VCDS FAQ's

[Olly_K]

Page 1: General Pre-Purchase Questions

• 1.1 Will VAG-COM work with my car?
• 1.2 Will VAG-COM work even if my car is "chipped"?
• 1.3 What functions are included in the current release?
• 1.4 What are the computer requirements?
• 1.5 What if my Laptop doesn't have a Serial Port?
• 1.6 What if the PC I wish to use with VAG-COM doesn't have Internet access?
• 1.7 Can I use VAG-COM on a desk-top computer?
• 1.8 Will there be a Mac or Linux version?
• 1.9 Will there be a Windows-CE/PocketPC or Palm-OS version?
• 1.10 What's the difference between VAG-COM and an OBD-II Scan-Tool?
• 1.11 Can I use VAG-COM to roll back my electronic odometer?
• 1.12 Can I use VAG-COM to "Flash" the Chip in my ECU?
• 1.13 Is there anything else I need to make full use of VAG-COM?

Page 2: New User Questions

• 2.1 How do I Register/Activate my software?
• 2.2 What's the difference between the Shareware and fully registered?
• 2.3 Is Product Support included in the price?
• 2.4 Why can't I get VAG-COM to communicate at all?
• 2.5 VAG-COM communicates, but it's "flaky"
• 2.6 Why does my dash BEEP when I access my ABS controller?
• 2.7 Are there any Fault Codes that can and should be ignored?
• 2.8 Are there any known Bugs/Problems/Issues?
• 2.9 What's the Work Shop Code?
• 2.10 What's with those DEBUG files?

Page 3: Interface & Activation questions

• 3.1 Do I need an Interface Adapter?
• 3.2 Can I use one I already have?
• 3.3 Can I buy one someplace else?
• 3.4 Can I build my own?
• 3.5 Why does VAG-COM require Registration/Activation?
• 3.6 What if I need to run VAG-COM on more than one PC?
• 3.7 How do I permanently move VAG-COM from one PC to another?
• 3.8 What's the De-Activate button for? Why would I want to do that?
• 3.9 Why has VAG-COM become De-Activated on its own?
• 3.10 Can I sell my VAG-COM system to someone else?

Page 4: Miscellaneous Questions

• 4.1 Why and How should I test VAG-COM prior to Activating it?
• 4.2 Can I use VAG-COM while I am driving?
• 4.3 What is "The Aftermarket Radio Problem"?
• 4.4 How do I upgrade my existing VAG-COM software to the newest version?
• 4.5 What is the purpose of the "OBD-II" button? Why would I want to press it?
• 4.6 How do I print screens or data in VAG-COM?
• 4.7 What are Label Files?
• 4.8 How can I speed up my sample rate in VAG-COM?
• 4.9 What kinds of cool stuff can I do with VAG-COM? (or "How do I ...?)
• 4.10 How do I set up my USB Interface?
• 4.11 Does Ross-Tech make diagnostic software for other makes of cars?
• 4.12 Can I use VAG-COM to retrieve my Radio Code to get it out of "SAFE" mode?
• 4.13 Does VAG-COM work with cars that require direct CAN access for diagnostics?
• 4.14 Can I use VAG-COM to make my windows roll up and down using my remote?
• 4.15 How do I obtain an SKC for Immobilizer and Key-Matching functions?

Page 5: Detailed Q&A for users of 3rd-Party & Older Ross-Tech "Dumb" Interfaces

• 5.1 How do I permanently move VAG-COM from one PC to another?
• 5.2 What's the De-Activate button for? Why would I want to do that?
• 5.3 Why has VAG-COM become De-Activated on its own?

 

[boost-addict]

maybe add what programme to dl and run to view logs

 

[PAULF]

A few points to note about VCDS

If you haven't scanned your car for a bit, note all codes, ****** off, drink beer and do other stuff for a few days - or weeks if you have no symptoms- then scan again. Then try and find out what your codes mean, the first scan will show all sorts of transient faults.

VCDS is a tool to aid diagnostics it is not the be all and end all - you cannot see what spring is broken with VCDS and it will not change your flat tyre, get a spanner/mole grips/hammer/scaffold pole/google it and do some proper engineering too.

Having said that, if you are looking to work on VAG cars, you need it .

Cheap e-bay, pirate etc do work - contrary to popular belief, but are pretty rubbish long term for in-depth work unless you are a computer hacker.

If you want to work long term on VAG cars, buy the real thing - you can try Nigel (NHN) on here, or if not, the Cousins across the pond (RossTech)are good to deal with . If you can't afford the full version, get VCDS-Lite - at least it's legal and you'll get some help.

If you are looking at VAG cars medium/long term, the sooner you buy the full £2-300 version, the better off you are - because you will wish you had it yourself at some point

RossTech have a good site where you can look up fault codes. Look up your code first, then, if you don't understand it ask. Often the answer is in the first line of 'probable causes'.

(Oh, and you can view the CSV log files in Excel as a list, or if you select them you can make a graph -VNT TDI turbo: how to adjust actuator & cure boost problems the first part of the post is how to do it)

 

[boost-addict]

wtf are you chatting about?

if your downloading vcds, then you clearly know what its for. you just spoke alod of tosh for no reason, and the need to use so many emocs?

 

[bigwig74]

is it possible to use vcds with a tablet rather than a laptop?

 

[Sandra]

is it possible to use vcds with a tablet rather than a laptop?

im not sure, but i doubt it, pm NHN, he will be able to tell you for definite. not a lot of tablets have usb, so where would you plug the cable into. I be interested to know if this is possible. x

 

[stewd]

As most tablets these days run on apple / Andriod software you won't be able to run the VCDS software, but you could pick up something like this for quite cheap of eBay and try it.

http://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/xp-tablet-edition.png

 

[Gizmo68]

is it possible to use vcds with a tablet rather than a laptop?

If it has a USB port and runs windows then yes, if the answer is no to one or both then you will either need a laptop or netbook that runs windows OR wait for the VCDS-Mobile to be released (any time soon - but it WILL be dearer than the current VCDS)

 

[Karl Martin]

Hi

Any news about VCDS-Mobile?

 

[Daveboy]

Hi all,
My first post.
I believe it fits in with FAQ, but please move it if necessary.
I'm keen to try vcds but have a few questions; the answers to which will help me decide if I will "dive in".
I can't find the answers to these, but they are self-evident on the cheaper solutions websites...Obdeleven etc.

1. Can we use vcds to take a snapshot/backup of original settings, so that they can be restored before servicing if one has a particularly pernickety dealer? Or perhaps I messed the coding up and need to restore. I can see the term "snapshot" used in the literature, but that is all.
Having two backups, one pre and one post coding might be necessary in this case, to enable restoring to modified status.
2. Do I need to worry about this, really?

I drive a B9 (8w) S4, if that matters in any way.

 

[T-800]

Hi all,
My first post.
I believe it fits in with FAQ, but please move it if necessary.
I'm keen to try vcds but have a few questions; the answers to which will help me decide if I will "dive in".
I can't find the answers to these, but they are self-evident on the cheaper solutions websites...Obdeleven etc.

1. Can we use vcds to take a snapshot/backup of original settings, so that they can be restored before servicing if one has a particularly pernickety dealer? Or perhaps I messed the coding up and need to restore. I can see the term "snapshot" used in the literature, but that is all.
Having two backups, one pre and one post coding might be necessary in this case, to enable restoring to modified status.
2. Do I need to worry about this, really?

I drive a B9 (8w) S4, if that matters in any way.

Have a read of this by @DJAlix

All you need to know

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/a-guide-to-backing-up-your-vehicle-using-ross-tech-vcds.324907/

 

[Daveboy]

Fantastic. Many thanks.