Hello All,
I've just become owner on the above car, and have a 400-mile mostly motorway trip on Tuesday.  I'd like to use cruise control, and the right stalk indicates this is a feature.  However, it's stuck in Speed Limiter mode with no set speed, which causes it to interfere at nearly any speed and clip the throttle.

There is *no* button 'D' on the underside of the stalk.  I haven't missed it and it's not recessed.  The handbook indicates that mode is a selection via the RH steering wheel thumbwheel and buttons.  Under the 'Driver Assistance' menue, the only option is 'Front parking aids': which the car does not have, only 3 sensors at the rear.  See pictures.

Is there something I've missed, or does the cluster have the wrong software version for the car?

Thanks in advance
Mike

SE only came with the speed limiter as standard. I would say that you don't actually have cruise control.

 

Front assist is merely to give you warnings that you're too close to the car in front and the braking assist system.

 

On 19/03/2023 at 18:48, HeavyMetalRich said:

SE only came with the speed limiter as standard. I would say that you don't actually have cruise control.

 

Front assist is merely to give you warnings that you're too close to the car in front and the braking assist system.

You are 100% correct HeavyMetalRich.  For what can only be marketing reasons, Skoda fitted the stalk for speed limiter minus the toggle button for cruise control.  It's an EU-6 emissions so Drive by wire, so all the hardware is there for cruise save for the toggle button.  Moreover, or worse for me, is that a 77GHz front radar exists: additional and more expensive hardware with two functions: emergency brake assist (current relative speed vs distance) and adaptive cruise control (current relative speed versus distance).  I have all the hardware not just for cruise, but for adaptive cruise!

 

On older models it seems there was a dealer upgrade to cruise.  Is this available on a 2019?  If not, has a 3rd party figured this out?  I work for an OEM and I suspect the looms are common so switch replacement is straight forward.  ECU s/w reflash is a much more hazardous step.

 

Thanks,

M63

If all of the appropriate wiring is present and the correct stalk fitted, reprogramming shouldn't be too much of a bigger step forward. It's amazing what can be done with the VCDS program. I'm sure there would be a few more knowledgeable sorts around the forums here that would be able to help get something to work.

 

I have a '21 plate Monte Carlo now and haven't paid much attention to what it has fitted in the way of cruise or limiter. I will check tomorrow if I remember.

Thanks @HeavyMetalRich

I'm not worried about reflashing as I work in Powertrain Controls for Ford.  I'm more concerned about finding exactly the right image for the engine at the same EU-6 emissions calibration level, plus cruise control.  Ideally, I'd have both the existing image so I can revert the car to factory standard: and the target image with cruise.  Car build was in 2018, so it's potentially at Euro 6b 1-sept-2015 as a facelift only with carry over powertrain; or a Euro 6c 1-sept-2018 if qualified for that; or Euro 6d TEMP, same date, effectively Euro 6b + lower particulates and RDE Real world Driving Emissions introduced due to Dieselgate.

 

Where do the images come from?  Can VCDS suck an image out?

Cheers,

Mike

21 minutes ago, Miikey63 said:

Car build was in 2018, so it's potentially at Euro 6b 1-sept-2015 as a facelift only with carry over powertrain; or a Euro 6c 1-sept-2018 if qualified for that; or Euro 6d TEMP, same date, effectively Euro 6b + lower particulates and RDE Real world Driving Emissions introduced due to Dieselgate.

@toot might know.

 

I've no idea what an image is but I've seen others put with VCDS you can back track on your path if you're fiddling about or altering thing and with computer programs don't you record or back up any original program before you start fiddling or altering it in case yo might ****-up (only technical term I know).

 

If you have a scan tool of the correct level you can see if there are any error codes and delete them and that only *might* unstick the Speed Limiter mode with no set speed.  Or VCDS and play around with settings.

 

2 hours ago, Miikey63 said:

Thanks @HeavyMetalRich

I'm not worried about reflashing as I work in Powertrain Controls for Ford.  I'm more concerned about finding exactly the right image for the engine at the same EU-6 emissions calibration level, plus cruise control.  Ideally, I'd have both the existing image so I can revert the car to factory standard: and the target image with cruise.  Car build was in 2018, so it's potentially at Euro 6b 1-sept-2015 as a facelift only with carry over powertrain; or a Euro 6c 1-sept-2018 if qualified for that; or Euro 6d TEMP, same date, effectively Euro 6b + lower particulates and RDE Real world Driving Emissions introduced due to Dieselgate.

 

Where do the images come from?  Can VCDS suck an image out?

Cheers,

Mike

 

You are not flashing or changing software version with VCDS, its just a program that someone has developed to allow small coding changes to be done quickly and easily by anybody with half a brain cell so you can configure certain aspects of each control unit. From changing the temperature presets of the heated seats to enabling features that are not enabled from factory despite having all the hardware.

Edited 10 April, 20233 yr by SuperbTWM

I have a 2015 fabia with cruise and speed limiter 

22 hours ago, SuperbTWM said:

 

You are not flashing or changing software version with VCDS, its just a program that someone has developed to allow small coding changes to be done quickly and easily by anybody with half a brain cell so you can configure certain aspects of each control unit. From changing the temperature presets of the heated seats to enabling features that are not enabled from factory despite having all the hardware.

 

Wow!  You experts are really delivering    VCDS isn't a full ECU flash tool but a modifier of EEPROM calibration settings: interesting approach for the ECU.  From @JoePeddos, the target switch stalk is on a 2015 fabia.  Backtrack from @nta16.  I will investigate and report; many thanks!

I and all others would always exclude me from being any type of expert in anything, ever, and most certainly computers and VCDS, which to what little I've seen of it looks a horrible legacy system still presented nastily to be exclusive for the more nerdy.  But like the other "quality" 😄 German marques VW have been into over complicated programs (if more lately like other car manufacturers keeping the chips as cheap as, er, chips) for a long time, but not as long as Ford IIRC.

 

Technical types can sometimes overlook the basics having their minds on the more sexy end of the spectrum, me being at the thick end of the spectrum would first (check the car battery is in a good state of charge) plug in the VCDS, do a record/report of error codes if any, if so just delete any error codes then drive the car see if the speed limiter sorts out and at the end of a reasonable journey or next day or when convenient plug the VCDS back in and do another health check see if any error codes have returned or new ones presented and go from there.

 

VW seem like most other car manufacturers very reluctant to admit to any errors but you could ask at a Dealership if there's been any updates to your model or Recalls that it's missed out on.

 

You can look up (admitted) Recalls here. - https://www.skoda-auto.com/services/recall-campaigns

 

'Stereo', maps and toys updates from here. - https://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/

 

If you find anything on the VCDS that stops the annoying slight clunking sound from under the front of the car p l e a s e let me know. 

On 10/04/2023 at 23:21, SuperbTWM said:

 

You are not flashing or changing software version with VCDS, its just a program that someone has developed to allow small coding changes to be done quickly and easily by anybody with half a brain cell so you can configure certain aspects of each control unit. From changing the temperature presets of the heated seats to enabling features that are not enabled from factory despite having all the hardware.

@SuperbTWM There's so many posts about VCDS that it's difficult to get a clear answer on any specific question.  Is there a Wiki?  If there is, point me to that and I won't bug people on here.

Please correct as required.  So far I have:

* VCDS is a 3rd party tool from Ross-Tech with a full version that needs uses the cable / dongle for permission to run. 

      o I see some say you need German, so maybe that's 'VCDS from VW?'

      o So maybe VCDS is an edited version of VAG-COM?

* Cheapest option is Hex-V2 wired at 'only' $199.  So I'll just bin full VCDS as $199.  It says one CAN and two k-line.

     o  I got that wrong.  Ross-Tech want a further $96 to ship to UK.  Now buying Hex-V2 from Cornwall looks good value

* Does a 2018MY SE really have only one CAN bus?  I'll assume it goes to a gateway module that routes to the other CAN buses, hence VCDS can both change setting for the powertrain control module and revise the central locking operation.

* Am I right that, before it connects to a car, there's no ability to see what VCDS can do?  Or does it have a 'demo' mode?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Mike,

for info only as you asked, by still stay around for SuperbTWM's reply.  Ross-Tech Wiki - http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

 

They also have a forum.

 

I've no idea about VCDS but the scan tool I've used has demos across a wide range of manufacturers and vehicles but obviously preloaded and limited in scope.

 

This is on the Ross Tech site, I've no idea how useful it'll be to you as I've never tried it, something to play with whilst you wait. - https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/main_screen.php

 

43 minutes ago, Miikey63 said:

@SuperbTWM There's so many posts about VCDS that it's difficult to get a clear answer on any specific question.  Is there a Wiki?  If there is, point me to that and I won't bug people on here.

Please correct as required.  So far I have:

* VCDS is a 3rd party tool from Ross-Tech with a full version that needs uses the cable / dongle for permission to run. 

      o I see some say you need German, so maybe that's 'VCDS from VW?'

      o So maybe VCDS is an edited version of VAG-COM?

* Cheapest option is Hex-V2 wired at 'only' $199.  So I'll just bin full VCDS as $199.  It says one CAN and two k-line.

     o  I got that wrong.  Ross-Tech want a further $96 to ship to UK.  Now buying Hex-V2 from Cornwall looks good value

* Does a 2018MY SE really have only one CAN bus?  I'll assume it goes to a gateway module that routes to the other CAN buses, hence VCDS can both change setting for the powertrain control module and revise the central locking operation.

* Am I right that, before it connects to a car, there's no ability to see what VCDS can do?  Or does it have a 'demo' mode?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

Please don't take the following as 100% correct as i'm no VCDS guru

 

VCDS stands for Vag Com Diagnostic Software, I believe this is because VW didn't like it being called Vag Com as this implied it was an official manufacturer tool rather than a third party tool.

 

There have been different versions over the years from a 'Lite' version that you could use with 3rd party cables for older generations and early CAN bus cars, I think the cable I have at the moment is Hex+Can which still talks to most modern cars but there are odd modules used in current platforms (MQB?) which use a different protocol so won't talk to the module. For example, my 2018 Passat can be interrogated no problems but on my Dad's Kodiak it doesn't seem to want to talk to the convenience module. This cable is now discontinued.

 

In light of the above you really want the newer HEX-V2 or HEX-NET devices, the problem with this is that Ross-Tech have cottoned on to people on forums offering their services to other car owners and now you have to buy a licence according to the number of VIN numbers you want or buy an unlimited VIN version for a lot of £££

 

There are UK distributers of VCDS such as Gendan, this is where I got mine from.

 

For what its worth I think VCDS is a brilliant tool but now you have to use a licence up just to connect it up to another car to do basic functions that any generic code reader could do seems a bit of a rip off, I think in future I will end up buying a decent generic scanner that can view live data and use that for everyday uses and maybe only upgrade my VCDS cable if I have a specific use in mind where it will pay for itself.

22 minutes ago, SuperbTWM said:

now you have to use a licence up just to connect it up to another car to do basic functions that any generic code reader could do seems a bit of a rip off,

I am far from a VCDS expert and just feeling my way but the above does not seem correct to me.

 

AFAIK you can do anything on another non VIN registered VAG vehicle maybe including watching live date, what you cannot do is make programming chnages to modules without using up another VIN.

 

I cahneged vehicles after purchasing so 2 VINs used up, I owed a massive amount of favours to my UK neighbour so when he wanted me to make a change to I think it was window opening from remote control I was happy to use up the remaining VIN only to find that he could have done it through his infotainment screen (sad smily).

 

Could that change or another say changing the DRL set up have been done by "any generic code reader"?

 

AFAIK they can read generic fault codes stored on the ECU and delete most of them, not for instance an airbag warning code which needs to access the individual Canbus module which VCDS can do.

 

I'm kicking myself for not having the forethought to have bought a 10 VIN unit in the first place, the upgrade price is punitive compared to the original option.

 

Sorry for typos

Edited 14 April, 20233 yr by J.R.

45 minutes ago, J.R. said:

AFAIK you can do anything on another non VIN registered VAG vehicle maybe including watching live date, what you cannot do is make programming chnages to modules without using up another VIN.

 

 

 

That's useful to know, thanks.

 

I'm not saying a generic code reader can replace VCDS, but there does seem to be some nice devices out there that can pefform some level of adaptations and perform calibrations/force regens etc. and you are able to use them on other makes and models as well so much more handy if you have other cars.

 

There are those bluetooth dongles that pair with a phone app as well which can perform adaptaions, is it Carista?

 

 

2 minutes ago, SuperbTWM said:

VIN Limits

Only some VCDS functions are restricted to use on a specific number of cars on the 3 and 10-VIN limited interfaces. Basic functions may be used on as many cars as you wish:

Unlimited functions

A VIN-Limited interface can do Auto-Scans, Clear DTCs, and look at Measuring Values on an unlimited number of cars.
If you directly connect to a control module (e.g. Select > 01. Engine), or use the 'Clear All DTCs' function, VCDS will ask if you wish to store the VIN, but selecting Cancel will still allow the function to continue.

Limited functions

Essentially functions that actually change things in the car are VIN-limited:

• Adaptation
• Basic Settings
• Changing Codings
• Changing the Gateway Installation List
• Login or Security Access
• Output Tests
• Optical Bus Diagnostic
• Readiness
• Resetting SRI
• Turning Transport Mode on or off

VCDS will never count a VIN toward the license limit without the user's explicit permission.
It will always ask you first, thereby giving you the opportunity to decline to "register" a VIN in the interface.

For more information on VIN limits please see this VIN FAQ on the Ross-Tech forums.

 

 

 

@J.R. You were spot on, not quite as bad as I thought regarding the VIN locking

19 minutes ago, SuperbTWM said:

There are those bluetooth dongles that pair with a phone app as well which can perform adaptaions, is it Carista?

OBDEleven possibly, certainly 'code' a battery change.

 

Mike, SuperbTWM

by coincidence the Update tonight on my neighbour's machine included the Demo mode in the 7 updates, 6 were downloaded and installed (wireless) in seconds but the one for Mercy Benz Maybach stretched to well over a minute.

 

I don't know if this will help or hinder, give an idea or not, in DEMO the VW is a sample Toerag with just a couple of engine and lane assist codes as examples but I took a quick look, only saw Adaptive Cruise Control to get anything from as mealy an example.

 

As the system's only on at tablet (I think they're called) at the moment and not laptop size screen it's too small for my eyes I didn't wade through the hundreds of possibly points of info and just took a couple of screenshots from the Adenoid, you'll need to download and zoom in for info, if it's of any use (BCM2).

 

 

Edited 14 April, 20233 yr by nta16
ETA:

14 hours ago, SuperbTWM said:

I'm not saying a generic code reader can replace VCDS, but there does seem to be some nice devices out there that can pefform some level of adaptations and perform calibrations/force regens etc. and you are able to use them on other makes and models as well so much more handy if you have other cars.

 

VCDS can be used as a generic OBDII code reader on any other manufacturers vehicle.

 

Can you give some examples of a nice generic non subscription OBDII device that can perform advanced functions on a range of vehicles please, I would certainly consider one for other vehicles.

7 hours ago, J.R. said:

 

VCDS can be used as a generic OBDII code reader on any other manufacturers vehicle.

 

 

You sure about that? I haven’t heard of anybody using VCDS on a non VAG car, nor heard anybody speak of it. 

 

I think it was Autel I was last looking at for a scan tool, I believe if you want to keep it updated though there is a subscription to pay. 

Yes absolutely sure.

 

Its hidden away in the main menu page, it would be a sledgehammer to crack a nut, easier to use a cheap fault code reader than faff around with a laptop for the limited functionality you would have on other vehicles.

Yup, I've used it where a cheap scan tool could not find stored OBD2 codes on a Renault Clio and a SAAB but really most "interesting" engine related fault codes are "manufacturer specific".