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Key Fob control of windows, sunroof, etc.

10K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  crazynorweegian  
#1 ·
Who would be interested in a group buy of a control module that would allow Key Fob control of windows and sunroof similar to how Key Fob can control windows and sunroof on other VW models?

There is a company called mod4cars ( www.mod4cars.com ) that makes control modules for VWs. I have their module for my VW Eos, it enhances window functions and allows key fob control of the power top. It works great and does not drain the battery as it uses the CAN-BUS sleep mode to go into a low power state like all other convenience CAN-BUS modules used on our Touaregs.

They would consider creating a module for the Touareg if we show enough potential buyers to make it worth it for them. The module would listen on the CAN-BUS for the signals generated when you push the buttons on the key fob remote, then send CAN-BUS signals to the window control modules, sunroof control module. They can also program other functions controlled by the CAN-BUS if we have any other ideas. For example it might be possible to put the Air Suspension in to the lowered entry/exit mode from the Key Fob, too.

A place the smart module might install is in series with the wiring harness plug to the back of the radio / sat-nav, as this has 12V constant, GND, and CAN-BUS lines, these are the only lines a smart module would need. This would be DIY for most of us, all owners would need would be the VW radio removal tools and instructions.

Their module for the VW Eos has an owner controled "stealth" mode where owner can put the modue in "stealth mode" before taking it to a dealer, so it can not be seen by a VW Diagnostic Machine module scan so even if the Touareg is under warranty it can't cause issues with dealers claiming "the smart module did it" when troubleshooting problems.

Swen Tornow at mod4cars indicated this is possible, what they need to know is:
1) How many Touareg owners on our forum are interested (no commitment, of course, as there is no price known yet)

2) They would need an owner willing to give them access to a Touareg so they could use their CAN-BUS monitoring tool to determine the CAN-BUS signals that come from button presses on the Touareg Key Fob Remote, and to determine the CAN-BUS signals generated that cause the windows to go down and up, and that cause the sunroof to open and close so the Smart Module can generate them. They do their development in Southern California USA at 2925 Hidden Hills Cir., Corona, CA 92882 – USA
 
#5 ·
I agree if price was $299 then this likely does not generate enough interest to go anywhere. I think that would be the worst case. I have looked at the T1 wiring diagrams on my Ebahn Touareg online manual and it appears that all the convenience modules are on CAN-BUS so this should work on both T1 and T2. Swen said that in his experience VW never changes the window door or sunroof codes for a model line once it is introduced, but who knows with the T2. That is the "new model line" that really was not new except for a few cosmetic changes in my opinion. I would bet that codes for windows and sun roof stayed the same as T1.
 
#10 ·
It has NOT been discussed except for statements saying it is impossible when it is really possible. This is a new thread to to discuss the possible and who is interested. They are still looking for someone in SoCal interested in supporting the development, I think that person could negotiate being the test car and getting their module and installation free.
 
#11 ·
It has NOT been discussed except for statements saying it is impossible when it is really possible.
:-D:-k My impression was that the solution you are proposing is pretty close in spirit to what was previously "discussed", cf. the quote below but... whatever.

Now on to the bus...

This is how i see it. The interface acts as a behind the scene node and listens to all the traffic. When it sees the arm/lock code traveling the bus it responds (no acknowledgment bit) by sending the command code that emulates that of the "convenience" feature.

Keep in mind the convenience function takes care of closing all the windows and sunroof with a single (but continuous, remember button down until closed) command thus you do not need to power anything up or issue multiple commands for each window.

The interface does not need to know where to send it, it just puts it out there on the the bus. It's up to all the modules (nodes) to listen and know whats for them and what is not. If they see it's for them they act then respond with and acknowledgment bit once complete.

While it may not sound to overly complicated the hard part may be programming a micro with the VW "comfort" bus protocol. Before you can send code you first must learn how to package it for the VW bus (not the 60's version with 4 wheels).

Sorry but at this point I am going the hard wire approach (two clicks & up they go). Learning all about can-bus protocols and digging up code will require some serious know how and time.
What matters is that this feature is of interest to many folks here and we want you to succeed with this project.:cool:
 
#12 ·
This project is still in need of a SoCal Touareg owner who has interest and would be willing to work with Swen Tornow of mods4cars, who provides the following update:

Just for your info, the selling price would be something about $199.

Best Regards, Sven Tornow

mods4cars USA - www.mods4cars.com
mods4cars @ Twitter - http://twitter.com/mods4cars

Hotline: +1-310-9109055 / Direct: ext. 202
Hotline: +49-30-868705541 / Direct: ext. 202