2010 and newer VW and Audi: using the remote key fob to open and close the windows using the comfort function and VCDS

difficulty: 1/5
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Introduction

This article shows how to modify a 2010 or newer Audi A3, Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, or GTI and GLI to make the windows open or close by holding unlock or lock on the remote key fob.

The default state is that you can open and close the windows and sunroof if you hold the key in the door lock slot to open or close.  Below left is a demo on a sportwagen TDI.  Below right is a demo on a Golf TDI.  You can open the sunroof with the remote in the sportwagen (or set it so only the windows open) but you can't open the sunroof in the Golf using the remote.  Holding lock will close sunroof+windows.

VW/Audi combined this module with the central electric module for 2010.  If you have a 2009 or earlier mk5 car, see 1000q: remote windows for 2009 and earlier.

Note - if you hold unlock to just crack open the windows a little bit, all doors will relock if the driver's side door is not opened within 30 seconds.  (Obviously, if the windows are wide open there isn't much point in locking the car!)  This feature is to prevent accidental unlocking of the car.  It's nice because you don't have to press the lock button to lock the car after using the remote to open the windows.  Depending on the 30 sec auto lock also assumes the microswitch in the door is working properly.  The microswitch lets the car's computer know the handle was pulled to open the door.  See more tips in 1000q: 2009-2010 Jetta sedan buying guide, 1000q: 2010-2011 Golf TDI buying guide, and 1000q: 2009-2011 VW Sportwagen TDI guide.

Parts

1 ross tech VCDS cable and a computer

Procedure

Plug the VCDS into the OBD2 port and start the software/turn the car key to "on".  The cable's LED should be green.  Below are some screenshots.  First click on "Select" to get to the control modules.

Click on "Cent. Elect."  This is the central electric module (CECM).   If VCDS can't connect to the CECM, unlock all the doors and try again.  VCDS won't connect to the VW Golf TDI I tried if the doors were locked.  I don't know exactly why it would happen but others have also experienced this.  It's frustrating there's no caution pop up box on the software so here's your caution now.  If your VCDS cable won't connect on any 2010 VW, unlock all the doors and try again.
key fob open windows mod VCDS

Click on "Adaptation".  
VCDS adaption window remote key open

Go to channel 6.  Change the value from 0 to 1 to turn it on.  Click save and exit the module (click "Close Controller, Go Back").  That's it!  

If you have an 2010 or 2011 Audi A3, this enables an extra menu in the multifunction display (MFD).  You still have to go to it and select "convenience open" for the remote windows to work.

The long way to change it is through long coding.  From the screenshots above, enter "Coding".  You will see the screen below.

Then click "long coding".  You'll see a bunch of screens like the one below.  Go to the right and make sure the box for "Comfort Operation via Remote Control active" is checked.  Bit 0, "Comfort Opening for Sliding Roof active" is for the sunroof but clicking it didn't do anything on the Golf.  If you have a Jetta JSW TDI, sportwagen, or  Golf wagon TDI GSW (these are all different names for the wagon), it will open the sunroof.  If you only want window function, leave it unchecked.  All models can close the sunroof via comfort operation.

Copy your original code down before making changes.  Do NOT copy the codes you see here.  The numbers are for the demo cars only, those CECM module part numbers and versions, and how they were equipped only.  Click the checkboxes on your car and it'll change the code to be correct for your car.

Some models may have a box "Comfort Operation Adaptation blocked".  Make sure it's not checked.  It might look like this.  Note - the checkbox for Bit 5 will blink the turn signals when you use comfort operation (use the remote to close the windows).  You can shut it off here.  The below screen is from a 2010 Jetta.

Or this - this is from a 2010 Golf.  It's also Byte 5 but it has a few more options.  If bit 7 is checked you won't be able to access the adaptation to change it the shorter way.

When done, close the window to go back to the last menu, and click "Do It" to save the new code.  Exit the module.  

There are a few more options found in the coding or the other menu, CECM adaptation.  As shown in the last two screens, you can turn on or off the horn beep or turn signal flash confirmation of locking or unlocking the doors or with comfort window operation.

Want to know more tricks and tips like this for your 2010+ VW Golf or 2010+ VW Jetta TDI?  Please ask in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and VW Golf TDI forum or go back to the "how to" index.