T7 Electrics - VW or Ford or both?

[bluezie]

Whilst we all know the T7 is essentially a Transit with a wet belt engine etc, what about the electrics? Are they 100% Ford, or VW, or a mixture of both?
So the burning question is - Will VCDS work on them, or will Ford specific diagnostic kit be needed to service and repair them?

 

[Sasquatch]

The T7 is the Multivan family.

The new Transporter, not officially designated as part of VW's "T" series at all, is the one based upon the Transit.

I'm no expert but can't see the main wiring being fundamentally different between the two, else it starts to defeat the point of basing it on someone else's product.

That does raise the interesting point about us hobby users of VCDS - doubtless the official dealer systems will talk to it, but will the aftermarket and 'amateur' developed products of the sort we might use be capable of doing so?

 

[Pauly]

Thats how it was but the T7 moniker seems to be shifting to the new 2025 transporter, even VW seem to have stopped referring to the multivan as the T7, not sure if thats a sign of things to come ?

As for the OP question im pretty sure it will be 100% Ford hardware/software with menus/logos etc being designed and specced by VW

 

[Fishinbrine]

In my experience of previous crossover models, it's unlikely, and if VCDS does eventually allow communication it won't be what you are used to. I will give examples below of my experience.
Infotainment and Telematics options only available on the native tools ie Amarok with ODIS/VCDS and Ranger via FDRS or Ford based tools.
VW Amarok/Ranger
VCDS - poor communication and reads limited modules giving some Ford part numbers only with no options for adaption or coding.
ODIS - nothing like what you will be used to with different navigation menus and procedures.
FDRS (Ford)- of course no function with Amarok, due to non Ford based VIN
Other Ford based tools - pretty much full Comms with all modules with changes to coding possible.
VW Caddy/Ford Connect
VCDS - full access including SFD access if you have GEKO account.
ODIS - Full access
FDRS(Ford) - No function at all due to VAG based VIN
Other Ford based tools - very limited functions with no simple method of adaptions/coding.

It's fair to say aftermarket Ford tools work great on the Amarok, and aftermarket VW tools work great on the Ford Connect.
VAG and Ford have clearly allowed each other to access their modules but is very clunky compared to their native tools and it's much expected to be the same with V710 Transit based T7 Transporter.

I'm sure I will connect with a T7 Transporter over the next few days/weeks so will happily update with my findings.

 

[Pauly]

I imagine FORScan will be the most popular DIY tool (if licensing resumes) which would be good as it’s a much lower price point than VCDS with decent functionality

 

[Sasquatch]

Thats how it was but the T7 moniker seems to be shifting to the new 2025 transporter, even VW seem to have stopped referring to the multivan as the T7, not sure if thats a sign of things to come ?

The Multivan is still very much referred to as the T7 in VW's 2025 sales literature, very prominently on the commercial vehicle versions, and press material. I won't belabour that point any further.

I agree. While I couldn't say for sure I'd be highly surprised if the wiring/electrics differed in any meaningful way from the Ford. As Pauly rightly suggests, that would potentially create inexpensive and versatile options for DIY users and home experimenters. A bit beyond me, but I'm always interest to see such projects.

 

[bluezie]

So, my takeaway from the comments above, is it's 100% Ford underneath, just with a few VW badges and trims, and VW branded Ford software. I was rather hoping it was going to be a Ford rolling chassis, with a VW interior including most of the electrics.

Ok, the Multivan was called the T7 in the absence of a commercial van replacement, due to yet another facelift into the T6.1. Whether VW like it or not, the new Transporter will be called the T7. After all, the VW Type 2 T1, T2 and T3 were never called these until after the T4 was produced, and it then made sense to backwards number them like this. Initially they were the VW Type 2 splitty, bay and T25, but AFAIK, splitty and bay were unofficial names in the absence of anything else.

 

[John A]

Bottom half of the dash is Ford, top half is VW (which is why the Transporter won't have the steering wheel that folds to a horizontal position to use as a table).
So it should have some of the VW systems as far as the infotainment, clocks, heater controls, etc., but that doesn't automatically mean all the modules will be VW.