Component Protection Removal Through VCP?

[red4life5]

I saw this as one of the last comments on the 3G+ MMI thread:

"You can copy the component protection from your old unit to the new unit using a VCP(Vag Can Pro) cable and software. It allows you to read/write to the eeprom. If you are technical minded it is fairly straight forward. No need to visit dealer and you can freely swap between either unit if needed as the component protection will be identical on both the old(3G) and new(3G+) devices."

Is this real? If so, what cable and what are the steps?? We could all do this and not have to go to the dealer for anything!!

[JettaGetUpandGo]

From what I remember from my MK4 days you could do something similar with gauge cluster swaps to avoid having to adapt the immobilizer to the car.

Pulling the eeprom file off the cluster and loading it back on was pretty straightforward with the right cable/software. Modifying the file wasn't intuitive at all.

I had a stubborn cluster that the previous owner had "reset" improperly which goofed the software in the cluster and didn't allow it to adapt to the car. After taking the eeprom file from my original cluster and finding an unmolested file for the new cluster someone was able to put to two together and send me a modified file to load onto the new cluster.

Where did that quote come from? With the right cable it's feasible that we could pull the eeprom file from both MMI units and have someone create a new file with the component protection info from the old unit. The average forum user isn't going to be able to modify the file.

Edit: Here is some more nerdy stuff. http://audienthusiasts.com/Infotainment_EEPROM.html

It looks like it might actually be as simple as retrieving the eeprom file from both units and copy/pasting the component protection section from the old to the new using a hex editor.

[elscotto80]

I saw some guy on a forum in Europe that apparently can do it remotely. You connect with vag com or something and he uses some software to do it. Seemed a little fishy, so I just paid the 130 at the dealer and it was done in less than an hour.

With the right know how and software it's probably possible, but for most of us not really feasible.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Quattro420]

Looks like you can buy vag com pro and might be able to not to sure tho

[Gunnark100]

I saw some guy on a forum in Europe that apparently can do it remotely. You connect with vag com or something and he uses some software to do it. Seemed a little fishy, so I just paid the 130 at the dealer and it was done in less than an hour.

With the right know how and software it's probably possible, but for most of us not really feasible.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Nothing fishy Scott:), but those guys removing cp online(like dealer), not "eeprom" play like on Davids site. As far i remember OP had concert or symphony, so vcp will not help him!

[elscotto80]

Ha! I think I tried to contact the fellas and didn't receive a response. Oh well.

Nothing fishy Scott:), but those guys removing cp online(like dealer), not "eeprom" play like on Davids site. As far i remember OP had concert or symphony, so vcp will not help him!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Gunnark100]

Ha! I think I tried to contact the fellas and didn't receive a response. Oh well.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Jep, name is Jack Kirry(many people have used his service), on past few years many others offer the same service also(growing market:))

[Charles.waite]

Check out this site: https://www.audienthusiasts.com/Info...nt_EEPROM.html

[byront8]

Jack Kirry appears to have gone silent on this


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[red4life5]

Jack Kirry appears to have gone silent on this


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I hit him up and he wanted more than the dealer to do it so I passed. If someone knew more about this and had experience I would love to complete my 3G+ MMI swap on my own. I hate anyone touching my car for anything


2010 A4 S-Line Prestige

[byront8]

It can be done using a VCP cable, you can copy the old CP from the headunit and squirt it into the new one - 3G > 3G+, not 2G to 3G.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[elscotto80]

It can be done using a VCP cable, you can copy the old CP from the headunit and squirt it into the new one - 3G > 3G+, not 2G to 3G.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Care to share a bit more information?

[red4life5]

It can be done using a VCP cable, you can copy the old CP from the headunit and squirt it into the new one - 3G > 3G+, not 2G to 3G.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Yeah, want to show the process?


2010 A4 S-Line Prestige

[Charles.waite]

Did you guys see the link I posted earlier? It mostly covers this.

[ould]

Ok, since this seems to be getting requested quite often now, rather than replying to a bunch of PM's I am going to write up a quick howto.

This is assuming you are doing the MMI3G to MMI3G+ upgrade, but should also work if you needed to replace an MMI unit for some reason.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible if you brick your MMI or your whole car. If you aren't comfortable with the procedure, just go to the dealer and pay for an hour of labour.

1. Obtain the parts needed to do the swap, you will need the MMI unit and Control Panel. Do your research, make sure you get what you need to fit your car. Optional: fakra antenna cable for GSM connection. Keep your old unit installed until you read the EEPROM.

2. Order a VCP cable. I used a knockoff, it worked for this procedure. Really cheap here at the moment -> https://www.obd2cartool.com/vag-can-...scanner-p-1159

3. Install VCP software on your laptop, make sure it is working. Connect to OBD port in your car. You want to connect to module 5F for this. On main screen under ECU's click the "more..." button. On the next screen click the "Infotainment" tab. Finally, click the "[5F] MMI 3G" button. See screenshots.





4. In the next window click "CONNECT" to connect to the module. Once successfully connected under "Advanced Functions" click the "FLASHER" button. Note: It may have a different name depending on version of software. See screenshot.



5. You should now see a window like below. Screenshot is a little low quality but all I could find as I no longer have my car to connect to. There won't be any data in it until you read it. This is just to show you what the layout looks like.



6. In that window you are going to want to fill out the following fields(just under the toolbar working from the left) as follows:

Login: 21055 or 20103(can't remember which one I ended up using, if one doesn't work try the other) click the key icon, you should see "login ok" down at the bottom in the status bar.
Address: 4096
Length: 8192

In the pulldown at the end of the row, choose "engineer mode"

7. Once you have those fields filled out click the little button that looks like a "play" button, you should should data start to fill up. Once it finishes, make sure you save the file for future use as this is where you will get your component protection data.

8. Here's a youtube video I found which shows the procedure on a different module but should give you a better visual -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyok8kqoh-U

9. Double check to make sure you have file saved in a safe place on your hard drive. Maybe make a backup as well. Can't hurt and will save you from swapping parts more than once.

10. Remove your old MMI unit and control panel. Install new parts. Before you remove your old stuff I HIGHLY recommend taking screenshots of all the options in the green menu so you can reproduce your setup on the new MMI. There's a lot in there.

11. Repeat steps 3-9, making sure you use a different name for the eeprom dump, also make sure you know which is which. :-)

12. Download a hex editor of your choice. Any one will work. Here is a free one -> https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/

13. Open the file you saved from your original old MMI unit in the hex editor. You should see something like below.



14. Scroll down to offset 00000640. Highlight from there until the end of the line at 00000770(basically 0000077F is the end.) It's easy to see as there is no data before or after. Right-click and select copy. You can paste it into a new file and save that somewhere if you want. That way you will have the component protection saved somewhere on it's own. See screenshot to see what you should be highlighting.



15. Close the original file. Open the file you saved from the new unit. Highlight the same section as you did above, right click and select paste insert or paste write(assuming you are using HxD). Make sure it overwrote the data and didn't insert it. It should warn you if you did it wrong saying the file size will be changed, you don't want to see that error.

16. If you have successfully copied in the date, save the file preferably under a new name so you can compare the original dump with the edit and make sure only the component protection portion has changed. WARNING: Double, triple check, whatever you are comfortable with. If you write the wrong data back to the eeprom you could brick the unit.

17. You are now ready to write the file back to the eeprom in the car. Repeat steps 3-9 but in step 7, click the open button and select the new file you just made above. Then instead of clicking the "Play" button click the RED button next to it.

18. It should start writing the data to the eeprom if you did everything correctly.

19. Once finished reboot the MMI using the three finger salute. Once it reboots, everything should work normally but with a nice new updated user interface.

20. Crack a beer and enjoy some tunes on your new MMI, preferably streamed over bluetooth as you should now be able to do that. If you feel like sending me a beer so I can enjoy one with ya -> tip jar

I hope this helps everyone out. It took me a while to figure this all out back when I did it and it was a little nerve wracking doing it but was super pumped when it all worked out.

PM me if you have any questions or you notice some errors. This took a while to write up and I am sure I made some typo's etc and my brain hurts now. :-)

[daandaman]

:-)

I am preparing a 3G retrofit in my currently 2G 2007 S8. Do you know if this copy-pasting of hex is also possible between those two generations?
I'll probably have to un-CP these new modules:

Kessy, B&O pre-amp, MMI, CLimatronic, Gateway

[ould]

I am preparing a 3G retrofit in my currently 2G 2007 S8. Do you know if this copy-pasting of hex is also possible between those two generations?
I'll probably have to un-CP these new modules:

Kessy, B&O pre-amp, MMI, CLimatronic, Gateway

Sent you a pm.

[Fastbke170]

In Terms of Component Protection Hex Dump, Will the Protection Section always be between 00000640 and 00000770. I wanted to upgrade my subwoofer to a newer version. Would this Method apply to all Components? I Have Concert 3G Model AMI.

Thanks in Advance

[Andreasmkr]

Hi. What is the issue If «Flasher» is greyed out? I am not managing to find the correct access code SN: 189j60c7524654 HW: 4g0035666H

None of these work: VIM Code 1: 05244 VIM Code 2: 02464

UPDATE: Figured it out. Had to go to up/download.

But 1 question remains.

Does the CP always start at 640? I have several lines starting from 580 and all the way down to 770.

[A.K.]

Wow, thanks for such a detailed run down. I will be sure to send a little something your way........Do you happen to know the lines to copy paste for the Climate Control unit CP?

[dmoverley]

Wow, thanks for such a detailed run down. I will be sure to send a little something your way........Do you happen to know the lines to copy paste for the Climate Control unit CP?

Hi thanks for the above info, I’m trying to copy the cp to a newer unit in a 2016 vw polo using vcp and a clone cable , I can connect to the ecu on 5F but can’t get the login codes to work , I don’t get a login ok message ?? And it says eprom error when I press the play button, any help greatly appreciated..

Thanks

Dave

[rjsdavis]

Ok, since this seems to be getting requested quite often now, rather than replying to a bunch of PM's I am going to write up a quick howto.

This is assuming you are doing the MMI3G to MMI3G+ upgrade, but should also work if you needed to replace an MMI unit for some reason.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible if you brick your MMI or your whole car. If you aren't comfortable with the procedure, just go to the dealer and pay for an hour of labour.

1. Obtain the parts needed to do the swap, you will need the MMI unit and Control Panel. Do your research, make sure you get what you need to fit your car. Optional: fakra antenna cable for GSM connection. Keep your old unit installed until you read the EEPROM.

2. Order a VCP cable. I used a knockoff, it worked for this procedure. Really cheap here at the moment -> https://www.obd2cartool.com/vag-can-...scanner-p-1159

3. Install VCP software on your laptop, make sure it is working. Connect to OBD port in your car. You want to connect to module 5F for this. On main screen under ECU's click the "more..." button. On the next screen click the "Infotainment" tab. Finally, click the "[5F] MMI 3G" button. See screenshots.





4. In the next window click "CONNECT" to connect to the module. Once successfully connected under "Advanced Functions" click the "FLASHER" button. Note: It may have a different name depending on version of software. See screenshot.



5. You should now see a window like below. Screenshot is a little low quality but all I could find as I no longer have my car to connect to. There won't be any data in it until you read it. This is just to show you what the layout looks like.



6. In that window you are going to want to fill out the following fields(just under the toolbar working from the left) as follows:

Login: 21055 or 20103(can't remember which one I ended up using, if one doesn't work try the other) click the key icon, you should see "login ok" down at the bottom in the status bar.
Address: 4096
Length: 8192

In the pulldown at the end of the row, choose "engineer mode"

7. Once you have those fields filled out click the little button that looks like a "play" button, you should should data start to fill up. Once it finishes, make sure you save the file for future use as this is where you will get your component protection data.

8. Here's a youtube video I found which shows the procedure on a different module but should give you a better visual -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyok8kqoh-U

9. Double check to make sure you have file saved in a safe place on your hard drive. Maybe make a backup as well. Can't hurt and will save you from swapping parts more than once.

10. Remove your old MMI unit and control panel. Install new parts. Before you remove your old stuff I HIGHLY recommend taking screenshots of all the options in the green menu so you can reproduce your setup on the new MMI. There's a lot in there.

11. Repeat steps 3-9, making sure you use a different name for the eeprom dump, also make sure you know which is which. :-)

12. Download a hex editor of your choice. Any one will work. Here is a free one -> https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/

13. Open the file you saved from your original old MMI unit in the hex editor. You should see something like below.



14. Scroll down to offset 00000640. Highlight from there until the end of the line at 00000770(basically 0000077F is the end.) It's easy to see as there is no data before or after. Right-click and select copy. You can paste it into a new file and save that somewhere if you want. That way you will have the component protection saved somewhere on it's own. See screenshot to see what you should be highlighting.



15. Close the original file. Open the file you saved from the new unit. Highlight the same section as you did above, right click and select paste insert or paste write(assuming you are using HxD). Make sure it overwrote the data and didn't insert it. It should warn you if you did it wrong saying the file size will be changed, you don't want to see that error.

16. If you have successfully copied in the date, save the file preferably under a new name so you can compare the original dump with the edit and make sure only the component protection portion has changed. WARNING: Double, triple check, whatever you are comfortable with. If you write the wrong data back to the eeprom you could brick the unit.

17. You are now ready to write the file back to the eeprom in the car. Repeat steps 3-9 but in step 7, click the open button and select the new file you just made above. Then instead of clicking the "Play" button click the RED button next to it.

18. It should start writing the data to the eeprom if you did everything correctly.

19. Once finished reboot the MMI using the three finger salute. Once it reboots, everything should work normally but with a nice new updated user interface.

20. Crack a beer and enjoy some tunes on your new MMI, preferably streamed over bluetooth as you should now be able to do that. If you feel like sending me a beer so I can enjoy one with ya -> tip jar

I hope this helps everyone out. It took me a while to figure this all out back when I did it and it was a little nerve wracking doing it but was super pumped when it all worked out.

PM me if you have any questions or you notice some errors. This took a while to write up and I am sure I made some typo's etc and my brain hurts now. :-)

Hello Ould

Thank you for this very helpul guide to the steps to sort out the CP.

I'm in the position where my MMI system is completely dead. I have a genuine VCDS and Ross-Tech cable, and everything seems to point to the Control Head unit being kaput with no electrical or optical outputs in the VCDS optical testing. I've got a replacement coming from a breaker now.

However, can you assist with the kit that you need to use to carry out what you've outlined above? Can I use my Ross-Tech cable to connect my laptop to the car to carry out the steps (with the software that you've shown in the screenshots)? If not, what else do I need to get to complete this work?

Also - it occurs to me that I might have difficulty obtaining the necessary hex data from the current control head if it's completely dead? Or can I get the hex data from somewhere else in the system to overwrite it onto the new control head that is on it's way to me?

Many thanks for any assistance!

[Chillaxin]

Hey davis, I bought the kit he linked. I was able to use the cable and software (no instructions how to install) to get to the data from my 3g MMI unit. To install, I pulled all the info off the cd-r they sent, ran the VagCanPro 6 installer that was buried in a file (installs cable drivers/etc) and then was able to run the VagCanPro.exe file that was with the rest of the data on the disk. It is version 5.x.x.


Some of the buttons were different in the Vag Can Pro software that I used:

After connecting to the 3g MMI, the flasher button was greyed out, but there is a button directly below it that says up/downloader (I think) that got me to the hex utility.

I used this info:


Login: 21055 or 20103(can't remember which one I ended up using, if one doesn't work try the other) click the key icon, you should see "login ok" down at the bottom in the status bar.
Address: 4096
Length: 8192

In the pulldown at the end of the row, choose "engineer mode" <===This did not work for me, I had to keep the pulldown in the standard mode, I forget what the label was, but engineering did not work.

I was able to get the hex dump tho. PM me if you need more detail.

[Chillaxin]

So I had to use the 21055 code and engineering drop down to write to the EEPROM. It removed the component protection! Unfortunately, I think the HDD in the unit that I bought from eBay has failed. Has anyone had a failure in there 3G Plus MMI? Whenever the MMI unit starts up I hear a series of clicks (about 10) and then it stops. Also, the media and nav screen are stuck at the initiation screens. Furthermore, when I was able to enable the green menu I got the following screen:HDDMenu.jpg

If anyone knows if this can be fixed, or if I should get another unit, please let me know.

Also, if anyone knows how to remove the rear headliner panel in the 2012 avant so I can hook up the GSM cable, it would be much appreciated.

Also, there isn't an extra wire harness back in the dash for the ADS button in addition to the stabilization button?

Thanks!

[Fknmovin60]

Is Component protection located at the same address in all of the other modules?

[byront8]

Climate control CP is inside it’s own eeprom as far as I was aware...


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Jeromemills]

Ok, since this seems to be getting requested quite often now, rather than replying to a bunch of PM's I am going to write up a quick howto.

This is assuming you are doing the MMI3G to MMI3G+ upgrade, but should also work if you needed to replace an MMI unit for some reason.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible if you brick your MMI or your whole car. If you aren't comfortable with the procedure, just go to the dealer and pay for an hour of labour.

1. Obtain the parts needed to do the swap, you will need the MMI unit and Control Panel. Do your research, make sure you get what you need to fit your car. Optional: fakra antenna cable for GSM connection. Keep your old unit installed until you read the EEPROM.

2. Order a VCP cable. I used a knockoff, it worked for this procedure. Really cheap here at the moment -> https://www.obd2cartool.com/vag-can-...scanner-p-1159

3. Install VCP software on your laptop, make sure it is working. Connect to OBD port in your car. You want to connect to module 5F for this. On main screen under ECU's click the "more..." button. On the next screen click the "Infotainment" tab. Finally, click the "[5F] MMI 3G" button. See screenshots.





4. In the next window click "CONNECT" to connect to the module. Once successfully connected under "Advanced Functions" click the "FLASHER" button. Note: It may have a different name depending on version of software. See screenshot.



5. You should now see a window like below. Screenshot is a little low quality but all I could find as I no longer have my car to connect to. There won't be any data in it until you read it. This is just to show you what the layout looks like.



6. In that window you are going to want to fill out the following fields(just under the toolbar working from the left) as follows:

Login: 21055 or 20103(can't remember which one I ended up using, if one doesn't work try the other) click the key icon, you should see "login ok" down at the bottom in the status bar.
Address: 4096
Length: 8192

In the pulldown at the end of the row, choose "engineer mode"

7. Once you have those fields filled out click the little button that looks like a "play" button, you should should data start to fill up. Once it finishes, make sure you save the file for future use as this is where you will get your component protection data.

8. Here's a youtube video I found which shows the procedure on a different module but should give you a better visual -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyok8kqoh-U

9. Double check to make sure you have file saved in a safe place on your hard drive. Maybe make a backup as well. Can't hurt and will save you from swapping parts more than once.

10. Remove your old MMI unit and control panel. Install new parts. Before you remove your old stuff I HIGHLY recommend taking screenshots of all the options in the green menu so you can reproduce your setup on the new MMI. There's a lot in there.

11. Repeat steps 3-9, making sure you use a different name for the eeprom dump, also make sure you know which is which. :-)

12. Download a hex editor of your choice. Any one will work. Here is a free one -> https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/

13. Open the file you saved from your original old MMI unit in the hex editor. You should see something like below.



14. Scroll down to offset 00000640. Highlight from there until the end of the line at 00000770(basically 0000077F is the end.) It's easy to see as there is no data before or after. Right-click and select copy. You can paste it into a new file and save that somewhere if you want. That way you will have the component protection saved somewhere on it's own. See screenshot to see what you should be highlighting.



15. Close the original file. Open the file you saved from the new unit. Highlight the same section as you did above, right click and select paste insert or paste write(assuming you are using HxD). Make sure it overwrote the data and didn't insert it. It should warn you if you did it wrong saying the file size will be changed, you don't want to see that error.

16. If you have successfully copied in the date, save the file preferably under a new name so you can compare the original dump with the edit and make sure only the component protection portion has changed. WARNING: Double, triple check, whatever you are comfortable with. If you write the wrong data back to the eeprom you could brick the unit.

17. You are now ready to write the file back to the eeprom in the car. Repeat steps 3-9 but in step 7, click the open button and select the new file you just made above. Then instead of clicking the "Play" button click the RED button next to it.

18. It should start writing the data to the eeprom if you did everything correctly.

19. Once finished reboot the MMI using the three finger salute. Once it reboots, everything should work normally but with a nice new updated user interface.

20. Crack a beer and enjoy some tunes on your new MMI, preferably streamed over bluetooth as you should now be able to do that. If you feel like sending me a beer so I can enjoy one with ya -> tip jar

I hope this helps everyone out. It took me a while to figure this all out back when I did it and it was a little nerve wracking doing it but was super pumped when it all worked out.

PM me if you have any questions or you notice some errors. This took a while to write up and I am sure I made some typo's etc and my brain hurts now. :-)

I recently changed my two front seats in my Audi A7 2013, I Didn't know it had component protection on it. so now I can't reset the AIGBAG occupied sense. also its saying the seats have CP how can I remove it? would I have to had copy this same information from the original seats before changing them? because I no longer have the original seats. PLEASE HELP!!!!

[Jeromemills]

So I had to use the 21055 code and engineering drop down to write to the EEPROM. It removed the component protection! Unfortunately, I think the HDD in the unit that I bought from eBay has failed. Has anyone had a failure in there 3G Plus MMI? Whenever the MMI unit starts up I hear a series of clicks (about 10) and then it stops. Also, the media and nav screen are stuck at the initiation screens. Furthermore, when I was able to enable the green menu I got the following screen:HDDMenu.jpg

If anyone knows if this can be fixed, or if I should get another unit, please let me know.

Also, if anyone knows how to remove the rear headliner panel in the 2012 avant so I can hook up the GSM cable, it would be much appreciated.



Also, there isn't an extra wire harness back in the dash for the ADS button in addition to the stabilization button?

Thanks!

To Fix The HDD Problem - Just remove the Hard drive from you original unit and place it in this unit. it will work wonderfully without any extra programing on your part.

[jang]

Is Component protection located at the same address in all of the other modules?

I would also like to know that..
What offsets for instrument cluster (17) on A6 C6? Want to remove CP from it.

[Jeromemills]

Would this work on my Audi A7 2013

[violentaudi42]

did you ever get an answer?

[Benjiaudi]

Hi bro sorry to disturb you but im trying to remove CP with My official cable VAG CAN PRO
Everything works perfectly, i have full .hex eeprom read backup
But impossible to write either original or modded file.
Says no response from unit...

I tried everything and when i read size "8" (very fast) i can write it back
But when i choose more it doesnt work

I cant understand whats happening, i asked the support, no answer as always..

Thanks for any help

[Jlchico]

First of all, congratulate yourself on the good tutorial you have done. Next I have a question. Is this possible if I have an audio concert system and I want to install an MMI3G system?

NOTE:
I have the electrical installation to be able to do the update.
The current gateway does not have fiber optics and the new gateway mmi3g does.

Thanks

[hiwasss]

I have a 2012 S4 that I upgraded the MMI 3G to 3G+. The head unit on the 3G+ system went out so I put my original system back in but now getting the component protection active message. Media and radio won't play at all. Anyway to fix this without going to the dealership?

Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Audizine mobile app

[Chillaxin]

If you can pull the Hex lines from the EEPROM on your 3g+ you can copy them to the 3G and it should take care of Comp Prot. I did this when going from 3G to 3G+. If you aren't comfortable with editing hex files, you can brick your MMI.

[maxeffect]

Is there a way to save the config, like existing settings (green menu) and saved user data. And then inject it into the replacement MMI control unit? Using Abrites, Vagcan-pro. etc?

[scaper28]

Hi All

I have now managed to log into my 5F and dump my CP file . as previously mentioned I used the up/down option and then code 21055 to do this .

I am stuck however on the radio unit 56 I cannot find the login code for this as I want to copy my CP to my new Dab version.

Does anyone know the login code for 56 radio , or where I can obtain it from

[S5_Complainer]

Jep, name is Jack Kirry(many people have used his service), on past few years many others offer the same service also(growing market:))

Yeah, he's hard to get hold of, probably because he's busy. When we were finally able to coordinate schedules over a 6 timezone difference, however, he had my S5's replacement amp & component protection problem solved in a matter of 10 minutes.

For anyone with a similar problem, I cannot recommend him highly enough.

I also appreciate greatly the fact that others, in this forum, made me aware of him & his service, because the local Audi dealer had refused to fix the problem, instead wanting me to buy a new OEM replacement. I laughed in his face, and would happily have gone without fully a functional sound system rather than be extorted in that manner.

Jack made it all like new.

[MDRISCOLL]

I am attempting to swap out my MMI radio 5F (4G0035080G) with a used replacement of the same part #. All seems to be working properly with the expected "component protection" activated so no sound. I have an appointment with the local dealership to have the protection removed or whatever has to be done to tell the system it's not a stolen unit. Should this go as smoothly as they promise? I do not have the donor's VIN. Will this be an issue for a 2010 A4 B8? Will the dealer be able to "virginize" the unit when connected to Audi server?
I just want to know before I waste a trip. Any advise appreciated.

Thanks.

[ahmedmph]

Ok, since this seems to be getting requested quite often now, rather than replying to a bunch of PM's I am going to write up a quick howto.

This is assuming you are doing the MMI3G to MMI3G+ upgrade, but should also work if you needed to replace an MMI unit for some reason.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible if you brick your MMI or your whole car. If you aren't comfortable with the procedure, just go to the dealer and pay for an hour of labour.

1. Obtain the parts needed to do the swap, you will need the MMI unit and Control Panel. Do your research, make sure you get what you need to fit your car. Optional: fakra antenna cable for GSM connection. Keep your old unit installed until you read the EEPROM.

2. Order a VCP cable. I used a knockoff, it worked for this procedure. Really cheap here at the moment -> https://www.obd2cartool.com/vag-can-...scanner-p-1159

3. Install VCP software on your laptop, make sure it is working. Connect to OBD port in your car. You want to connect to module 5F for this. On main screen under ECU's click the "more..." button. On the next screen click the "Infotainment" tab. Finally, click the "[5F] MMI 3G" button. See screenshots.





4. In the next window click "CONNECT" to connect to the module. Once successfully connected under "Advanced Functions" click the "FLASHER" button. Note: It may have a different name depending on version of software. See screenshot.



5. You should now see a window like below. Screenshot is a little low quality but all I could find as I no longer have my car to connect to. There won't be any data in it until you read it. This is just to show you what the layout looks like.



6. In that window you are going to want to fill out the following fields(just under the toolbar working from the left) as follows:

Login: 21055 or 20103(can't remember which one I ended up using, if one doesn't work try the other) click the key icon, you should see "login ok" down at the bottom in the status bar.
Address: 4096
Length: 8192

In the pulldown at the end of the row, choose "engineer mode"

7. Once you have those fields filled out click the little button that looks like a "play" button, you should should data start to fill up. Once it finishes, make sure you save the file for future use as this is where you will get your component protection data.

8. Here's a youtube video I found which shows the procedure on a different module but should give you a better visual -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyok8kqoh-U

9. Double check to make sure you have file saved in a safe place on your hard drive. Maybe make a backup as well. Can't hurt and will save you from swapping parts more than once.

10. Remove your old MMI unit and control panel. Install new parts. Before you remove your old stuff I HIGHLY recommend taking screenshots of all the options in the green menu so you can reproduce your setup on the new MMI. There's a lot in there.

11. Repeat steps 3-9, making sure you use a different name for the eeprom dump, also make sure you know which is which. :-)

12. Download a hex editor of your choice. Any one will work. Here is a free one -> https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/

13. Open the file you saved from your original old MMI unit in the hex editor. You should see something like below.



14. Scroll down to offset 00000640. Highlight from there until the end of the line at 00000770(basically 0000077F is the end.) It's easy to see as there is no data before or after. Right-click and select copy. You can paste it into a new file and save that somewhere if you want. That way you will have the component protection saved somewhere on it's own. See screenshot to see what you should be highlighting.



15. Close the original file. Open the file you saved from the new unit. Highlight the same section as you did above, right click and select paste insert or paste write(assuming you are using HxD). Make sure it overwrote the data and didn't insert it. It should warn you if you did it wrong saying the file size will be changed, you don't want to see that error.

16. If you have successfully copied in the date, save the file preferably under a new name so you can compare the original dump with the edit and make sure only the component protection portion has changed. WARNING: Double, triple check, whatever you are comfortable with. If you write the wrong data back to the eeprom you could brick the unit.

17. You are now ready to write the file back to the eeprom in the car. Repeat steps 3-9 but in step 7, click the open button and select the new file you just made above. Then instead of clicking the "Play" button click the RED button next to it.

18. It should start writing the data to the eeprom if you did everything correctly.

19. Once finished reboot the MMI using the three finger salute. Once it reboots, everything should work normally but with a nice new updated user interface.

20. Crack a beer and enjoy some tunes on your new MMI, preferably streamed over bluetooth as you should now be able to do that. If you feel like sending me a beer so I can enjoy one with ya -> tip jar

I hope this helps everyone out. It took me a while to figure this all out back when I did it and it was a little nerve wracking doing it but was super pumped when it all worked out.

PM me if you have any questions or you notice some errors. This took a while to write up and I am sure I made some typo's etc and my brain hurts now. :-)

Thank you so much for the perfect guide, can you tell me please the right offset for instrument cluster 17 for Audi A7 C7.5 to copy the CP data from my original cluster to the replaced one