Basic information about SFD
Vehicle diagnostics protection (also known as SFD -Schutz der Fahrzeugdiagnose) is an additional security layer that requires authorization between the vehicle and the manufacturer. It was introduced by the Volkswagen Group (VAG) to help protect vehicle owners from fraud by providing them with information about who made modifications to their vehicles and when.
The SFD limits access to features such as modifications, coding and parameterisation. This protection applies to models produced from 2020 onwards on the MQB Evo (e.g. VW Golf 8, Skoda Octavia IV, Seat Leon IV, Audi A3 8Y, Q4) and MEB (e.g. VW ID.3, ID.4, Skoda Enyaq) platforms. Control units protected by SFD include engine electronics, central electronics, instrument cluster, power liftgate, multimedia unit and others.
Which cars have SFD?
Brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Bentley, Lamborghini - cars built from 2020 onwards
Functions: trouble code clearing, actuator tests, adaptation, basic settings, coding, special functions etc.
List of cars equipped with SFD
MQBevo / MQB2020
- Audi A3 8Y (2020-2024)
- SEAT León KL (2020-2024)
- Skoda Octavia Mk4 (2020-2024)
- Skoda Scala (2019-2024)
- Skoda Kamiq (2020-2024)
- Volkswagen Caddy Mk4 (2020-2024)
- Volkswagen Golf 8 (2019-2024)
- Cupra Formentor (2021-2024)
- Ford Tourneo/Transit Connect Mk3 (2022-2025)
- Volkswagen Multivan (2021-2024) and others
MEB
- Audi Q4 e-tron (2021-2024)
- Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron (2021-2024)
- Audi Q5 e-tron (2021-2024)
- Cupra Born (2021-2024)
- Skoda Enyaq (2020-2024)
- Volkswagen ID.3 (2019-2024)
- Volkswagen ID.4 (2020-2024)
- Volkswagen ID.5 (2021-2024)
- Volkswagen ID.6 (2021-2024)
- Volkswagen ID.BUZZ (2022-2024) and others
Some vehicles from the 2024 model year onwards are equipped with a new security layer, also called "SFD2". There is currently no way to access control units protected by this layer other than through the OEM ODIS diagnostics program. The list of cars with SFD2 can be found here.
List of diagnostics with SFD support
OBDeleven - unlimited token-less SFD access. PRO plan or Ultimate plan is required.
Carista - unlimited token-less SFD access. Subscription required.
VCP - currently supports SFD access via manually entering an externally obtained token.
Autel Europe - supports SFD access from MX900 upwards. You can purchase a 1-year subscription here.
Autel (online distribution) - supports SFD access from MK808S upwards, SFD subscription is an in-app purchase.
Launch Europe - supports SFD access from Euro Turbo upwards. You can purchase a 1-year subscription directly from us here.
Launch (online distribution) - indirect support (via an externally acquired token).
Otofix - direct support for SFD access through an in-app purchase.