V3 Accessport Volkswagen User Manual

Owned by Matt Matteson
Last updated: Aug 30, 2023 by Brandyn Mowat
17 min read





Accessport
User Guide 
Volkswagen Turbo Models





Product Introduction


Congratulations on the purchase of the Accessport hand held programmer. The Accessport is the industry leading OEM ECU flashing, managing and monitoring assistant. Unlock power hidden within the ECU by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations. The result is impressive gains in torque and horsepower while maintaining a high degree of safety. The Accessport can:

  • Reprogram the factory engine control unit (ECU) with improved tuning parameters through the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) port
  • Monitor and log vehicle sensor data using on-screen digital gauges
  • Read and clear engine diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
  • Measure 0-60mph, ¼ mile times
  • Estimate instantaneous fuel economy
  • Adjust idle and timing


In-Box Contents


  

Accessport   


OBD-II Cable



USB Cable 
(USB 2.0 A to Micro B)



WARNING!


Installation and use of the Accessport may void all or a portion of the vehicle manufacturer's standard warranty.

There is no guarantee expressed or implied by COBB Tuning or any of its affiliates for the use of the Accessport. The user accepts all risks and responsibilities when using the Accessport. 


WARNING!
Use of the Accessport while operating a moving vehicle is strictly prohibited by law. COBB Tuning and its affiliates accept no responsibility for damages or injury caused by misuse of the Accessport. 
WARNING!

The Accessport may not be able to function if the vehicle's wiring has been modified. If problems occur while using the Accessport, please verify that all wiring to and from the ECU is correct and functional.




Mounting Options

A universal 'sticky' mount is included with the Accessport. For the best results, we recommend installing the mount vertically, and preparing the mounting surface with the included alcohol wipe. 

  • NOTE: It's important to note that not all surfaces provide a strong adhesive bond. 
  • NOTE: The Accessport cradle is compatible with "Dual T" style mounts.



Pre-Installation


The Accessport comes with the most up-to-date software and map files available at the time of shipment. However, it is possible that updated software and/or map files have been made available since the time of shipment. Therefore, the recommended procedure is to connect the Accessport to the AP Manager software and download the latest firmware for the target vehicle. Please visit www.cobbtuning.com/apmanager to download AP Manager and to find a link for the AP Manager manual. 

If you have issues transferring maps or updating the Accessport while using USB 3.0 ports, please try using a USB 2.0 hub adapter. 

  • NOTE: The Accessport is preloaded with a default set of maps for all cars that it supports. This includes Stage1 (all octanes), Stage2 (all octanes), Anti-theft, Economy, and Valet. If you would like to view all maps available you can visit the Maps section of our website. 


IMPORTANT!

For installation purposes, it is important to ensure that the vehicle's battery has adequate power for both the Accessport and the ECU. Because of this, it is recommended that all in-car electronics and vehicle lights are turned off during the installation process to reduce drain on the vehicle's battery. For improved safety during installation, a car battery charger can be connected to the vehicle during the installation process.



Screen Capture

Screenshots can be captured by holding down the [CANCEL] button for two seconds. Any stored screen captures can be retrieved by using Accessport Manager.



Customizable Startup Screen Setup

To change the Accessport's startup screen see tutorial here.



Getting Started

1. You will need the Accessport and OBD-II cable to perform the installation. Insert the key into the vehicle's ignition and leave it in the OFF position. 





2. Plug the OBD-II cable into the OBD-II port under the dash of vehicle. Then connect the small end of the OBD-II cable to the port on the bottom of the Accessport.

    

3. Make sure the clasp on the OBD-II cable firmly engages with the port.


4. Insert key into the vehicle ignition. Turn it to the ON position without pressing the brake or clutch pedal. If equipped with a push-button start, hit the start button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedal.


NOTE: The engine
should not be running.

  

8. Select [Install] from the Accessport menu by pressing the [OK] button to proceed with installation.

Accessport Buttons: 

 



Vehicle Identification


The Accessport will attempt to automatically determine the target vehicle for installation. Verify that the identified vehicle is correct and press [OK] to confirm.

If the vehicle is turned on during the identification process the Accessport may not be able to identify the vehicle properly.  Please make certain your vehicle is turned on before you begin the Installation process.


If an error occurs:
Please refer to the V3 Accessport Volkswagen User Manual#Troubleshooting.



Map Selection

After the Accessport identifies the vehicle, it will present a list of maps. Maps that are not intended for the identified vehicle are displayed in gray. The Accessport will reprogram the ECU with the calibration data from the map selected for installation. This will become the base data for the ECU. To ensure the best performance, select the map that most closely matches the modification level of the vehicle. 

If you are unsure about which map applies to your modification level, please visit the Maps section of our website. You can find map notes for each of our maps by clicking on your vehicle and choosing your intake type. The map notes will list the modification requirements for each of our maps. 

Select a map and press [OK] to proceed with the installation. If you wish to see a longer description for the highlighted map, press and hold the [OK] button on the desired map. After reading the description, you can press [CANCEL] to go back to the map list or press [OK] to select that map and proceed with the installation. 


What Is A Map?

The Accessport reprograms the tuning parameters inside the factory engine control unit (ECU) using map files, which contain specially written instructions for the Accessport to follow during the reprogramming process. A map file can contain information for any number of different modifications or enhancements to a vehicle, ranging from a race map for a heavily modified vehicle to an economy map for a stock vehicle. Through the use of the Accessport and different map files, the ECU can be reprogrammed to accommodate virtually any vehicle configuration.



WARNING!
If a previous Accessport or another tune is installed to the vehicle, the AccessPort will overwrite it with a new installation. Be aware that the previous installation will be permanently lost and unrecoverable. A stock ECU program supplied on the Accessport will be used when you uninstall.



Install Accessport Programming

We've noticed a few simple issues can cause flashing your car to fail so it's critical to watch out for these problems.

  • A 10-12 amp battery charger is CRITICAL to keep the voltage stable when flashing, if the voltage goes too low it can cause the flash to fail or brick the module.
  • If your key's battery gets low and dies or you walk away, the key can become disconnected from the car and cause the ECU to lose flash mode.
  • Make sure to disable bluetooth on your cellphone as the process in which it connects to the stereo can also cause the flash to fail
  • Some vehicles after 2019 and all vehicles 2022+ require the hood to be popped in order to flash properly
  • MK8 vehicles If the car has a successful flash but doesn't start, walk away with the key for 5-10 minutes to allow the car to reset the modules and then start the car.


With the stock ECU data saved, the Accessport will automatically proceed with installation to the vehicle. At this point, the Accessport reprograms the vehicle's ECU with new program data and calibration parameters from the installation map file. This process will take several minutes to complete.


WARNING!

Do not disturb the Accessport and the OBD-II connector while installation is taking place. Failure to do so may result in incomplete ECU reprogramming which will render the vehicle inoperable. If an error occurs during the reflash, the Accessport will enter Recovery Mode and attempt to recover the reflash.


DSG Control Module (DSG) Flashing

We've noticed a few simple issues can cause flashing your car to fail so it's critical to watch out for these problems.

  • A 10-12 amp battery charger is CRITICAL to keep the voltage stable when flashing, if the voltage goes too low it can cause the flash to fail or brick the module.
  • If your key's battery gets low and dies or you walk away, the key can become disconnected from the car and cause the ECU to lose flash mode.
  • Make sure to disable bluetooth on your cellphone as the process in which it connects to the stereo can also cause the flash to fail


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DSG flashing is available on AP3-VLK-002 and AP3-VLK-003 part numbers.  Once "Install to TCM" is selected it will proceed with installation of DSG data to the vehicle. Choose from a list of DSG map options.


WARNING!
Do not disturb the Accessport and the OBD-II connector while installation is taking place.  Failure to do so may result in incomplete DSG reprogramming which will render the vehicle inoperable.  If an error occurs during the reflash, the Accessport will enter Recovery Mode and attempt to recover the reflash. 


Installation Complete

Follow all on-screen prompts on the Accessport to complete the installation process.

The Accessport is now fully installed and ready for use and the vehicle's ECU is programmed with new calibration data. The Accessport does not need to be plugged into the vehicle for the calibration to be in effect. You can disconnect the Accessport at this time or leave it plugged in to use any of the many features outlined below. 

Please note that the Accessport is designed to work with only one vehicle at a time. Once the Accessport is installed, it cannot be used with another vehicle until it is uninstalled from the original vehicle. 

The best way to proceed after a reflash or ECU reset is to turn the key to the ON position and count to 5 – 10 seconds before trying to start the engine. If you follow this simple procedure, the engine will fire up on the first try.



Accessport Features & Functionality

Gauges

The Accessport can read sensor data from the factory ECU and display it as an on-screen gauge. This feature allows the Accessport to function as an auxiliary gauge displaying boost, RPM, temperature, or any number of other parameters available in the factory ECU. 

The Accessport can also record sensor data from the factory ECU while you drive.  With the ability to store multiple sessions, the Accessport can function as a complete engine datalogger and diagnostic tool.  To begin datalogging, press the [OK] button while in the Gauges function.  While the Accessport is recording a datalog, a single blue light will appear and oscillate through the shift light. To stop datalogging, press the [OK] button again. To view the results of your datalog sessions, simply connect the Accessport to your PC and retrieve the results using the AP Manager software.  Data Log recordings are stored in a .csv (Comma Separated Values) format and are easily viewed using any spreadsheet application. 

When you first select the Gauges function you will be defaulted to the V3 Accessport Volkswagen User Manual#Change Gauge Layout list so you can select which layout you prefer. 



Press the [Up] or [Down] button to select the header. Then press the [Down] button to highlight the monitor you would like to interact with and press [OK]. You will then be presented with the following options.




Change Monitor – Select the monitor that will be shown in the selected gauge

Note: While in the Change Monitor list, you can press [UP] to find a Sort Monitors option. This option will sort all monitors in reverse alphabetical order. 

Reset Current Min/Max – Reset the minimum and maximum values of the selected gauge 

Reset All Min/Max – Reset the minimum and maximum values of all gauges



Setup

To enter the Setup function, press the [Up] button to select the header. Now press the [Up] key to highlight the arrow button next to Setup and press [OK] to view the sub-menu.




Change Gauge Layout – Select a gauge layout from a single large gauge, to many small gauges

Change Units – Set the unit scheme

Configure Shift Light – Adjust the RPM of the Shift Light

Configure Datalogging – Select which monitors to datalog



Change Gauge Layout 

The Accessport has the ability to display between one to six gauges in different preset formats. The formats are as follows: 



One Gauge

  • one large Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge

Two Gauges

  • one large Digital Gauge
  • one small Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge

Three Gauges

  • three small Digital Gauges w/ Bar Gauges

Four Gauges

  • two small Digital Gauges w/ Bar Gauges
  • two small Digital Gauges

Five Gauges

  • one small Digital Gauge w/ Bar Gauge 
  • four small Digital Gauges

Six Gauges

six small Digital Gauges


Change Units

Metric – This unit scheme uses metric units: C, kph, kPA, Lambda

Metric w/ AFR – This unit scheme uses metric units (excl. AFR): C, kph, kPA, AFR

Imperial – This unit scheme uses imperial units: F, mph, PSI, AFR

Imperial (UK) - This unit scheme uses imperial units: C,mph, PSI, AFR


Configure Shift Light





Press [OK] and using the [Up] and [Down] buttons, set the RPM to the desired level to have the shift light flash. Press [OK] to save the RPM you have selected. By default, the shift light RPM is set above the stock redline. This essentially disables the shift light since that RPM will not be reached. You will need to lower the shift light RPM to enable this feature. 

Press [UP] to find the Setup option for the Shift Light, where you will find the following options: 

Disable Shift Light – Disables the shift light function and removes the shift light from the gauges screen. 

  • NOTE: When you initiate a datalog, the shift light will reappear to notify you that you are logging. 

Reset Shift Light – Resets the shift light back to the default value.



Configure Datalogging



This list allows the user to enable and disable items for logging. Only monitors with a green circle will be recorded while using the datalogging feature. A default log list including a group of monitors complied by our in-house tuners has been provided. You can make changes to the log list by highlighting a monitor and pressing the [OK] button to activate/deactivate it for logging. Pressing the [Cancel] button will save any changes you have made to the datalog list.


Press [UP] to find the Setup option for Configure Datalog where you will find the following options: 


Sort Monitors – Sort the monitor list alphabetically, then reverse-alphabetically 

Clear Monitors – Clear all monitors from the datalog list

Reset to Defaults – Restore the datalog list to the default list 

NOTE: You will be notified if you have exceeded the recommended amount of monitors to record in one datalog. If you receive this prompt, reduce the amount of monitors you are recording. 

NOTE: The Accessport is only capable of datalogging while the ignition is turned to the ON position. The Accessport will display an error message if it cannot communicate with the vehicle. 

NOTE: Up to 10 log files can be stored on the Accessport. Use AP Manager to delete unneeded logs. If datalogging is started when there are already 10 log files on the Accessport, the log file with the lowest numerical value will be automatically overwritten. 

NOTE: The 10 log files can be a combined length of 2+ hours long. 




Performance

The Accessport can calculate several performance measurements. 

NOTE: The Accessport is only capable of calculating performance test results while the ignition is turned to the "ON" position. The Accessport will display an error message if it cannot communicate with the vehicle.



0-60 MPH

To record the 0-60 MPH performance, select this menu option and follow instructions. A time slip showing the performance results will be displayed at the end of the performance test.

¼ Mile

To record the ¼ Mile performance, select this menu option and follow instructions. A time slip showing the performance results will be displayed at the end of the performance test.



Troubleshooting

Use the Accessport as a diagnostic tool.

NOTE: The Accessport is only capable of communicating with the ECU while the ignition is turned to the "ON" position. The Accessport will display an error message if it cannot communicate with the vehicle.


Read Codes

Use this function to read trouble codes from the engine computer. Stored codes indicate a mechanical or electrical fault. Use the up/down buttons to highlight a code and display a short description of the trouble code (if available).

Clear Codes

Clear all active and pending codes.

I/M Readiness

Use this feature to read emissions readiness test statuses of your vehicle. To read emissions readiness, Select Troubleshooting from the main menu. Then, scroll to I/M Readiness. You will see an extensive list of readiness monitors. 

Identify Vehicle

Identifies the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

TCM Service

  • Performs various TCM relearn functions (MK7 VLK-002-DSG and VLK-003-DSG only)

Wastegate Adaptation

  • Performs adaptation of charge pressure actuator. (MK7 VLK-002 and VLK-003 only)


Tune

Change the performance of your car.


Change Map


To change the mapping on your ECU, select this menu option and follow the instructions. The ignition must be turned to the "ON" position during the Change Map operation. You will be prompted to select a pre-loaded map. The same warning that apply to the installation process apply here as well (battery charge level, turn accessories off, etc.)

  • Reflash: Permanent and complete reflash of the calibration onto the ECU.

NOTE: It is recommend to keep your Reflash map as the map that most closely matches your mechanical set-up (example: If you have an upgraded turbo-back exhaust, leave your Reflash map as the Stage2 performance map).


Restore OTS Map

Select this option to Restore COBB Off-The-Shelf Maps that have been deleted from the Accessport.   


Show Current Map

To see the last map that was flashed to your car, select this menu option. You can press the [OK] button to see a detailed description of the map.

  • Reflash: Last map loaded via "Reflash" option during Change Map.
  • Realtime: Last map loaded via "Realtime" option during Change Map.

Adjustments: Traction Slip Target Multiplier (AP3-VLK-002/003 ONLY)

  • Changes the active Traction Control Slip Target Multiplier Mode.

    • Adjustment range from 1 to 9 depending on calibration flashed to the ECU. 

Adjustments: Flat Foot Shift & Launch Control (AP3-VLK-001/002/003 ONLY)



Uninstall



Selecting this option will remove the Accessport programming from the vehicle on which it is installed, reverting the ECU to a stock state. It is highly recommended to uninstall the Accessport prior to taking your car to the dealer for any type of service. It is also crucial that you uninstall your Accessport if you plan on selling your vehicle or Accessport separately. Otherwise the Accessport will still be paired to your vehicle and cannot be installed on another car.



Setup



   

To enter the Setup function, press the [Up] button to bring up the header above the Gauges icon. From here you will have access to the following options:


Change Language - Choose from an array of various languages (Note that not all menu entries are translated).
Change Units – Choose from Imperial, Imperial (UK), Metric, and Metric with AFR.
Reset to Defaults – Reset all user settings back to default.
Auto On/Off – This feature allows the Accessport to power on/off with your vehicle.
Low Battery Shutdown –This will shut the Accessport down if battery voltage drops below 10v.




Help



About Accessport: Displays technical information about the Accessport.

  • Firmware
  • Installed Vehicle
  • Original Serial Number
  • Serial Number Sticker
  • Upgrade Serial Number
  • Part Number
  • Installation State


Button Help: View the buttons and their functions.
Context Help: Shows more information about the screen you are currently viewing. 
Icon Help: Displays the various icons you will find on the Accessport and their meanings. 
Demo Mode: This function allows you to run through a mock installation and use all of the features of the Accessport without connecting to a vehicle. 



Recovery Mode



If an error occurs during a reflash the Accessport and ECU will enter recovery mode. By selecting this option the Accessport will uninstall itself, leaving your ECU in a stock state so that you can start over. 

NOTE: For Recovery Mode to function correctly, you must first resolve the condition that caused the initial reflash failure. For example, if your battery voltage dropped too low during the reflash, put a battery charger on the car before attempting to use Recovery Mode. 



Accessport Troubleshooting 


Symptom

Troubleshooting Steps

Accessport will not communicate with vehicle.

  1. Verify that the vehicle's ignition is turned to the "ON" position (not Acc.) before selecting the option on the Accessport.
  2. Unplug the OBD-II cable from the vehicle and Accessport. Closely inspect all connections to ensure that no damage has occurred. Securely reconnect the Accessport to the vehicle and ensure that both ends of the OBD-II cable have good contact.
  3. Attempt another procedure, such as Read Codes, to see if communication has failed altogether or is specific to a particular operation.

Accessport cannot reflash ECU.

  1. Follow all steps for "Accessport will not communicate with vehicle."
  2. Verify that all steps required for ECU reprogramming mode were properly followed.

Accessport cannot identify vehicle during installation.

  1. Ensure that the Accessport is running the most recent version of firmware.  You can verify this by connecting the Accessport to AP Manager.
  2. If the Accessport is up to date and still cannot identify the vehicle, please contact technical support.  It is possible that you have an ECU type that we have never encountered before (e.g. brand new model year, new world market ECU, etc.).  Technical support will instruct you on what to do next.  

Support Contact Information

Web

www.cobbtuning.com/support

E-Mail

support@cobbtuning.com

Phone

(866) 922-3059
9am - 6pm CST, Monday - Friday


Environmental Information


Operating and Storage Temperatures

The Accessport is designed to be operated at temperatures between 32° and 95° F (0° and 35° C) and with a relative humidity below 90%. Using the Accessport outside of these recommendations may result in damage.

The Accessport is thermally protected and will not function if the temperature reaches extremely hot levels. If the Accessport is not booting up correctly or the screen does not show everything correctly, turn the device off and move it to a cooler environment temporarily.

When storing the Accessport, do so in a place where temperature is always between 0° and 115° F (-20° and 45° C) and a relative humidity below 90%.

Never store your Accessport in an area that receives direct sunlight. 

Avoid Moisture

Take care to prevent any liquids from coming in contact with the Accessport or any associated equipment. 

If your Accessport or any associated equipment gets wet, professional repair may be required. In such cases, please contact technical support BEFORE attempting to the use the Accessport. 

Handling and Storage

Your Accessport may be damaged by improper storage or handling. Be careful not to drop your Accessport or any associated parts.

Never store your Accessport in an area that experiences any noticeable levels of vibration, static electricity, heat shock, or excessive swings in relative humidity. 

Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself

Never attempt to open your Accessport or any associated equipment. Doing so puts the components at risk of damage from, but not limited to, static shock. No user-serviceable parts are inside. At no time will ANY authorized representative of COBB Tuning, Inc. ask you to open or mechanically/electronically alter the Accessport. 

Opening the Accessport will void any and all warranties for the device and its operation.


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