Is VW Trying to Stop you from Working on your Car? SFD Unlock 

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Right to repair - very important subject. Thank you for covering this.

I don't understand why manufacturers keep trying to turn everything into a cell phone! In practice the vast majority of people just use bluetooth audio and hands free.

I have been driving VWs since 1973 and working on them since my 1983 GTI. I divide VWs into two periods - before Vagcom and after Vagcom. When the Vagcom came out it took away the mystery and changed everything. It really helped me understand my 92 Corrado and later VWs. If my old serial Vagcom with a USB dongle doesn't readily work with mk8 VWs then I am not buying one. My 2015 Sportwagen TDI came with VW Car-Net which I didn't want because it makes me feel insecure and doesn't do anything I need. Luckily it was based on 3G which got discontinued, so it quit working. VW sent me a notification that said I could give them back control of my car by spending $300 on hardware, having it installed, and paying VW a monthly fee. So now that my Car-Net is dead I own the greatest VW that will ever be made! It doesn't have the noisy panoramic sunroof or problematic junk tech like ACC, automatic stopping, and light strips in the door panels. It is safe from over the air updates that could break a perfectly working vehicle. It averages 47 mpg in the city and 55 mpg when driving 75 mph. The manual transmission makes is fun to drive like a GTI. And my old Vagcom cable works without hassle. After 40 years of buying new VWs I guess I am done. The diagnostic limitations are the last straw. Maybe in 5 to 10 years I will buy a VW EV, but until then I will get a used VW with a manual transmission and use parts from vendors like DAP to keep it moving.

My local Audi dealership constantly: - avoiding to pick up their phone when you call to ask info or book a service - charges me for diagnostics and doesn’t deduct it when I decide to accept their repair proposal and pay for them (its ok to charge if you wanted diagnostics only and to repair yourself. But charge diagnostics and repairs…) - mess up their own parts order - refuse to do wheel alignment (the machine is “broken” like Ice Cream machine at McDonalds - overcharges - clearly is not used to repairing anything newer than 2012 cars (we are a poor country) - favours companies heavily and ignores “civilian” customers with service - mid repair “accidentally” realises that they need more parts…despite paying 70eur for diagnostics that told us a different price for repairs and parts But suree…me repairing my car is the problem!

SFD (Schutz der Fahrzeugdiagnose) is required by UNECE R-155 to homologate cars for Europe. FMVSS in North America Regions requires it, too. Believe me, it is a pain to implement in an ECU.

Paul, I love the channel and your insights on VW. As a Passat owner it would be great to see them get some love on your channel. I love my car but finding VALUABLE information is a real struggle. Mine is a 21' SE, I have checked your site but it looks like options for tuning parts and your filters don't go the latest model years and engines. Thanks for all the great videos.

As a vw tech, I have witnessed this become big with all VW MQB chassis 2020+ as when scanning vehicle with ODIS, you are given a message before aloud to scan “please open hood and connect vehicle to battery charger”. I believe this is VW responding to all those shortcut techs that like to not maintain vehicle voltage when scanning or performing module recoding/ software updates and/or configurations. As I have seen many techs ignore vehicle voltage leading to body module bricking AND in some rare cases, vehicle identification loss between VIN locked modules. I don’t believe it has any to do with the “right to repair” outside of the dealership however everyone outside of the dealership not using ODIS is directly effected.

I think the reason for SFD was implemented was to stop people modifying software ,then running back to dealers demanding Warranty for destroyed engines and transmissions. Seen many media units " bricked" due to people trying to unlock features with unauthorised equipment!

You know what else keeps Hackerman from accessing your car? Not putting in systems that allow remote access. 🤯

This is exactly why I will keep my Mk7 GTI forever.. No unlock or digital cockpit and touch screen nonsense...

Good call on OTA... I think you are right, and open hood is a secondary protection..

I have my doubts as to whether VW's intent is as altruistic as you're saying. I'm old enough to remember the literally hundreds of millions of dollars in lawsuits VWOA filed against many performance aftermarket companies in the early 2000's (example: Garrett Lim of GIAC was sued for some laughably huge amount, like 100 mil, for "software piracy" IE he developed software for the then-new Mk4 1.8T platform). VW Vortex, which was then a small forum page few had ever heard of, got sued. VWOA's legal dream team even went after small shops who used "VW" in their yellow pages ads.

This is purely to keep used modules from being installed in cars by shops that dont know what they are doing, you put a PCM in from a same year car that had a different engine and bad things happen. Component protection has to be removed if a different VIN is written in any module on the gateway before it can be programmed to that car. Just so happens to also affect tuners in a negative way lol.

It is not the choice of OEM to introduce cybersecurity in their complex electronic architecture. It is necessary for homologation of ece r155 and r156.

Sadly this sounds like a necessary evil. VW seems to make it easier than most of the other manufacturers

It's probably a little bit of both, honestly. I think if they can dissuade people from working on their cars and funnel them to the dealer? That's great for them, but it's a secondary bonus for them. It's likely for security, but I think a 'better' way to do this would be a setting in the infotainment that would turn on a 'support tunnel' for a set amount of time. Whatever the average update takes + 15 minutes or something like that that ALSO requires the hood to be open. You can also ping people to the infotainment saying 'Update available' and then page number in the manual or a QR code for the instructions online to do it. You could even add an MD5 hash of the update to verify against the one in the release notes to verify it's the correct file before doing the update. This is sort of how enterprise IT equipment (including backup appliances and storage arrays) works nowadays. You can call support, and they have you turn on the support tunnel, otherwise there's no remote access to the device. It's secure and also lets you actually use your equipment as you see fit whilst still being open for OEM support when needed.

notification squad, Have a nice weekend!🔥🔥🔥

I don't like it, because there's almost no consumer benefit to over the air updates. Its great for manufacturers, but if the goal was consumer friendly they would have streamlined (and made free) the wired update method first. The goal of ota updates is the subscription model for features. Its not an end for the manufacturer by itself.

Paul - good video as always and important subject. I think there are two reasons for SFD - (a) they /VW/ wanted to protect features that were installed in the car, but not paid for - IMHO this was an avenue to prevent and easy "unlock" of such features, (b) as a by-design this could be used to "ensure" that adaptations are not modified, and as such the software updates are easier for VW by "expecting" a defined set of coding. This is becoming a bigger issue now for those expecting their OTA/Upgrades in the future on the newest cars, especially the ID family... The biggest mystery of the whole video - why was the SFD Unlock UI of VCDS in the video in Czech?

my understanding is the alarm will go off if you open the bonnet without a key, giving you a warning that it's being stolen. that's a response to people programming keys to cars and just driving them off that you see a lot of with key less ignition cars, also for security with wlan updates over air.

...And this is why I love my B5.5 Passat...

This man's been bought!

Thanks for sharing the need to open the hood. Tried to make changes with OBD11 and it would not work and gave no prompt to open hood. I will have to try again.

Just wait for the new security protocols on future ECUs to kick in 😅 I'm a Bosch intern in the Communications and Diagnosis VW team and they have very strict rules regarding the future.

Little off topic but would like to see a video on suspension adaptations with obdeleven pro. Seems straight forward but would like to see it done. Also ole Obdeleven seems like pulled ahead of competition on this one good on them.

what about ODB eleven and SFD2 like in the 2024 models? Are you able to unlock it?

I believe this is part of the you will own nothing and pay for it. E.g. heated seats per BMW.

Manufacturers constantly trying to turn these cars into a giant computer. Most things are already a pain in the ass with all the damn sensors and unnecessary parts you have to fight with.

One part is always money. The other part is security for OTA updates, BUT this is the problem. OTA updates should not be on cars. If someone ever cares about security, it will always tell you that the most secure system is the one that is no connected. Of course people are lazy, and besides, "safety from hackers" or security in general is always the perfect excuse FOR EVERY TECH BUSINESS to slip in data collection that they can sell for even more money.

pro edition doesn't require extra spending for SFD. so that's good.

side profile of that car, looks great. ota is nice, anything to not go to dealership is best.

Im just trying to open the rear electro mechanical parking brake on a 2023 RS3 and its SFD Locked, FML WTF. I'm just trying to do some rear brakes over here!!!!!!!!!!

The goal is to reduce second hand market , and to make car obsolete faster so we can spend more money on new one . For example on some car with adblue witch are now come out of warranty . Changing some main parts of system is costing about 30% of car value . So that a car with 10 years or more will not be worth fixing this system. If goverment is demanding this system to be in place then it should cover all cost of maintaining.

I bought a solid steering lock making it even more difficult for a potential thief as an added security protection. 👍😉

And isnt this were 3rd party ECU's enter the game like ABT and APR?

What wheels does the gti have on? Looks amazing!

You guys should sell MkII stuff, also. Parts for those are like locating the Holy Grail anymore.

Like the way BMW are charging monthly subscription fees, to use features already in the car from factory.

I want to know your thoughts on the GLI and what parts of the gti can be used in a gli and if you have any products that can make a gli faster.

Any manufacturer who actively prevents me from working on my car is burning itself from ever having me as a customer. Problem is, I'm not the weird kind of person who buys new cars. Old cars are competition for manufacturers who want to sell new, and although they like the notion of high resale value, they'd prefer those cars were off the road.

My assumption is all manufacturers are starting to do that because they think instead of these "apps" (bimmercode & the like) charging and making money off coding, they would just make the money themselves. They know people are going to do it no matter what so they figure they'd make the money on their bottom line. I mean I don't like it but I understand it from a business move by the manufacturers.

We own are last late model vw now and hope to get rid of it soon.

Pretty sure it's the precursor to vw not being able to have there obd2 reprogram for aftermarket tuning

Still kinda feel like it's a black helicopter thing honestly. Wow the new expanded shop in NC looks amazing. Need to get with you or your people on my parts list for the turbo swap next year.

So I am able to do the remote window close w.o voiding my warranty?

In my modest opinion, Hackerman could just as well have the car think the hood is open, then proceed to hack it and have it go off the cliff.

I need to access the PIN to adapt new fob on the Mk4. I have VCDS but can't get the PIN. What methods are available?

are you going to bring back the Center Exit (Mk5 R32) Exhaust for the MK7/MK7.5? if not, why? :(

As long as you have access to it via OBD11 which literally a kinder garden child can buy, it’s quite clear it’s not intent to prohibit end users….

0:52 is that thing already rusting under the leading edge of the front doors?

SEM like the “good ol’ days” lol … imagine a lot of folks never even had to consider this.

So could these over the air updates remove an aftermarket tune?

Hi Paul can you please, help me on the Polo 2022 model I want to do. needle sweep so I switch it on on the app but doesn't do...

Maybe VW was motivated by Dieselgate Jettas. People who had one would just not show up to the dealer for the reprogramming, once they knew it turned up EGR sludging rates and lowered MPG. I'm sure that made VW's conflict with the EPA even more difficult. All these extra robotic devices are one reason I aspire to own an Evo X. The other reason is that it will remain a classic now and forever because nothing like it is likely to be produced. An Evo XI isn't anywhere near in the works. I'm not sure of the best comparison to older VWs. Perhaps it is like seeing people buy a Gold R32 because they want the last of the VR6 engines, rather than a turbo four? VW had better be more careful adding this extra stuff. If they add too many, GTI sales might decline in favor of Honda Civic SI sales.

2:46 What is the difference to pay them money for acessing those Codes? Not much. You simply have not full access to a car you already bought. 3:08 ... but who owns the car if the manufacturer can mess with it via OTA Updates?

Nice Video, grettings from Germany

If your car won't run, just wait a little time for The Great Reset which will allow you to rent repairs.

Yes... the answers yes

For me it means ...keep my VW T4 as long as possible!! Specially with alle the changes to electricity here in the EU ...

I just noticed that my obdeleven has now lost the ability to manually code anything into the system now (I suspect that it's because they launched Pro and now you have to pay for this). Not cool.

I have a question maybe someone can help me? I own a Passat cc 2010 model and recently installed a "modest " car audio system and installed a new battery. Do i need to code a new battery in this model from 2010?? I have searched with obdeleven but no such function shows up...

i can help you for odis online Programming if you want, experience since 2006

I need that MK5 Holy Shift. like NOW!!!

broski why didnt you buy b9 s4 insted?

So if the hood has to be popped..... what's the point of wireless? It sounds like wireless access was created to explain SFD and if the access was from the OBD2 port you could easily not have SFD on that physical access port. SFD will be expanded as the plant stories like "car was hacked" and then it will truly become a crypto nightmare.

Good morning 🌞

Of course they are. Im disgusted with the direction car companies have taken.

i just bought Carly and i want to code a dpf pressure sensor so that my car see's it, am i out of luck ?

I do think the security is needed to stop any potential safety issue. As technology advance and change, so does the crime.

Ah yes, ze german engineering, brand new MK8 GTI - 50 FAULTS!

Presumably this SFD thing isn't like a Subscription thing that stop owners from being able to use heated seat warmers for example which BMW for example have thought about doing (or may have even started doing(????)) which if the customer/ owner of the car then does Subscribe they (BMW (for example)) would then unlock over the airwaves via and update and thus allowing the heated seat warmers to be used. Or have got this whole thing totally wrong??

This is why older models are more desirable, less tech,

Couple of weeks ago someone newer in the shop was programming keys and kept failing. Called me over and I restarted the process and boom the open hood message popped up(guess he was just clicking through to get through quicker) popped the hood and the keys programmed immediately. He spent about 25 minutes because he wasn't reading the instructions

My obd11 got stolen and I bought from you, I guess I know what that means ;)

Whoever came up with the option, or the opinion that a vehicle needed to be smart enough to be able to drive itself off a cliff?

I'm just waiting for the moment where you listen to music in your car and an ad appears where you can pay to have ads removed from offline music.

What wheels are those??

OTA updates is a bad thing why do you want anyone else to have unlimited control over YOUR car, this happened with phones when bootloaders were locked down, when user removable batteries and sd card slots went away, andwhen apple decided to slow the cpus on older phones. Cars are going the same way like when BMW and toyota turned basic functionalities into subscription models, when tesla decided that you only get access to the entire battery in your car during a natural emergency, and when mercedes decided to scare you aware from opening your own hood. It’s all a way to keep you reliant on something you don’t own

yes

Why would you call the on board diagnosis port ii, obd11? I don't understand

One of the reasons we never drive a VW newer then 2008/09... and even the Golf3 can still be used, just needs RUST care 😉Golf2 and 1 are not so recommended to use as daily car. Missing many safety featues etc. But 3 has airbags and some modells ABS etc too... and more comfort.... CHEERS Buy a 3 or 4 Golf without sunroof which had rust care. These are cheaper to maintain and reliable compared to 2010+ cars. Also BMW, Toyota,Audi and Nissan can be recommended from 2010 o earlier :)) Nissan mostly do not look good - but reliable

Too much technology and I think it’s a terrible idea even having no key anymore unlock everything with app from your phone scary times

I would like to buy many things that they have in their online store, too bad they don't ship outside the USA, I had to ask an aunt for a favor so that she could buy me the harness for the taillights and send them to me in mx

Manufacturers create security problems with remote upgrades and poor software in unecessery electronics. The solution makes it harder for a car entusiast to repair their own car so they have to take it to a licenced repair shop. 🤔

Paul, at 0:53 you got a bubble in your tire.

i know a few are starting to do that. Chrysler is one big offender. i had issues using my snapon scan tool on a 2020 jeep today

Yes. most cars are design to have a life time of a leasing contract.

lol 5 second mark I can see the mess up on the bumper sensor....

you cant put the electric handbrake in service mode without sfd so YES they prevent from repairing

VW has always tried to lock you out of working on your own cars.

That last clip,😂😂😂

Interesting 🤔

Hackerman can’t drive a stick shift. There’s always that.

Yeah ‘22 Tiguan doesn’t allow me to code it

They are supposed to be a means of getting from A to B we’ve gone too far. Didn’t anyone learn anything from chip shortage crisis.

It's weird VCDS didn't make a deal

Can you still get performance tunes for the newer models?

That German accent... 🤣🤣🤣

its due diligence