Hello

I've had a look at the FAQs and read some posts. I just want to get this right. VAG-COM consists of a PC (preferably a laptop), a special lead and some software?

There seem to be some fairly cheap leads on ebay for around

I got mine from Ebay and it works fine but others have been less fortunate.

I would be wary of any claims to work on versions later than 311.2 as I think this is about the time Ross Tech changed to 'intelligent' (Dongle) cables. (I use 311.2 and it does what I need) Most also have the required CCT built into the OBD plug unlike the ones in one of your links.

The software is supplied by Ross-Tech but sometimes marketed by others. Ross-Tech US site is cheaper then UK IIRC.

Oh, and lots of people do have it!!

Thanks for the reply Stu.

So as long as I get the cable with a 'dongle' and somehow get hold of version 311.2 (or older) of the software then it should work?

v311.2 and before don't require a cable with a dongle - you can just use an "ODBII" cable. However, the newer Octavia's use a CANBUS which means they won't work with it. It's fine for the current Fabia though.

There is a downloadable version of VAG-COM 311.2 on the Ross-tech website which is free. It's a cut-down version though and has some limitations like not being able to change codings (and possibly not being able to clear fault codes), but you can do a fault code scan. You can then register this version and pay the fee and they will send you an unlock serial code.

Chris

As Chris says you can get the trail/demo version of the SW from Ross-Tech which includes some limited functionality but is still useful. I doubt the cheaper cables will work with anything later then 311.2 so don't go looking for newer versions. As you stated, you have an Octy 1 so you won't need CANBUS fuctionality.

I had a look through the two links you posted and wouldn't buy either myself. I don't like the one with the box in the middle and the other has dubious feedback, his stock answer when he recieves a neg is to tell the other person they are getting one too.

Thanks for your posts chaps.

So basically (and I don't need anything fancy like you say), I can get the non-dongle cable (which is cheaper) and just need version 311.2 or earlier of the software. There appear to be a number of different items for sale if you type in 'vag-com', both software and cables. I take your point re. the feedback for one of those ebay links - on the face of it, it doesn't look bad at 98%, but there are some nasty comments in there.

By the way, can you use VAG-COM to code a door/ignition key? This would save me a few pounds (

By the way, can you use VAG-COM to code a door/ignition key? This would save me a few pounds (

It looks like you need the immobiliser code in order to use VAG COM to enable a new key. No idea how to get that.... :-(

From doing a bit of searching, you either get the immobiliser key on some sort of 'scratch panel' on a bit of plastic that I'm 99.9% sure I didn't get when I bought the car (I'm the 4th owner), or you have to take it into the dealer and they email Skoda. Oh well. VAG COM sounds very useful for lots of diagnostic type things. I'd be interested to find out what really useful things you can do with it, apart from diagnose problems. Any thoughts appreciated :-)

You should have a PM from me.

As I said I really don't know much about key coding but I do think there is a code you need from the dealers.

Thanks Stu, received :-)

I'd be interested to find out what really useful things you can do with it, apart from diagnose problems. Any thoughts appreciated :-)

There's a guide on here about various codings you can apply which can change the behaviour of some aspects of the car, eg you can set it to unlock just the driver's door and then a second unlock unlocks all the doors.

You can also use it for data capture to create bhp/torque graphs and also plot outputs from various sensors.

All good stuff The only problem I had with the Fabia was the ODBII port was to the driver's right which meant if you wanted to do any plotting, you needed a passenger to operate the laptop and also to make sure the wires were out of your way!

Chris

Could you point me to the guide? I couldn't find it :-(

The only thing slightly worrying me (after downloading and having a look at the manual) is all the diagnostic errors that could come up. There seemed to be loads of them and most of them made no sense to me. I have a feeling that a whole load of 'errors' might come up which may or may not be important and I'd only end up worrying unnecessarily, or (worse still) taking the car to a dealer and spending unnecessary money on problems like 'brake pedal signal too low' or 'vehicle speed sensor: signal too high'

Thats not really how it works mate.

In a diagnostic situation you would plug in and check for codes if you knew you had a problem or a CEL came on. Saving yourself 30 mins to an hours labour at the stealer.

You may wish to check periodically for codes just for interest but you can note them, reset them and then research them on your friendly and helpful Skoda forum.

There is a downloadable version of VAG-COM 311.2 on the Ross-tech website which is free. It's a cut-down version though and has some limitations like not being able to change codings (and possibly not being able to clear fault codes)' date=' but you can do a fault code scan.

Chris[/quote']

Hi, I'm a relative newbie myself. I'm currently running an unregistered (free) v311.3 (connected via a

Ok, thanks guys :-)

Could you point me to the guide? I couldn't find it :-(

Yep sure - can be found here. If you have a look at the menu running along the top of the site, you'll see a tab called Guides and the VAG-COM ones are under Technical

Chris