1. Introduction
The Hiworld VWFA.20 CANBus Decoder is designed to convert CAN Bus data for seamless integration with Android head units in various Volkswagen, Skoda, and Seat vehicles. This device acts as a CAN to UART data converter, enabling your Android head unit to communicate with your car's CAN Bus system, providing essential vehicle information and control functionalities.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper installation, setup, and use of your CANBus decoder. Please read it carefully before proceeding with installation.
2. Specifications
Figure 1: Hiworld VWFA.20 CANBus Decoder with model information.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Name | VWFA.20 |
| Brand | Hiworld |
| Special Features | CAN Bus Data Converter |
| Item Type | Cables, Adapters & Sockets |
| Item Size | 55mm x 45mm x 17mm |
| Item Weight | 35g |
| Interface | PH2.0-16pin |
| Voltage | 12 V (Operating range: +9V~+16V) |
| Material | Black plastic shell |
| Origin | Mainland China |
2.1 Compatible Android Head Units
Figure 2: The CANBus decoder is compatible with 7, 8, 9, and 10 inch Android head units.
The VWFA.20 CANBus decoder is designed to be adapted to 7, 8, 9, and 10 inch Android head units.
2.2 Compatible Vehicle Models (For All PQ and MQB Platforms)
| Brand | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | Cross Lavida | 2013~2017 |
| Gran Lavida | 2013~2017 | |
| Lavida | 2011~Present | |
| Lavida Plus | 2018~Present | |
| Passat B5, B5.5 | 2000~2011 | |
| Passat NMS | 2012~2014 | |
| Passat B6 | 2007~2011 | |
| Passat B7 | 2011~Present | |
| Passat B8 | 2016~Present | |
| Passat CC B6 | 2009~2011 | |
| Passat CC B7 | 2011~2018 | |
| Passat CC | 2019~Present | |
| Golf/GTI/R32/Rabbit | 2003~2008 | |
| Golf6 | 2008~2013 | |
| Golf7 | 2013~Present | |
| Sportsvan | 2016~Present | |
| Golf Plus | 2003~2014 | |
| Golf GTI | 2013~Present | |
| Polo | 2010~Present | |
| Tiguan | 2007~2017 | |
| Tiguan L | 2016~Present | |
| Tiguan X | 2021~Present | |
| Lamando | 2015~2021 | |
| Santana | 2013~Present | |
| Touran | 2010~Present | |
| Teramont | 2017~Present | |
| Teramont X | 2019~Present | |
| Scirocco | 2008~2017 | |
| Bora | 2013~Present | |
| Jetta/Sagitar | 2006~Present | |
| Jetta SportWagen | 2007~2013 | |
| Jetta VS5 | 2019~Present | |
| Jetta VS7 | 2020~Present | |
| Caddy | 2010~Present | |
| Sharan | 2010~Present | |
| Skoda | Citigo | 2011~2020 |
| Yeti | 2009~2013 | |
| Laura | 2010~2014 | |
| Praktik | 2010~2015 | |
| Roomster | 2010~2015 | |
| Fabia II | 2008~2017 | |
| Fabia III | 2015~Present | |
| Octavia II | 2002~2013 | |
| Octavia III | 2013~Present | |
| Rapid Spaceback | 2012~Present | |
| Rapid | 2012~Present | |
| Superb II | 2008~2015 | |
| Superb III | 2016~Present | |
| Kodiaq | 2017~Present | |
| Kodiaq GT | 2019~Present | |
| Kamiq | 2018~Present | |
| Karoq | 2018~Present | |
| Slavia | 2022~Present | |
| Ateca | 2020~Present | |
| Seat | Altea | 2010~2015 |
| Altea XL | 2010~2015 | |
| Ibiza | 2008~Present | |
| Leon | 2005~Present | |
| Toledo | 2012~2019 | |
| Alhambra | 2010~2020 | |
| Mii | 2011~2021 | |
| Arona | 2017~Present | |
| Ateca | 2016~Present | |
| Tarraco | 2018~Present |
3. Package Contents
The package typically includes:
- 1x Hiworld VWFA.20 CANBus Decoder
Note: This CAN Bus decoder is not equipped with any cables. You will need to use your existing wiring harness or purchase a compatible cable separately.
4. Safety Information
- Voltage Range: Ensure the operating voltage is within +9V~+16V. Voltages outside this range can damage the decoder.
- Proper Wiring: Always follow the pin function descriptions carefully during wiring. Incorrect wiring can lead to damage to the CANBus decoder and potentially other vehicle components.
- Professional Installation: Auto parts can be complex. If you are unsure about the fitting or installation process, it is highly recommended to contact a professional for support.
- Power Disconnection: Always disconnect the vehicle's battery before performing any electrical work to prevent short circuits or damage.
5. Setup and Installation
5.1 Pre-Purchase and Pre-Installation Checks
Figure 3: Essential checks to perform before purchasing and installing the CANBus decoder.
Before proceeding with installation, ensure the following:
- Cable Equipment: Verify if your vehicle's wiring harness has the necessary connectors. The decoder itself does not come with cables.
- 16-pin Connector: Check for an identical 16-pin cable connector (pin spacing 2.0mm) on your wiring harness.
- Pin Function Definitions: Confirm that the pin function definitions of your connector are consistent with the decoder's requirements. Refer to the 'Pin Definition' section below.
- 8-pin UART Interface: Ensure your Android head unit has the same 8-pin connector interface for the UART plug. Find the 8-pin UART plug of your wiring harness and plug it into the 8-pin UART socket of the Android head unit.
Important: Auto parts are complex. If you are unsure about compatibility or fitting, please contact support before purchase.
5.2 Pin Definition
Figure 4: 16-pin connector pin definitions.
The 16-pin connector has the following pin definitions:
- GND
- BATT (Battery)
- CAN-H (CAN High)
- CAN-L (CAN Low)
- ILL-OUT (Illumination Output)
- ACC-OUT (Accessory Output)
- PARK-OUT (Parking Brake Output)
- REV-OUT (Reverse Output)
- NC (No Connection)
- NC (No Connection)
- NC (No Connection)
- NC (No Connection)
- UART-RX (UART Receive)
- NC (No Connection)
- NC (No Connection)
- UART-TX (UART Transmit)
5.3 Connection of Cable Adapter
Figure 5: Connecting the CAN Bus decoder.
To connect the CAN Bus decoder:
- Locate the 16-pin CAN plug on your vehicle's wiring harness.
- Carefully plug this 16-pin connector into the corresponding 16-pin socket on the CAN Bus Box.
Caution: Ensure correct orientation and firm connection. Improper wiring can damage the CAN Bus decoder.
5.4 Setting Up CAN Bus on Android Head Unit
The setup process on the Android head unit may vary slightly depending on the specific head unit model and manufacturer. The following steps provide a general guide:
Figure 6: Navigating Android head unit settings for CAN bus configuration.
- Enter Settings: From the Android head unit's main screen, navigate to 'Settings' (often represented by a gear icon).
- Access Factory Settings: Look for 'Car Settings' or a similar option, then proceed to 'Factory' or 'Factory Settings'.
- Enter Factory Password: You may be prompted to enter a factory password. Common passwords include: 3368, 1617, 8317, 8888. If none of these work, consult your Android head unit vendor for the correct password.
- Enter CAN Bus Settings: Within the factory settings, find 'CAN bus setting' or 'CAN related settings'.
Figure 7: Selecting CAN Bus manufacturer and car model in head unit settings.
- Select Manufacturer and Model: In the CAN bus settings, select 'Hiworld' as the CAN Bus Box manufacturer. Then, choose your specific car model and year from the provided list (e.g., VW-SKODA_W01, VW-SKODA_W02, etc.).
- Save and Reboot: Save your settings and reboot the Android head unit for the changes to take effect.
6. Operating the CANBus Decoder
Once correctly installed and configured, the VWFA.20 CANBus decoder operates automatically. It translates the vehicle's CAN Bus signals into a format that your Android head unit can understand (UART), allowing for features such as:
- Steering wheel control integration
- Display of vehicle information (e.g., door status, climate control, parking sensors)
- Reverse camera activation
- Illumination control
The specific functionalities available will depend on your vehicle's original CAN Bus system and the capabilities of your Android head unit.
7. Maintenance
The CANBus decoder is a low-maintenance device. To ensure its longevity and proper function:
- Keep the device free from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid physical impact or dropping the device.
- Do not attempt to open or modify the device, as this will void any potential warranty and may cause damage.
- Ensure all connections remain secure and free from corrosion.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your CANBus decoder, consider the following:
- No Functionality / Incorrect Data: Double-check all wiring connections against the pin definition diagram (Figure 4). Ensure no wires are loose or incorrectly connected.
- Device Not Powering On: Verify that the operating voltage is stable and within the +9V~+16V range. Check the BATT and GND connections.
- Head Unit Not Recognizing CANBus: Revisit the 'Setting Up CAN Bus on Android Head Unit' section (5.4). Ensure the correct manufacturer ('Hiworld') and specific car model/year are selected in the head unit's settings.
- Incorrect Factory Password: If the provided passwords (3368, 1617, 8317, 8888) do not work, contact your Android head unit vendor for the correct factory password.
- Compatibility Issues: If the device does not work with a specific head unit (e.g., 'MP5 Melis System headunit') or car model (e.g., 'Skoda Roomster 2008' if not explicitly listed or supported by the head unit's CANbus settings), verify the compatibility information in Section 2. If your specific model is not listed or your head unit does not support the necessary CANbus settings, the decoder may not be compatible.
- Damage: If the decoder was subjected to improper wiring or incorrect voltage, it might be damaged. In such cases, replacement may be necessary.
9. User Tips
- Verify Head Unit Settings: Before purchasing, try to access the CANbus settings on your Android head unit to confirm that your car's name can be displayed and selected. This is a crucial step for compatibility.
- Double-Check Pin Definitions: Always refer to the detailed pin definition diagram (Figure 4) and ensure your wiring harness matches these definitions precisely to avoid damage.
- Consult Head Unit Vendor: If you encounter issues with the Android head unit's factory settings or CANbus configuration, the head unit's manufacturer or vendor is the best resource for specific guidance.
10. Warranty and Support
For any questions or support regarding the Hiworld VWFA.20 CANBus Decoder, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. They can provide assistance with troubleshooting, compatibility checks, and any other product-related inquiries.
