S3: Open exhaust flaps mod (VCDS)

[allanmb]

I have just got my S3 and am pondering about opening the AGA valves via VCDS. My question is, is this any different to having the 'dynamic' selection in Drive Select?
Thanks

 

[Rob2k68]

I have just got my S3 and am pondering about opening the AGA valves via VCDS. My question is, is this any different to having the 'dynamic' selection in Drive Select?
Thanks

Yes mate - I find it much better. In dynamic it's also throttle position dependant so pulling away in dynamic and upon start up you won't hear much difference. The VCDS mod gives you this.

 

[mikemod]

The current version of VCDS doesn't have the ASAM data for the new engine so not sure if it is possible until it is updated.

 

[Terminator x]

You sure it can be done? Can't be done via vcds on RS3. Need to disconnect something under the zorst and then it is permanently on.

TX.

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[ChivsBang]

Yes mate - I find it much better. In dynamic it's also throttle position dependant so pulling away in dynamic and upon start up you won't hear much difference. The VCDS mod gives you this.

Can't locate it now but saw somewhere they had unplugged something which kept them open..


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[Rob2k68]

Can't locate it now but saw somewhere they had unplugged something which kept them open..


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Yes that's the other way of doing it just unplug the harness at the valve that controls the solenoid.

 

[azibux1]

Yes that's the other way of doing it just unplug the harness at the valve that controls the solenoid.

Any error codes for this that Audi would complain about if they say them?

 

[allanmb]

So, worth doing, but can't do it yet until we get a new VCDS version (for the Facelift)?

 

[Rob2k68]

Any error codes for this that Audi would complain about if they say them?

Disconnecting the valve by pulling the connector off does indeed flag up an error code when scanned (nothing on the DIS or MMI) - can't imagine Audi being too upset by this but couldn't say for sure.

 

[azibux1]

Disconnecting the valve by pulling the connector off does indeed flag up an error code when scanned (nothing on the DIS or MMI) - can't imagine Audi being too upset by this but couldn't say for sure.

Cool, may give it a go just to see what it is like

 

[S3 Turbo]

Disconnecting the valve by pulling the connector off does indeed flag up an error code when scanned (nothing on the DIS or MMI) - can't imagine Audi being too upset by this but couldn't say for sure.

I guess if worried, one can stick back connector and clear DTC's on the responsible module before service?

Or is it only possible to clear all DTC's and thus the mechanic will miss actual issues?

 

[S3 Turbo]

I like the mod, now really nice sound with a just little gas on low rpms...

Disabled the soundaktor as well.

 

[Rob2k68]

I guess if worried, one can stick back connector and clear DTC's on the responsible module before service?

Or is it only possible to clear all DTC's and thus the mechanic will miss actual issues?

Yeah clearing the DTCs before a service will do the trick .... but if you have access to VCDS or similar to clear DTCs then probably better to disable the flaps via the laptop/tablet and save yourself grovelling under the car in the first place ! ;o)

 

[S3 Turbo]

Yeah clearing the DTCs before a service will do the trick .... but if you have access to VCDS or similar to clear DTCs then probably better to disable the flaps via the laptop/tablet and save yourself grovelling under the car in the first place ! ;o)

Thought you were discussing newer cars where vcds/obd11 doesn't support it yet.

Otherwise agree.
Obd11 is so ****** cheap that it pays itself really...

 

[Rob2k68]

Thought you were discussing newer cars where vcds/obd11 doesn't support it yet.

Otherwise agree.
Obd11 is so ****** cheap that it pays itself really...

Ah gotcha - sorry

Yes so on newer FL cars unplug the valve connector but then plug it back in before going near Audi and clear the DTCs beforehand - so the clear DTCs works just the access to some modules on FL cars which is a problem.

 

[azibux1]

Will probably end up being too loud but thought I'd give it a try

This is definitely the right thing? Seems to be but thought I'd double check haha

 

[ChivsBang]

Will probably end up being too loud but thought I'd give it a try

This is definitely the right thing? Seems to be but thought I'd double check haha

What's the sound like? Is it just like Dynamic mode full time?


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[pburv]

Will probably end up being too loud but thought I'd give it a try

This is definitely the right thing? Seems to be but thought I'd double check haha

Keep the plug sealed from 'crud' if you plan on keeping it off..

 

[azibux1]

What's the sound like? Is it just like Dynamic mode full time?


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Haven't been for a drive yet. But from revving it in park it sounds noticeably different I think around 2 and 3k revs as I believe the valves only open around 4k in dynamic I think

I'm expecting it to be droney at around 70 though which will probably make me switch back, as in dynamic cruising at 70 valves are closed I think

Keep the plug sealed from 'crud' if you plan on keeping it off..

Will do if I keep it that way! Found some handy holes in the chassis to tuck the cables away into haha

 

[azibux1]

Initial thoughts: A bit louder and nice in lower gears, as it makes more noise without needing silly revs

But at 70 I think it may get annoying. Couldn't get a good judge as only a 7 mile drive to work. But I think whenever you put your foot down slightly (even gently) it makes a noise that 'could' get annoying. Not sure, radio may drown it out. I purposely had the radio off to listen out for it.

Only thing is that my next long drive is about 3 hours long so I don't fancy having it droning on for 3 hours haha

Will see how it goes to work and back the next few days and decide whether I plug them back in or not yet

 

[pburv]

Initial thoughts: A bit louder and nice in lower gears, as it makes more noise without needing silly revs

But at 70 I think it may get annoying. Couldn't get a good judge as only a 7 mile drive to work. But I think whenever you put your foot down slightly (even gently) it makes a noise that 'could' get annoying. Not sure, radio may drown it out. I purposely had the radio off to listen out for it.

Only thing is that my next long drive is about 3 hours long so I don't fancy having it droning on for 3 hours haha

Will see how it goes to work and back the next few days and decide whether I plug them back in or not yet

I suppose that's the reason they have given you the 'Individual' option in your mmi settings..
Not sure if I would like the drone on a long journey..

 

[Rob2k68]

Initial thoughts: A bit louder and nice in lower gears, as it makes more noise without needing silly revs

But at 70 I think it may get annoying. Couldn't get a good judge as only a 7 mile drive to work. But I think whenever you put your foot down slightly (even gently) it makes a noise that 'could' get annoying. Not sure, radio may drown it out. I purposely had the radio off to listen out for it.

Only thing is that my next long drive is about 3 hours long so I don't fancy having it droning on for 3 hours haha

Will see how it goes to work and back the next few days and decide whether I plug them back in or not yet

I suppose that's the reason they have given you the 'Individual' option in your mmi settings..
Not sure if I would like the drone on a long journey..

I think with the flaps disconnected they are fully open - when in dynamic or set to dynamic in individual i don't believe that they are fully open but dependant on throttle input. Can't remember thiking its droney at all when standard and sat at 70mph. Pretty fair assessment above it's really dependent on day to day journey and speed as whether or not this mod is a good thing or not.

 

[pburv]

I think with the flaps disconnected they are fully open - when in dynamic or set to dynamic in individual i don't believe that they are fully open but dependant on throttle input. Can't remember thiking its droney at all when standard and sat at 70mph. Pretty fair assessment above it's really dependent on day to day journey and speed as whether or not this mod is a good thing or not.

Seeing as I rarely do long journeys around 5k a year...Might consider that mod but don't want to just disconnect the plug I would rather do it using vcds..The only problem being i'm miles away from anyone who has it..The closest to me hasn't been active for over 4 years!!

 

[azibux1]

True @Rob2k68, full open when disconnected and throttle dependant (when in dynamic) when plugged in is what I've read too.

It wasn't droney really 'at' 70, but you hear it as soon as you touch the throttle slightly more to pick up speed I think. But again like I say, couldn't get a good thought on it in such a short journey.

@pburv give it a go! Takes seconds to unplug and test. Then can look into VCDS if you like it. At least that way you're not gonna pay someone / drive to someone to do it, only to find you don't like it a week later. I'm hoping I can clear the fault code that it apparently triggers with my el cheapo bluetooth OBD II reader, if not I'll just plug them back in and deny all knowledge if ever mentioned haha

 

[pburv]

True @Rob2k68, full open when disconnected and throttle dependant (when in dynamic) when plugged in is what I've read too.

It wasn't droney really 'at' 70, but you hear it as soon as you touch the throttle slightly more to pick up speed I think. But again like I say, couldn't get a good thought on it in such a short journey.

@pburv give it a go! Takes seconds to unplug and test. Then can look into VCDS if you like it. At least that way you're not gonna pay someone / drive to someone to do it, only to find you don't like it a week later. I'm hoping I can clear the fault code that it apparently triggers with my el cheapo bluetooth OBD II reader, if not I'll just plug them back in and deny all knowledge if ever mentioned haha

Yes I see what you mean...But the fault code popping up will worry me slightly..Having said that i'm sure Audi encounter that specific code every day..

 

[azibux1]

Yes I see what you mean...But the fault code popping up will worry me slightly..Having said that i'm sure Audi encounter that specific code every day..

Yeah it doesn't trigger any lights or messages that the driver can see.

Like you say they probably get lots of people doing it, and it doesn't really affect anything in a negative way.

Ooo that's one thing I did notice that I forgot to mention! Again maybe just because I had the radio off though... Normally I have a mode set up like dynamic mode with a slight tweak, and that's individual obviously... When restarting the car every knows you need to cycle round the modes again to engage that individual or dynamic setting properly 100%... I did NOT do that today, so it was in individual but not recycled round... And I noticed the exhaust farts a bit more than normal, I don't think I was even in S on the gearbox, just D with heavy acceleration.

Anyone else know if this mod makes the farts more prominent?
...
Never thought I'd be on a car forum talking about farts....

 

[pburv]

Yeah it doesn't trigger any lights or messages that the driver can see.

Like you say they probably get lots of people doing it, and it doesn't really affect anything in a negative way.

Ooo that's one thing I did notice that I forgot to mention! Again maybe just because I had the radio off though... Normally I have a mode set up like dynamic mode with a slight tweak, and that's individual obviously... When restarting the car every knows you need to cycle round the modes again to engage that individual or dynamic setting properly 100%... I did NOT do that today, so it was in individual but not recycled round... And I noticed the exhaust farts a bit more than normal, I don't think I was even in S on the gearbox, just D with heavy acceleration.

Anyone else know if this mod makes the farts more prominent?
...
Never thought I'd be on a car forum talking about farts....

Nothing surprises me on this forum anymore...lol
Interesting observation on the 'fart' box though..

 

[davc]

I disabled my flaps (ooooh errr) with vcds yonks ago and don't get any noticeable drone on the motorway. The farts though are epic lol.

When restarting the car every knows you need to cycle round the modes again to engage that individual or dynamic setting properly 100%... I did NOT do that today, so it was in individual but not recycled round... And I noticed the exhaust farts a bit more than normal, I don't think I was even in S on the gearbox, just D with heavy acceleration.

That doesn't sound right. Mine stays in the same ADS mode until I decide to change it. Been driving around in dynamic for the last 2 weeks.

Most of the time it's set to Individual with suspension set to Auto and everything else in Dynamic.

 

[azibux1]

I disabled my flaps (ooooh errr) with vcds yonks ago and don't get any noticeable drone on the motorway. The farts though are epic lol.

Good to know my initial thoughts were maybe wrong then with regards to drone.

Ha yeah I noticed today again that I am fairly sure it 'enhances' the fart

That doesn't sound right. Mine stays in the same ADS mode until I decide to change it. Been driving around in dynamic for the last 2 weeks.

Most of the time it's set to Individual with suspension set to Auto and everything else in Dynamic.

I'll try and find the post describing it as 'normal' behaviour if I can. I understand what you mean, and if you look on the car settings in MMI it will show as in the last mode you had it in, but if that mode is dynamic, and you've restarted the car, people say it isn't 'full dynamic' unless you cycle round the modes.

I think my individual mode matches yours

 

[azibux1]

Here it is @davc, see post 4 especially:

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-drive-mode-start-in-dynamic-s.274318/#post-2735441

Also, this was an interesting read about being in S or not BEFORE you change to manual mode:

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...-paddles-in-dynamic-mode.279404/#post-2764515

 

[S3 Turbo]

Good to know my initial thoughts were maybe wrong then with regards to drone.

Ha yeah I noticed today again that I am fairly sure it 'enhances' the fart



I'll try and find the post describing it as 'normal' behaviour if I can. I understand what you mean, and if you look on the car settings in MMI it will show as in the last mode you had it in, but if that mode is dynamic, and you've restarted the car, people say it isn't 'full dynamic' unless you cycle round the modes.

I think my individual mode matches yours

Mine now has a strong base sound (suppose this is drone) when accelerating slowly in like the 2000-2500 rpm range.
That was the most notable difference after the mod.

Don't get it when keeping constant speed.

Really like it this way.

But if some of you also get the sound at constant speed, I can understand that it gets a bit too much...

 

[azibux1]

Mine now has a strong base sound (suppose this is drone) when accelerating slowly in like the 2000-2500 rpm range.
That was the most notable difference after the mod.

Don't get it when keeping constant speed.

Really like it this way.

But if some of you also get the sound at constant speed, I can understand that it gets a bit too much...

That's the sound I'm explaining yeah. It isn't at constant speed, but noticeable (as an example) if you're going 70, then just accelerate even a tiny bit to 75... whereas before I think it was not noticeable like this.

I think I'll tape up the connectors on the valves so they don't get dirty and run it like this for a bit to see if I like it on a long journey or if it will be annoying. At least it is an easily reversible mod unlike changing the entire exhaust system haha

 

[S3 Turbo]

That's the sound I'm explaining yeah. It isn't at constant speed, but noticeable (as an example) if you're going 70, then just accelerate even a tiny bit to 75... whereas before I think it was not noticeable like this.

I think I'll tape up the connectors on the valves so they don't get dirty and run it like this for a bit to see if I like it on a long journey or if it will be annoying. At least it is an easily reversible mod unlike changing the entire exhaust system haha

That's the beauty of vcds mods hehe...

 

[ChivsBang]

Not going to touch mine. Its pretty loud in Dynamic mode and think I would have enough of it was like that permanently. It does sound nice though....and although I love the pop and crackle of the RS3 its just too loud for me...

 

[Rob2k68]

Milltek sell connector blanking plugs for their non valved systems to keep the crud at bay from the connectors. Same applies if you've just disconnected them ....

 

[pburv]

Milltek sell connector blanking plugs for their non valved systems to keep the crud at bay from the connectors. Same applies if you've just disconnected them ....

View attachment 103741

Very helpful post there Rob...

 

[WarwickL]

Seeing as I rarely do long journeys around 5k a year...Might consider that mod but don't want to just disconnect the plug I would rather do it using vcds..The only problem being i'm miles away from anyone who has it..The closest to me hasn't been active for over 4 years!!

I disconnected mine and only lasted a week before I reconnected them.

Indeed got a drone on the open road and it was annoying but what sealed it for me was a number of people saying it sounded like a Merc A250 (not in a good way).

Both my daughters (who are revheads) said it sounded worse so that was a decision made.

The S3 is a sleeper and needs to sound that way. If I wanted to be an extrovert A45 driver, I would have got the bang, crackle popper RS3 ....

 

[Rob2k68]

Very helpful post there Rob...

Thought they'd be £20 max but just looked on Ebay and they're almost 50 notes !!!! Think most will stick with the insulation tape LoL

 

[pburv]

I disconnected mine and only lasted a week before I reconnected them.

Indeed got a drone on the open road and it was annoying but what sealed it for me was a number of people saying it sounded like a Merc A250 (not in a good way).

Both my daughters (who are revheads) said it sounded worse so that was a decision made.

The S3 is a sleeper and needs to sound that way. If I wanted to be an extrovert A45 driver, I would have got the bang, crackle popper RS3 ....

Very well put Warwick..
I've been 'umming and arring'..lol on whether to do this mod and you have just made my mind up..Let sleeping dogs lie and all that...

 

[pburv]

Thought they'd be £20 max but just looked on Ebay and they're almost 50 notes !!!! Think most will stick with the insulation tape LoL

Thats a lot of money for a piece of plastic!
I take back what I said about it being a very helpful post...lol