VCDS - Adjusting Headlights for Europe

[toyneg]

Hi Guys, I am planning a trip to Europe in May, I understand I have to get the headlights adjusted via VCDS which Audi charge quite a bit for. is there anyone around Hampshire that has this that might be able to assist for some cash. as I say wont be until late May

unless there is another way to do this manually?

thanks as always

[Boggle73]

If there is a switch to knock over to Europe driving that would be really handy.

It's not a switch, it's a setting with VAG-COM (VCDS) that puts the headlights into "Tourist Mode".

I take my netbook and VAG-COM lead with me and change the setting while we're in the tunnel. DEalers quoted me £100 to set them to Tourist Mode, and another £100 to reset them back again!

Fully compliant, i.e. dip the other way, means changing the headlamps to LHD ones.

Think the code was 050 or 051

My local VW/Audi backstreet garage did it for £10.00
The only problem is getting to and from the tunnel legally, I just planned my trip to and from tunnel in daylight.

Jay.

[toyneg]

If there is a switch to knock over to Europe driving that would be really handy.

It's not a switch, it's a setting with VAG-COM (VCDS) that puts the headlights into "Tourist Mode".

I take my netbook and VAG-COM lead with me and change the setting while we're in the tunnel. DEalers quoted me £100 to set them to Tourist Mode, and another £100 to reset them back again!

Fully compliant, i.e. dip the other way, means changing the headlamps to LHD ones.

Think the code was 050 or 051

My local VW/Audi backstreet garage did it for £10.00
The only problem is getting to and from the tunnel legally, I just planned my trip to and from tunnel in daylight.

Jay.

awesome! many thanks

[murph7355]

Do foreign drivers bother when they come over here...?

[Gizmo68]

Depending where you are departing the UK from, I am half way between the Channel Tunnel and the port of Dover.

[Gizmo68]

Do foreign drivers bother when they come over here...?

No they don’t (as a rule)

But why lower yourself down to the level of others?

[toyneg]

Depending where you are departing the UK from, I am half way between the Channel Tunnel and the port of Dover.

cheers Gizmo, I'll give the local Audi independant a shout, I'll see how much they want for it, otherwise I'll give you a shout. leaving from the channel tunnel.

thanks again

[Dom81]

With the normal RHD setting, the beam projects much further along the NS kerb / hedgerow then it does down the centre of the road. My understanding is that the Tourist setting doesn't alter the left / right angle of the beam - it just dips the whole thing down to prevent the extended range part from dazzling oncoming traffic when driving on the right. Certainly from experience, the lights just appear more centered and slightly less effective overall

On this basis, Tourist mode won't be dazzling anyone on the way to the ferry / train - just not delivering a particularly brilliant beam...

[Boggle73]

The required code is on here somewhere but I can't find it, sorry.

Make sure your also prepared with the other bits you need too.
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ipment.pdf

They do enforce the law if you get stopped, best to be on the right side.

[Boggle73]

Forgot to add that it is now compulsory to carry a breathalyser kit in France.

Hope this helps.

[murph7355]

Forgot to add that it is now compulsory to carry a breathalyser kit in France.

Hope this helps.

This wasn't being enforced when I went over in October, despite much confusion as to whether it was in play or not. AA site helped at the time.

Is it definitely an requirement now?

[murph7355]

Do foreign drivers bother when they come over here...?

No they don’t (as a rule)

But why lower yourself down to the level of others?

Cost. And likelihood of it being a problem (whenever I've driven on the continent, night driving has been rare).

[Gizmo68]

With the normal RHD setting, the beam projects much further along the NS kerb / hedgerow then it does down the centre of the road. My understanding is that the Tourist setting doesn't alter the left / right angle of the beam - it just dips the whole thing down to prevent the extended range part from dazzling oncoming traffic when driving on the right. Certainly from experience, the lights just appear more centered and slightly less effective overall

On this basis, Tourist mode won't be dazzling anyone on the way to the ferry / train - just not delivering a particularly brilliant beam...

Correct, all the tourist setting does is ‘flatbeam’ the headlights so they no longer kick up to the left…. you may also get a warning in the DIS that tourist setting is enabled.
Any AFS settings (cornering headlights) will also be disabled.

Forgot to add that it is now compulsory to carry a breathalyser kit in France.

Hope this helps.

The french have (a couple of weeks ago) announced they will no longer be enforcing motorists to carry a breathalyser.

[Boggle73]

Oh good, it was supposed to come in on 1st march I think.

We are taking a Europe trip in July, saves me spending another £10 on a breathalyser.

[pDkALO]

Correct, all the tourist setting does is ‘flatbeam’ the headlights so they no longer kick up to the left…. you may also get a warning in the DIS that tourist setting is enabled.
Any AFS settings (cornering headlights) will also be disabled.

I used tourist mode for Le Mans Classic trip last summer, and was pleasantly surprised that adaptives were still fully functional all the time. I got a warning each time I switched the ignition on, but that was it.

I really cannot imagine that any UK plod would make an issue over your lights being in tourist mode for a trip to / from the docks (or even if they were able to tell the difference).