2003 DIS
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2003 DIS
Hi, is it possible to retrofit DIS on my 2003 A6 (C5)?
I'm having a real hard time finding any validation that this can be done on models before 2005.
From what I can understand you need to change the wiper stalk (same procedure as fitting cruise control) then just code it using VCDS.
Should be easy over CAN if you have a C6, but what if you have a C5 and no CAN?
My cruise control is already installed and enabled, working fine, so enabling DIS should be doable too, right?
I have replaced the wiper stalk and it too is working fine, question is how i code it using VCDS, I can connect to controller 17 (cluster) but once there, without CAN I have no long coding so not sure how to enable it.
I also read I need to enable it under 16, steering wheel, but I get no response from that controller, guessing 2003s don't have that installed?
So am I outta luck or just being stupid?
Appreciate any help!
I'm having a real hard time finding any validation that this can be done on models before 2005.
From what I can understand you need to change the wiper stalk (same procedure as fitting cruise control) then just code it using VCDS.
Should be easy over CAN if you have a C6, but what if you have a C5 and no CAN?
My cruise control is already installed and enabled, working fine, so enabling DIS should be doable too, right?
I have replaced the wiper stalk and it too is working fine, question is how i code it using VCDS, I can connect to controller 17 (cluster) but once there, without CAN I have no long coding so not sure how to enable it.
I also read I need to enable it under 16, steering wheel, but I get no response from that controller, guessing 2003s don't have that installed?
So am I outta luck or just being stupid?
Appreciate any help!
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,665
Likes: 213
From: In the Cloud
Ah, if you have the full licensed version of VCDS, the long coding helper will help you with long coding.
As for the ability to retrofit, I don't know... Each of the six A6 C5 cars I have owned and currently own, came with the driver information system installed and active from the factory.
As for the ability to retrofit, I don't know... Each of the six A6 C5 cars I have owned and currently own, came with the driver information system installed and active from the factory.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
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I have e genuine ross tech cable and was using VCDS version 18.2 and trying to figure this out last night.
When I connect it to my golf (2015) everything works as it should, no problem coding at all, K1-2 and CAN all check out as OK when I test the connection.
But when I connect it to my A6 there isn't even a button for long coding, K1-2 are OK but I have no CAN, was just a guess that's what caused it, maybe I should be able to long code even without CAN?
I know you can retrofit it easily in the C6, that car is though fully CAN compatible, then again maybe that hasn't got anything to do with it, I just assumed...
When I connect it to my golf (2015) everything works as it should, no problem coding at all, K1-2 and CAN all check out as OK when I test the connection.
But when I connect it to my A6 there isn't even a button for long coding, K1-2 are OK but I have no CAN, was just a guess that's what caused it, maybe I should be able to long code even without CAN?
I know you can retrofit it easily in the C6, that car is though fully CAN compatible, then again maybe that hasn't got anything to do with it, I just assumed...
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,665
Likes: 213
From: In the Cloud
I have e genuine ross tech cable and was using VCDS version 18.2 and trying to figure this out last night.
When I connect it to my golf (2015) everything works as it should, no problem coding at all, K1-2 and CAN all check out as OK when I test the connection.
But when I connect it to my A6 there isn't even a button for long coding, K1-2 are OK but I have no CAN, was just a guess that's what caused it, maybe I should be able to long code even without CAN?
I know you can retrofit it easily in the C6, that car is though fully CAN compatible, then again maybe that hasn't got anything to do with it, I just assumed...
When I connect it to my golf (2015) everything works as it should, no problem coding at all, K1-2 and CAN all check out as OK when I test the connection.
But when I connect it to my A6 there isn't even a button for long coding, K1-2 are OK but I have no CAN, was just a guess that's what caused it, maybe I should be able to long code even without CAN?
I know you can retrofit it easily in the C6, that car is though fully CAN compatible, then again maybe that hasn't got anything to do with it, I just assumed...
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 10
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I definitely will but I'm still waiting for an admin to verify my serial number over at ross-tech.
Was just hoping that someone had actually done this before, or knew that it could/could not be done.
Thanks for keeping me company though
Was just hoping that someone had actually done this before, or knew that it could/could not be done.
Thanks for keeping me company though
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AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Lexington, MA
Stupid question, but is it as simple as turning on the display using the button on the bottom of the wiper stalk? There is a switch on the bottom that toggles the center cluster display on and off. I've never seen a C5 without a center information display.
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Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 10
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I do have the display, it's not about that.
Since I don't have DIS enabled from factory, I can't switch between the read outs, it's stuck showing outside temp.
So I installed the stalk to be able to switch between readings and reset them.
I looked through the sensors in VCDS and found mpg, trip dist. and so on so I know I have the sensors/computer to actually do the calculations.
I just can't find how and where I should change my code to enable the car to accept the input from the stalk and cycle through the display.
If I get a solid response over on ross-tech I'll be sure to update this thread for future reference.
Since I don't have DIS enabled from factory, I can't switch between the read outs, it's stuck showing outside temp.
So I installed the stalk to be able to switch between readings and reset them.
I looked through the sensors in VCDS and found mpg, trip dist. and so on so I know I have the sensors/computer to actually do the calculations.
I just can't find how and where I should change my code to enable the car to accept the input from the stalk and cycle through the display.
If I get a solid response over on ross-tech I'll be sure to update this thread for future reference.
