SFD1 (Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose) is the initial security gateway protocol introduced by the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) starting in model year (MY) 2020. It protects advanced diagnostic functions like coding, adaptations, and basic settings on certain control modules, while allowing basic reads (e.g., DTCs, measuring values). It primarily affects vehicles on platforms like MQB Evo, MEB, MLBevo, and PPC. SFD1 is found in models from 2020 to around 2023/early 2024, before the transition to SFD2 in newer vehicles.
Here’s a list of common VAG vehicles equipped with SFD1, based on platform and model year introductions (note: not exhaustive, as it varies by region and specific control modules; some vehicles may have mixed SFD and classic security):
|
Brand
|
Model
|
Model Years
|
Platform/Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Volkswagen
|
Golf 8 (CD)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.3
|
2019–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.4
|
2020–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.5
|
2021–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.6
|
2021–2023
|
MEB (electric, mainly China)
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.Buzz
|
2022–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Arteon (3H)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Tiguan (AD)
|
2021–2023
|
MQB Evo facelift
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Multivan (ST)
|
2021–2023
|
MQB-based
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Caddy (SB)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Audi
|
A3 (8Y)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Audi
|
Q4 e-tron
|
2021–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Audi
|
Q3 (F3)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Skoda
|
Octavia IV (NX)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Skoda
|
Enyaq iV
|
2021–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Seat
|
Leon IV (KL)
|
2020–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Seat
|
Formentor (KM)
|
2021–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Seat
|
Born (K1)
|
2022–2023
|
MEB (electric)
|
|
Cupra
|
Formentor
|
2021–2023
|
MQB Evo
|
|
Bentley
|
Bentayga
|
2020–2023
|
MLBevo facelift
|
|
Brand
|
Model
|
Model Years
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Audi
|
A1 (GB)
|
2024+
|
Full SFD2
|
|
Audi
|
A3 (8Y)
|
2025+
|
From MY 2025
|
|
Audi
|
A4 (8W)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
A5 (F5)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
A6 (4A)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
A7 (4K)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
A8 (4N)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
e-tron GT (FW)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
Q2 (GA)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
Q5 (FY)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
Q6 e-tron (GE)
|
2024+
|
New model
|
|
Audi
|
Q7 (4M)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Audi
|
Q8 (4M)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Arteon (3H)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Crafter (SY)
|
2025+
|
From MY 2025
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Caddy (SB)
|
2025+
|
From MY 2025
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Golf 8 (CD, CG)
|
2024+
|
From April 2024 (facelift)
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.3
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID.4
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Volkswagen
|
ID. Buzz
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Passat (B9)
|
2024+
|
New model
|
|
Volkswagen
|
Touareg (CR)
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Skoda
|
Octavia IV
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Skoda
|
Superb (3V)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Seat/Cupra
|
Leon (KL)
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Seat/Cupra
|
Formentor (KM)
|
2024+
|
Facelift
|
|
Porsche
|
Cayenne (PO)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
|
Porsche
|
Macan (95B)
|
2024+
|
From MY 2024
|
Tools to Unlock SFD1 and SFD2 Gateways
Unlocking SFD1/SFD2 requires authorized tools that communicate with VAG servers or use offline tokens for temporary access (typically 60-90 minutes per session). This bypasses the security module to enable protected functions. Note: SFD2 is harder to unlock due to cryptographic requirements, often needing signed tokens for specific changes. Unlocking cannot be made permanent with aftermarket tools; it’s per-session or per-VIN.
Some OBD tools will unlock VAG SFD1 gateway automatically or manually. As for SFD2, usually unlocked by ODIS online.
Common SFD1 unlock tools and methods:
Autel Tablets (e.g., MaxiIM IM608, MSUltra): Supports SFD1 unlock via 1-year subscriptions or per-VIN tokens. Connect to OBD, authenticate online, and unlock modules.
Costs: ~$100-200/year or ~$20-50 per token.
How to Online Unlock VAG SFD with Autel MaxiSys (Purchase Tokens in Device)?
TOPDON Devices (e.g., Phoenix Series): In-app purchase for unlock permissions. Displays status, buy tokens (~$50-100/year), and unlocks directly in the tool without external software.
Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Plus/MIDI: Supports manual SFD1 unlock (read seed code from car, generate key offline, contact 3rd party to generate unlock code).
Launch X431: Pro and PAD series support SFD1 unlock via 1-year subscriptions
Launch X431 Supports Online Unlock VAG SFD Gateway (with License)
