This program could help you save thousands of dollars annually if you drive an Audi or a VW.
The VAG-COM Diagnostic System is known as VCDS. VCDS is a diagnostic software that is distinct from any diagnostic tool you may purchase online, as suggested by the name. This is so that consumers may use VCDS, which is the closest dealership diagnostic tool. Here’s more information about what Ross-VCDS Tech’s can perform, which has more features than typical OBD-II scanners.
In This Article...
What is a VCDS’s role?
An interface cable and software package called VAGCOM work with the Windows operating system. Since 2000, Ross-Tech, LLC has been creating and enhancing it. The software’s name, VAG, is an acronym for Volkswagen AG. This was the previous name for the Volkswagen Group.
VCDS is the name of the VAG-COM interface’s current software. Just an acronym for “VAGCOM Diagnostic System.” To register as a trademark, the software’s name was altered. The end result is the same, though.
How it works
Basically, Volkswagen Group vehicles are diagnosed and adjusted using VCDS software. Users can view and modify the data that various car computers use thanks to it.
Volkswagen Passenger, SEAT, Skoda cars, and Audi are among the vehicles whose data may be diagnosed and changed using this program. Additionally, Volkswagen commercial vehicles employ the software.
Basically, the VAGCOM interface links to the computer’s USB port and the car’s Data Link Connector. Any vehicle from the VAG group can be examined using the software for maintenance and diagnostic procedures with the proper cable.
Where to get the Software
Direct purchases of this software can be made through Ross-Tech, the creator. At the moment, it costs about 350 US dollars. Both the cable and the software are available from the manufacturer as downloads. The cable is shipped globally by Ross Tech.
Functions
The program serves as a tool for electrical automotive diagnostics in a variety of ways.
They consist of:
- controlling codes to accomplish activities like turning off the seatbelt chime
- tuning a car’s engine: diagnosing and modifying
- modifying the operation of electric windows
- European fog light switch
- examining the car’s error codes
- Error codes can be turned off or reset.
It’s vital to remember that you need to utilize this software carefully. The effects of changing or modifying certain brain-related characteristics in a vehicle may be unpredictable.
Therefore, it is advised that you make note of the value changes so that you can go back and adjust them if necessary.
How is VAGCOM different from Generic On-board Diagnostic Yools?
This software follows a more detailed, precise protocol directive provided by the maker, the Volkswagen Group. This gives users access to several cable systems for car diagnostics. Because of this, the program can be used to perform diagnostics on cars that aren’t compatible with generic OBD-II or EOBD.
In the beginning, it can be utilized as a bundle that contains both the hardware and software. This bundle is distributed by the producer or his representatives.
Second, the publicly accessible, if constrained, shareware version of the software can be used by creating a custom interface device. Vehicles that use the general OBD-II or EOBD protocols can be interfaced by the software.
However, the EOBD and OBD-II standards only permit limited diagnostics without any ECU changes.
What You Need To Use VAGCOM and VCDS
You need a PC, tablet, or laptop to download and activate this software on if you want to use it.
You can purchase a less expensive cable and use it to activate the program, or you can get a Hex model.
Hex Models COM/USB serves as activation dongles, keeping the program accessible through cables at all times. This indicates that no activation is necessary for the software.
Computer Requirements
A computer must comply with the following specifications in order to use VCDS:
A machine must be running Microsoft Windows in order to use this software. The best choice is a tablet, a netbook, or a laptop computer. Desktop computers, however, are also an option.
It is advised to use Windows XP or a later version with a Pentium-III processor running at least at 1GHz or an AMD equivalent with 256 MB of RAM. A machine with enough strength should be used to support Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 properly.
For this software’s Release 11.x, a minimum 500 MHz Pentium-II or its AMD equivalent with 128 MB of RAM and Windows XP+, including Windows 2000, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, is acceptable. This software’s Release 10 does not support Windows 95, 98, NT4, or ME.
VAGCOM may function on less powerful systems. However, the software does not support PCs with lesser specifications than those that are advised. This means that if the software doesn’t work, a user cannot contact the manufacturer for assistance or a complaint.
No Native Software Versions for Linux and Mac
For Linux and Mac, there are no native software versions. This is due to the time and effort required to transfer the software to these systems, which are not worthwhile. However, the software runs smoothly on all current Mac computers with Windows installed using Boot Camp, as well as Mac systems with Intel processors. Windows is booted on the majority of Linux-powered machines.
However, there is a platform-unaware version known as VCDS-Mobile for users who do not have or do not wish to install Windows.
No plans have been made public by Ross Tech to produce native apps for Blackberry, Android, iPad/iPhone, or Windows phone. The business has instead developed a VCDS-Mobile version. All current tablets and smartphones can be used with this version.
What You Should do First
Find out where the cable should be plugged in the automobile once you have the software and cable.
Different automobiles have different locations for the diagnostic port. For instance, in a TT, it is adjacent to the pull that releases the bonnet.
Select the cable on the PC and configure it after plugging it in. Depending on the cable connection, choose USB or serial port after configuring the cable.
For instance, choose a standard COM port then TEST when using a USB to serial converter. After locating the serial adapter, the system will let you save its settings. If not, try a another COM port.
In general, VAGCOM mimics the proprietary instruments used by dealers to scan cars. It is continually updated so that it can perform with the newest vehicles and features.
The program is ideally used to carry out diagnostic tasks that scan tools at the VW/Audi factory carry out. Users only need to follow the directions in the factory-supplied repair manuals to diagnose and correct their vehicles’ computers.
What exactly does VCDS mean?
VCDS (previously known as VAG-COM and an acronym for “VAG-COM Diagnostic System”)
([2][3]) is a Microsoft Windows-based software package that Ross-Tech, LLC has been creating and developing since May 2000.
[1] It is largely used for diagnostics and repairs of vehicles owned by the Volkswagen Group, including Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Bentley (limited), Lamborghini (limited), SEAT, and koda vehicles[4] as well as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The majority of the tasks carried out by pricey electronic diagnostic instruments like the existing VAS 505x series diagnostic tools, which are only available to authorized dealers, will be handled by VCDS.
[3]
[5] In the past, owners and many small independent repair shops were unable to complete some basic tasks such as problem diagnosis, diesel ignition timing, modification of convenience features like automatic door unlocking, coding a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) or key to the vehicle, and monitoring of numerous vehicle sensors for problem diagnosis.
[5] OBD-II or EOBD is a generic term for on-board diagnostics (OBD-II or EOBD), whereas VCDS uses the more detailed manufacturer protocol commands specific to the Volkswagen Group[4], which enables access to all diagnostic-capable vehicle systemseven in vehicles that are not covered by generic OBD-II/EOBD (e.g. pre-1996). Generally speaking, there are two methods to utilize this software: either as a bundle (software plus hardware) given by the manufacturer or their agents, or by creating your own interface hardware and utilizing it with the freely downloadable but constrained shareware version of the software.
Additionally, VCDS can interface with autos that employ the common OBD-II/EOBD protocols. However, only a small number of diagnostic tests and no ECU modifications are permitted by the OBD-II and EOBD standards.
Does Audi support VCDS?
Okay, let’s start by defining VAG-COM and VCDS.
A cable interface called VAG-COM is plugged into the car’s OBD port. And RossTech’s Windows-based VCDS software leverages this Interface to log into the vehicle’s ECU diagnostics computer.
As a result, it is a diagnostic program that can identify cars with VAG engines, which means that practically all models of Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda are covered. It also functions on non-VAG vehicles, but only with the standard OBD2 Engine and Transmission systems.
Since the 1990s, VAG vehicles have been able to be scanned (first with OBD1). So, if your VW or Audi was built between 1990 and the present, you can use the VAGCOM-VCDS diagnostic tool right away and in a secure manner.
The VCDS system can be used by a car owner or mechanic for nearly all of the tasks that the dealer diagnostic tools are capable of.
Prior to the introduction of VAG-COM, car owners had no choice but to drive their vehicles to a dealer for diagnostic testing. However, now that this is no longer necessary thanks to onboard computer technology, smaller independent workshops and do-it-yourselfers may conduct important tasks.
The variety of diagnostic procedures available includes coding a new electronic control unit to fixing engine-related issues like diesel ignition timing (ECU).
If the car is a Volkswagen or an Audi, the VCDS diagnostic system employs more specific manufacturer protocol commands and enables access to all equipped diagnostics.
I need what in order to use VCDS.
A machine running Microsoft Windows is necessary for VCDS (the HEX-NET can be used with VCDS-Mobile on other platforms but that use is still in beta testing).
We advise a Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 computer with at least 2GB of RAM (single-core Atom-class processors are no longer recommended and devices with ARM CPUs are NOT SUPPORTED). It is advised to use a screen resolution of at least 800×600.
It is recommended to use a power supply made exclusively for laptops rather than a “universal” converter if you are using one.
Systems running Windows in a virtualized environment are not supported (for instance, Virtual PC on a Mac). Also also question 1.8.
Are VCDs free?
Reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling, changing, and using something as a model to create something similar
Without the author’s prior written approval, functionality and redistribution in any form are banned.
VCDS-unregistered Lite’s shareware version is available for free for non-commercial usage, but there is no support of any form.
How reliable are VCDs?
The VCDS, according to Pitkow, is his fastest diagnostic device. “Compared to the Volkswagen factory tool, it’s noticeably faster and simpler to use.” On rare occasions, a new car may not have had a certain feature. Pitkow failed to produce readiness on a brand-new vehicle last month.
Where do I plug in my VCDS?
Those are fully registered and activated once you activate devices that have built-in VCDS activation.
For older versions of our interfaces that lack built-in activation, or for interfaces from third parties,
Using VCDS-Lite
You’ll need to get startup support from your hardware provider if you run into issues.
Does VCDS function on other autos?
Only VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles are “Supported” for generic OBD-II capabilities. It probably will function on a variety of different car brands. While we’d be pleased to hear input on the brands and models of automobiles it does and does not function on, we don’t feel obligated to make it compatible with vehicles from other manufacturers.
Only vehicles implementing the ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”), ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”), and ISO-15765 (“CAN”) protocols can use generic OBD-II technology. The majority of US-market pre-2008 GM and Ford products employ the SAE J1850-VPW and J1850-PWM protocols, which none of our interfaces support, hence VCDS is completely inoperable on such vehicles. Most early (1996-2000) OBD-II compatible Chrysler vehicles used the ISO-9141-2 standard, which is compatible, whereas many 2001-2007 Chrysler vehicles use the SAE-J1850 standard, which is incompatible. Most cars in Europe and Asia utilize ISO or CAN, and they ought to be compatible. As of model years 1996 in the USA, 1998 in Canada, and 2001 (gasoline) or 2004 (diesel) for the European Market, generic OBD-II compatibility was necessary. It shouldn’t hurt to attempt this feature on any brand since CAN-Bus diagnostics for Generic OBD-II are required for all vehicles manufactured in 2008 and after and sold in the US.
Interfaces: The ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”), ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”), and ISO-15765 (“CAN”) protocols are supported via our HEX-NET, HEX-V2, and HEX+CAN interfaces. While supporting ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”) and ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”), our non-CAN HEX-, KEY-, and KII- series interfaces do not support ISO-15765 (“CAN”). For general OBD-II, our Micro-CAN interface supports ISO-15765 (“CAN”) but not ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”) or ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”). Model year 2004 saw the introduction of the ISO-15765 (“CAN”) protocol in a few vehicles, and model year 2008 saw its widespread adoption as a requirement for all vehicles sold in the US market.
What functions may Ross-Tech Vcds perform?
You need a strong tool to maintain your Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, or Bentley on the road if you own one. Instead of replacing expensive parts, Ross-Tech VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) aids in the diagnosis of actual issues. VCDS outperforms aftermarket diagnostic tools and competes with factory tools for a tenth of the price thanks to features that are only available on dealer level factory tools. Instead of paying someone else to analyze the issues with your car and typically leaving you with a hefty repair cost, always be aware of how it operates.
With Ross-Tech VCDS You Can:
- Access all systems at factory level in the majority of VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, and Bentley cars from 1990 to the current model year.
- Detect and remove DTCs using 19,000+ error codes that have been decoded into plain text.
- Modify settings using module code, which is only accessible with factory-level tools.
- Make several alterations to your car that are country-specific (such as turning off the seat belt chime, enabling gauge test and needle sweep, activating the lap timer, and more).
- see and record current data
- Reset the service alert
- carry out built-in tests and calibrations that are often only done with factory-level instruments.