Matrix Headlights Fully Enabled

[CanAutM3]

I really, really want this enabled on my '22. But like someone above, it irks me to shell out $700 to enable something already present on the car. Friggin' NHTSA.

I wonder what the odds are that the car gets flashed back to "Nope not enabled" when a dealer does an update for something. That's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this thread.

If anyone in the Denver area gets it done, I'd appreciate a chance to see it in action (from outside the car).

In my opinion, it is unlikely older cars will ever get updated, especially not for free.

[[email protected]]

Alex,

When matrix lights are activated what happens to the laser light? Is the laser deactivated or does it work in conjunction with the matrix system?

What Mike Cip says. The full matrix high beam functionality works with the laser lighting if you have the laser lighting on.

laser still works. I love the matrix. well worth it with Sam

I really, really want this enabled on my '22. But like someone above, it irks me to shell out $700 to enable something already present on the car. Friggin' NHTSA.

I wonder what the odds are that the car gets flashed back to "Nope not enabled" when a dealer does an update for something. That's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this thread.

If anyone in the Denver area gets it done, I'd appreciate a chance to see it in action (from outside the car).

There is a chance that with bigger services, recalls, repairs that the activation can be wiped. With that said there is free re-activation for as long as you own the vehicle. This is why purchasing a VAS interface has it's use so you have it on hand if a dealership ever wipes the activation. You just make an appointment for re-activation and it can be done same day or next day in most cases.

Full matrix functionality is pretty damn great, but a bit frustrating the hardware is there but because of govt regs it's not enabled and even worse now the govt regs that have been put out make it so there's almost no chance these headlights will be activated by Audi at no cost.

Cheers,

[Kczach]

What Mike Cip says. The full matrix high beam functionality works with the laser lighting if you have the laser lighting on.





There is a chance that with bigger services, recalls, repairs that the activation can be wiped. With that said there is free re-activation for as long as you own the vehicle. This is why purchasing a VAS interface has it's use so you have it on hand if a dealership ever wipes the activation. You just make an appointment for re-activation and it can be done same day or next day in most cases.

Full matrix functionality is pretty damn great, but a bit frustrating the hardware is there but because of govt regs it's not enabled and even worse now the govt regs that have been put out make it so there's almost no chance these headlights will be activated by Audi at no cost.

Cheers,

Alex,

Is there any coding we can do with the VAS interface on our own? I've got a 24 model and can't do anything with the Ross-tech product. They say they don't have approval from the mothership yet. Not sure when that will happen.

Chris

[[email protected]]

Alex,

Is there any coding we can do with the VAS interface on our own? I've got a 24 model and can't do anything with the Ross-tech product. They say they don't have approval from the mothership yet. Not sure when that will happen.

Chris

The VAS interface works with the factory workshop program called ODIS. For 2024 models in order to even use the VAS interface with ODIS to code or do other work in modules an online account is needed that allows modules to be unlocked first. On top of that not all modules are unlockable as of yet including the [46] Convenience module and others. Audi dealerships can't even unlock some modules amazingly.

With that said working on rolling out a program to remotely unlock modules so customers can do DIY coding or install retrofit kits on the 2024 models. That would involve either renting or purchasing the VAS interface and that would include a remote session to unlock modules and be tiered in pricing for how many modules a customer needed unlocked at once.

Website Link: VAS5054A Interface Remote Module Unlocking <-Click Link for More Information

For those of you who purchased a VAS interface with the matrix activation you could select the VAS rental and the $300 deposit would be voided when the order is processed. Just would need to confirm prior or after ordering that you already have a VAS interface.

Cheers,

[BoredOhio]

Is it possible to use a cheaper cable to apply the Matrix Headlight Enable? Something like a Godiag or other ODB-II device that can work with ODIS? The VAS interface just seems so expensive to keep on hand at all times

[[email protected]]

Is it possible to use a cheaper cable to apply the Matrix Headlight Enable? Something like a Godiag or other ODB-II device that can work with ODIS? The VAS interface just seems so expensive to keep on hand at all times

Unfortunately no other interfaces will work with the level of security that is being implemented plus the newest versions of ODIS will only work with specific interfaces. Third party drivers needed for lesser costly interfaces won't work with the newest ODIS versions or SFD2.

With that said you can always rent the VAS interface for re-activation if ever needed. In the event the activation is ever wiped you can re-rent a VAS for $35 plus shipping any time for the free re-activation as long as you own the car.

Cheers,

[AstleyJ]

I really, really want this enabled on my '22. But like someone above, it irks me to shell out $700 to enable something already present on the car. Friggin' NHTSA.

I wonder what the odds are that the car gets flashed back to "Nope not enabled" when a dealer does an update for something. That's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this thread.

If anyone in the Denver area gets it done, I'd appreciate a chance to see it in action (from outside the car).

I'm in the area. Up in summit for the most part but am down regularly. Happy to let you use my cable/show you the functionality in person sometime.

I have had my car flashed IE to stage 1 and back to stock and the functionality has all remained the same. Have had the dealer plug into it and do updates as well and not had a problem. Would require them to do a full wipeout of the settings on the dealer side for some reason to affect the modules that these changes are being made in.

[[email protected]]

In the case of anyone who wants to borrow or use a friend's or shop's VAS interface you can do the following.

Go here:

Website Link: Matrix LED Headlight Activation <-Click Link for More Information

Select: VAS Interface Rental ($300 Deposit Voided on Return)

You will still see that $300 deposit in your checkout but don't worry! When your order is processed that $300 deposit will be voided immediately. With that said make sure that the VAS5054A or VAS6154 is not the type that requires third party drivers. Also for any 2024 models you must have a VAS6154 on hand to do the activation.

A quick email before ordering if you plan to do this is advised just to confirm that the VAS interface you plan to use will work for your application and is the proper type: [email protected]

Cheers,

[CanuckRS]

Hey guys and gals, just a little update here doing the matrix activation with Sam. Shoot him a message on https://rs6.ca if you're interested, Canadian customers save on tax by using EMT.

[STALKER]

Got mine done as well, they pretty awesome.

[hawc]

What's the latest in October 2024 if I have a 2021 RS 5, is there somewhere I can got in the GTA (Toronto) area to get it done?

[BoredOhio]

The matrix activation can definitely be done using a cheap GoDiag cable from Amazon/AliExpress, but it may only support specific versions of ODIS/ODIS-E that may or may not support all model years. Worked fine for my 2019 but newer cars with SFD2 will probably be out of luck. I'm not sure if Sam or the Europrice guys doing it can use this cable, but it might be an option for anyone that is scared off by the $300 for the real interface cable.

As far as the feature itself, is there any indication for when the matrix lights are active? I know there's a separate indicator for the laser, but I haven't seen anything specific to the matrix feature. You can definitely tell when they're working on a back road, but it doesn't seem like there's anything in the VirtualCockpit UI to show they're active.

[[email protected]]

The matrix activation can definitely be done using a cheap GoDiag cable from Amazon/AliExpress, but it may only support specific versions of ODIS/ODIS-E that may or may not support all model years. Worked fine for my 2019 but newer cars with SFD2 will probably be out of luck. I'm not sure if Sam or the Europrice guys doing it can use this cable, but it might be an option for anyone that is scared off by the $300 for the real interface cable.

Some cheaper DoIP interfaces can work, but it's not worth the risk IMHO. The VAS6154A interface can be rented here free of charge. Only a $300 authorization is held until the interface is returned. No added shipping cost and a pre-printed UPS label is included.

Hassle free, worry free, works with all years. Unless someone plans to use a cheaper DoIP interface for other items and wants to play around with ODIS on a non SFD or SFD2 car it can be an option.

As far as the feature itself, is there any indication for when the matrix lights are active? I know there's a separate indicator for the laser, but I haven't seen anything specific to the matrix feature. You can definitely tell when they're working on a back road, but it doesn't seem like there's anything in the VirtualCockpit UI to show they're active.

Short of being in the Auto high beam there's no specific indication on the dashboard matrix functionality is active. You certainly see it startup and in action so I assume Audi figured that was enough so it didn't need an extra light on the cluster, as a guess.

Cheers,

[Kczach]

I believe the 300 dollars is a deposit that will be refunded when the cable is returned.
You know when the matrix lights are on. On the dash there will be a high beam indicator that will turn blue when the matrix is activated when the car reaches the right speed and lighting conditions. I think they will deactivate when you drop below 30 mph.

[Runge]

any idea if any issues getting it done on 2025? My 2023 was done by Sam but now looking at getting it done on the 2025 and seems since 2024 there has been some slight changes to the ECU?

[[email protected]]

any idea if any issues getting it done on 2025? My 2023 was done by Sam but now looking at getting it done on the 2025 and seems since 2024 there has been some slight changes to the ECU?

The 2025 models can have the full matrix functionality activated. It does require the VAS6154A interface and may take a bit longer than earlier models. For quick and easy ordering for C8 models:

Website Link: C8 Matrix LED Headlight Activation <-Click Link for More Information

VAS6154A interfaces are in stock and ready to go for no cost rentals and purchases.

If you or anyone else has questions please do shoot over emails any time: [email protected]

Cheers,

[[email protected]]

There have been questions lately about how a VIN plays a part in matrix activations (and other processes) and it appears there's some misinformation being passed around that should be corrected...



- How it Works

Above is an overview of how Audi's diagnostic network functions. When every car is finished in production a Specified vehicle configuration is saved with Audi on their Carport database. This Specified vehicle configuration contains all of the data, coding, adaptations and other information related to the car and is tied to the car by VIN.

The Actual vehicle configuration will be the current state that it is sitting in your driveway. So if any firmware, parameters, coding, adaptations or other changes have been made your Actual vehicle configuration now varies from what is saved with Audi on the Carport database.

If during a dealership visit a complete Specified versus Actual comparison is performed the diagnostic system will detect the changes that have been made throughout the car because the Actual configuration of your car varies from the Specified configuration on the Carport database. When this occurs the car will be reverted to Specified configuration.

This is when any changes to your coding, adaptations, engine tunes, activations, etc. get wiped.


- Matrix activations are supposed to be specifically tied or built to your VIN: FALSE

With matrix activations and other processes performed through a VAS interface ALL of the data being used is identical per module. e.g. Simply put if the part number of the module that is being flashed or parameterized is the same between 2, 3 or 2000 cars the exact same data is being used. There is no VIN specific data or data altered to match your VIN, just data that is proper for the module that is being worked with.


- Matrix activations can be tied to your VIN so they will never be wiped by a dealership ever: FALSE

No work of this nature can be reported by a third party to Audi's Carport servers to change the Specified configuration of your car. There is a specific process that requires an SVM code that comes with Audi supplied retrofits, repairs, recalls, updates and changes that will report back to Audi's servers to change your Specified configuration.

All third party matrix activations and processes do not have SVM codes because those only come from Audi. No third party company offering activations or processes like these can change your car's Specified configuration on Audi's servers.

Don't be fooled by any company or person claiming this as it's not possible to do.


- There is a chance that a matrix activation from Europrice will get wiped when you visit a dealership: TRUE

There is a possibility that when you take your car to a dealership that a matrix activation will be wiped, it's rare at the moment. It's not common that the complete Specified versus Actual process that fully reverts your car back to stock is run every time your car has work done at a dealership.

However if your matrix activation does get wiped we've got you covered with lifetime free re-activation so long as you own the car. (If you did rent a VAS interface there is a $35 re-rental charge and round trip shipping, zero cost if you purchased a VAS interface)

Hopefully this helps clarify a few bits of misinformation and was also a bit enlightening on how Audi's diagnostic systems function.

If anyone has any questions on this, other aspects of the diagnostic system or activations please feel free to post here or email: [email protected]

Cheers!

[suffeks]

what about the lumens? do you boost those? eu leds run brighter

can matrix be purchased for 2025 sq8?

[[email protected]]

what about the lumens? do you boost those? eu leds run brighter

So far we have yet to see any documents from Audi that quantify a brightness difference between the North American and Rest of World (EU) matrix headlights.

With that said we have seen a few claims that EU matrix headlights do run brighter because NHTSA regulations have a cap on the brightness for North American use. There is also a very interesting AAA report that has independent testing which does state the EU matrix lights are brighter.

The brightness of a headlight like these could be hard to quantify, but we plan to do some light meter comparisons when we have test cars lined up.

We are going to do some testing as we have an idea of how to accomplish getting the brightness up, but before offering that we want to make sure we verify it's truly possible.

can matrix be purchased for 2025 sq8?

The 2025 SQ8 with matrix headlights can have the full matrix functionality activated. Please do email over your VIN if you want to check what would apply to your car: [email protected]

Cheers,

[suffeks]

no problem i will be in touch in the near future

i travel across the pond own cars here and there, in europe i have enjoyed matrix lights on a 2015 passat (fun fact: first vag car with digital dash) LOL they are amazing, so im spoiled for the past 10 years already hilarious north america this is still taboo

do the usa/canada cars have laser lights too? or just matrix?

[[email protected]]

no problem i will be in touch in the near future

i travel across the pond own cars here and there, in europe i have enjoyed matrix lights on a 2015 passat (fun fact: first vag car with digital dash) LOL they are amazing, so im spoiled for the past 10 years already hilarious north america this is still taboo

do the usa/canada cars have laser lights too? or just matrix?

Yes, it is amazingly odd the stance the NHTSA has taken on matrix lighting from the start and then to make the regulations so much stricter that current technology can't be used is crazy to me, but it's always been this way with the NHTSA.

North American cars can have laser lighting factory fitted.

Cheers,

[Jmg944t]

I have the laser warning sticker on my 2025 RS6. Do I have them and can activate them?

[[email protected]]

I have the laser warning sticker on my 2025 RS6. Do I have them and can activate them?

Yes, all RS6 have matrix headlights with the laser lighting. You can read more about what is available here:

Website Link: C8 Matrix LED Headlight Activation <-Click Link for More Information


Cheers,

[Echo3One]

I recently took my 01 RS7 to the dealership for a recall. Is there a way to tell if the matrix mode is still activated without having to drive the car at night?

[Kczach]

I recently took my 01 RS7 to the dealership for a recall. Is there a way to tell if the matrix mode is still activated without having to drive the car at night?

If you had the laser lights activated then the side marker lights are most likely turned off. You should be able to see this if you turn on the lights. I think this is correct.

[[email protected]]

I recently took my 01 RS7 to the dealership for a recall. Is there a way to tell if the matrix mode is still activated without having to drive the car at night?

For the matrix high beam there really isn't any way to outwardly tell except by driving at night. It will be obvious the matrix functionality is still present.

If you had the laser lights activated then the side marker lights are most likely turned off. You should be able to see this if you turn on the lights. I think this is correct.

This is correct in the sense that orange sidemarker will be off if the blue laser light activation was completed. This feature is activated in different modules than the full matrix functionality. So it's technically possible to lose one but not the other, but it is a good way to check if the blue laser light activation has been wiped.

Cheers!

[KRracer]

Can anyone confirm that matrix doesn’t activate until 35mph and laser not until 42mph (assuming no oncoming lights), and both deactivate when you come to a stop? Any way to have them activate at lower speeds?


Cheers,

KR

[[email protected]]

Can anyone confirm that matrix doesn’t activate until 35mph and laser not until 42mph (assuming no oncoming lights), and both deactivate when you come to a stop? Any way to have them activate at lower speeds?

- In an urban area Matrix activates above ~37mph (60kph)
- In an urban area Matrix deactivates below ~25mph (40kph)

- In an rural area Matrix activates above ~19mph (30kph)
- In an rural area Matrix deactivates below ~12mph (20kph)

- The Laser activates above ~43mph (70kph) when conditions permit

Cheers,

[KRracer]

- In an urban area Matrix activates above ~37mph (60kph)
- In an urban area Matrix deactivates below ~25mph (40kph)

- In an rural area Matrix activates above ~19mph (30kph)
- In an rural area Matrix deactivates below ~12mph (20kph)

- The Laser activates above ~43mph (70kph) when conditions permit

Cheers,

How does the system determine urban vs rural? Ambient light amount or geo maps?

Can these trigger points be altered?


Cheers,

KR

[[email protected]]

How does the system determine urban vs rural? Ambient light amount or geo maps?

Can these trigger points be altered?

GPS data is used for determining urban vs. rural. Ambient and other lighting will effect whether or not the high beams comes on or not just as a standard behavior.

Speed thresholds cannot be changed from the information I have seen on this.

Cheers,

[Jmg944t]

Supposedly Tesla is working on getting the lights Certified in the US. I would hope Audi will update the software if that happens.

[[email protected]]

Supposedly Tesla is working on getting the lights Certified in the US. I would hope Audi will update the software if that happens.

The NHTSA has already put forwards a set of guidelines already which are far more strict than the worldwide standard that governs the matrix functionality. Current matrix headlight technology physically cannot meet the proposed NHTSA regulations.

So if the NHTSA keeps the rule set they want for the US Audi will never be able to activate any current or recent matrix headlights. The current headlights and systems involved cannot do what the NHTSA is looking to mandate. This is in regards to preciseness of dimming, the speed at which they dim, etc.

Sadly this means we are likely years out in the US (probably Canada too) on having matrix headlights that are activated from the factory. It also sadly means Audi will never activate the matrix functionality on any currently sold models.

We can only pray the "First Buddy" twists the NHTSA to get rid of their ridiculously strict rule set for these types of headlights and replaces it with the already adopted worldwide standard...

[Jmg944t]

I'll be ordering the activation in a few months when the weather breaks up north and I use the car again. I'm really looking forward to the matrix functionality. It was one of the reasons I bought the car.

[Corgiman30]

The NHTSA has already put forwards a set of guidelines already which are far more strict than the worldwide standard that governs the matrix functionality. Current matrix headlight technology physically cannot meet the proposed NHTSA regulations.

So if the NHTSA keeps the rule set they want for the US Audi will never be able to activate any current or recent matrix headlights. The current headlights and systems involved cannot do what the NHTSA is looking to mandate. This is in regards to preciseness of dimming, the speed at which they dim, etc.

Sadly this means we are likely years out in the US (probably Canada too) on having matrix headlights that are activated from the factory. It also sadly means Audi will never activate the matrix functionality on any currently sold models.

We can only pray the "First Buddy" twists the NHTSA to get rid of their ridiculously strict rule set for these types of headlights and replaces it with the already adopted worldwide standard...

Why the NHTSA feels like they need to reinvent the wheel every time is beyond me. Frustrating to say the least and for no practical reason. The technology has been proven in Europe.

[[email protected]]

I'll be ordering the activation in a few months when the weather breaks up north and I use the car again. I'm really looking forward to the matrix functionality. It was one of the reasons I bought the car.

Really is a game changer for nighttime driving!

Why the NHTSA feels like they need to reinvent the wheel every time is beyond me. Frustrating to say the least and for no practical reason. The technology has been proven in Europe.

It is exceptionally frustrating that for whatever reason we continue to push a different set of standards for the US rather than adopting those that work worldwide when it comes to cars.

Cheers,

[tinmanwpk]

Why we can't (here in the USA) combine with the EU and all have the same safety standards for vehicles is a waste.

[[email protected]]

Why we can't (here in the USA) combine with the EU and all have the same safety standards for vehicles is a waste.

It used to be worse with different bumpers and even bodywork in some cases for North America and the Rest of the World.

With that said we don't want some of the EU regulations concerning emissions like OPF/GPF which make the cars sound terrible. We still have some safety items like airbags and seat belts that are North American specific.

The lighting however the US has always been behind on and the regulations do not produce better lighting for North America unfortunately. In the 80's and 90's, even into the early 2000's, North American Audi headlights were downright dangerous compared to the European headlights.

[tinmanwpk]

In the 80s I used to buy Cibie halogen headlights. They were plug and play. H4 bulb I think, but the lenses were absolutely tremendous. I loved those lights. They were infinitely better than OEM back then.

[[email protected]]

In the 80s I used to buy Cibie halogen headlights. They were plug and play. H4 bulb I think, but the lenses were absolutely tremendous. I loved those lights. They were infinitely better than OEM back then.

Europrice was started in the days of Cibie headlights for 4000's and urq's. Group purchases on RS2 headlights when they were pennies on the dollar to what they are even used now. The good ole days when things were far simpler...

[tinmanwpk]

Had a buddy who used airplane landing lights. Now those were bright!