I want to enable sound actuator on 2017 Golf R

[ScissorJack]

The engine noise I can detect from inside the cabin is hard to hear which makes it a challenge to shift gears at the right time (manual transmission). I know the artificially enhanced engine noise can be switched on/off and I think mine must have been turned off at the dealership before I bought the car, but I can't find where to turn it on. I found the setting, via VCDS, for the volume control. Mine is showing as 100%, but still I can't detect any enhanced engine noise so I'm wondering if there is some other place I need to check so I can enable it?

For what it's worth, here is a scan from today:

Monday,06,May,2024,15:16:51:24184
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 11 x64
VCDS Version: 24.5.0.0 (x64)  HEX-V2 CB: 0.4643.4
Data version: 20240429 DS355.0
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: WVWWF7AU9HWxxxxxx   License Plate:
Mileage: 41456km-25759mi   Repair Order:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chassis Type: AU-VW37 (5Q0)
Scan: 01 03 05 08 09 10 13 14 15 16 17 19 22 2B 3C 42 44 47 52 55
          5F A5 A9

VIN: WVWWF7AU9HWxxxxxx  Mileage: 41456km-25759miles

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
10-Park/Steer Assist -- Status: OK 0000
13-Auto Dist. Reg -- Status: OK 0000
14-Susp. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
22-AWD -- Status: OK 0000
2B-Steer. Col. Lock -- Status: OK 0000
3C-Lane Change -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
47-Sound System -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
55-Headlight Range -- Status: OK 0000
5F-Information Electr. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
A5-Frt Sens. Drv. Assist -- Status: OK 0000
A9-Struct. Borne Sound -- Status: OK 0000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine (J623-CYFB)       Labels:. 06K-907-425-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 8V0 906 259 K    HW: 06K 907 425 E
   Component: 2.0l R4 TFSI  H13 0003
   Revision: --H13---    CVN: 4788C367
   Coding: 091900122446000E3004
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TFS0208V0906259K 001005
   ROD: EV_ECM20TFS0208V0906259K.rod
   VCID: 48C9580FA2361CCADF3-801C
   VINID: 9E69E75874652589C12410C41C410C0C72

No fault code found.
Readiness: 1000 0100

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104)       Labels: 5Q0-907-379-IPB-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 614 517 CG    HW: 5Q0 614 517 AG
   Component: ESC           H62 0643
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 60277000000634
   Coding: 01FA6BA15429096D457A030440CA6980D62A90A2C0029637144050D4C0A8430000000012121212B835351919323200
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_Brake1UDSContiMK100IPB 036010
   ROD: EV_Brake1UDSContiMK100IPB_036_VW37.rod
   VCID: 78A9E8CF9256AC4A6F3-802C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. (J518)       Labels:| 5Q0-959-435.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 435 B    HW: 5Q0 959 435
   Component: VWKESSYMQB    021 0710
   Revision: 00021000    Serial number: 0430158297 Dataset Number: V03935252RB 0001
   Coding: 032C0C
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_KessyHellaMQBAB 002019
   ROD: EV_KessyHellaMQBAB_002_VW37.rod
   VCID: 3B2337C3E3E04752421-806E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255)       Labels:| 5G0-907-044.clb
   Part No SW: 5G0 907 044 CF    HW: 5G0 907 044 CF
   Component: Climatronic   H04 1801
   Revision: 00001K08
   Coding: 0002000420010001010500000010102A
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ACClimaBHBVW37X 006145
   ROD: EV_ACClimaBHBVW37X_006_VW37.rod
   VCID: 6D87C99BED1419E28C5-8038

   Fresh air blower control module (front):

   A/C pressure/coolant temperature sensor:

   Air quality sensor:

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519)       Labels:| 5Q0-937-08X-HV1.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 937 085 BL    HW: 5Q0 937 085 AF
   Component: BCM MQBAB HNA H24 0175
   Serial number: 01061701200261 Dataset Number: V03935237L  0001
   Coding: 00010B46C041A2E149E44000091C07201800000000000000000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_BCMMQB 015001
   ROD: EV_BCMBOSCH_015.rod
   VCID: 04518C3FDE9EF8AA73B-8050

   Wiper motor control module:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5G1 955 119 A    HW: 5G1 955 119 A  Labels: 5QX-955-119-V1.CLB
   Component: WWS    170105  043 0551
   Serial number:         170118225712
   Coding: 0E4DDD

   Rain/Light Recognition Sensor:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 5Q0 955 547 B    HW: 5Q0 955 547 B  Labels: 5Q0-955-547.CLB
   Component: RLHS  042 0105
   Serial number: S5Y17M02D03H13M19S37
   Coding: 00A8DD

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 10: Park/Steer Assist (J446)       Labels:| 5Q0-919-294.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 919 294 K    HW: 5Q0 919 294 A
   Component: PARKHILFE 8K  H03 0054
   Revision: --------    Serial number: 39331703503712 Dataset Number: V03935236FM 0001
   Coding: 0071155001
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_EPHVA18AU3700000 002026
   ROD: EV_EPHVA18AU3700000_002_VW37.rod
   VCID: 43D34F239B103F920A1-8016

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 13: Auto Dist. Reg (J428)       Labels:| 5Q0-907-572-V2.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 907 572 H    HW: 5Q0 907 572 H
   Component: ACC BOSCH MQB H10 0620
   Dataset Number: V03935253UB 0001
   Coding: 2D0000C151FFC428949C810510300600000000000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ACCBOSCHVW416 002005
   ROD: EV_ACCBOSCHVW416_002_VW37.rod
   VCID: 3C2134DFE6EE406A4BB-8068

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 14: Susp. Elect. (J250)       Labels: 5Q0-907-376.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 907 376 B    HW: 5Q0 907 376 A
   Component: DAEMPFUNGS-SG H17 0121
   Serial number: 03121641350735 Dataset Number: V03935231PP 0001
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DRCONTITEMIC 001019
   ROD: EV_DRCONTITEMIC_VW37.rod
   VCID: 382928CFD2D66C4AAF3-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags (J234)       Labels:| 5Q0-959-655.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 655 T    HW: 5Q0 959 655 T
   Component: AirbagVW20    009 0825
   Serial number: 003MHM0383H9 Dataset Number: V03935217CA 0001
   Coding: 8CCCFC00000000005000001AC24800000065
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X 002138
   ROD: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X_VW37.rod
   VCID: 51FF756B516CDD0288D-8004

   Seat occupied recognition passenger side:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 4M0 959 339 B    HW: 4M0 959 339 B
   Component: BF-Gewichtss.  H13 0022
   Serial number: IBH0000J16000680IR02
   Coding: 30324E

   Crash sensor for side airbag: driver side:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 002 801 17
   Component: SideSensor_Df  001 0887
   Serial number: 357000000008C2381129
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Front Passenger's Side Airbag Crash Sensor:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 000 102 17
   Component: SideSensor_Pf  001 0887
   Serial number: 35800000000D2334A12B
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Rear Side Airbag Crash Sensor (on driver's side):
   Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 402 601 17
   Component: SideSensor_Dr  000 6149
   Serial number: 3510001A52369744841U
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Passenger side rear thorax airbag crash sensor:
   Subsystem 5 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 401 701 17
   Component: SideSensor_Pr  000 6149
   Serial number: 3520001B12404035C47L
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Crash sensor for front airbag: driver side:
   Subsystem 6 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 402 701 17
   Component: FrontSensor_D  000 6149
   Serial number: 3550001B7244A6A6A323
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Crash sensor for front airbag: front passenger side:
   Subsystem 7 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 402 701 17
   Component: FrontSensor_P  000 6149
   Serial number: 3560001B9244A6A1D59D
   Coding: 2D2D2D

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel (J527)       Labels:| 5Q0-953-549.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 953 507 HN    HW: 5Q0 953 549 E
   Component: Lenks. Modul  003 0140
   Revision: --------    Serial number: 19011708490921
   Coding: 0C00
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_SMLSKLOMQB 020002
   ROD: EV_SMLSKLOMQB_020_VW37.rod
   VCID: 094F9D0BF9BCA5C200D-805C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments (J285)       Labels:| 5G0-920-XXX-17.clb-SRI3
   Part No SW: 5G1 920 758 B    HW: 5G1 920 758 B
   Component: KOMBI         304 8311
   Coding: 0BAD08127F88880902886B0B5400000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DashBoardVDDMQBAB 009051
   ROD: EV_DashBoardVDDMQBAB_009_VW26.rod
   VCID: 2E050E972092A2FAF5F-807A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533)       Labels:| 5Q0-907-530-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 907 530 AM    HW: 5Q0 907 530 F
   Component: GW MQB High   128 1265
   Revision: --------    Serial number: 0005841068 Dataset Number: V03935242HR 0001
   Coding: 0101000838085900FB00023A880F00000001050000000000000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   GVL: 01D43C100000060040CC900000004C0000000000000000000000000000000000
   ASAM Dataset: EV_GatewLear 013020
   ROD: EV_GatewLear_013.rod
   VCID: 7CA1F4DFA66E806A0BB-8028

   Generator:

   Multifunction steering wheel control module:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 5G0 959 442 S    HW: 5G0 959 442 S  Labels: 3C8-959-537.CLB
   Component: E221__MFL-DC1  H11 0040
   Serial number: 29170000020490097025
   Coding: 34FFFF

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 22: AWD (J492)       Labels:| 0CQ-907-554-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 0CQ 907 554 H    HW: 0CQ 525 130
   Component: Haldex4Motion H52 7083
   Serial number: HA1-00029.12.16 Dataset Number: v1260x015G0 0000
   Coding: 0001
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_AllWheelContrHA1VW37X 004013
   ROD: EV_AllWheelContrHA1VW37X_004_VW37.rod
   VCID: 4ACD6207BC3AEEDAC97-801E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 2B: Steer. Col. Lock (J764)       Labels:* 5Q0-905-861.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 905 861 A    HW: 5Q0 905 861 A
   Component: ELV-MQBA      H01 0120
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 17000011831007
   Coding: 5500000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ELVMarquMQB 004111
   ROD: EV_ELVMarquMQB_004_VW37.rod
   VCID: 34311CFFCEBE882A83B-8060

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 3C: Lane Change (J1086)       Labels:| 5Q0-907-686.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 907 686 B    HW: 5Q0 907 686 B
   Component: HRE_Master    H12 0071
   Serial number: 0429058111 Dataset Number: V03935221MX 0001
   Coding: 02011103
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_HREntryHella 001028
   ROD: EV_HREntryHella_VW37.rod
   VCID: 3C2134DFE6EE406A4BB-8068

   Lane change assistance control module 2:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5Q0 907 685 B    HW: 5Q0 907 685 B
   Component: HRE_Slave  H12 0071
   Serial number: 0429117077      
   Coding: 020111

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386)       Labels:| 5QX-959-X93-42.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 593 E    HW: 5Q0 959 593 B
   Component: TSG FS        020 0041
   Serial number: 211016EJL12608 Dataset Number: V03935257JP 0001
   Coding: 003E13208000040000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DCUDriveSideEWMAXKLO 006003
   ROD: EV_DCUDriveSideEWMAXCONT_VW37.rod
   VCID: 43D34F239B103F920A1-8016

   Rear Driver Side Door Control Module:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5Q0 959 811     HW: 5Q0 959 811   Labels: 5QX-959-81X-V1.CLB
   Component: FOND_FHSG_DRV  005 0005
   Serial number: 00000000000013265551
   Coding: 111000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 44: Steering Assist (J500)       Labels:| 5Q0-909-144.clb
   Part No SW: 3Q0 909 144 K    HW: 3Q0 909 144 H
   Component: EPS_MQB_ZFLS  506 5072
   Dataset Number: V03935257BB 0001
   Coding: 9102
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_SteerAssisMQB 013144
   ROD: EV_SteerAssisMQB_013.rod
   VCID: 3A2D32C7ECDA7E5A597-806E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 47: Sound System (J525)       Labels:| 5Q0-035-456.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 035 456     HW: 5Q0 035 456
   Component: MIB2_lite_amp H30 0150
   Revision: 00000001    Serial number: VWZ8Z1GMD003HPN Dataset Number: V03935253GC 0001
   Coding: 2200000000AAAAAA000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_AMPMst12C1Gen2ALPI 001003
   ROD: EV_AMPMst12C1Gen2ALPI_VW37.rod
   VCID: 6D87C99BED1419E28C5-8038

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387)       Labels:| 5QX-959-X92-52.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 592 E    HW: 5Q0 959 592 B
   Component: TSG BFS       020 0041
   Serial number: 060117EA610099 Dataset Number: V03935257JW 0001
   Coding: 003E13208000040000800000
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DCUPasseSideEWMAXKLO 006003
   ROD: EV_DCUPasseSideEWMAXCONT_VW37.rod
   VCID: 42DD4A27840A369A017-8016

   Rear Passenger Door Control Module:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5Q0 959 812     HW: 5Q0 959 812   Labels: 5QX-959-81X-V1.CLB
   Component: FOND_FHSG_PSG  005 0005
   Serial number: 00000000000013059244
   Coding: 091000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Headlight Range (J745)       Labels:| 7P6-907-357.clb
   Part No SW: 7P6 907 357 D    HW: 7P6 907 357 A
   Component: AFS-ECU       H07 0090
   Revision: --------    Serial number: -------------- Dataset Number: V03935237WR 0001
   Coding: 022202010B010400
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_HeadlRegulVWAFSMQB 001120
   ROD: EV_HeadlRegulVWAFS_VW37.rod
   VCID: 40D9402F8A06248A173-8014

   Left Headlamp Power Output Stage:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 3D0 941 329 E    HW: 3D0 941 329 E  Labels: 3D0-941-329.CLB
   Component: LeiMo links  H01 0002
   Coding: 2E0000

   Right Headlamp Power Output Stage:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 3D0 941 329 E    HW: 3D0 941 329 E  Labels: 3D0-941-329.CLB
   Component: LeiMo rechts  H01 0002
   Coding: 2E0000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794)       Labels:| 5G0-035-MIB-HGH2.clb
   Part No SW: 3G0 035 047 C    HW: 3G0 035 047
   Component: MU-H-NS-US    H51 0703
   Serial number: A685A0HB001514 Dataset Number: V03935254LM 0001
   Coding: 027300020000000051220002001828001F0207F401200105DE
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_MUHig4CGen2HBAS 001001
   ROD: EV_MUHig4CGen2HBAS_VW37.rod
   VCID: 2019E0AF6A46048A773-8074

   Display and control head 1 for information electronics:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 5G0 919 606 B    HW: 5G0 919 606 B
   Component: ABT_High  H63 0032
   Serial number: VWZ8Z9SLR003JJ  

   Data carrier:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: V03 959 803 EE    HW: -----------
   Component: NAR 2017  --- 0057
   Serial number: --------------------

   Compact disc data bank:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: V03 959 800 EG    HW: -----------
   Component: Gracenote2---  --- 3009
   Serial number: --------------------

1 Fault Found:
0020 - Tuner for Satellite Radio
          B11CF 53 [00001001] - Deactivated
          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 186
                    Mileage: 39376 km
                    Date: 2023.10.19
                    Time: 07:25:16

                    Voltage terminal 30: 12.8 V
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Satellite radio antenna status: electrically OK
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Channel selection for satellite radio: 0
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Audio Signal: Not available
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Antenna current: 0 mA
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Reception quality: Not available
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Satellite radio tuner: pre-activation status: 00
                    Satellite radio tuner status-Satellite radio tuner: pre-activation value: 00


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address A5: Frt Sens. Drv. Assist (R242)       Labels:| 3Q0-980-65X-A5.clb
   Part No SW: 3Q0 980 654 G    HW: 3Q0 980 654
   Component: MQB_B_MFK     H06 0231
   Serial number: 31011711K23642 Dataset Number: V03935243PV 0001
   Coding: 0003070000000201002223548040490084000E100020
   Shop #: WSC 01357 011 00200
   ASAM Dataset: EV_MFKBoschMQBB 001001
   ROD: EV_MFKBoschMQBB_001_VW36.rod
   VCID: 3B2337C3E3E04752421-806E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address A9: Struct. Borne Sound (J869)       Labels: 4H0-907-159.clb
   Part No SW: 5G0 907 159 D    HW: 4H0 907 159 A
   Component: SAS-GEN 2     H07 0001
   Serial number: 170107200363
   ASAM Dataset: EV_SoundActuaGen2AU64X 003010
   ROD: EV_SoundActuaGen2AU64X_003_VW37.rod
   VCID: 2F3B13932798ABF2FE9-807A

No fault code found.

End----------(Elapsed Time: 01:46, VBatt start/end: 14.2V/14.2V)-----------

 

[Uwe]

I found the setting, via VCDS, for the volume control. Mine is showing as 100%

Assuming you mean the Adaptation channel:

IDE04472 -- Volume of structure-borne noise actuator

And that is set to 100%, I might suspect your Sound Actor is defective. But for laughs, do try the Output Test in that module.

-Uwe-

 

[ScissorJack]

try the Output Test in that module.

Is that the test that causes some enunciator somewhere in the dash to emit a loud beep-hum? I've done that test, but I'll look specifically for the Output Test, as you suggested, and run it tonight. I don't know my way around the app as well as you so I'll have to go look up IDE04472. Will report back. Thank you for your reply, Uwe.

UPDATE:
The control module I selected was A9 ("structure borne sound", I think). The only output test was IDE03772 Structure Borne Sound Actuator. I ran the test and some enunciator somewhere emitted a long beep-hum until I clicked stop. So if that's the thing that is activated to simulate engine sounds, then it seems to function, although the output test sound was nothing like the grumble of an engine.

It's getting late but perhaps if anything comes to mind overnight you could post it in the morning?

 

[downtime]

Did you check the volume level in the adaptations of the actuator as @Uwe suggested?

 

[Dukedesmo]

I don't recall which one but in my S4, the sound-actor has it's own dedicated fuse and so before disabling it (setting volume to 0%) I pulled out the fuse to test it without needing to connect to VCDS - I actually made it switchable by soldering a small switch to an old fuse so that I could enable/disable whilst driving.

As it happens mine (S-tronic/DSG/Auto) only operated in 'S' or Manual mode, not in 'D' but it wasn't really that noticeable until I did the on/off test.

I turned it off as I don't want any 'fake noise', plus the V6 makes a decent enough engine noise anyway (with a hint of Supercharger whine) and the sound-actor just sounded wrong IMO.

 

[Uwe]

I don't recall which one but in my S4, the sound-actor has it's own dedicated fuse

I can't see that fuse being blown or missing in this case because the module communicates.

-Uwe-

 

[Cuzoe]

I would add that the sound from the output test is nothing like an engine sound, but that's normal. It's closer to the sound you hear when doing the room calibrations for a home theater setup, kind of "whooping" noise. It's quite loud, and it will repeat as long as the test is in progress from what I remember.

 

[ScissorJack]

Did you check the volume level in the adaptations of the actuator as @Uwe suggested?

I stated in my original question that the volume was at 100%. Uwe understood that, if you read his reply to me. Thanks for your useful contribution.

To the rest, thank you for your suggestions and trying to help. I've been trying for the last 6 years to figure out how to turn it on. It's weird that everyone else is busy disabling the fake engine noise because it's so annoying yet I can't seem to hear mine at all. Everything else checks out so maybe it's me.

EDIT:
One final note for the benefit of anyone who stumbles across this in the future...

My car has 4 driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Race/Sport, Custom (this is from memory, so names may be not exact). I never used "race" mode because, well, if you could see the state of the roads in my town you'd understand why I never bother with it. But today I switched to race mode and noticed a barely audible growl augmenting the barely audible engine noise. Then switched back to normal mode and it went away. So I guess it's there, and functional, just not very loud in spite of being set at 100% volume. I think, like Uwe suggested in an earlier post, that it's there but maybe not working quite right.

To summarize, the structure borne noise can be switched from normal to sport mode via the driving mode button next to the shifter.

 

[downtime]

I stated in my original question that the volume was at 100%. Uwe understood that, if you read his reply to me. Thanks for your useful contribution.

To the rest, thank you for your suggestions and trying to help. I've been trying for the last 6 years to figure out how to turn it on. It's weird that everyone else is busy disabling the fake engine noise because it's so annoying yet I can't seem to hear mine at all. Everything else checks out so maybe it's me.

Well sorry for not seeing it. Good luck in your future endeavours with this. No help from me anymore.

 

[Uwe]

The control module I selected was A9 ("structure borne sound", I think). The only output test was IDE03772 Structure Borne Sound Actuator. I ran the test and some enunciator somewhere emitted a long beep-hum until I clicked stop. So if that's the thing that is activated to simulate engine sounds, then it seems to function, although the output test sound was nothing like the grumble of an engine.

I've never tried it, so I don't know what sort of sound the Output Test is supposed to produce. I only have one car with one of these modules and pretty much the first thing I did to that car was to set the volume to 0%. That car isn't handy right now for me to check what it should sound like either, sorry.

-Uwe-

 

[Dukedesmo]

I can't see that fuse being blown or missing in this case because the module communicates.

-Uwe-

Agreed but I was wondering if it was enabled and not particularly noticeable, pulling the fuse would show whether or not this was the case.

Either that or might it only be enabled in certain 'modes' (mine wasn't in 'D'), I understand the car in question is a manual so not applicable but might it be linked to drive select mode or something similar?

 

[Cuzoe]

It is absolutely tied to driving modes. Some firmware has no output in any mode except Sport. Some will have the same sound in two or more modes. Some will have a different sound for Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport. As far as the soundactor is concerned reverse is also a driving mode although no firmware seems to have sound assigned to it. Firmware from a vehicle with any non-manual transmission typically won't give you any sound in a manual vehicle because the flag for being "out of" park is never received.

You can flash the soundactor with firmware from different vehicles as long as it's the same generation module. I'm currently running RS5 firmware in my mk7 2.0 TDI. It has the same sound assigned for eco/comfort, another sound for normal, and another sound (that is also louder) for sport. On the external sound actor I'm running firmware from one of the Audis that had the V8T.

Get into it here... https://mqb-blog.com/en/2022/01/16/sak-aga-hack/
And here... https://github.com/jilleb/mqb-soundaktor

A fun project would be to modify firmware and add the "universal" EV reversing sound to the "reverse" driving mode of the soundactor. This would be most fun if you have, or have retrofitted the external sound actor like I have. But could be cool for the structure unit as well. Based on the really loud output test I would bet you could make the structure mounted unit loud enough for cars near you to hear it, although I expect that speaker isn't intended to be driven that hard for very long.