Starter guide to getting set up for VCDS

y15usf

y15usf

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Hi Guys,

Looking to get into VCDS coding but wanted to know any strater tips and what kit I should buy.

I want the tool that will allow me to modify code in the car to code in certain features or changes.

Not a diagnostic tool to tell me issue and faults.

What will I have to buy to get started?

Is the VCDS a software I need to buy and licence besides the ob2 to USB interface cable.

Are there big differences between these interface cables?

And is there a way to know the possible mods available and open to my car before buying vcds, I want stuff like needle sweep etc.

Tried tools like OBD11 and Carista but literally the only feature they had for my car with those tools was beep lock/unlock.
 
That eBay item isn’t a real Ross-Tech VCDS cable, it’s a pirate, fake, whatever you want to call it, it’s not the real deal despite the description .
I can only recommend that you buy the real thing , I bought my VCDS cable from Gendan in Swansea and they were great.
It’s my understanding that you often won’t know what you can code to your car until you actually connect up the cable and interrogate the control modules fitted to your vehicle.
I wish I’d bought my VCDS years ago, I had a copy cable when I had my A4 and only bought the real thing when I acquired my A3 , just wish that I hadn’t waited so long......
 
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Nessy said:
That eBay item isn’t a real Ross-Tech VCDS cable, it’s a pirate, fake, whatever you want to call it, it’s not the real deal despite the description .
I can only recommend that you buy the real thing , I bought my VCDS cable from Gendan in Swansea and they were great.
It’s my understanding that you often won’t know what you can code to your car until you actually connect up the cable and interrogate the control modules fitted to your vehicle.
I wish I’d bought my VCDS years ago, I had a copy cable when I had my A4 and only bought the real thing when I acquired my A3 , just wish that I hadn’t waited so long......
Click to expand...

Just to confirm so this one on eBay is like a pirated version of the real software ?

I do not condemn to pirated software but too late now, will it affect usage at all?

P.s I bought it before you posted a reply because there was only 1 left in stock and the price was a steal with the advertised unlimited vins.

I guess I can always get PayPal a heads-up on the seller for selling non-legitimate items.
 
That is a fake.

If you have any issues or need help Ross-tech will not give you any.

Unlikely the seller will either.
 
abmat said:
That is a fake.

If you have any issues or need help Ross-tech will not give you any.

Unlikely the seller will either.
Click to expand...

I guess the moral of the story is if it sounds too good to be true, it is :(
 
It does state in the description that it is a clone and the software cannot be updated although it does claim to be the latest version. The counterfeiters have really stepped up their game, it seems??


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J0N said:
It does state in the description that it is a clone and the software cannot be updated although it does claim to be the latest version. The counterfeiters have really stepped up their game, it seems??


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Click to expand...

He states that it cannot be upgraded but don't say anything about it being a clone version.

He even goes on to say how the cable is legit and how not to go with cheap counterfeits.

The Irony xD
 
y15usf said:
He states that it cannot be upgraded but don't say anything about it being a clone version.

He even goes on to say how the cable is legit and how not to go with cheap counterfeits.

The Irony xD
Click to expand...
the fact that it cannot be updated means its a clone. Expect to pay £200 to £300 for a used genuine VCDS cable and £300+ for a new real one/ Anything costing less and anything with a version number printer on the cable = fake / cloned.
 
I bought mine from Gendan. Superb service. No fear of getting a dodgy cable either
 
Usual Vcd's hex V2 3 vin are around £225 and then you can buy upgrade vin's upto 10 vins then after that you can upgrade to unlimited . Always buy from the correct outlets , @NHN is a registered supplier
 
y15usf said:
And is there a way to know the possible mods available and open to my car before buying vcds, I want stuff like needle sweep etc.

Tried tools like OBD11 and Carista but literally the only feature they had for my car with those tools was beep lock/unlock.
Click to expand...

Can't do needle sweep with vcds or any of the other consumer tools anyway. It's quite a bit intensive to do.

Obd11 will do everything you need. It has ability to long code, so anything you can do with vcds youll be able to do.
 
If I were you I’d return the item and buy yourself a genuine one from a reputable supplier such as @NHN or gendan. A cloned cable will have no support from Ross-Tech and no updates. A genuine cable will not only benefit you but you can also use it on other people’s cars with confidence. Some cables have also been know to stop working suddenly. Also hacked software is not really something you want to be using on yours or other peoples pride and joy.
 
Another vote here for the genuine cable,purchased my 3 vin from Gendan gave me confidence when coding and checking my injectors,plus excelent support on the ross-tech forum ..
 
y15usf said:
He states that it cannot be upgraded but don't say anything about it being a clone version.

He even goes on to say how the cable is legit and how not to go with cheap counterfeits.

The Irony xD
Click to expand...

Extract from the eBay description

4bfd7948069cf7e79eadbc50d5589b32.jpg



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I wonder if it says ‘CLON3’ to bypass eBay’s bots or something?


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J0N said:
I wonder if it says ‘CLON3’ to bypass eBay’s bots or something?


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Click to expand...

Omg, I thought clon3 was a phrase used in coding, I never realised at the time it was clone but with the E as a 3.
 
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It does seem there's so many options out there that many of us who are new to any kind of coding, find it difficult knowing what to choose.

Over on the Ttforum many are using the totalcardiagnostics cable, and with good reports. However......IS THIS LEGAL OR A DODGY CLONE???

I'm all for saving money but realise there's a point it's worth just paying for the best.


Gaz

Ps - I'm not endorsing the above product by the way!!!
 
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Gaz78 said:
It does seem there's so many options out there that many of us who are new to any kind of coding, find it difficult knowing what to choose.

Over on the Ttforum many are using the totalcardiagnostics cable, and with good reports. However......IS THIS LEGAL OR A DODGY CLONE???

I'm all for saving money but realise there's a point it's worth just paying for the best.



Gaz

Ps - I'm not endorsing the above product by the way!!!
Click to expand...
Cloned
 
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