Basic information about SFD
Vehicle diagnostics protection (also known as SFD - Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose) 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 functions 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, electric gate, multimedia unit and others.
Which cars have SFD?
Brands: Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Bentley, Lamborghini - cars built from 2020 onwards
Functions: 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 the so-called SFD2. This protection is not yet able to be unlocked other than by the dealer's ODIS diagnostics. The list of cars with SFD2 can be found here.
List of diagnostics with SFD support
OBDeleven - direct support for SFD unlocking. PRO plan or Ultimate plan is required.
Carista - direct support. License required.
VCP - so far only allows unlocking by manually entering an externally obtained token.
Autel Europe - supports unlocking from MX900 upwards. You can purchase a 1-year subscription here.
Autel (online distribution) - supports unlocking from MK808S upwards.
Launch Europe - supports unlocking 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 unlocking.