Is J519 control unit responsible for bulb warnings?
 

If so, could the firmware be modified so lower wattage lights can be used without issuing a bulb warning?

Is guess your probably right but how would you know where to start with something like that?

would it not be protected or compiled to prevent people like you messing with it :D

You're probably correct Del. But I've gone ahead and bought a replacement unit to hack about with. I'm sure there are some STMicroelectronics eeproms on the board as I saw a modded Q7 J519 (see below pic). Hopefully the A8 will have similar and I can read them in my eeprom programmer.

Interesting, so whats that unit been modified to do?

On that Q7 unit they added some bridging wires because the owner was retrofitting V12 LED DRLS.

http://ludocar.free.fr/Audimodif/Aud..._partie_2.html

So have you done any eeprom hacking before?

I would love to know the inner workings of some of these ecu's in the cars.

Been thinking of sniffing can data for a wee project

No, never done any reverse engineering or eeprom hacking. Lot's of info on the web so will keep me out of trouble and annoying the wife :ROFL:

Take a look at CANBUS Triple if you're into sniffing CAN data traffic. I'm also interested in that. I have been trying to find a resource that has already analysed the VW/Audi data to identify what the codes mean. Otherwise you'll spend days deciphering them all. Do you know of a resource somewhere?

Del, this is quite an interesting read - if a little heavy going over breakfast this morning. +++

http://www.ioactive.com/pdfs/IOActiv...trol_Units.pdf

I had seen the CBT on my travels of the net for info, looks like a nice device.

Some interesting reading here too

http://forum.canb.us/discussion/9/vag-can-hacking

It might be simpler to identify the current sensing circuit on the board and modify it. There's a good chance it may only be necessary to change one resistor.

I don't suppose there's a circuit diagram of that board available anywhere? If there's is, I should be able to identify the components you need to change.

Hi Mark. I've not found a circuit diagram anywhere. I should receive my spare Cent. Elect. module later this week. Once I open it up I can get a hi res photo. Although the goal of my project isn't so much about adding LED lights and suppressing the bulb warning but it is to determine whether the firmware of the modules can be altered to give greater functionality and to expand my understanding of their workings. Hopefully I can decompile whatever roms are on the board, convert that to pseudo C code and take it from there. I know after decompiling it doesn't return the original code so it will take some time to understand and tidy the code.

I've also bought a CAN gateway for £8 delivered! I intend to do some hacking / discovery with that as well.

My thinking is that engine tuners have been modding engine ECU's for years, so why can't the other control modules be modded as well.