Disabling ASD (Active Sound Design): Pros & Cons

How to code-off ASD on F and G-series engines, why you'd want to, and what the risks are.

— Tekin Code

Active Sound Design (ASD) broadcasts synthesized engine noise through the car's speakers. It's standard on most post-2013 petrol and post-2016 diesel F/G-series models.

Why Disable?
• Hear the real engine (especially on cars with downpipe/exhaust mods)
• Reduce noise during highway cruising at low RPM
• A fully 'untricked' sound experience

How to Code It

You need to modify ASD-related FA values in the HU_NBT or HU_MGU module. OBDThink ships with a ready-made template for this.

Module: HU_NBT
Parameter: ASD_ENABLE
Current: aktiv
Change to: nicht_aktiv

On some cars ASD is controlled from the AMP module instead of HU. OBDThink auto-detects the correct module.

Things to Be Aware Of

When you disable ASD, expect this: low-RPM engine sound disappears entirely — some drivers find this 'dead'. The excitement feel in Sport mode drops. EVs don't have it, so it doesn't apply.

Reverting

OBDThink auto-backs up every change. Revert to factory with one tap.