Can vag-com do this???

**PogoAmy** · 14-03-2008, 04:15 PM

Hi all,

This is my debut post; please be gentle.

I very recently took delivery of a beautiful, shiny and very bright red Polo GTI.

I've waded through pages and pages of (often very helpful, ta!) threads here, and learned that "vag-com" is the software that allows playing with options such as auto-locking, whether the alarm emits a stepped-on puppy sound (I must get that turned on) or not and suchlike.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks the trip computer and odometer screens were designed at around 4:58pm on a Friday afternoon, as they are almost entirely illegible during the day (especially with window tint and sunglasses). I have found flicking the headlights on and the subsequent blue illumination helps a little, but would have preferred it if the VW boffins had used their noggins just a smidge and put in LEDs rather than LCDs. What a difference one letter could have made!

So, what I am wondering is if somebody who is down with this software could please advise if it will allow the dash lighting to be switched on permanently (well, when the ignition is on at least), without having to have the headlights turned on?

Alternatively, has anybody been clever enough to retrofit LED displays that are legible during the day?

And to think, there's that massive "screen" in the middle of the dials that does absolutely nada save for hold a few warning lights up top.

Cheers for reading this far (if you did) - plus further cheers if you're able to
help.

Erm, cheers again!
PogoAmy.
xox

**Treza360** · 15-03-2008, 03:42 PM

Firstly howdy and welcome to the site.
Not sure on the interior lighting programming (I've only just started playing with my V-Checker).
But what's wrong with driving with your parkers on during the day? I do it all the time for two reasons. One is as you mentioned it is heaps easier to read the display and the second is it makes it easier for drivers to spot you.
I know it's hard not to spot a bright red Polo, but there are plenty of idiots out there.
Cheers,
Trent

**VW GTI** · 15-03-2008, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Treza360

Firstly howdy and welcome to the site.
But what's wrong with driving with your parkers on during the day? I do it all the time for two reasons. One is as you mentioned it is heaps easier to read the display and the second is it makes it easier for drivers to spot you.
I know it's hard not to spot a bright red Polo, but there are plenty of idiots out there.

Yeah, I have a black one, I always drive with lights on for these reasons.

**PogoAmy** · 15-03-2008, 05:20 PM

Cheers guys.

I guess I don't just drive around with my lights on during the day for two reasons - the inevitable "oi, you've got your lights on" flashes and, perhaps more importantly, so I don't look like a Volvo driver.

You are both right though, it is a perfectly viable option.

Take care,
PogoAmy
xox

**Mischa** · 15-03-2008, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by PogoAmy

Cheers guys.

I guess I don't just drive around with my lights on during the day for two reasons - the inevitable "oi, you've got your lights on" flashes and, perhaps more importantly, so I don't look like a Volvo driver.

You are both right though, it is a perfectly viable option.

Take care,
PogoAmy
xox

lol i agree. theres plenty of brighter things out there than your headlights, they're hardly going to attract anymore attention. an old myth about people seeing you better if you ask me. unless you're out on the open road then it might make a difference. btw welcome to the forum pogoamy

**VW GTI** · 15-03-2008, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Mischa

lol i agree. theres plenty of brighter things out there than your headlights, they're hardly going to attract anymore attention. an old myth about people seeing you better if you ask me. unless you're out on the open road then it might make a difference. btw welcome to the forum pogoamy

Telstra drivers are required to drive with them on (the cars are set up to do this automatically). This was after research showed that driving with lights on is safer. Don't know how they got to that conclusion, but I'm sure there was a bit of logic to it considering they modified their entire fleet.

**Mischa** · 15-03-2008, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by tosspot

Telstra drivers are required to drive with them on (the cars are set up to do this automatically). This was after research showed that driving with lights on is safer. Don't know how they got to that conclusion, but I'm sure there was a bit of logic to it considering they modified their entire fleet.

the logic maybe to look like they're being safe and responsible? sorry im a bit of a cynic

**Treza360** · 15-03-2008, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by tosspot

Telstra drivers are required to drive with them on (the cars are set up to do this automatically). This was after research showed that driving with lights on is safer. Don't know how they got to that conclusion, but I'm sure there was a bit of logic to it considering they modified their entire fleet.

Driving into the sun the other day there was a white magna coming towards me with their lights on. Could barely see the car due to the glare but the lights were as clear as day. Couldn't believe it.
Also I've never noticed anyone flashing their lights at me.
Oh and by the way check our Volvo's current range. Volvo is now cool.