Just bought a blue obd2 plug on it with a usb end, guy said i need to go on ross-tech to download the sftware, but what software is it? Vcds? Or vcds lite?

VCDS-Lite

Right done that, now how do i set it up lol? Icant seem to find a com port?

start vcds program, plug your lead into the car, turn on ignition, click options, click test,and then save, should then work ok

I tried that and it wouldnt connect to a port?

Have you asked the guy you bought it from for advice?

Nah, im gonna text um though

If its blue its not a "vag com" cable - bet its a cheap chinese ebay special for £15 or something.

Yeh i no its not a genuine cable, only wanted it as a code reader, only cost me a fiver so thought it waa worth a try

Plenty of info on the web.

Make sure you download the driver which simulates a com port via the usb and configure it to use a 'free' one without conflicts.

It's basically a 'virtual' com port. drivers here http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Spinna Hi

I have also got the infamous "blue cable" off ebay, together with the driver software. Do you know if this will work with the VCDS software (not the Lite which I have) but the full, and to what extent ?

Unfortunately I don't have a suitable vehicle to test it on. I tried it on my old Rover 75 and there was certainly some kind of communication going on but of course returned garbage results.

Spinna Hi

I have also got the infamous "blue cable" off ebay, together with the driver software. Do you know if this will work with the VCDS software (not the Lite which I have) but the full, and to what extent ?

Unfortunately I don't have a suitable vehicle to test it on. I tried it on my old Rover 75 and there was certainly some kind of communication going on but of course returned garbage results.

If your car has CAN-Bus diagnostics, you can only use VCDS (full function) and the official cable which contains the license. This setup also works with cars that have KKL (non-CAN-Bus) diagnostics.

If you have a car with non-CAN-Bus diagnostics and a 3rd party KKL cable (as found on eBay) you need to use VCDS-Lite. In its free, unregistered form it is limited in what it can do. For $99 you can register your version of VCDS-Lite and it can do almost everything you will need, however, it will not work with cars with CAN-Bus diagnostics.

For versions see http://ross-tech.com...-functions.html

Rwbaldwin

Thanks I think I understand now. The registered VCDS lite version will work on early cars that do not have CAN bus - most do now of course including Octavias (2004 onwards - I'm looking for an 06 plate) - I have the KKL cable, which I checked today, will only work with VCDS Lite; so its OK for early non CAN bus cars. Even my old Rover 75 has CAN bus!

The Ross tech cable costs around £270 - which is a lot, but then again they spent a lot of time and money developing it together with the software, so cant blame them.

Perhaps we should form local 'Chapters' of this club, and buy one between us that can be shared.

Is anyone interested around the Chesterfield area? If we got 10 people it would be about £30 each.