Is VAG-Com worth buying? What exactly can it do for me?

[Rawan]

As a recent Leon owner, I've been reading and trying to learn more.

Naturally, I've come across VAG-Com.

I've read several dozen posts about it, and almost everyone says it's invaluable. I'm trying to understand why.

So I'm wondering just how worth purchasing it is, and what exactly I can do with it, other than reading fault codes and the following things I gathered you can do from reading a few threads:

One Touch Indicators (Comfort Indicators)

Leaving Home Lights

Coming Home Lights

Coming Home Lights Active Time

Turning Off Sealt Belt Warning

Selective Central Locking (single door opening)

Automatic Window Closing/Opening

Beep when locking/unlocking car

Syncronised Mirror Adjustment

Anti Hijack

Steering Weight

I have almost all enabled on my Leon, except leaving home (which I'm not sure would work since I don't have automatic headlights) the beep when locking/unlocking and selective unlocking (which, I admit, are cool to have, but not worth $250 if that is about the only things I will benefit from).

As for reading fault codes; could someone elaborate on what type of fault codes exactly? (Way I'm thinking: I'd still probably have to take the car to the mechanic to fix whatever fault I read. Might as well take it directly to the mechanic when I suspect something is wrong; he'll run a free diagnostic scan and fix whatever fault he finds.

I do realize how wrong my logic could be, so apologies for the newbie question

Thanks,

Rawan

 

[S3 AKR]

A lot of fault codes can show an easily swapable part that has failed so that you can fix it yourself. It is handy for scanning for issues if you think you might have something, you can also data log a lot of details on the running of your car from all the inbuilt sensors to get a view of what the engine is doing etc. It is also handy for doing retro-fit for options and then enabling them.

Have a read of the ross-tech web site as it has a demo on there that you can follow.

Plus it is good for helping fellow SCN members out!

 

[Rawan]

Thanks! I'll be checking the ross-tech website demo soon.

 

[JP6]

Or buy one for $20 from China, exactly the same.

 

[Rawan]

Well, that was a question I intended to ask, but decided not to.

But since it was brought up; I've read a lot of conflicting opinions about the matter. Some people stating that the Chinese knock-offs don't work, while others saying they do.

From what I have gathered, though, Chinese cables could work, as long as the laptop isn't connected to the Internet?

Do you have a link to any particular cable on eBay that you know for a fact would work?

Thanks!

 

[Tiburon]

Can you give me a link for a working vag com cable(chaina)?

 

[Lee M]

I've had a proper one from gendan for about 9 years now since my first mk1 LCR. It paid for itself in less than a, the fault code reader function alone is great.

I've used the misfire counter in advanced diagnostics to fault find dodgy spark plugs, that a dealer couldn't sort out!

Worth while tool if you plan to have a vag motor for a while.

lee

 

[MJ]

Get what you pay for these days, I like the genuine lead but others prefer the copied stuff but I know if my Ross tech lead had an issue or I needed some advice they're only an email away.

 

[Rawan]

Would this work?

http://www.dhgate.com/newest-vag-11...ff8080813280c49f01328797173036ce.html#ctabBox

 

[TarekElsakka]

Yes that'll work. It says:

Workable Models:
All VW, AUDI, SEAT, and SKODA vehicles, includes those with CAN-BUS system.