agree with your logic.

[limeypride]

If you don't have an actual launch control feature, how would it have anything to count - this makes zero sense to me.

Secondly, if there is some feature that gives you x, and then is disabled after y, as some kind of wear item, there would be a class action lawsuit if this wasn't clearly and explicitly listed in the owners manual.

This sound to me like some people after tunes, are having trouble with some torque management / transmission features being disable with hard launches with higher than stock HP cars probably related to the ECU trying to protect the car.

Sheesh... I'm not sure where to begin... a few questions:

Do you have an RS7? Do you know what AMAX is? Do you know how to trigger it?

Are you an attorney?

Oh, and to your closing comment: do you have an RS7?

// EDIT: hmmm, I'm being a bit of a confrontational dick here... apologies. Feel free to respond in kind; I fear I deserve it.

[limeypride]

This articulates my thoughts exactly. Not to say it isn’t real but I agree with your logic.

I'm unclear how anything he said was "logical". I outlined specifically how to trigger the RS7's launch control. Do it differently and you won't get AMAX. Do it without AMAX and lose a full 0.5 second or more to 60 alone; continue to a 1/4 mile and you've probably lost a second--that right there is what launch control does.

// EDIT: not as much of a dick comment on my part as below... but in the general ballpark. Sigh, "bad back" day for me and this is the outcome. Time for a scotch and a few hundred ibuprofen methinks.

[elp_jc]

Hey guys, is launch control on the S6 worth using? I'm still at break-in, but remember reading it launches at rather low rpm to save the clutch, and that it launches really well just stomping on the gas pedal, so wondering what's the consensus here. Also wonder if the turbos spool up, like on the RS7; maybe that's why there's no need to raise rpm too much. But at least we have a DCT where revs can be whatever the manufacturer wants. With a TC automatic you can't launch like a DCT indeed. I probably won't use LC anyway, since I don't like to abuse my cars (have never used it on the Porsche, GTR, etc), but just curious. Thanks guys.

[Phantom75]

I'm unclear how anything he said was "logical". I outlined specifically how to trigger the RS7's launch control. Do it differently and you won't get AMAX. Do it without AMAX and lose a full 0.5 second or more to 60 alone; continue to a 1/4 mile and you've probably lost a second--that right there is what launch control does.

I have an RS7. Yes I know what AMAX is although its not exactly clear if there is anything that is really activated since what I said is true. There seems to be confusion as to which cars have the secret feature. There is no flashing "AMAX ACTIVE" that I have ever seen, that tells you that you have actually used the feature or not. Your RS7 doesn't have a button, or anything that says launch control. There is no launch control activation description in the owners manual on how to use it. Listening to people on youtube using their butt meter, or ears on some supposed exhaust note change, does not answer my question. There has to be something specifically activated that can be counted and then turned off. That being the case, there would be a way to confirm the counter yes if it existed? So can you really tell me what AMAX is or how to activated it, since it can't be officially confirmed or denied. I think its fairly logical to think...WTF?

There is speculation. There is even some evidence going on with tuners and other things sure. There is evidence of aliens to some people as well. The RS7 doesn't have launch control until someone can actually confirm it exists. If it exists, and Audi is permanently putting cars into limp mode (assuming its not being disabled because of tunes and not some secret counter), I'd say its fairly logical that they could be sued over it considering Telsa and Nissan have been sued for pretty much the same thing already. What logic are you using?



I have never read an official Audi description of how to use this secret feature that supposedly secretly counts the number of times you use it secretly, and then in secret, disables your secret feature, that no one actual can confirm or deny because.... its a secret.

[limeypride]

I have an RS7. Yes I know what AMAX is although its not exactly clear if there is anything that is really activated since what I said is true. There seems to be confusion as to which cars have the secret feature. There is no flashing "AMAX ACTIVE" that I have ever seen, that tells you that you have actually used the feature or not. Your RS7 doesn't have a button, or anything that says launch control. There is no launch control activation description in the owners manual on how to use it. Listening to people on youtube using their butt meter, or ears on some supposed exhaust note change, does not answer my question. There has to be something specifically activated that can be counted and then turned off. That being the case, there would be a way to confirm the counter yes if it existed? So can you really tell me what AMAX is or how to activated it, since it can't be officially confirmed or denied. I think its fairly logical to think...WTF?

There is speculation. There is even some evidence going on with tuners and other things sure. There is evidence of aliens to some people as well. The RS7 doesn't have launch control until someone can actually confirm it exists. If it exists, and Audi is permanently putting cars into limp mode (assuming its not being disabled because of tunes and not some secret counter), I'd say its fairly logical that they could be sued over it considering Telsa and Nissan have been sued for pretty much the same thing already. What logic are you using?



I have never read an official Audi description of how to use this secret feature that supposedly secretly counts the number of times you use it secretly, and then in secret, disables your secret feature, that no one actual can confirm or deny because.... its a secret.

Yup, I deserved all of that (please see my edit below).

I'll politely (this time, sorry about the last time) agree to differ. The behaviors are observable and repeatable. Documented or otherwise, they're there.

[gta7]

To be clear I believe AMAX is real. What I don’t know is what makes it stop working.

[BG SQ5]

@gta7 Wow. Just do the research dude. AMAX exists; Limey stated how to enable it; when you reach a certain number of activations, it is no longer; it's very easy to confirm if it's working or not in logs (as well as pure feel); There are plenty that have apparently hit the counter and are waiting on APR's tcu release to restore it.

Audi's onboard (digital) handbook: https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-.../#post24520336

[gta7]

I’ll admit that I was not aware that APR had found the actual counter but there’s no need to be an jerk bro!

[CanuckRS]

In my case, APR doesn't make a TCU. With the RS7 I need an alternate way to reset the Launch counter or extend it. Any ideas out there?

By definition, if there is no launch control there is no launch counter. The RS7 has no launch counter. IF someone can find it in the manual, please point it out to me.

Sounds like some on here are arguing that we have an AMAX counter instead. Sure, fine, whatever. Count your invisible AMAX events, but there is no launch control :)

[Mcdxb]

Does the rs6 c7 2014 have launch control?

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[Chris Morales]

A proper launch involves AMAX, AMAX is definitely perceptible, and I don't know of any way to trigger AMAX except through a hard launch. I think most of us know what Arin meant when he said launch counter. He meant AMAX counter. Can't believe this thread carried on so much on that technicality.

[CanuckRS]

A proper launch involves AMAX, AMAX is definitely perceptible, and I don't know of any way to trigger AMAX except through a hard launch. I think most of us know what Arin meant when he said launch counter. He meant AMAX counter. Can't believe this thread carried on so much on that technicality.

That's because words matter. We can't call it launch control in the RS7 if "launch control" is defined by Audi as something entirely different in the S6/S7 etc platform that has DSG.

[Phantom75]

That's because words matter. We can't call it launch control in the RS7 if "launch control" is defined by Audi as something entirely different in the S6/S7 etc platform that has DSG.

Words also matter, because something has to exist if its being tracked and then turned off.

I see no hard evidence that there is an actual AMAX counter, now that we've half agreed there is no launch control and thus a launch control counter. There are still questions that remain. Is something activated a certain number of times, or is something simply disabled when some people tune their cars past a certain level of hp/tq and send the ECU into a permanent limp mode.

If we can confirm something that either is working or not working in logs, or through performance data, that still doesn't confirm if its actually being counted and then turned off. There is nothing that exists on how to officially activate it, nor anything that confirms that Audi is shutting it off on a stock car once this AMAX is activated a certain number of times. Once you throw tuning into the mix, that is a completely different conversation regardless of the existence of a counter.

If Audi is castrating our cars, without permission from the owner by use of some counter of a feature that is only available for use a certain number of times, and this is not clearly stated as part of what an owner has purchased, this is could be a huge legal issue. That is my only point. Some people are acting like this is some clear, cut and dry issue, and clearly it is not.

1) There is no launch control
2) There is no launch control counter.
3) There is an unofficial "launch mode" that is activated under certain conditions that can be verified only through data logs. (and seat-of-the-pants-o-meters)
4) The AMAX referred to in #3 is not officially referred to in the drivers manual, nor officially acknowledged by Audi that I have seen. (I could very well be wrong, please show me. This would answer part of our questions)
5) This AMAX may be turned off after a certain number of uses, but this can not be officially confirmed.
6) This AMAX feature may be turned off after a car is tuned and has significantly higher horsepower and torque than stock; however, no one knows what the actual threshold is for cars having this feature disabled.
7) It can perhaps be confirmed that some kind of "mode" exists by data logs, and performance data indicating when its working, but there is no hard evidence as to the why or when it is disabled.
8) Are AMAX features different between DSG, and the ZF equipped platforms. ( I would guess yes )

This does not describe a launch control feature that is counted and turned off, by any stretch of the imagination.

[limeypride]

There are (at least) two aspects involved in achieving maximum from-rest acceleration in an RS7, AMAX is one of them. The second aspect that contributes to neck-bending launches is the initial (from-rest) acceleration--as I understand it, AMAX doesn't help in this regard. It's fair to say then that, at minimum, the process described here that triggers AMAX sets the car up to do at least two unique things in series that it will otherwise not do: it allows the car to perform a high-RPM, torque-loaded, pre(turbo)-spooled launch from rest followed by a special shift mode (AMAX) that minimizes shift time--combined, they provide for maximum possible from-rest acceleration. As far as we know, this behavior can only be triggered from rest. It seems fair to give this combination of at least two specific from-rest, acceleration-enhancing capabilities a name--you guessed it, I call it "launch control" because it helps me to control the way the car launches to achieve maximum possible acceleration.

I'm not sure what else to call it; AMAX alone isn't enough, though.

[limeypride]

Words also matter, because something has to exist if its being tracked and then turned off.

I see no hard evidence that there is an actual AMAX counter, now that we've half agreed there is no launch control and thus a launch control counter. There are still questions that remain. Is something activated a certain number of times, or is something simply disabled when some people tune their cars past a certain level of hp/tq and send the ECU into a permanent limp mode.

If we can confirm something that either is working or not working in logs, or through performance data, that still doesn't confirm if its actually being counted and then turned off. There is nothing that exists on how to officially activate it, nor anything that confirms that Audi is shutting it off on a stock car once this AMAX is activated a certain number of times. Once you throw tuning into the mix, that is a completely different conversation regardless of the existence of a counter.

If Audi is castrating our cars, without permission from the owner by use of some counter of a feature that is only available for use a certain number of times, and this is not clearly stated as part of what an owner has purchased, this is could be a huge legal issue. That is my only point. Some people are acting like this is some clear, cut and dry issue, and clearly it is not.

1) There is no launch control
2) There is no launch control counter.
3) There is an unofficial "launch mode" that is activated under certain conditions that can be verified only through data logs. (and seat-of-the-pants-o-meters)
4) The AMAX referred to in #3 is not officially referred to in the drivers manual, nor officially acknowledged by Audi that I have seen. (I could very well be wrong, please show me. This would answer part of our questions)
5) This AMAX may be turned off after a certain number of uses, but this can not be officially confirmed.
6) This AMAX feature may be turned off after a car is tuned and has significantly higher horsepower and torque than stock; however, no one knows what the actual threshold is for cars having this feature disabled.
7) It can perhaps be confirmed that some kind of "mode" exists by data logs, and performance data indicating when its working, but there is no hard evidence as to the why or when it is disabled.
8) Are AMAX features different between DSG, and the ZF equipped platforms. ( I would guess yes )

This does not describe a launch control feature that is counted and turned off, by any stretch of the imagination.

To each their own.

I agree, though, that I've personally seen no actual proof yet whether there's a counter (regardless of what it's counting) of any kind that hobbles from-rest acceleration. I suspect, though, if there is, it's in my imminent future.

[Phantom75]

There are (at least) two aspects involved in achieving maximum from-rest acceleration in an RS7, AMAX is one of them. The second aspect that contributes to neck-bending launches is the initial (from-rest) acceleration--as I understand it, AMAX doesn't help in this regard. It's fair to say then that, at minimum, the process described here that triggers AMAX sets the car up to do at least two unique things in series that it will otherwise not do: it allows the car to perform a high-RPM, torque-loaded, pre(turbo)-spooled launch from rest followed by a special shift mode (AMAX) that minimizes shift time--combined, they provide for maximum possible from-rest acceleration. As far as we know, this behavior can only be triggered from rest. It seems fair to give this combination of at least two specific from-rest, acceleration-enhancing capabilities a name--you guessed it, I call it "launch control" because it helps me to control the way the car launches to achieve maximum possible acceleration.

I'm not sure what else to call it; AMAX alone isn't enough, though.

This is good information, and yes we are arguing through semantics and perhaps not focusing on simply understanding what is going on. You have to keep in mind, not everyone has the technical knowledge or interest to get into the weeds here. I certainly don't. I find it very interesting mostly because I'd like to make sure I'm getting the most out of my considerably expensive car.

My issue with calling it launch control is simply because that to me implies that we actually have control of it. Since its not simply an on or off button, and since there is no officially released way to activate it, how much control of the launch we really have comes into question.

From the description you just gave, I feel like I have activated this AMAX without turning the traction control off, and being in dynamic mode. I have held the brake, I slowly building the RPM to about 2500, the car seems to settle and the launch is considerably quicker and sharper than a typical stop light to stop light launch. Is this in fact true? How would I know, since there is nothing in the car that tells me I activated anything and thus had control of the launch indicating "launch control". I would also add, that if it doesn't officially exist, and or Audi is unofficially turning off the feature do we really control it at all. That would imply that Audi controls when it happens, and when you no longer get to use it! I know I'm being facetious to a degree; however, I really think owners deserve a real answer. An official answer, so we can actually get control of it!

[limeypride]

This is good information, and yes we are arguing through semantics and perhaps not focusing on simply understanding what is going on. You have to keep in mind, not everyone has the technical knowledge or interest to get into the weeds here. I certainly don't. I find it very interesting mostly because I'd like to make sure I'm getting the most out of my considerably expensive car.

My issue with calling it launch control is simply because that to me implies that we actually have control of it. Since its not simply an on or off button, and since there is no officially released way to activate it, how much control of the launch we really have comes into question.

From the description you just gave, I feel like I have activated this AMAX without turning the traction control off, and being in dynamic mode. I have held the brake, I slowly building the RPM to about 2500, the car seems to settle and the launch is considerably quicker and sharper than a typical stop light to stop light launch. Is this in fact true? How would I know, since there is nothing in the car that tells me I activated anything and thus had control of the launch indicating "launch control". I would also add, that if it doesn't officially exist, and or Audi is unofficially turning off the feature do we really control it at all. That would imply that Audi controls when it happens, and when you no longer get to use it! I know I'm being facetious to a degree; however, I really think owners deserve a real answer. An official answer, so we can actually get control of it!

// responding to just a few pieces since I think we've concluded we differ on other aspects

I haven't tried launching the car without limiting or disabling DSC in quite some time but I believe I recall agreeing that the shifts felt more labored without it--hardly conclusive there, though.

Aside, I don't personally launch in Dynamic because, at least with my DRC suspension, it causes the car to hop a little more as opposed to sitting nicely on its haunches providing more down-force to the rear and, as a result, better grip--well, the theory holds anyway.

FWIW: BMW M-cars don't have a launch control button either. My M5s and M6s (2014-2017 model years) all used the same unbelievably elaborate launch control activation protocol, it goes:
- traction control OFF
- manual shift mode (which is yet more weird since it shifts for you)
- sport+ DCT and engine
- touch the brake with enough force to barely hold the car
- push the shift-lever forward and hold it
- once the dash indicates "launch", mash the gas pedal
- it'll hold the RPMs around 3K and you can adjust them in 500rpm increments from the steering wheel controls
- finally, to get her going, release the brake then release the shift-lever to... spin the rear-wheels uncontrollably and achieve a sub-5 second 0-60 if you're lucky

... while that last bit was an intentional joke on my part, the steps themselves are real; I guess a BMW joke.

[Phantom75]

// responding to just a few pieces since I think we've concluded we differ on other aspects

I haven't tried launching the car without limiting or disabling DSC in quite some time but I believe I recall agreeing that the shifts felt more labored without it--hardly conclusive there, though.

Aside, I don't personally launch in Dynamic because, at least with my DRC suspension, it causes the car to hop a little more as opposed to sitting nicely on its haunches providing more down-force to the rear and, as a result, better grip--well, the theory holds anyway.

FWIW: BMW M-cars don't have a launch control button either. My M5s and M6s (2014-2017 model years) all used the same unbelievably elaborate launch control activation protocol, it goes:
- traction control OFF
- manual shift mode (which is yet more weird since it shifts for you)
- sport+ DCT and engine
- touch the brake with enough force to barely hold the car
- push the shift-lever forward and hold it
- once the dash indicates "launch", mash the gas pedal
- it'll hold the RPMs around 3K and you can adjust them in 500rpm increments from the steering wheel controls
- finally, to get her going, release the brake then release the shift-lever to... spin the rear-wheels uncontrollably and achieve a sub-5 second 0-60 if you're lucky

... while that last bit was an intentional joke on my part, the steps themselves are real; I guess a BMW joke.

YES! But that overly elaborate (ABBB up down right right BBA Nintendo code) way to get the launch control to work on the M cars is still something that is in the manual and it does actually indicate when you activate it on the cars screen.

Porsche doesn't have just a button exactly but it much easier than the BMW, and I've used it in a Panamera turbo. It has a sport chrono mode, that does a few things, and is clearly indicated by buttons and other stuff when you're in the mode and activating its version of "AMAX" or launch control.

My Jeep SRT literally had a button labeled "launch control" and it worked like a charm!

[BG SQ5]

I’ll admit that I was not aware that APR had found the actual counter but there’s no need to be an jerk bro!

Not being a jerk. Limey put it all out there for you, and you just wouldn't accept it! Seems like Phantom is on another level though...

This is good information, and yes we are arguing through semantics and perhaps not focusing on simply understanding what is going on. You have to keep in mind, not everyone has the technical knowledge or interest to get into the weeds here. I certainly don't. I find it very interesting mostly because I'd like to make sure I'm getting the most out of my considerably expensive car.

My issue with calling it launch control is simply because that to me implies that we actually have control of it. Since its not simply an on or off button, and since there is no officially released way to activate it, how much control of the launch we really have comes into question.

From the description you just gave, I feel like I have activated this AMAX without turning the traction control off, and being in dynamic mode. I have held the brake, I slowly building the RPM to about 2500, the car seems to settle and the launch is considerably quicker and sharper than a typical stop light to stop light launch. Is this in fact true? How would I know, since there is nothing in the car that tells me I activated anything and thus had control of the launch indicating "launch control". I would also add, that if it doesn't officially exist, and or Audi is unofficially turning off the feature do we really control it at all. That would imply that Audi controls when it happens, and when you no longer get to use it! I know I'm being facetious to a degree; however, I really think owners deserve a real answer. An official answer, so we can actually get control of it!

I don't get what you're trying to say or dispute. It doesn't seem like you have the proper background knowledge to back up your points/semantics. Did you read the link I posted? Audi's on-board manual lists the same process for many platforms (s-tronic and tiptronic both) and calls it 'launch control programme'. Is it REAL launch control? No- it's torque converter. However, it's how you get maximum acceleration from a stop (AMAX). Not to mention- the DSGs have a real launch control (with a counter in VCDS), and there's no clear indication when you enable it either. This is the case for many 'launch controls' on other vehicles as well. You simply do the right pedal/button dance to activate it.

Btw- you can't do it with traction control on or if you're not completely stopped. There is plenty of data from all kinds of ZF owners about this stuff. Even the magazine reviewers make mention of the process to get the best acceleration from a stop. Follow the procedure I posted from Audi, and you get the closest thing to 'launch control' the ZF has. Call it what you want, but it's counted in the tcu and will no longer work after a certain number of times. APR has already confirmed this and fixed it on test vehicles. I posted that link as well. Also- it has happened on stock vehicles, not just high hp ones.

This information is all out there. I even linked some of it. Once again- I don't know what you're trying to dispute. The rest of us have been over this many times in many threads. Is Audi's information, activation, and counting of the "maximum acceleration from a stop feature" ideal? Hell no. That doesn't discredit it's existence. We know it's there. Audi tells us it's there. The experts manipulating tcu code see it there. And, it's absolutely mandatory for any decent 1/4 mile times.

[Phantom75]

Please tell me where Audi tells me it’s real in my RS7.

[HeelBuff]

Please tell me where Audi tells me it’s real in my RS7.

Ha! Right next to the spot where they told diesel owners about the fact full emissions controls are only engaged during testing.

[Yeoman]

torque braking is fun.. true launch control is better in DSG cars

[Phantom75]

Ha! Right next to the spot where they told diesel owners about the fact full emissions controls are only engaged during testing.

That...is the simplest and most true answer!