As part of the protection strategy, in some modules in the VAG group, a function called “component protection” (CP) was used. It is a mechanism dedicated to preventing the exchange of individual modules between vehicles without the online VAG database authorization required. Modules covered by CP removed from one car and mounted in another car activate “component protection active” DTC (DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and then they have limited functionality (for example interruption of sound from CDs). After removing the “component protection active” the module works in full functionality. But e.g. after MMI upgrade it is possible that CP activates and can cause amplifier problems (Bose amplifier can only run one audio channel only).

Component protection was not applied to all VAG vehicles and the first modules with this option appeared in Audi A4 / A5 / Q6 / A7 / A8 / Q5 / Q7 / Allroad

The CP function currently operates in two types of component protection – Generation 1 and Generation 2.

Generation 1 protection is implemented on A8 2003+ vehicles.

Generation 2: protection component 2 is used in A6 / Q7 / Allroad 2004+ for most modules and only some of the modules are protected using generation 1.

In these vehicles the user has the option of being adapted by OBDII without any restrictions in the airbag module, meter, comfort module and EZS-Kessy. In the mentioned modules with component protection (e.g. DSP, Climate Control), the user can adapt the component protection only if he has read the eeprom Gateway memory (communication driver) from the car from which the module for replacement was removed. Audi A4 / A5 / Q7 2007+ In these vehicles, the user has the option of adapting the meter

Modules with CP: CD changer SDS module MMI controller Amplifier modules Driver Identification Module Air conditioning control Instrument cluster

Modules without CP protection: Radio module DAB radio TV tuner Navigation module AMI BT modules SAP modules Parking assistance system controller

How to remove component protection? Of course, it’s officially very simple: you can’t. Only an ASO can remove it. ASO connects the car to the server and registers new parts in the car’s equipment while removing CP.

To bypass the component protection check out our