Vcds / Vagcom Etc

[D4MJT]

Hi all,

Very much new to Audi's but as stated in an earlier thread, I have an Audi A6 Avant 1.9 TDi (AVF). It's an early 2002 car, and I'm wanting to get hold of a cable in order to use the above software.

My knowledge of all of this is currently very limited, I'm very IT literate but I've literally not looked into this much yet, so here seemed a logical place to start.

Basics first, where does this cable connect to the car, is there a specific port, or is it over an OBD port etc?

Second, are there different cables / connections for different years, if so how do I locate the one I need?

Last, are there free / home use versions of the software, or am I buying a licence, and if so, which is better?

Thanks!

 

[myth]

There is only one port to connect VCDS(or any other diagnosis tools) on all cars since 1994. On VW Audi Skoda and Seat you need the VAG interface, no matter what model you want to diagnose or what year it is.
On other cars (peugeout, renault, ford, etc) the OBD port is the same, but the VAG interface will NOT work.

On your car, the port is located near the bonnet release lever. Get on your knees and look for it. You will know where to plug it next time.

There is a free version called VCDS lite, which is the way to start. Some functions are not available on that edition, but you will get a message if you want to check something and it doesn't work. If you get that deep into the program, you will need to buy the program from ross-tech.com

 

[TYphoon GB]

Cheapest option which in fine for most casual users and some tweaking is the free VCDS download and an ebay VCDS/Vag Com cable.
This can be fiddly to set up on PC's especially old XP ones and on Win 7 / 8 you may have to mess with port settings on the PC.
This is because the original Vag Com was serial port and the ebay cables are USB. The cables are dumb (not internally serial coded) and hence can be unreliable with communication latency errors etc.
Covers most VAG vehicles up to 2006 see the Ross Tech page for more details. The free version was their old version in most respects and if you find an old genuine kit for sale they offer to upgrade the cable for you.
They wont do a deal on the ebay cables of course!


Useless for newer vehicles using a CAN BUS network interface.

Next is the same as above but with a $99 registration fee that unlocks most of the features, codes and logging functions. Also gives the diesel active tuning graphs and tech support. Ideal for hobby mechnics.

Lastly full Ross Tech set with the correct cables...dongles with internally coded serial number that will cover almost all VAG vehicles, gives tech support and no weird communication error codes. If you have a history of VAG cars or lots of family/friends with VAG vehicles highly recommended. Used by all the VAG specialists I know.

Start here... http://store.ross-tech.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=RTAC&Store_Code=RS

Don't be tempted by the cheaper code readers as they don't do the lower order modules and don't assist in diagnosis.
You will see lots of forum posts like 'Code 12345 what do I do?' for this reason.

 

[38locost]

I would also add to this by saying that if you have an Android device you can download Torque ( about £8 for the paid version) and get a Bluetooth adaptor for about a tender which allows you to reset and read codes as well as visualising near real time data through the phone/ tablet. Much easier to use than VCDS lite ( I have both)

 

[desertstorm]

A cheap KKL lead will work on your Audi A6. these can he bought on Ebay for £6-£7 and with the VCDS Lite software from Ross Tech will allow you to log into all the modules, read, reset fault codes and look at engine parameters in real time. The full program is available if you upgrade by registering it but most people get by with the Lite version just fine.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-USB-C...699?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2342c9286b

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

And a manual http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/main_screen.html click on the buttons on screen to get an idea of the way the tool works.

What's the difference between the lite and registered versions

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html

The $99 to register the lead just unlocks the full functionality of the VCDS lite program. Which you can do at any point if you decide that the free version dowsn't do enough for you.

Karl