As part of the security strategy, some parts of the modules build in the VAG vehicles, implement the so called “component protection”. This is a mechanism dedicated to prevent exchange of modules between different vehicles without central authorization from the VAG online database. Such modules placed in another vehicle activates the “component protection active” DTC and have restricted functionality. This special function allows to remove this “component protection active” trouble code and allows the module to work with its full functionality.

The component protection is first implemented in the A8 2003+ and in the A6 2004+ vehicles. Component security is not implemented in all VAG vehicles.

There are actually two types of component protection – generation 1 and generation 2.

Component protection generation 1 is implemented in the A8 2003+ vehicles, while the A6/Q7/Allroad 2004+ use component protection generation 2 for most of the modules, and very few modules use component protection generation 1.

In the beginning you have to select which generation want to use: