Golf Alltrack SE#

Tags: alltrack, vehicle

This page is a log book of all the modifications I’ve done to my 2019 Alltrack.

Dec ‘22 Clutch Bleeder Block Mod#

I posted the installation steps in a dedicated post here:

Oct ‘22 Jack Pads#

This modification makes it easier to put my car on jack stands in my garage. It adds a second set of jacking points to the car so I don’t have to jack up the car from the opposite side when rotating my tires. It was really easy to install too. In fact I installed this kit without needing to jack up the car at all and removing the old trim pieces was really effortless.

Items used:

Instructions:

Pictures:

Aug ‘22 OEMTools 24938 Gauge Mod#

Another dedicated post loosely related to my Alltrack:

Jan ‘22 MIB2 Developer Mode#

My Alltrack came with an MIB2 Composition Media infotainment system. These are the steps I took to enable development mode and get some information about it. Enabling development mode also lets me take screenshots by holding down the Media button for 3 seconds and have them saved to the SD card. You’ll need an OBD11/OBDeleven or VCDS.

  1. 5F Multimedia

  2. Change service

    1. Set to Development mode

  3. Adaptation

  4. Developer mode

    1. Set to Activated

  5. Write

  6. Reboot head unit by holding down the power button/knob for 10 seconds.

    1. It will first go to sleep mode (with the clock), then the display will turn off and it will automatically boot back up.

https://i.imgur.com/gwoUm7Vh.jpg

In the FEC/SWaP menu I have the following features enabled and disabled:

Installed Codes
  • 00070100 (VoiceControl / SDS)

  • 00050000 (Bluetooth)

  • 00030000 (AMI / USB)

  • 00060100 (Vehicle Data Interface)

  • 00060300 (MirrorLink)

  • 00060800 (Apple CarPlay)

  • 00060900 (Google AndroidAuto)

Disabled Codes
  • 00040100 (Navigation)

  • 00060200 (AudiConnect / VW CarNet)

  • 00060500 (Porsche SportChrono)

  • 00070400 (Electronic Voice Amplifier / ICC)

Dec ‘21 Euro Tail Lights#

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I’ve always preferred amber turn signals over flashing brake lights in my vehicles. My 2010 JSW had them but my 2019 Alltrack lacked the amber turn signals.

I bought my 2019 Golf Alltrack SE with the Driver Assistance and Appearance Package. It came with North American Region LED tail lights (not sure if this is a standard feature of 2019 models or only for vehicles with the appearance package) so when I bought the EUR LED kit I had to take this into account when choosing the wiring harness. Even with this choice I still had to make modifications to the harness before installing, which I’ll go over below.

Items purchased:

https://i.imgur.com/6hayUFch.jpg

Euro Switch#

https://i.imgur.com/jzNrO3jh.jpg

Since I’ll be installing new tail lights with fog lights I had to purchase the Euro light switch. Installation is very easy, at position 0 push in the switch and turn it towards Auto then pull it out.

Modify Harness#

https://i.imgur.com/pZKVVDGh.jpg

Outer harness before modification#

https://i.imgur.com/JVCZV7ih.jpg

Outer harness trimmed#

https://i.imgur.com/5NiYmRkh.jpg

Inner harness trimmed#

Before getting to my car I had to make some modifications to four wiring harness connectors with an X-ACTO knife. It would have been easier to trim off plastic from the connectors in my car but I wanted to avoid irreversibly modifying anything in my car if I could help it.

On both outer taillight wiring harnesses I had to trim off a plastic key rail that was in the way. Since I didn’t have X-ACTO blades narrow enough I had to sacrifice the guiding rail right next to the key rail. Thankfully the connector still fit snugly with no play. For the inner harness connectors I had to remove one key rail but ended up having to sacrifice a second key rail.

Tip

Before removing any taillight I suggest checking if all the wiring harnesses connect to the new lights and your car’s connectors.

Outer Taillights#

https://i.imgur.com/Bh72jOsh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YgeEq3Dh.jpg

This is the easy part. Installing the outer lights is as easy as:

  1. Access the taillight connectors by removing the felt covers in the cargo area.

  2. Unplug the existing connectors.

  3. Remove the plastic screw with your hands by twisting them off.

  4. Pull out the old taillights and install the new lights.

  5. Connect them using the modified outer wiring harnesses.

My passenger side taillight fit fine and flush but the driver side seemed to stick out a bit. I fixed this by turning the plastic adjustment screw with a T15 bit and ratchet.

Inner Taillights#

Since I bought taillights with two fog lights (one for each side) the included inner wiring harness came with two wires connecting the two. This means the two inner lights will connect to each other with these two wires that must be routed behind the inner plastic body trim. If you didn’t get fog lights and only received the outer lights with the amber turn signals then you can skip this section.

https://i.imgur.com/idiFM0Nh.jpg

First remove both taillights by removing the plastic access cover and using an 8 mm hex socket. Each light has two nuts that need to be removed. Then you can remove the lights by pivoting them away from the center of the tailgate. Install the new inner taillights in the reverse order and tighten the four nuts.

https://i.imgur.com/H1Vr4p6h.png
https://i.imgur.com/y3ZL67Jh.jpg

Hatch with all inner body trim pieces removed. The main piece to remove is the largest one, but I found it easier to first pop off the long piece spanning the top (when closed) of the hatch and then popping off the two side pieces.#

You have a couple of options when wiring the inner lights. You can take the easy route and follow the included instructions, which is to blindly snake the wire and harness from one side to the other using the access panels for the inner lights. I didn’t like the idea of a wire being loose back there so I went with the slightly (but not much) harder route and remove the hatch inner plastic trim to get a complete unobstructed view of where the wire will go.

https://i.imgur.com/H0Q7sZTh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wqQeEvPh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QcbOFMPh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/leahnOjh.jpg

I ended up zip tying the harness wire to the existing wiring in the hatch. I then put back all the body trim pieces.

Coding#

https://i.imgur.com/pzLtcvk.gif

Without coding the wrong lights will be designated as brakes and blinkers.#

The final step is to apply coding so the right LEDs light up when braking or signaling. The instructions given were for VCDS/VAG-COM but all I have is OBD11/OBDeleven. Luckily the settings are very similar. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes to do all the coding. You’ll need to write changes before tapping “Back” since OBD11 doesn’t queue up new settings.

To start you’ll need to enter an access code to enable writing:

  1. 09 Central Electrics

  2. Security access

  3. Login code: 31347

  4. Tap “Enter”, it should say “Verifying login code” then “Success”

https://i.imgur.com/k1UTy0Nh.jpg

The next step I believe is to enable the rear fog lights to work with the Euro switch I mentioned above.

  1. 09 Central Electrics

  2. Adaptation

  3. Aussenlicht uebergreifend (search for “ueb”)

  4. LDS mit Nebel Schlusslicht

    1. Set to Yes

  5. Write

https://i.imgur.com/RSlu0wbh.jpg

Finally it’s time for the main event; grab some coffee for this. Go through each setting and either make the change or verify the settings match the values below:

Leuchte18
  • Dimming Direction CD: Minimize

  • Dimming Direction EF: Maximize

  • Dimming Direction GH: Minimize

  • Dimmwert AB: 0

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 127

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 16

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 8

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte19
  • Dimming Direction CD: Minimize

  • Dimming Direction EF: Maximize

  • Dimming Direction GH: Minimize

  • Dimmwert AB: 0

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 127

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 18

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 18

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte20
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 127

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 3D

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 13

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Brake light

  • Lichtfunktion B-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte21
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 127

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 3E

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 23

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Brake light

  • Lichtfunktion B-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte23
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 10

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 29

  • Lampendefektbitposition: A

  • Lasttyp: 38 - LED Blinkleuchten

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Blinken links Hellphase

  • Lichtfunktion B-E: Nicht aktiv

  • Lichtfunktion F: Parklicht links (beidseitiges Parklicht aktiviert li & re)

  • Lichtfunktion G: Nicht aktiv

  • Lichtfunktion H: Parklicht links (beidseitiges Parklicht aktiviert li & re)

Leuchte24
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 10

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 2A

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 1A

  • Lasttyp: 38 - LED Blinkleuchten

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Blinken rechts Hellphase

  • Lichtfunktion B-E: Nicht aktiv

  • Lichtfunktion F: Parklicht rechts

  • Lichtfunktion G: Nicht aktiv

  • Lichtfunktion H: Parklicht rechts

Leuchte25
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 127

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 30

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 28

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Standlicht allgemein (Schlusslicht, Positionslicht, Begrenzungslicht)

  • Lichtfunktion B-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte26
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 54

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 0

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Standlicht allgemein (Schlusslicht, Positionslicht, Begrenzungslicht)

  • Lichtfunktion B-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte27
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 53

  • Lampendefektbitposition: 0

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Standlicht allgemein (Schlusslicht, Positionslicht, Begrenzungslicht)

  • Lichtfunktion B-H: Nicht aktiv

Leuchte28
  • Dimming Direction CD-GH: Maximize

  • Dimmwert AB: 127

  • Dimmwert CD: 0

  • Dimmwert EF: 0

  • Dimmwert GH: 0

  • Byte DTC-DFCC: 31

  • Lampendefektbitposition: B

  • Lasttyp: 43 - allgemeine LED

  • Lichtansteuerung HD AB: Always

  • Lichtfunktion A: Nebelschlusslicht wenn kein Anhaenger gesteckt

  • Lichtfunktion B-H: Nicht aktiv

Oct ‘21 EcoHitch Install#

I decided to go with the EcoHitch x7315. Installing was straight forward, but it ended up taking my entire Sunday to complete. Overall I’m very happy with how it turned out.

I ended up getting my own bolts instead of using the bolts that came with the hitch based on what jjvincent said, but this is optional. If you want to do the same I bought them from McMaster-Carr (from: https://www.mcmaster.com/bolts/fastener-strength-grade-class~class-12-9/extreme-strength-metric-class-12-9-steel-hex-head-screws/thread-size~m8/).

I used the following tools:

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Sept ‘21 Rear Dashcam Pair#

https://i.imgur.com/3ypCZaPh.jpg

Installed a second pair of cameras to get a better view out of the rear of my car for read-end crashes as well as another IR camera pointed towards the front of the car. This way I have a sort of 360 view from both inside-pointing cameras. Like the front camera I also bought a tamper-proof case for the rear one. Similarly I also use BlackVue batteries to keep the camera powered overnight.

Items Purchased#

BlackVue DR750-2CH IR LTE Dashcam
  • $450

  • 1080p main camera

  • 1080p infrared second camera

  • LTE, WiFi, GPS, microSD slot

  • LTE seems to only use about 6 MiB a day on average

Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack
  • $330

  • Installed in the cargo area

BlackVue B-124E Power Magic Ultra Battery Expansion
  • $269

Photos#

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Sept ‘21 OBDeleven#

These modifications are done with an OBDeleven device.

Refuel Quantity#

Adds a screen in my MFD where the car estimates how much fuel it would take to fill the tank. Handy for when I have to prepay with cash at gas stations.

Refuel quantity in dashboard

Automatic DST#

Instead of having to toggle DST manually the car does it automatically.

Automatic daylight saving time switchover

Aug ‘21 Drag Race#

Taken off of Shoreline Hwy in Stinson Beach CA.

Alltrack Photo 2021-08-23

Also took it to the drag strip.

 

Aug ‘21 P3 Vent Gauge#

Installed this to have a boost gauge in my air vent: P3 V3 OBD2 - VW Mk7 / Mk7.5 Gauge (2014-2020)

I didn’t bother hooking up the dimmer wire since you can dim it manually by holding the right button. I mounted the controller box using zip ties (it’s on tight and doesn’t move at all) and I heatshrinked the unused wires to avoid any potential shorts.

Vent Gauge
Controller Mount

June ‘21 Fire Extinguisher#

Bought a rechargeable 2.5 lb fire extinguisher from Amazon: Amerex Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher B417T

I then zip tied it to my car placing some velcro around the fire extinguisher, so it’s easy to pull out during an emergency. It stays put after driving for weeks and doesn’t get in the way of lifting the cover to access my spare tire.

Fire Extinguisher

Oct ‘21 Update#

Every now and then the fire extinguisher would move a bit, getting in the way of the bottom cover/floor. I fixed this by using some zip ties to hold the extinguisher in place. I made sure it’s still easy to remove during an emergency, just slide off the zip tie with my thumb.

Fire Extinguisher Update

Feb ‘20 Front Dashcam Pair#

https://i.imgur.com/9dVe8pYh.jpg

I installed a BlackVue dashcam along with multiple batteries to get about 2 days of recording time while my vehicle is parked. I live in San Francisco and while my car is parked overnight in a garage, I occasionally park my car in the street and after a year nobody has broken in to steal the camera.

As a precaution I bought the tamper-proof case so a thief can’t just pull out the wires and take the camera. Additionally I zip tied the wires tightly to the internal metal part of my rearview mirror (and threaded it through a narrow hole for more strength). Hopefully this means anyone that wants to steal the camera will need to bring a knife or scissors along, and I’m hoping those are the minority of opportunistic thieves in the city.

Note

I suggest covering up unused ports on the BlackVue battery with electrical tape. When I was unplugging and plugging in wires I accidentally plugged the input power cable in the expansion port of the main battery, sending 12v from the battery back to my car. Luckily nothing broke but I kept getting ABS errors until I figured out my mistake.

Items Purchased#

BlackVue DR900S-2CH Dashcam
  • $490

  • Installed behind rearview mirror

  • 4K main camera

  • 1080p infrared second camera

  • WiFi, GPS, microSD slot

Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack
  • $330

  • Installed in the cargo area

  • Comes with 3 meter long cables which just barely reached with no slack left

BlackVue B-124E Power Magic Ultra Battery Expansion
  • $267

Front Camera Pair#

I first installed just the two cameras in the front and wired them to the batteries in my cargo area. For now I didn’t wire the batteries to my fuse panel, using the rear 12v outlet instead.

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Hardwire Batteries#

Once I was happy with the cameras I finished the project by hardwiring the batteries to my fuse box. I used the included fuse taps and I used 15 amp fuses. In the photos below you’ll see two pairs of wires from my fusebox. I ran a second wire from a second tapped fuse since I may add a second pair of cameras in the future. I tapped fuse 48 and 36. These are switched fuses so when the ignition is off they’ll lose power and prevent the BlackVue battery from draining my car’s battery when parked.

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Feb ‘20 Under-Seat Drawer#

Just like my old TDI I wanted the OEM drawer under the driver seat to store things. Unlike my old TDI there is no passenger seat drawer available for the Alltrack. While installing, I also lined the drawer and the dash cubby that came with the car with felt so things wouldn’t rattle.

I bought the drawer for $156 on ECS Tuning: Driver’s Seat Tray Kit Titanium Black 5GM 882 599 KT

https://i.imgur.com/W7T6lmBh.jpg
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Jan ‘20 Trashcan#

Bought this from Amazon: display4top Auto Car Trash Can Bin Waste Container

Sadly it’s no longer available.

Trashcan

Comments#