GRA Activation Not Allowed on VAG Vehicles?

Hello,

In my Golf IV (engine code AXR, manufactured in 7/2003), I want to retrofit the GRA (Gas Recirculation system). I already have the necessary parts. Before installing it, I wanted to have the GRA activated in the engine control unit. Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be that simple.

Translation:

Two dealerships in the Hanover area stated: 'We don't do that; it's not approved by VW.' They fear legal problems if there are ever issues with the vehicle's registration documents.

'Another dealer stated: 'While it's theoretically possible, it's very time-consuming. First, a diagnostic procedure would need to be run with the control unit to determine the new GRA value, which could then be written back. The process would likely take at least an hour.''

In my opinion, both statements are more likely a matter of unwillingness rather than inability or prohibition.

My request for help:

1.) What arguments can be used to counter the 'not allowed' stance and convince one of the first two vendors?
2.) Is unlocking really that complicated (I thought it would only take about 5 minutes).
3.) Even better: Does anyone know of a dealer/workshop in the Hanover area that can do this easily?

Thank you and best regards.
P. Tolar

They're getting more and more ridiculous.

Then, refuse any further work, because it could lead to legal problems (e.g., that I, as the customer, want the work to have been done PROPERLY).

I've personally activated GRAs on a G3 TDI. However, the 5-minute timeframe includes the "thank you, coffee brewing" part!

I don't believe things are going to be that different at AXR now.

Simply ask other retailers.

The problem likely stems from the fact that too many people have realized that activating GRA (presumably a feature or service) retroactively is cheaper than including it when purchasing the product initially.

m;

Hi,
Both are possible!

1. Problem:
A workshop also refused me for legal reasons (risk of accidents, etc.). My usual workshop eventually did it, but reluctantly! The problem is that the control unit indicates which workshop activated the GRA (presumably a specific function or feature).
2. Problem:
Indeed, not all ECUs can be unlocked. It either works, or it doesn't. There's nothing in between, like 'it's difficult' or anything like that. Unlocking takes about 2 minutes.

Greetings.

'I installed the GRA (gradient assist system) myself on my G4 AXR (2002), and as far as I remember, it was already unlocked from the factory. It's working fine, even though it supposedly wasn't officially unlocked by VW.'

It's nonsense to suggest that it should be possible to identify who logs into the central management system (STG) or unlocks certain features.

Regards,
Dirk.

highbeta wrote:

I installed the GRA (Gas Recirculation Valve) myself on my G4 AXR (2002), and as far as I remember, it was already unlocked from the factory. It works anyway, despite the supposed lack of unlocking by VW. It's nonsense to suggest that whoever logs into the central management system (STG) or unlocks something should be identifiable. Regards, Dirk

.

Hi Dirk,

Unfortunately, you've written something incorrect. The Workshop Code (WSC) allows you to precisely see who last accessed the engine control unit (ECU).
With VAG-COM, this value can always be reset to the previous value in 'stealth mode'. Of course, the original VAG testers do not have this function.
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the text from the URL you mentioned, or any other text you would like me to translate from German to English.

Best regards, Rainer.

Always these know-it-alls .
Thank you, Rainer!

Greetings.
Mike.

Just try having a local workshop or a Bosch service center unlock it for you.

The new Bosch testers have, in some vehicles, displayed the menu option 'Enable GRA'.
Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to try it myself yet.

But it's definitely worth a try.

We recently upgraded the AXR system, and the activation was done in conjunction with replacing the steering column switch at the VW dealership. The actual installation was carried out as a DIY project.

Therefore, the logical conclusion is that it ultimately comes down to the individual retailer's decision, and to my knowledge, there is no regulation governing this.

Take a look at this:

http://www.theresias.com/tutorials/1j_gra.htm

Is the retrofit kit 1H0 998 527 also compatible with the AHU Ibiza 6k? Am I correct in assuming that? The customer service representative didn't know anything about a GRA retrofit kit for this model... but I highly doubt that.

That's funny...

At my Skoda dealer, there's a large sign displayed in the accessories section.

'GRA retrofit (Gas Recirculation) available for all Fabia, Octavia, and Superb models starting from €59.'

Upon request, it is stated that the cost could become prohibitively expensive for some models because the engine control units do not support Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). (e.g., older 2.0 gasoline engines).
Nobody there knows anything about missing permissions.

Where are you going, Volkswagen?

CU Gremlin.

Upon request, it is stated that some models could become prohibitively expensive because the engine control units do not support GRA (e.g., older 2.0 gasoline engines).

As I described in the link above, it's possible that new control units and throttle bodies are needed. Although the example is a Golf, it should still illustrate the issue.

Sure.

'But responses like 'it's not allowed,' 'no approval,' or 'I have no idea' only demonstrate the complete incompetence of the workshops...'



At two dealerships in the Hanover area, the response was: 'We don't do that; it's not approved by VW.' They fear legal problems if there are ever difficulties with the vehicle registration authority (GRA).

At another dealer, the statement was: 'While it's theoretically possible, it's very time-consuming. First, a troubleshooting procedure would need to be performed with the control unit, through which the new GRA value could be written. The time required would be at least one hour .'


That says it all.

CU Gremlin.

I even had to get the login code for my friend!

Regards,

Manuel.