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Guide: How to fully disable traction control and remove torque limiter on the MK7 GTI with VCDS

By default, the traction control for US model MK7 GTI’s is set up with both ESC and ASR fully enabled. You have the option to press a button and turn off ASR and log press that same button to set ECS to sport mode, but not disable it. In later years of the MK7, I want to say 2019+ the torque limiter disable doesn’t work and no workaround has been found yet as of the writing of this.

There is also the torque limiter that kicks in, if you have a DSG tune with increased clamping power or an upgraded clutch that and handle it, this might be something you also want to disable.

This guide assumes you know how to use VCDS or translate according to ODB11. It also assumes you understand what these changes are doing and the responsibility. 

Turn off ECS:

This first part enables the way to fully disable ESC. There are two alternative value options to pick from which work slightly differently when you press the traction control button.

Value 09 (Factory Default)

  • Default ESC on
  • Single button press ASR off
  • Button hold ESC Sport

Value 05

  • Default ESC on
  • Single button press ASR off
  • Button hold ESC off

Value 06

  • Default ESC on
  • Single button press ESC Sport
  • Button hold ESC off

I went with value 06 on my car. Here is how to change that value.

  1. Click Control Module-03
  2. Click ABS Brakes-07
  3. Click Long Coding Helper
  4. In byte 29 (the last one which read 09), change it to either 05 or 06
  5. Enter and close the window
  6. Click the “Do It” button

You should see a “Coding accepted” if this part is complete. 

Disable Torque Limiter:

This one took a while to find and props to GIAC for finding it. Some cars seem to have issues selecting Deactivated. The threat I linked to also has info on this.

  1. Click Control Module-03
  2. Click ABS Brakes-07
  3. Click Adaptions – 10
  4. From the drop down find and select “starting vibration reduction”
  5. Change the value from “Strong” to “Deactivated”
  6. Click the “Do It” button

That’s it, enjoy