GRA Installation: No Approval Needed?

Hello diesel enthusiasts,

I had a speed control system in front of me.
to be installed (or have installed), or to be retrofitted.

Regarding this topic, many magazines state that it is perfectly acceptable.
simply possible, just replace the light switch.
Connect 4 cables to the black box.

Now, I didn't want to do that myself, so I got help from 2...
Offers were requested from Audi dealerships.
Answer: NO MODIFICATIONS POSSIBLE WITHOUT APPROVAL!

And I really don't want to drive without an ABE!
Is this correct, or are there other possibilities?
Who knows more?

Thank you very much.
Bye Holger.

Okay, it's an Audi A4 B5 TDI PD with 85 kW.
EZ 9/2000, Model Year 2001.

Holger.

... neither with the construction manuals offered by Gute-Fahrt, nor at my Audi workshop, where a GRA (just another flasher relay with cables) was installed as part of a credit, have I encountered any problems regarding this matter so far.
You might need ABE (German approval) or registration for non-EGAS engines where a GRA (Gas Recirculation valve) is connected to the throttle actuator/fuel injection pump, but not for a TDI engine, as the installation only involves connecting to the turn signal switch and unlocking the engine management system.
If I were in your position, I would exclude both of your Audi dealerships from receiving any further contracts, and that's for life .

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi!

Approximately 2 years ago, a special campaign by the Volkswagen Group (VAG) offered the installation of Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs) in TDI models through all VAG workshops, with a fixed price plus labor costs, as advertised in brochures. They certainly wouldn't have done that if the modification had been subject to mandatory registration.

Best regards,
Uwe

Hi,

It's not entirely wrong about the ABE (General Operating Permit), because the turn signal lever (whether with or without a lane departure warning function) is checked and approved by the KBA (German Federal Motor Transport Authority) as part of the basic ABE. However, since these are standard parts, the ABE is covered by the general approval process through the KBA. A self-built GRA (lane departure warning system using custom switches) could potentially lead to the loss of the ABE in serious cases (usually only in the event of an accident caused by a malfunction of the self-built GRA).

Best regards, Bertil.

Hello,

I have recently installed two original VAG GRA retrofit kits.
'I installed them in my Golf 4 and a 1999 Passat, both TDI models with 81 kW automatic transmissions. In both cases, the included VAG installation manuals – clearly intended for VAG workshops – only mentioned the deactivation code.'
'However, the relevant manuals do not contain any instructions or references to a TÜV registration. Furthermore, I contacted DEKRA a few weeks ago...'
upon inquiry, they provided the information that when retrofitting...
'For vehicles equipped with GRA (Gas Return Assist), no entry is required in the vehicle's documentation. Similarly, the paperwork for a 1998 Passat that originally came with a factory-installed GRA did not include any such entry.'
'Information visible on the vehicle registration document.'
Furthermore, I've learned that most statements made by VAG (Audi?) workshops should be taken with a grain of salt!

Best regards, Jürgen.

Hello Jürgen,

The vehicle approval document (ABE) from the KBA includes this entry, and it does not need to be listed separately in the registration certificate.
On the last page of the vehicle documentation (Fz. BRIEFS), it states: "...for approval ABE number: ... with supplement ... ...operating permit granted...". This sentence refers to the vehicle's ABE (General Operating Permit). This is not related to an ABE for retrofitted or add-on parts. The vehicle itself has an ABE from the KBA (hundreds of pages of vehicle description), which includes details about the turn signal lever, etc., both with and without GRA (German Roadworthiness Act). The vehicle registration document only provides a general overview of the possible factory-installed components; all standard options are documented in the ABE at the KBA. Therefore, no separate paperwork or registration is required for the original part (unless the vehicle was never equipped with GRA).

Best regards, Bertil.

Hello Bertil,

I completely agree!

By the way, specifically for the Volkswagen Golf 4 with an 81 kW automatic TDI engine, the GRA (presumably referring to a specific technology or feature) provides significant fuel savings. You simply can't achieve that level of efficiency 'manually.' Furthermore, it's really great on longer journeys.
I would only advise everyone to stick with the original parts from the VAG group.
'I'm starting a new project. The next one is my friend's T4 van – the turn signal lever is already here; all that needs to be done in this case is to create the wiring harness.'

Regards,

Jürgen.

Hello Jürgen,

I can confirm the fuel consumption with GRA in the 1st gear switch with a Dutch apartment building connected (approximately 0.5 liters). In solo operation, this is less noticeable (<0.2 liters).

Best regards, Bertil.

Jürgen wrote:

Specifically for the Volkswagen Golf 4 with an 81kW automatic TDI engine, the GRA system provides a significant fuel saving.

Hi!

The fuel savings are solely due to the altered, slower driving style with the GRA system. Calm and cautious driving is simply a perception of the driver. The actual fuel consumption depends only on the speed, selected gear, and excessive acceleration and braking, while other environmental conditions are largely irrelevant. If you drive fast, you will use more fuel even with GRA! Nevertheless, I wouldn't want to drive without it anymore.

Best regards,
Uwe

Hey everyone,

Thank you very much for the answers .

Okay, I'm going to start looking for someone who can install this thing. So far, three workshops have refused to do it for me.
Reject installation (due to the inability to obtain the required approval certificate).

I don't want to install it myself, though.
(Steering wheel with airbag).

Goodbye, and have a nice Sunday!
Holger.