carcols.meta Guide: FiveM ModKits, Sirens & VMT Slots

Full carcols.meta reference for FiveM: every VMT_* mod slot from 0 to 49, safe ModKit ID ranges, 32-bit siren sequencer values and fixes for ID conflicts.

carcols.meta is the file that decides three things on every GTA 5 and FiveM vehicle: which tuning parts exist, which IDs they claim, and how the emergency lights flash.

Get it right and parts appear in the mod shop and sirens run clean. Get one ID wrong and parts vanish from vehicles that were working yesterday — usually because another pack claimed the same number.

This is the full reference: all 50 VMT_* mod slots, ModKit structure and safe ID ranges, the 32-bit siren sequencer with paste-ready values, and how carcols.meta connects to vehicles.meta and carvariations.meta.

1. Architectural Role and Runtime Memory Pipeline

Within the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE) and the FiveM multiplayer framework, carcols.meta operates as the central definition registry for procedural vehicle visual customization, aftermarket component indexing, emergency lighting sequences, and photometric emitter behaviors.

While vehicles.meta establishes physical bounding hierarchies, wheel scale attributes, and archetype flags, and carvariations.meta handles spawn-state configurations (color palettes, default extras, and livery indices), carcols.meta builds the internal structural bridge that binds raw polygon geometries stored within .yft model files directly to engine-level Native invocations such as SET_VEHICLE_MOD (Hash: 0x6AF0636DDEDCB6DD).

2. Complete Mod Slot Enumeration: VMT_* Enum Types (Slots 0–49)

The RAGE vehicle modification pipeline provides 50 dedicated hardware mod slots (indexed 0 to 49). To ensure total compatibility across custom UI frameworks, vMenu implementations, and mechanic scripts, every mod part registered inside carcols.meta must map directly to its corresponding VMT_* enum flag:

Native Slot ID	carcols.meta Enum (VMT_*)	Hardware Category / Component Description
0	`VMT_SPOILER`	Aerodynamic Spoilers, Wings, and Active Aero Flaps
1	`VMT_BUMPER_F`	Front Bumpers, Splitters, and Lower Lips
2	`VMT_BUMPER_R`	Rear Bumpers, Diffusers, and Undershields
3	`VMT_SKIRT`	Side Skirts and Rocker Panels
4	`VMT_EXHAUST`	Exhaust Tips, Cat-Back Systems, and Flame Points
5	`VMT_CHASSIS`	Internal Roll Cages, Strut Braces, and Spaceframes
6	`VMT_GRILL`	Front Radiator Grilles and Mesh Inserts
7	`VMT_BONNET`	Engine Hoods, Cowl Inductions, and Vented Panels
8	`VMT_WING_L`	Left Front Fender and Widebody Arch
9	`VMT_WING_R`	Right Front Fender and Widebody Arch
10	`VMT_ROOF`	Roof Panels, Carbon Caps, and Light Mounts
11	`VMT_ENGINE`	Engine Block Tuning Stages (statMods)
12	`VMT_BRAKES`	Brake Calipers and Slotted Rotors (statMods)
13	`VMT_GEARBOX`	Transmission Stages and Gear Ratios (statMods)
14	`VMT_HORN`	Custom Acoustic Horn Configurations
15	`VMT_SUSPENSION`	Suspension Geometry & Ride Height Lowering (statMods)
16	`VMT_ARMOUR`	Ballistic Armor Plating Upgrades (statMods)
17	`VMT_NITROUS`	Nitrous Oxide Injection Hardware
18	`VMT_TURBO`	Forced Induction / Turbocharger Kits
19	`VMT_SUBWOOFER`	Cabin Audio Systems and Subwoofers
20	`VMT_TYRE_SMOKE`	Burnout Tire Smoke Color Particulates
21	`VMT_HYDRAULICS`	Hydraulic Suspension Accumulators & Pumps
22	`VMT_XENON_LIGHTS`	HID / Xenon Headlight Bulbs and Tint Profiles
23	`VMT_WHEELS`	Front Wheels (Automotive All / Motorcycle Front)
24	`VMT_WHEELS_REAR_OR_HYDRAULICS`	Rear Wheels (Motorcycle Dedicated Rear Slot)
25	`VMT_PLTHOLDER`	License Plate Mounts and Decorative Holders
26	`VMT_PLTVANITY`	Vanity Front Plates and Custom Badges
27	`VMT_INTERIOR1`	Interior Dashboard Panels and Carbon Trims
28	`VMT_INTERIOR2`	Cabin Ornaments, Bobbleheads, and Trinkets
29	`VMT_INTERIOR3`	Instrument Cluster Dial Housings and Faces
30	`VMT_INTERIOR4`	Interior Door Cards and Door Pull Straps
31	`VMT_INTERIOR5`	Racing Bucket Seats and Harness Assemblies
32	`VMT_SEATS`	Steering Wheels and Quick-Release Hubs
33	`VMT_STEERING`	Sequential Shifter Knobs and Linkages
34	`VMT_KNOB`	Dashboard Plaques and Serial Number Badges
35	`VMT_PLAQUE`	Rear Parcel Shelf and Speaker Trays
36	`VMT_ICE`	Trunk-Mounted In-Car Entertainment (ICE)
37	`VMT_TRUNK`	Rear Trunk Lid and Tailgate Replacements
38	`VMT_HYDRO`	Hydraulic Trunk Tanks and Pressure Gauges
39	`VMT_ENGINEBAY1`	Engine Block Covers and Billet Accessories
40	`VMT_ENGINEBAY2`	Cold Air Intake Filters and Charge Pipes
41	`VMT_ENGINEBAY3`	Engine Bay Strut Tower Braces
42	`VMT_CHASSIS2`	Left Rear Quarter Panel / Widebody Flare
43	`VMT_CHASSIS3`	Right Rear Quarter Panel / Widebody Flare
44	`VMT_CHASSIS4`	Fender Louvers, Canards, and Vortex Generators
45	`VMT_CHASSIS5`	Fuel Filler Caps and Quick-Fill Ports
46	`VMT_DOOR_L`	Left Door Skin and Mirror Assemblies
47	`VMT_DOOR_R`	Right Door Skin and Mirror Assemblies
48	`VMT_LIVERY_MOD`	Dynamic Livery / Paint Wrap Geometry Slot
49	`VMT_LIGHTBAR`	Roof Light Bars, Spotlights, and Strobe Pods

3. ModKit Structure & Optimization Pipeline (<Kits>)

Mod components are cataloged inside the <Kits> array. Every part must be mapped with correct model bindings, visibility toggles, and metadata flags:

<Item>
  <kitName>1050_ttmodz_spec_kit</kitName>
  <id value="1050"/>
  <kitType>MKT_SPECIAL</kitType>
  <visibleMods>
    <Item>
      <modelName>spoiler_race_01</modelName>
      <modShopLabel>TT_SPOILER_01</modShopLabel>
      <type>VMT_SPOILER</type>
      <minIntVars>
        <Item>0</Item>
      </minIntVars>
      <maxIntVars>
        <Item>0</Item>
      </maxIntVars>
      <weight value="18"/>
      <turnOffExtra value="false"/>
      <disableBonnetCamera value="false"/>
      <allowBonnetSlide value="false"/>
    </Item>
  </visibleMods>
  <linkMods/>
  <statMods>
    <Item>
      <identifier>ENGINE_STAGE_4</identifier>
      <type>VMT_ENGINE</type>
      <modifier value="25"/>
      <weight value="12"/>
    </Item>
  </statMods>
  <slotNames>
    <Item>
      <slotName>WID_SLOT_SPOILER</slotName>
      <type>VMT_SPOILER</type>
    </Item>
  </slotNames>
  <liveryNames/>
</Item>

Core Attribute Standards

id: A 16-bit integer identifier (0–65535). Using identical IDs across multiple addon packs causes ModKit collisions, resulting in missing parts or cross-vehicle UI bleeding. Always allocate IDs within safe custom ranges (1000–65000).
kitType: Mod classification flag (MKT_STANDARD, MKT_SPORT, MKT_SUPER_SPORT, or MKT_SPECIAL).
modelName: The internal mesh dummy name located inside the vehicle's .yft file. Must match case sensitivity exactly.
turnOffExtra: When set to true, automatically toggles off conflicting procedural extra_* dummies whenever this specific mod part is installed.
weight: Inertial physics penalty added directly to the vehicle's handling balance when the modification is fitted.

4. Non-ELS Emergency Lighting & 32-Bit Sequencer Mechanics (<sirens>)

Emergency vehicle lighting in standard FiveM architectures (Non-ELS) relies entirely on procedural sequencers, beam projection cones, and rotational vectors defined inside <sirens>.

<Item>
  <id value="2050"/>
  <name>ttmodz_pursuit_sirens</name>
  <timeMultiplier value="1.00000000"/>
  <lightFalloffMax value="35.00000000"/>
  <lightFalloffExponent value="10.00000000"/>
  <lightInnerConeAngle value="20.00000000"/>
  <lightOuterConeAngle value="60.00000000"/>
  <lightCoronaIntensity value="65.00000000"/>
  <sirens>
    <Item>
      <rotation>
        <delta value="0.00000000"/>
        <start value="0.00000000"/>
        <speed value="0.00000000"/>
        <sequencer value="2863311530"/>
        <multiples value="1"/>
        <direction value="0"/>
        <syncToBpm value="true"/>
      </rotation>
      <flashiness>
        <delta value="0.00000000"/>
        <start value="0.00000000"/>
        <speed value="1.00000000"/>
        <sequencer value="2863311530"/>
        <multiples value="1"/>
        <direction value="0"/>
        <syncToBpm value="true"/>
      </flashiness>
      <corona>
        <intensity value="35.00000000"/>
        <size value="0.75000000"/>
        <pull value="0.25000000"/>
        <faceCamera value="false"/>
      </corona>
      <color value="0xFFFF0000"/>
      <intensity value="40.00000000"/>
      <lightGroup value="0"/>
      <rotate value="false"/>
      <scale value="false"/>
    </Item>
  </sirens>
</Item>

Binary Sequencer Calculation (32-Bit Bitmasks)

The sequencer parameter operates on a 32-bit binary timeline where 1 represents an illuminated frame and 0 represents a dark frame. Converting these binary strings to decimal integers produces precise strobe patterns:

High-Speed Alternating Strobe: 10101010101010101010101010101010 → Decimal: 2863311530 | Hex: 0xAAAAAAAA
Quad-Pulse Burst (4 On / 4 Off): 11110000111100001111000011110000 → Decimal: 4042322160 | Hex: 0xF0F0F0F0
Half-Cycle Split Phase (Wig-Wag Left): 11111111111111110000000000000000 → Decimal: 4294901760 | Hex: 0xFFFF0000
Half-Cycle Split Phase (Wig-Wag Right): 00000000000000001111111111111111 → Decimal: 65535 | Hex: 0x0000FFFF

Color and Projection Attributes

color (ARGB Format): 32-bit hexadecimal value (Alpha, Red, Green, Blue):
- 0xFFFF0000: Pure Signal Red
- 0xFF0000FF: Pure Deep Blue
- 0xFFFFFFFF: Brilliant High-Lumen White
- 0xFFFF8000: DOT Compliance Amber / Warning Orange
- 0xFF00FF00: Tactical / Command Green
lightInnerConeAngle / lightOuterConeAngle: Defines the focused core hotspot and peripheral falloff dispersion angles of the projected light beam.
lightCoronaIntensity & corona.size: Governs volumetric lens bloom, distance visibility scaling, and atmospheric glare in dense fog conditions.

5. Cross-Metadata Dependency Matrix

Source (carcols.meta)	Target Metadata	Linked XML Node / Target	Operational Purpose
`<kitName>my_kit</kitName>`	`carvariations.meta`	`<kits><Item>my_kit</Item></kits>`	Binds ModKit definitions to the vehicle model entry.
`<id value="2050"/>` (<sirens>)	`carvariations.meta`	`<sirenSettings value="2050"/>`	Assigns lightbar strobe profiles to the vehicle.
`<id value="15"/>` (<lights>)	`carvariations.meta`	`<lightSettings value="15"/>`	Assigns headlight color, intensity, and corona sets.
`<modelName>spoiler_01</modelName>`	`vehicle.yft` Hierarchy	Child Mesh Node Name	Links XML records to physical 3D mesh components.

6. FiveM Resource Manifest Configuration (fxmanifest.lua)

To load custom vehicle metadata into FiveM memory space without parsing errors, define both files entries and data_file registry mounts:

fx_version 'cerulean'
game 'gta5'

files {
    'carcols.meta',
    'carvariations.meta',
    'handling.meta',
    'vehicles.meta'
}

data_file 'CARCOLS_FILE' 'carcols.meta'
data_file 'VEHICLE_VARIATION_FILE' 'carvariations.meta'
data_file 'HANDLING_FILE' 'handling.meta'
data_file 'VEHICLE_METADATA_FILE' 'vehicles.meta'

7. Developer Troubleshooting & Best Practices

ModKit Collision (Overlapping Menus): When two separate vehicle resources share identical ModKit numeric IDs, parts overlap or vanish in tuning shops. Always assign unique IDs across server resources.
Static / Non-Flashing Sirens: Ensure sequencer is not set to 0, timeMultiplier is greater than 0.0, and 3D dummy nodes are sequentially named (siren1 to siren20) under the primary chassis node.
Offset / Detached Mod Parts: In 3D modeling environments (Blender/ZModeler), ensure each mod part’s local axis is centered at the exact origin coordinates (0, 0, 0) relative to the base chassis before export.
Parser Crashes on Server Boot: Missing XML closing tags (such as unclosed </visibleMods> or </Item> blocks) will cause immediate engine initialization crashes. Validate all meta files using a strict XML linter prior to deployment.