Do these work with VCDS or do you have to have a very specific cable?

 

I've been looking at them to allow me easier access and do I need one that's got all 16 pins connected?

 

TIA.

why not just buy a USB extension?

Because I can get an OBD2 cable almost as cheaply, if not cheaper than a USB extension cable! 

Fair enough, I can't see why it wouldn't work. I would get one with all 16 pins yes regardless of whether they are all used or not.

I have one that's maybe 4 or 5ft long permanently installed in my car. It's flat ribbon cable and probably all 16 wires, can check when I drag myself out of bed a little later. It works fine.

My car uses K-line for diagnostic comms though, where yours will be CANbus, I think, and that tends to employ twisted pairs of wires. So look for mention of that feature in the specification of the OBD extension cable if you do carry on down this path.

Any decent quality OBD extension should be fine, as others have mentioned, I'd get one with all pins connected.

I have one with all 16 pins and it works perfectly, I have used it on VCDS to try it but generally I use it purely for VCP as the USB cable that fits into the case is a bit of a p*ss fit and it drops out (due to gravity) otherwise.

 

Thanks all, I'll have a look on both Ebay and Ali - Express for one at the best price. 

2 minutes ago, TheWanderer said:

Thanks all, I'll have a look on both Ebay and Ali - Express for one at the best price. 

 

 

This is the seller I used (the extension looks identical, but I bought mine 2 years ago)

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OBD2-16-pin-Male-to-Female-Elbow-Extension-cable-ELM327-B6L2-FB/382754160650?hash=item591ded000a:g:BzUAAOSwUHBcTxWw:rk:6:pf:0 

11 hours ago, TheWanderer said:

Do these work with VCDS or do you have to have a very specific cable?

I got a 2m OBD2 extension lead off eBay which works fine with VCDS and my HEX-NET.