VCDS

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VCDS
Basic data

developer Ross Tech
Current  version 20.4.1
( May 18, 2020 )
Current preliminary version no
operating system Windows
category Diagnostic software
License proprietary
German speaking Yes
www.ross-tech.com

VCDS ( V AG- C OM D iagnose- S ystem), also known as VAG-COM , is a Windows- based diagnostic system that can be used to diagnose and adjust vehicles from Volkswagen AG (including Audi , Seat and Škoda ) . At the same time, the software can also be used for vehicles from cooperation partners of the brands mentioned, for example for the Bentley Continental GT as well as the Spyker C8 , the Multicar TREMO and the KTM X-Bow . The manufacturers of the vehicles use components from the VAG construction kit in their vehicles.

background

VCDS is developed by Ross-Tech , used in independent and authorized workshops and can also be purchased by private individuals. The software was originally created out of the private interest of Uwe Ross after the developer of a similar product died unexpectedly and its development was discontinued. The first public beta was released in May 2000, but at that time only a few vehicle models were covered and the range of functions was limited. Over time, the software has been continuously improved and made the leap into the professional environment of the workshops. The manufacturer provides updates free of charge. VCDS uses hardware dongle in the form of adapter cables with the appropriate serial number / license, which also establish the connection to the vehicle. The hardware dongle are not developed and produced by Ross-Tech themselves, but under license from HEX Microsystems (South Africa). Depending on the model, these adapters support vehicles with K-line, 11-bit CAN or 29-bit CAN. A WLAN dongle has also been available since November 2016, which either represents an access point itself or can be integrated into an existing WLAN infrastructure.

Range of functions

VCDS primarily contains the manufacturer-specific functions of VAG's own diagnostic devices VAG 1551/1552 and VAS 5051/5052/5053 , with the exception of software updates for control units (flashing) and guided function / troubleshooting. The CAN bus support also supports current vehicles, so that often shortly after the introduction of new models, these can also be included in the software database. Control units of older vehicles before the model launch year 2003 can also be addressed via the K line and, if necessary, also via the L line . In addition to the KWP1281 , KWP2000 and KWP2000 protocols via TP 1.6 (CAN) or KWP2000 via TP 2.0 (CAN), diagnosis is also supported using the successor protocol UDS (also via CAN). The additional EOBD / OBD2 function makes it possible to use the software for engine and emissions-related diagnostic work on non-VAG vehicles, provided they have certain OBD2 diagnostic interfaces. The software offers access to the individual control units installed in the vehicle via a graphical user interface. The error codes read out from the VW repair manuals are decoded so that their meaning is displayed on the screen.

Among other things, it is also possible to read out and delete error codes, read measured value blocks and individual measured values ​​(live data), basic settings (e.g. for activating test routines), final control diagnosis (e.g. activating various outputs for the function test) and coding and adjustment (e.g. to change various settings for central locking, window lifters and interior monitoring, as well as adjustment of the immobilizer after key exchange, etc.). Various other auxiliary programs are also supplied, including a dedicated program for graphically displaying and checking the dynamic start of injection in TDI engines with distributor injection pumps (VEP). Also included are other programs for the graphical representation of measured values ​​and the simplified representation / modification of the so-called long coding.

VCDS-Lite

As a free alternative, Ross-Tech developed the variant VCDS-Lite as shareware . It is only suitable for use on older vehicle models, as the use of CAN is not supported. Compared to the activated VCDS, the range of functions is also restricted. VCDS-Lite is no longer being developed.

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