what is vag com and how do i use it?

[peterdav]

as above my car has recantly got ill and cant afford 2 spend a lot of $$$?

 

[Blanco92]

VCDS/VAG-COM is a computer based diagnostic program for VAG cars.

It allows you to scan for fault codes relating to the issues you have, as well as clearing such fault codes if required. The minium a local garage would charge you for rigging your car up to their own diagnostic program is about £30. If you have VCDS, you can do that for free.

It also helps as it has output test features (activating functions via computer rather than your car's controls) and measuring blocks which can prove very helpful.

Also allows remote key coding.

 

[wendy.713]

Yes,Vag com help you diagnsotic your cars when it has some problem,you can do it by yourself.

we have large range of diagnostic tool and car code scaner ,car keyp programmer for all brand cars.

skype ww.713

 

[craigfosker]

where do we buy this software??

 

[Slimy]

where do we buy this software??

www.ross-tech.com. They also do a cut down freebie if you want to keep costs down initially.

 

[craigfosker]

When I Go On The Website What Am I Looking For? Beacuse There's Loads lol

 

[techie]

The software is free.

You have to buy the lead which enables the software.

Depending on what car you have will dictate what lead you need. For example for the latter CAN cars you need the hex can lead which is around 200-250quid.

You can download the shareware version and use a tenner lead off ebay, but these are very hit and miss and have no back up and support from the excellent rosstech team.

 

[craigfosker]

Well Ive Got A Seat Leon Cupra 20v 1.8t, Which Lead Would I Need For This? And What Software? Or Please Could You Send Me The Link? Thanks

 

[craigfosker]

Its 2001 On A Y Plate

 

[Slimy]

This would work fine;

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160473018110

Actually, what I should say is it will 'probably' work fine. Techie is right, these leads are a little 'hit and miss'. While I've had three leads and no failures other people have had trouble almost as soon as the lead arrives. That's why a UK seller is a much better bet, at least then you have the chance of a refund or english tech support.

 

[Blanco92]

Gendan sell a cable identical to the one provided in Slimy's link... although the Gendan one has plenty of feedback at least on other forums to say it works. It is a bit dearer, but as said, at least it 100% will work.

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VAGUSB.html

 

[craigfosker]

ok brilliant thanks

 

[DuBDuDe]

my 8 quid ebay job works fine.

 

[craigfosker]

mayb i should try that 1st

 

[DuBDuDe]

check out my last comment in this thread. Just some things to bear in mind. Problems i encountered this weekend when playing around with it.

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=293887

 

[tabasco71]

Sounds dangerous

Does this software allow you to actually make changes to the car or does it simply produce a report which allows you to see where there are problems with the engine?

While I think the idea of messing around with my cars ECU sounds like fun, I also feel its probably the fastest way for me to completely my car up.

 

[Slimy]

Does this software allow you to actually make changes to the car or does it simply produce a report which allows you to see where there are problems with the engine?

While I think the idea of messing around with my cars ECU sounds like fun, I also feel its probably the fastest way for me to completely my car up.

Both. Although you are protected in that the freebie doesn't allow full access to everything, and the dangerous bits are covered by an 'are you sure' message.

You can't do anything dangerous by accident.

 

[James_R]

no but its funny when people do (is that a bit sick?), VCDS is a very powerful piece of kit and left in the wrong hands can cause catasrophic problems.

 

[Blanco92]

Does this software allow you to actually make changes to the car or does it simply produce a report which allows you to see where there are problems with the engine?

While I think the idea of messing around with my cars ECU sounds like fun, I also feel its probably the fastest way for me to completely my car up.

You can change settings, most common of which are comfort settings but how many you can change depends on your vehicle. For instance, on a Mk4 Ibiza you can only change things like auto-locking, 1 touch unlocking etc, whereas on a 2009 Audi A6 you can change a hell of a lot more.

You can also change engine settings, such as increasing idle speed, reduce EGR usage or even disable it altogether, as well as other things.

Use common sense with the program and you won't **** things up, I was once a learner with VCDS and have been using it for about 3 years now yet have never managed to brick an ECU.

 

[James_R]

...have been using it for about 3 years now yet have never managed to brick an ECU.

the most common bollock-drop seems to be accidental erasing of the SKC when attempting to programme keys in, sliding the little bar from 1 to 0 and hey presto no starting