Beginner Asks for Advice: Tips & Tricks

Hello everyone,

ich möchte beginnen mich ein bisschen mit dem CAN-Thema auseinanderzusetzen und es scheint mir so als wäre hier ein guter Ort um engagierte und helfende Menschen zu finden.

My plan is as follows: I have a VW Golf 5 and had a parking heater installed last year. Because there was a vehicle-specific wiring harness available to order, I assumed I was buying the perfect solution. Later, it turned out that VW had changed the way the climate control panel is controlled. Now, it's no longer possible to switch it to 'parking heater mode' simply by applying voltage to the correct pin. Instead, it's necessary to send a message via the CAN bus to activate this operating mode. The wiring harness provides a solution that at least activates the fan. So, I always have to remember to set the heater to 'warm' and the windshield to 'on' before leaving the car if I want to use the heater the next morning.

If I had bought a heater from Webasto, it probably would have worked, since VW also installs these from the factory. Now, I'm stuck with this unsatisfactory situation.

So, that's the story. I now want to find out if and how it's possible to connect my own interface to the bus that sends the necessary messages to the climate control panel when the heater is turned on or off. From what I've read here, it seems possible. Can anyone give me some tips on how I should start?

I have a laptop with a serial interface available. Linux and Windows are not a problem. My limited experience with microcontrollers is a bit outdated and I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

I am grateful for any advice.

Best regards,
Stephan.My plan is as follows: I have a VW Golf 5, and last year I installed a parking heater in it. Because there was a vehicle-specific wiring harness available to order, I assumed I was buying the perfect solution. Later, it turned out that VW had changed the way the climate control panel is controlled. Now, it's no longer possible to switch it to 'parking heater mode' simply by applying voltage to the correct pin. Instead, it's necessary to send a message via the CAN bus to activate this operating mode. The wiring harness provides a solution that at least activates the fan. So, I always have to remember to set the heater to 'warm' and the windshield defroster before I leave the car if I want to use the heater the next morning.If I had bought a heater from Webasto, it probably would have worked, since VW also installs them from the factory. Now I'm stuck with this unsatisfactory situation.So much for the background. Now, I want to find out if it's possible to connect my own interface to the bus system, which would send the necessary messages to the air conditioning control panel when the heating system turns on or off. From what I've read so far, it seems possible. Can anyone give me some tips on how to get started?I have a laptop with a serial port available. Linux and Windows are not a problem. My limited experience with microcontrollers is a bit outdated and I'm looking forward to getting back into it.Best regards,
StephaBest regards,