ColorMFA short F.A.Q.
Disclaimer: I am providing information on the ColorMFA on a voluntary basis, being A2 enthusiast and having one 1.4TDI equipped with the above mentioned display. My car is a kind of "quinea pig" as you call it and a development basis for the project. Neither I (re)sell nor I render service support for the ColorMFA.
Brief description: ColorMFA is an optional color DIS module installed instead of a Full DIS. It has been in development for some years and is offered for different VW models like Golf, Bora, Passat, Audi A3 8L, etc. Official blog is here:
https://www.drive2.ru/o/MultiMFA
Compatibility: MJ > 2000: VW Colf IV, Bora, Jetta, Passat B5/B5+, Scoda Oktavia MK1, Fabia MK1, Superb MK1. A CAN bus is a must!
Models supported officially: Audi A6 C5, Audi A3 8L and others
Models supported unofficially: Audi A4 B5
Remark #1: Should you have questions regarding a specific model, just put it here using the following template: Model, MY, Engine, Full DIS yes/no, right switch with RESET button yes/no.
Models in development: Audi A2 and others
Scope of supply: 1x display, 1x PCB, 1x set of wires. Example:
https://www.drive2.ru/o/b/2997968/
Functionality (Audi A2):
Standard full DIS features:
- open doors + boot lid (big and small icons)
- oil level
- wiper fluid
- etc.
Main screen (Press UP or DOWN to switch between parameters):
- average fuel consumption, l/100
- instant fuel consumption, l/100
- driving range, forecast, km
- remaining fuel volume, l
- current speed, km/h
- average trip speed, km/h
- covered trip distance, km
- trip time, h
- coolant (engine) temp, °C
- oil temp, °C
- intake temp, °C (after intercooler, I guess)
- charge-air pressure (not available for A2)
- board voltage, V
- oil level, mm
One can adjust the list by (de)selecting certain parameters in menu "Settings" by pressing RESET button.
At the top of the screen there is a radio station name or frequency or the music source, track, etc.
4x fixed parameters are displayed at the bottom of the screen, see the list above as reference- One can change between "°C", "V", and corresponding pictograms. Besides, outside temp in °C can be shown.
A recorded cruise control speed value is displayed when a CC is in use. A gear number is displayed as well.
Remark #2: There are some issues with 6th gear indication at the moment. Work is in progress.
Remark #3: Lamp control function is not implemented in the current version of the ColorMFA. There is a separate board that has to be purchased if needed. There will be a new design of a PCB with an implemented lamp control module.
Additional functionality:
- Trip data 1 (volatile memory)
- Trip data 2 (non-volatile)
- Overall data
- Oil level, graphical animation
- Message menu, OK is displayed if there are no messages
Diagnostics
- reading out all main blocks (engine, ABS, A/C, radio, etc.), real-time values are shown on the screen
- reading out errors
- deleting errors
- CAN monitors
- etc.
Misc / Gimmicks
- start logo (you can upload your own)
- choosing a menu background template
- measuring engine power and torque -> both curves will appear on the screen
- measuring acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h
Service
- (Re)setting service intervals
Software update
- via USB
Requirements
- A clock with a full DIS, more on that later
Actual price: est. USD 200, expected to be higher when the ColorMFA for A2 becomes officially released.
Installation: You have to be a Soldering God or know somebody with such skills. Soldering itself has to be done with precision and does take time.
Just to get a notion of installation efforts, the A3 8L installation manual:
http://www.colormfa.ru/download/_a3_install_v3_1.rar
Some installation reports (click on links at the bottom):
https://www.drive2.ru/o/b/2995886/
Work in progress:
- English interface
- the 6th gear bug
- communication between RNS-E and ColorMFA
Rough time schedule:
Est. availability date of sets for A2 is WIR (when it's ready)
Idea: I will clarify if it is possible to order another sample for testing purposes. My plan is to drive to the UK next year, maybe in February. Using a manual, my car as a "reverse engineering" object and finding a Soldering God would make it possible to equip at least one A2 in the UK with the ColorMFA. This car might be used as reference for future installations of the ColorMFA in the UK. There are only two A2 "guinea pigs" equipped with the ColorMFA, both diesels. I don't know if the engine type or its displacement are important for project developers, need to check that.
Remark #4: It is just my idea and I cannot promise anything at the moment. Need to speak to the software developer first. Don't PM me on this matter please...
So... I hope, there is enough preliminary information on the ColorMFA... Should you have any questions, though, feel free to ask them here. I am in contact with a software developer of the ColorMFA and will to find answers.
Thanks for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
B_d_p