Cornering lights can improve visibility when turning at low speed by switching on the fog light or additional cornering lamp on the side toward which the vehicle is turning.
On compatible Audi models, this function can be enabled through the Central Electronics control module using VCDS. This guide preserves the coding procedure demonstrated in the original video.
Important compatibility information
The procedure shown here uses:
09 – Cent. Elect. → Coding → Long Coding Helper → Byte 4 → Bit 0
This exact Byte and Bit location is not available in every Audi. Coding layouts can differ depending on the vehicle model, model year, Central Electronics module and installed lighting equipment.
Continue only if Long Coding Helper displays the matching cornering-light option at Byte 4, Bit 0. Do not activate an unidentified Bit simply because it has the same number.
The vehicle must already have compatible lights and a Central Electronics module that supports this function. VCDS coding cannot add missing lamps, wiring or control-module functionality.
What you need
You will need:
- a Windows computer with VCDS,
- a compatible diagnostic interface,
- sufficient vehicle battery voltage,
- a Central Electronics module that supports cornering-light coding.
Before changing anything, save the original coding. This allows you to restore the previous configuration if the function does not work correctly.
If you are new to VCDS, read the introductory guide first:
Video: enabling Audi cornering lights
The video demonstrates the same VCDS path and coding change described below.
Step 1: Connect VCDS to the vehicle
Connect the diagnostic interface to the vehicle’s OBD-II port and then connect it to the computer.
Switch the ignition on, but do not start the engine unless maintaining battery voltage requires it. Open VCDS and confirm that communication with the vehicle is working.
Step 2: Open the Central Electronics module
From the VCDS main screen, select:
Select Control Module → 09 – Cent. Elect.
The Central Electronics module controls many exterior-lighting functions.
Step 3: Save the original coding
Before making a change, copy or record the complete original coding value shown by VCDS.
A diagnostic Auto-Scan is also recommended. Save it before altering the module so that you have a record of the vehicle’s original configuration.
Step 4: Open Long Coding Helper
Select:
Coding → Long Coding Helper
Do not change unrelated Bytes or Bits.
Step 5: Enable the cornering-light function
Select:
Byte 4
Locate:
Bit 0
Enable Bit 0 only when VCDS identifies it as the relevant cornering-light function and the displayed option matches the vehicle’s equipment.
If Byte 4, Bit 0 is missing, unnamed or assigned to a different function, stop here. Your Central Electronics module uses a different coding layout or may not support this feature.
Step 6: Save the coding
After selecting the correct option:
- Close or exit Long Coding Helper.
- Return to the Coding screen.
- Select Do It! to save the new coding.
VCDS should confirm that the coding was accepted. If the module rejects the change, restore the original value rather than attempting unrelated coding combinations.
Step 7: Test the cornering lights
After the coding has been accepted:
- Switch on the vehicle’s exterior lights.
- Start the engine if required by the lighting system.
- Turn the steering wheel at low speed or activate the direction indicator.
- Check whether the corresponding cornering lamp illuminates.
- Test both the left and right sides.
The exact activation conditions can depend on the vehicle. They may include vehicle speed, steering angle, direction-indicator operation and whether the dipped-beam headlights are switched on.
If the cornering lights do not work
Check the following:
- the vehicle has compatible fog or cornering lamps,
- the Central Electronics module supports the function,
- Byte 4, Bit 0 was clearly identified by VCDS,
- no exterior-lighting faults are stored,
- both bulbs and their wiring are operational,
- the vehicle meets the required testing conditions,
- the coding was accepted successfully.
If the vehicle produces warning messages or unexpected lighting behaviour, restore the original coding saved before the modification.
Coding path summary
For the compatible system demonstrated in this tutorial, the complete VCDS path is:
09 – Cent. Elect. → Coding → Long Coding Helper → Byte 4 → Bit 0 → Exit → Do It!
This procedure documents one supported coding layout. It should not be treated as a universal Byte and Bit assignment for every Audi model or Central Electronics module.
