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

By Juraj · Last updated August 15, 2026

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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💡Pro tip: 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.

Used tool in this guide

Mucar VO8
Mucar VO8
feature-rich mucar tablet with full-system access, bidirectional and a solid list of service functions

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

Technical overview

VehicleVW Golf MK5 (platform PQ35)
SystemCentral Electronics (Module 09)
DifficultyEasy–Medium
Time required~3–5 minutes
PrerequisitesCompatible diagnostic tool with long coding support

Step-by-step procedure

Connect diagnostic tool

  • Ignition ON
  • Connect to vehicle
  • Enter control units

Open module

Go to:

09 – Central Electronics

Enter coding

Open:

Long Coding

Navigate to byte

Go to:

Byte 7

This byte controls parking light behavior in turn signals.

Set brightness value

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

Example from video:

  • Hex value: 40 → about 25% brightness

✅ 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

✔ Recommended values

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

Save coding

  • Confirm coding
  • Exit module
  • Cycle ignition

Test

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

Additional information & compatibility notes

  • Applicable models: Golf V, Jetta, Touran, Audi A3, Octavia II, other PQ35 cars with compatible Central Electronics module

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Juraj

I'm Juraj Lukacko and I work as an auto electrician. On this site I share what I learn from real work on real cars, to help you pick the right tools for diagnostics, programming and tuning and get the job done.

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