Mk6 LED Taillights

[Kronik]

Technically, the CANBUS system is the electrical system used in Volkswagen (and other VAG) cars.

VAG-COM is the old name for VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic Software), which is a non-Volkswagen product made by Ross-Tech. VAG asked Ross-Tech to change the name to avoid confusion about who made the product.

The "Code box" allows the LHD owners to install the LEDs and have the "Code box" make the changes to the appropriate system via the CANBUS. This means you don't have to buy a VCDS cable/license. However, from older posts in this thread, I don't believe that the code box works for the RHD vehicles - thus, you'll need to talk to someone nearby with a VCDS cable in order to make the code changes. Your dealer could also assist (though, they don't use VCDS).

Just out of curiosity, what would be different between the LHD and RHD that you couldn't use the codebox? Apart from the steering wheel being on the other side....

[Corey_R]

I haven't paid attention to the specifics of the coding, as it doesn't concern me... I'll let the experts reply (AdamD, Ozram etc)

[Ozram]

Just out of curiosity, what would be different between the LHD and RHD that you couldn't use the codebox? Apart from the steering wheel being on the other side....

Not sure exactly mate. As I have a VCDS cable I never bothered looking into getting a codebox. I would imagine it may be due to the location of the reverse light and fog light, more specifically the control module that runs the LED's. They are the major differences between the LHD & RHD cars. North America also has a 'two reverse light and no fog light' configuration that means the light switch on the dash is different.

I'm sure it must be to do with the ability of the codebox to communicate with the control module and re-flash it.

If you find different please share with us.

[backdoc]

Isn't there a guy buried in this thread that used the code box from TM tuning with no probs? I'm sure I remember some guys questioning whether it would work but it did. Could be wrong though, has happened before!

[Kronik]

I did some reading and from what I've come to understand is that the codebox will only work on vehicles with the single rear reverse light setup. I believe the US model Golf has dual reverse lights, so the codebox won't work on them. I stand to be corrected though...

Anyways, I've gone and ordered the adapters and codebox from TMTuning, so I will be sure to post the outcome once I have received and fitted them to my GTI

[AdamD]

I did some reading and from what I've come to understand is that the codebox will only work on vehicles with the single rear reverse light setup. I believe the US model Golf has dual reverse lights, so the codebox won't work on them. I stand to be corrected though...

AFAIK, there are several versions of the codebox available through TMTuning. At least one version is designed for US-market cars with two reverse lights and no rear fog.

However, the definitive answer on why the coding varies is because the Central Electrics module (and the version of the software that runs the module) is typically different for Australian-delivered cars to that of US-delivered cars, and therefore, the coding sequence required may differ. Remember that Central Electrics controls a lot more than just the tail lights, which goes some way to explaining why there are multiple versions for multiple markets. Some countries impose unusual legal requirements on vehicle lighting and other functions, which would need to be catered for by specific modules / software / configurations.

[backdoc]

Oh man....................LED's arrived today I know what I will be doing when I finish work. Bugger, that's not until 8pm

I thought I would never use the "banana", but I'm excited.

Now, who has a VCDS in Melbourne that I can hook up with for a few beers, and maybe to recode my car

[NSO]

anyone with VCDS in melbourne east side can help me code the lights? i'm getting them soon. ta.

[Kronik]

AFAIK, there are several versions of the codebox available through TMTuning. At least one version is designed for US-market cars with two reverse lights and no rear fog.

However, the definitive answer on why the coding varies is because the Central Electrics module (and the version of the software that runs the module) is typically different for Australian-delivered cars to that of US-delivered cars, and therefore, the coding sequence required may differ. Remember that Central Electrics controls a lot more than just the tail lights, which goes some way to explaining why there are multiple versions for multiple markets. Some countries impose unusual legal requirements on vehicle lighting and other functions, which would need to be catered for by specific modules / software / configurations.

Thanks for that mate, very informative
Hopefully when my lights,adapters and codebox arrive they just work and I won't have to worry about any bulb errors...

[AdamD]

Hopefully when my lights,adapters and codebox arrive they just work and I won't have to worry about any bulb errors...

You'll be right! And if not, just get a local dubber with VCDS to code the car for you. Nothing easier.