As I've been happy using my cheap bluetooth code reader to fault find on my previous car I've never really looked into vcds or vag com. So, i was just wondering if someone could tell me what things i would need to able to get use of it. I'm guessing lap top lead and the programme but I'm after actually where i can get the lead and vcds.

List from http://www.ross-tech.com/distributors.php - I think mine came from gendan if it helps.

 

 

Gendan Limited

Unit 14 Llys Caer Felin
Felinfach
Swansea SA5 4HH
+44 0 1792 588002

 

ilexa Onboard Diagnostics
Truro, Cornwall TR2 4YF
p: +44 01726 884 010
f:  +44 01726 808 021

Sub-Distrib:
     NHN
     [email protected]
     Uckfield
     East Sussex
     p: +44 07974 994 143

 

Marshall's Industrial Ltd.
Volkswagen Power Systems & Components
IMPCO Gas Systems

Beadle Estate
Hithercroft Road, Wallingford,
Oxfordshire, UK
OX10 9DG
p: +44 (0) 1491 834666
f:  +44 (0) 1491 839777
email: [email protected]V-Tech UK Ltd.
SN Autohaus,
181, Forest Road,
Hainault, Essex
London, UK
IG6 3HZ.
Tel: +44 208 498 1288
Fax: +44 208 498 1289

Thanks a lot. I've just seen the price for the genuine ross tech cables!! I didn't think they were that price. I really don't need anything too fancy like changing things on the car. Just a fairly cheap way of clearing faults reading faults etc. Some cables on ebay are cheap I'm presuming there is a reaaon for that?

There are copies of the original cable, there is a little more information here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/210264-the-official-line-on-cheap-vcds-cables/

 

If it comes with a software CD and states you shouldn't upgrade, then it's not genuine. All genuine cables should allow you to get the latest software from the rosstech site and lifetime* updates.

 

Carista seems to be gaining popularity at the moment so that might be an option for you? It's an android/iPhone app that communicates with a bluethooth/wifi ODB dongle and should allow reading/clearing codes from what I understand. It's not something I've used but I'm sure you can find out more pretty easily.

 

Just remember, if you have an iPhone you will need a WiFi ODB dongle as they don't support BT ones!

 

* There is some kind of a caveat on this but I can't remember it...

I have android and have a bluetooth code reader with the torque app. I was very happy with it and worked very well on my mk1 vrs but for some reason can't get it to connect to the ecu on this one. I thought it was maybe fouling on the dash trim around the port but all the lights on the reader are on. Do the cheap cables work well enough?

People have reported problems with cloned cables so I'd suggest you stay well away from them, plus they are generally shunned on briskoda so if you have problems you're unlikely to get any support.

 

A better plan might be to contact a local member who does have a genuine VCDS, most are happy to do basic coding for a beer or two: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262215-list-of-vcds-owners-previously-known-as-vag-com/

 

As for the BT ODB, if it's lights are on I'd expect it to be working... I assume you're able to see the device and pair to it? If your current one is ELM327 based I'd suggest you try Carista as it's a free download for the basic features. There is a thread here about Carista that includes links to various ODB dongles that other people have had success with: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/348046-carista-obd2-a-cheaper-alternative-to-some-of-vcds/

Thanks for the help buddy I'll have a look for Carista. The Torque app was working fine with my phone unless an update has ruined it. It seems to be pairing fine with the phone ( S4 mini ) just keeps saying not connected to ecu. No faults at present but just a thought for the future.

Well, downloaded Carista for free off the android store. Connected straight away no problem so for some reason the torque app isn't working in my car. I must say, for what i need a code reader for that app is really good. Scanned for faults just to have a play with it. Scanned the ecu ok ( no faults found ) i was that impressed i bought the pro version £15.95 or there about. So now i can switch certain things on and off on the car. My car now bleeps locking and unlocking!! Thanks again langers2k.

Excellent! Glad it worked

 

It's certainly much cheaper than VCDS if you only need access to basic stuff.

Excellent! Glad it worked

It's certainly much cheaper than VCDS if you only need access to basic stuff.

It's great for what i want. No doubt vcds is excellent from what ive heard but really this will be more than enough for me. And also being able to switch features on and off was something the torque app couldn't do. Couldn't get that app to work in my car though tried again there wouldn't connect to the ecu.