How to activate US-style turn signals for VAG / Volkswagen / Skoda / Seat / Audi

This is complete step-by-step procedure for activating US-style turn signals (parking lights in indicators) on VW Golf MK5 using coding in Central Electronics module.

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Used tool

Technical overview

Item	Details
Vehicle	VW Golf MK5 (platform PQ35)
Applicable models	Golf V, Jetta, Touran, Audi A3, Octavia II, other PQ35 cars with compatible Central Electronics module
System	Central Electronics (Module 09)
Difficulty	Easy–Medium
Time required	~3–5 minutes
Prerequisites	Compatible diagnostic tool with long coding support

Supported vehicles

(US-style turn signals / parking lights in indicators – VAG coding)

Brand	Model	Generation	Years	Platform
Volkswagen	Golf	Mk5 (1K)	2003–2009	PQ35
Volkswagen	Golf	Mk6 (5K)	2008–2012	PQ35
Volkswagen	Jetta	Mk5 (1K)	2005–2010	PQ35
Volkswagen	Jetta	Mk6 (early)	2010–2014	PQ35
Volkswagen	Touran	1T	2003–2015	PQ35
Volkswagen	Eos	1F	2006–2015	PQ35
Volkswagen	Scirocco	Mk3	2008–2017	PQ35
Volkswagen	Caddy	Mk3	2004–2015	PQ35
Volkswagen	Passat	B6	2005–2010	PQ46
Volkswagen	Passat	B7	2010–2015	PQ46
Volkswagen	Tiguan	Mk1	2007–2016	PQ46
Audi	A3	8P	2003–2013	PQ35
Audi	TT	8J	2006–2014	PQ35
Audi	Q3	8U	2011–2018	PQ35
Škoda	Octavia	Mk2 (1Z)	2004–2013	PQ35
Škoda	Yeti	5L	2009–2017	PQ35
SEAT	Leon	Mk2 (1P)	2005–2012	PQ35
SEAT	Toledo	Mk3 (5P)	2004–2009	PQ35
SEAT	Altea	5P	2004–2015	PQ35

This procedure works on most PQ35 / PQ46 platform vehicles equipped with Central Electronics module (09) supporting long coding. Availability may vary depending on BCM version and vehicle equipment.

How to code US-style turn signals step-by-step

1. Connect diagnostic tool

• Ignition ON
• Connect to vehicle
• Enter control units

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2. Open module

Go to:

09 – Central Electronics

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3. Enter coding

Open:

Long Coding

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4. Navigate to byte

Go to:

Byte 7

This byte controls parking light behavior in turn signals.

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5. Set brightness value

Value determines how bright the indicator glows when used as parking light.

Example from video:

• Hex value: 40 → about 25% brightness

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✅ Brightness table

Brightness	Hex value
0% (disabled)	00
10%	19
20%	33
30%	4C
40%	66
50%	80
60%	99
70%	B3
80%	CC
90%	E6
100%	FF

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✔ Recommended values

• 30–40% → OEM-style look
• 50%+ → very bright, may look aftermarket
• >70% → often too bright for daily use

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6. Save coding

• Confirm coding
• Exit module
• Cycle ignition

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7. Test

• Turn on parking lights
• Indicators should glow dimly
• Turn signal should still flash normally

Video: How to code permanent turn signals and adjust brightness for Golf MK5

This video shows how to code permanent turn signals and adjust brightness for Golf MK5

Additional Information & Compatibility Notes

Before using or purchasing any diagnostic tool for this procedure, always verify compatibility with your exact vehicle model, year and system configuration. Supported functions may vary depending on software version, hardware revision and regional limitations.

Alternative tools

• VCDS
• OBDeleven
• Best OBD-II scanners with ECU coding
• Best OBD2 scanners for VW/Audi

Related guides & background information

• How to use VAG long coding

Legal & safety notice

This modification may not be road-legal in all countries.
Always check local regulations before enabling US-style lighting.
Incorrect coding may cause lighting malfunctions or error messages.
Always save original coding before making changes.