Vag-com cheaper alternative?

[jollyGreenGiant]

Originally Posted by penclnck

But there already is a free market of 3rd party devices to scan VWs. So what if they cost in the thousands of dollars, don't offer free software updates and basically suck... they are out there and you can purchase them all day long. But for VW owners, why would they? They cost thousands of dollars, don't offer free software updates and they suck.

There is a reason why repair shops that already own a Snap On MODIS purchase a Pro-Kit from Ross Tech....

Above++

You know the economy is bad when people are complaining about the price of VCDS. I can't think of any tool I own that hasn't earned it's keep more than VCDS.

[wild03]

Originally Posted by jollyGreenGiant

Above++

You know the economy is bad when people are complaining about the price of VCDS. I can't think of any tool I own that hasn't earned it's keep more than VCDS.

I'm sure VCDS is worth every penny. At least in my case I didn't see a need for all the features of VCDS, I just wanted to read the fault code and be on my way. (again why use a car when a bicicle will take you to the corner store just the same)

That said, I'm happy with the purchase of the VCDS tool. I noticed that a lot of the VCDS information is scatered around the forum. Is there a section where one could go to see all the possible things that can be done with VCDS and say the 2009 Jetta TDI?

Thanks!

[oilhammer]

Originally Posted by wild03

.... At least in my case I didn't see a need for all the features of VCDS, I just wanted to read the fault code and be on my way...
Thanks!

And that is the thing, there are many more modules that can record and store a DTC than just the engine.

You have modules for:

automatic transmission
airbags
anti-lock brakes
instrument cluster
comfort-convenience module
Controller Area Network [gateway]
radio
immobilizer
steering wheel
door modules
telematics

...and others, all of which can be accessed by VCDS and can NOT be accessed by the useless generic OBD2 stuff (and even those fail at the engine part as well more times than not).

This is why, if you read the maintenance schedule, where is says to scan modules and purge faults, you MUST have something like VCDS or you cannot do so!

[penclnck]

Originally Posted by wild03

I just wanted to read the fault code and be on my way.

Autozone.

There is already a lot of confusion with people about which cable to get from Ross Tech, it would only get worse if there were different levels of the VCDS software. People would only complain about buying the level 1 version of the software and find out later they need to scan the CCM and have to pay the upgrade fee to level 3. It would never end.

There is a lot of very useful info on the Ross Tech web site, they have some things broken down by platform (mk4, mk5, B6, ect). And of course you can always ask here at TDI Club if [XXX] can be don to my [YYY].

Just starting out, you may not use all the features of VCDS, but at time goes on, you will be thakful they are there and that amazed at how affordable really is.

Soda pop time.....

[andyjh]

I for one will vouch for the VCDS paying for itself. It's worth the money, especially the first time you power up and see all those fault codes :'(

Plus it's good tinkering in car with all the things you can monitor and look at

I bought a generic OBD2 off Fleabay (it's an ELM327 clone), it does work ..... SORTA. It's VERY VERY fussy for how it connects and didn't find any fault codes with my car when I know there is one there. Either go to a shop and pay / get it read, or if it's something you will be doing a lot, buy a cheap reader for 40 which will give you the codes.

I'd honestly suggest saving for VCDS. You could make the money back anyway offering to read fault codes for other VW owners and it's got a generic built in reader for other makes

[owr084]

Originally Posted by Uwe

Yes. We're doing most of our development and builds on a PC running the 64-bit version of Windows 7 now.

We did have one local customer who was having problems running under his new 7 installation on a Netbook. For reasons we were not able to fathom, the "Users" did not have full read/write access to the C:\Ross-Tech\ folder.

-Uwe-

Which brings up another point. Why does VCDS still insist on putting its folder directly in the root directory instead of installing it in the C:\Program Files (x86) (32 bit) or C:\Program Files (64 bit) directory? That's been a windows standard for years now.

Sometimes, a company may lock down the root directory to prevent the user from creating a folder under c:\ but allow folders to be created elsewhere.

[Sebastian]

Originally Posted by owr084

Which brings up another point. Why does VCDS still insist on putting its folder directly in the root directory instead of installing it in the C:\Program Files (x86) (32 bit) or C:\Program Files (64 bit) directory? That's been a windows standard for years now.

Because of Windows Vista and Windows 7, both do restrict write access to the
"Program Files" sub folders under certain circumstances which than results in certain VCDS functions not working properly.

Yes, Microsoft has put in place other methods and folders to use instead but it's not all that easy as it seems... We're trying to keep VCDS clean and simple when it comes to use of registry and other things, that way it does not influence the host system as much as many other programs out there...

[funoutdoors121]

Originally Posted by itchytweed

BTW, my next purchase for my 2010 JSW that is currently sitting in port (Houston?) waiting for its transport to me, asides from a set of Silverstar Ultra bulbs, is a HEX-USB-CAN cable and the VCDS software.

Itchyweed, why not save $100 and get the micro-can?
That's what I'm considering doing soon...

[Uwe]

Originally Posted by owr084

Which brings up another point. Why does VCDS still insist on putting its folder directly in the root directory instead of installing it in the C:\Program Files (x86) (32 bit) or C:\Program Files (64 bit) directory? That's been a windows standard for years now.

Sometimes, a company may lock down the root directory to prevent the user from creating a folder under c:\ but allow folders to be created elsewhere.

Your premise is incorrect. VCDS does not "insist" on installing in any particular location. It suggests installation in C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS, but you have the opportunity to override that an install it anywhere you desire.

The reason we suggest that location is that on Vista and 7, installing in "Program Files" has a number of limitations, most especially if you (like me) like to keep everything associated with a particular program in a single directory tree. I really don't like it when other programs scatter files all over my PC and refuse to do that with VCDS.

-Uwe-

[Uwe]

wild03: That's some major thread creep you're engaging in there. Please start a new thread with the the topic "2009 DPF Regen" or similar and post up a scan from your car. There were at least two different ECU part numbers for 2009 US models and after an ECU firmware update, there are now at least 4.

-Uwe-

[wild03]

Originally Posted by Uwe

wild03: That's some major thread creep you're engaging in there. Please start a new thread with the the topic "2009 DPF Regen" or similar and post up a scan from your car. There were at least two different ECU part numbers for 2009 US models and after an ECU firmware update, there are now at least 4.

-Uwe-

Will do, Thanks!

[parkscorner]

This fixed my 2010 TDI with 2.5K miles that had a code # 00315 called a "NICHT GEFUNDEN" (or "Not Found" in English)—The exhaust clamps on the throttle valve and EGR filter seemed tight on visual inspection. But using a power wrench, a U-Bolt clamp was tightened such that about 3.5" of thread was visible afterwards. Beforehand, you could only see about 3/4" visible.
I've driven to 4.2K miles without further incident.
Case solved?

[slam]

Back on-topic "Vag-com cheaper alternative."

It seems like there isn't really much of an alternative if I am reading these reponses correctly. I am not seeing much of a feature comparison anywhere, but I am seeing that it's either simple code-readers, or vag-com, with little in-between. Does this seem right?

Vag-com sounds like an awesome tool, and I totally support the developer's need to make money off it. =) My big issue here is that I bought a used VW and it's a money sink. Vag-com for me is just another chapter in the burning-a-hole-in-my-wallet story. If there was a model-limited version or some other cheaper version I would buy that. Otherwise I am priced out of the market. If I could afford Vag-com, I could afford to have someone else fix my car for me. I can't see buying a $300+ tool in order to install $20 work of IP seals.

If there exist any official, legitimate used vag-com cables, I would happily buy one of those. I'll keep an eye on the forums and eBay, though I see there's a $99 charge to re-register the software in this case, too. =(

So if anyone can comment on a cheaper tool for the purposed of an IP pull and reinstall, I am all ears. Thanks!

[slam]

Not to ***** too much, but check this out:

1996 TDI Passat Wagon, Good Condition: $3,490 Kelly Blue Book value

Ross-Tech VCDS License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface: $349.00

So yes, the official VAG-COM for my car is exactly 10% of the value of my entire car. I am apparently not Ross-Tech's target audience...

[penclnck]

Originally Posted by slam

I am apparently not Ross-Tech's target audience...

Depends. The cost of a car has nothing to do with the value of Ross Tech's product.

There are some stand alone generic ODB-II scanners you can purchase for under $100 easy:

OBD-II generic scanner

Now a device like that will ONLY do OBD-II. Dealer techs are not using OBD-II 99% of the time because it is very limited in the amount of info it offers as compared to what the car has to tell you. Plus, it does nothing for ABS, airbag, trans (automatic only).

Unless you also have a 2005.5 or newer VW, there is no need for you to purchase the HEX-USB+CAN cable at $349. You can get the KII-USB cable for $249 and get the same results. It works on VWs up to the 2005 year model.

The product also becomes more valuable the more times you use it. Every time you use it and are able to fix the car yourself is money you saved. If the car is causing you all kinds of problems for whatever reason, it may pay for itself quickly.