So after a little reading around I find myself coming to the conclusion that this VCDS stuff is about hooking up a computer to the in car computer and using it to gain additional and possible useful functionality that hasn't come as standard with the car. 

 

I can't be the first person intrigued, but still a little bemused at the notion of this.  Is it possible that someone could pen a sticky for the forum that gives the low-down on what is possible, briefly generally how it is done, is it legal, supported by Skoda, will it invalidate any guarantees, how much does it normally cost, is it DIY, what kit do you need, what is the likelihood of it all backfiring and 'bricking the system', is it worthwhile for back-up purposes in any event, etc.?  I am a confident IT user and the idea of all this sort of stuff is def. interesting, but I'd like to know more about what it all involves and I can't find any sticky that introduces this as a process. 

 

In any event even if a sticky doesn't result I would appreciated some more info. on-thread around the questions posed above if anyone has time to explain.  I am about to buy my first car with a full Skoda infotainment system and this forum introduces some interesting possibilities, but I'd like to know more about things.  Many thanks.

VCDS is a lot more than gaining functionality. Essentially, you are given a way to interact with all your onboard computers (control units) just as a VAG mechanic would do.

 

It is legal but not supported by Skoda, will not invalidate your warranty in general, it costs about $350, it is DIY in the sense you don't need a car expert to use it, you need the cable and the software, you could easily brick your car if you mess with the wrong settings, it is very useful for backing up old configuration when changing a control unit for example.

 

There are limitations to what you can do, for example new control units are not fully supported until a new VCDS version comes out, and this is also the case for some old but not mainstream control units. Also, VCDS can't upgrade a control unit's firmware, you can only view/change data within a given FW version.

 

I hope I cleared things up for you.

 

As a confident IT user, I think you'll love it. Usually the more technically advanced the car is, the more you can do with VCDS.

Just to add to the above, you should checkout ross-tech's (they make VCDS) website as that'll give you some pointers.

 

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/product.html <-- brief description

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/main_screen.php <-- tour of the software interface

 

In a nutshell, it's a 3rd party alternative to the official VAG tools (was VAS-PC, is now ODIS-s and ODIS-e). It's great for any kind of repair and diagnostic work as you can read/clear error codes and also check various sensor readings to find problems. It is also able to code and adapt various control modules when they are replaced.

 

A side effect is that is can also be used to enable functions that were either never offered or sometimes were a paid extra. It also allows you to add new modules to the car and have them correctly interface with the rest of the car - bluetooth and satnav are popular additions.

Hi Guys,

 

Thanks for this information it is really useful to me.

 

I bought an Octavia Blackline edition last year and was told by the garage it had bluetooth however after getting it home it obviously didn't

 

The garage have now advised they will fit bluetooth and a microphone for me but cannot enable it for me in the onboard computer because they are not a Skoda garage.

 

Does anyone know of anywhere in the East Midlands where I can get it enabled via VCDS, Skoda are being rather difficult as they are not fitting the bluetooth and mic.

 

Any support greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers,

 

Paul

Ah, now, there was a thread about Blacklines and bluetooth...........

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/252899-amunsden-plus-bluetooth-and-microphone-install-how-to/