So, you’re thinking about upgrading your car’s rear lights to those sleek blackline taillights? It’s a popular modification that can significantly enhance the look of your vehicle. But before you jump in, a common question arises: does my car need coding after changing to blackline taillights?
This guide, based on the experience of a fellow car enthusiast who upgraded their Audi Q7, will walk you through the process and shed light on whether coding is necessary. We’ll explore the steps taken to install blackline taillights, focusing on the crucial aspect of coding and why it might be needed, especially when transitioning from US to European (ECE) specification taillights.
Why Consider Blackline Taillights and ECE Specifications?
For many, the appeal of blackline taillights is purely aesthetic. They offer a more modern and aggressive look compared to the standard lights. However, there are also practical reasons, particularly for those moving internationally or wanting to comply with different regional regulations.
In countries adhering to ECE regulations, like Korea and many parts of Europe, amber turn signals are mandatory. Vehicles in the US, however, often come with red turn signals. This was the primary motivation for our enthusiast, who was preparing to move to Korea and needed to ensure their Audi Q7 complied with local laws.
Rather than just swapping the LED color, which could compromise the taillight’s integrity, a more comprehensive approach involves:
- Coding the car to recognize ECE taillight sequences: This ensures the turn signals function correctly and comply with ECE standards.
- Upgrading to blackline taillights: Choosing blackline versions adds a stylish upgrade while addressing the regulatory requirements.
The Coding Process for ECE Taillights: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of coding your car for ECE taillights, especially when preparing for blackline installation, involves using specialized diagnostic tools. In this case, the enthusiast utilized a VCP (Vag Can Pro) cable, known for its advanced capabilities compared to more basic OBD-Eleven tools.
Tools Used:
- VCP Cable: Ordered from a European vendor, this tool allows for deeper level coding and modifications.
- ZDC Files: These are pre-configured data files within the VCP software that streamline complex coding changes. Specifically, a “q7nf_bcm2_8w0907064bh,zdc” file was used, designed for the Audi Q7 4M and BCM2 module.
Step-by-Step Coding with VCP:
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Connect VCP Cable: Establish a connection between your laptop running the VCP software and your car’s OBD-II port.
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Load ZDC File: Within the VCP software, locate and load the appropriate ZDC file (“q7nf_bcm2_8w0907064bh,zdc”). This file contains configurations for both “REAR_LAMPS_ECE” and “REAR_LAMPS_USA”.
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Select ECE Configuration: Choose the “REAR_LAMPS_ECE” option within the ZDC file.
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Upload to BCM2 (Module 46): Initiate the upload process to transfer the ECE configuration to the car’s Body Control Module (BCM2), which is Module 46 in VCP. The software prompts you to upload multiple “PARTS,” from PART1_REAR_LAMPS_ECE to PART7_REAR_LAMPS_ECE.
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Verify Changes: After successful upload, it’s advisable to check the long coding in Module 46 to confirm the changes have been applied. In this case, no long code changes were observed, suggesting the ZDC file directly altered the necessary parameters.
Outcome of Coding:
Successfully uploading the REAR_LAMPS_ECE ZDC file effectively changed the taillight sequence to ECE specifications, meaning the red turn signals were now configured to function as amber turn signals (though still using the red LEDs in this initial coding phase). This step is crucial before physically installing the blackline taillights to ensure electrical compatibility and correct signal behavior.
Installing Blackline Taillights: Physical Installation and Adapters
With the coding for ECE taillights complete, the next step is the physical installation of the blackline taillights. These aftermarket lights often come with necessary adapters to ensure compatibility with your car’s wiring harness.
Installation Process:
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Order Blackline Taillights: Purchase blackline taillights from a reputable vendor. Ensure they are designed for your car model (Audi Q7 4M in this case) and ideally sourced from European suppliers for ECE compliance.
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Adapter Harness: Blackline taillight sets usually include adapter harnesses. These are essential because US and ECE spec taillights might have different pin configurations (e.g., 4-pin to 5-pin). The adapters bridge this difference, making the installation plug-and-play.
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Physical Swap: Carefully remove the original taillights and install the blackline taillights using the provided adapters. The process is generally straightforward, involving disconnecting the old lights, connecting the adapters, and plugging in the new blackline units.
Addressing Sweeping Turn Signals (Optional Upgrade):
Some blackline taillights, particularly higher-end European versions, may feature dynamic or “sweeping” turn signals. US-spec cars often lack the wiring for this feature. To enable sweeping turn signals, additional wiring may be required from the BCM2 (J393 module) to the taillights.
As illustrated in wiring diagrams, US cars may be missing a specific wire (e.g., Green/White wire to harness T17f pin 11) needed for the sweeping effect. Retrofitting this wire and potentially further coding adjustments could activate the dynamic turn signals. However, for basic blackline taillight functionality (including amber turn signals after ECE coding), this sweeping signal wiring is usually not essential.
Conclusion: Coding is Often Necessary for Blackline Taillights, Especially for ECE Compliance
So, does your car need coding after changing to blackline taillights? Often, the answer is yes, especially if you are:
- Switching from US-spec red turn signals to ECE-spec amber turn signals. Coding is essential to ensure the turn signals function correctly and comply with regulations.
- Aiming for full ECE compliance: Even with blackline taillights that physically have amber turn signals, coding might be needed to properly activate and control them.
For purely aesthetic upgrades within the same regional specifications (e.g., US to aftermarket US-spec blackline), coding might be less critical, but consulting with a knowledgeable technician or using diagnostic tools to check for errors after installation is always recommended.
Upgrading to blackline taillights can significantly enhance your car’s appearance and, in some cases, ensure regulatory compliance. By understanding the coding process and potential wiring considerations, you can approach this modification with confidence and achieve the desired results.
