Sorry if this sounds a bit daft but I keep seeing posts referring to VCDS and I'm wondering if it's something you can do yourself. I'm assuming it's some kind of OBD kit but what can you actually achieve with it ? I have a 16 plate TDI DSG vRS and I'd like to know if I can unlock anything hidden in the menus!!! 

I'd like to know if I can unlock anything hidden in the menus!!! 

 

What is "OBD" ?

Indeed endless acronyms everywhere.

What is "OBD" ?

 

On board diagnostics. :thumbup:

Essentially its a cable and some software that enables the user to view/modify settings in the cars brain. Customisations are possible with a bit of tinkering but you can also wreck the car so shouldn't be done lightly. Many of the members including myself have VCDS and a more economical way of modding your car is to just ask one of us to do it for you there is a map of all the VCDS owners im sure one will be local to you. Some charge a small fee others are happy with beers i don't charge anything as long as they are briskoda freedom members which helps support this site. If you are set on getting your own VCDS then its not cheap i paid circa £250. Beware of the cheap knockoffs on ebay thats the quickest way to brick your car. There are cheaper ways to do this you could use Carista App or Torque Pro in conjunction with an ELM 327 dongle which i also have and work well but VCDS is still the best VAS emulator and can do the most stuff reliably.

There is a dedicated section on VCDS, come on boys there is a world outside of the MkIII forum  :D

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/23-diagnostics-vcds/

Now I feel even more daft for not looking for this part of the forum earlier !! :/ Thanks for the replies though guys!