shapeshifter1
Passed Driver's Ed
- Location
- San Jose, CA
I haven't seen a lot of information posted about this topic, so I thought I'd share what I know.
MIB-1 and MIB-2 units utilize a feature activation mechanism called SWaP (Software as Product). By entering an FeC (Feature enablement code), VW techs can provision your vehicle's infotainment system with new features.
You've likely seen threads regarding Performance Monitor being enabled on random vehicles. Or, folks in the UK didn't purchase App-Connect (carplay/android auto), and are trying to get it activated after purchase. Fact is, these features can only be enabled by having a legitimate FeC code and PIN. These are registered to the vehicle using ODIS with an online connection to VWAG. That implies there's an association that happens on VW's servers that ties that registration code to your vehicle's VIN.
How do you view the FeC codes provisioned for your vehicle? Hold down the Menu button for several seconds, and you'll get a menu option that let's you view them.
What else does the FeC / SWaP code registration imply? Based on my experience:
- If you pick up a used infotainment system, component protection will kick in. But the infotainment device will still have the FeC codes in there, and the functions that were provisioned for the original vehicle/VIN will work.
- When you get the dealer to remove component protection (which is pretty quick & easy), the device will see the VIN has changed, and the FeC codes will show up as "Invalid" as the status. When the VW tech runs through the ODIS guided fault finder, ODIS will pull all of the FeC codes applicable to your VIN, and enable them for you on the new infotainment device.
- On a 2015 vehicle, there is no App-Connect feature provisioned (Since this is a 2016/MIB2 feature only). So this feature won't work. You can however, purchase the same part number that UK folks are purchasing: 5g0054830a Bring this to a dealer, have them use ODIS to activate it along with your retrofitted MIB-II unit.
- On a 2015 vehicle, the FeC code for Navigation & Traffic is different than that of a 2016+. So the fact is, you'll never be able to activate this.
- Regarding Performance Monitor, there currently isn't a purchase-able activation code available to my knowledge. No idea how VW will be enabling 2016 vehicles to get the feature either.
There is an alternative however. You can get a "hacked" unit from APG out in Poland. An Australian & UK company sells hacked units also. Whether you want to go this route is up to you.
Hacked Units:
+ All features enabled (app-connect, Nav, Performance Monitor)
+ Plug & Play (configuration wise. No trips to dealer, etc)
- Unsupported by the dealer
- How do you update the firmware on these things?
Legit Units:
+ Can be sourced super cheap from ebay or your local salvage yard
+ Can be supported by the dealer
+ Firmware is update-able
- App-Connect Activation is another $300
- No Navigation workaround (There's talk of a fuel pump fuse trick)
- No Performance Monitor
Hopefully this helps clear up some confusion!
MIB-1 and MIB-2 units utilize a feature activation mechanism called SWaP (Software as Product). By entering an FeC (Feature enablement code), VW techs can provision your vehicle's infotainment system with new features.
You've likely seen threads regarding Performance Monitor being enabled on random vehicles. Or, folks in the UK didn't purchase App-Connect (carplay/android auto), and are trying to get it activated after purchase. Fact is, these features can only be enabled by having a legitimate FeC code and PIN. These are registered to the vehicle using ODIS with an online connection to VWAG. That implies there's an association that happens on VW's servers that ties that registration code to your vehicle's VIN.
How do you view the FeC codes provisioned for your vehicle? Hold down the Menu button for several seconds, and you'll get a menu option that let's you view them.
What else does the FeC / SWaP code registration imply? Based on my experience:
- If you pick up a used infotainment system, component protection will kick in. But the infotainment device will still have the FeC codes in there, and the functions that were provisioned for the original vehicle/VIN will work.
- When you get the dealer to remove component protection (which is pretty quick & easy), the device will see the VIN has changed, and the FeC codes will show up as "Invalid" as the status. When the VW tech runs through the ODIS guided fault finder, ODIS will pull all of the FeC codes applicable to your VIN, and enable them for you on the new infotainment device.
- On a 2015 vehicle, there is no App-Connect feature provisioned (Since this is a 2016/MIB2 feature only). So this feature won't work. You can however, purchase the same part number that UK folks are purchasing: 5g0054830a Bring this to a dealer, have them use ODIS to activate it along with your retrofitted MIB-II unit.
- On a 2015 vehicle, the FeC code for Navigation & Traffic is different than that of a 2016+. So the fact is, you'll never be able to activate this.
- Regarding Performance Monitor, there currently isn't a purchase-able activation code available to my knowledge. No idea how VW will be enabling 2016 vehicles to get the feature either.
There is an alternative however. You can get a "hacked" unit from APG out in Poland. An Australian & UK company sells hacked units also. Whether you want to go this route is up to you.
Hacked Units:
+ All features enabled (app-connect, Nav, Performance Monitor)
+ Plug & Play (configuration wise. No trips to dealer, etc)
- Unsupported by the dealer
- How do you update the firmware on these things?
Legit Units:
+ Can be sourced super cheap from ebay or your local salvage yard
+ Can be supported by the dealer
+ Firmware is update-able
- App-Connect Activation is another $300
- No Navigation workaround (There's talk of a fuel pump fuse trick)
- No Performance Monitor
Hopefully this helps clear up some confusion!
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