VW Folks, Do I Really Want Vag-Com (VCDS)?

It finally happened, the CEL came on, on the Jetta. I have no diagnostic tool for it either.

I have no code scanner at all actually. The Volvo is OBDI, so you just plug a jumper wire into a port, push a button, and count the blinks. The Jeep, you just turn the key a few times and it gives you the code on the odometer. The Jetta is a different story.

2009 TDI DSG Jetta, flawless performance for almost 70K miles now, still no noticeable issue other than the little light on the dash.

I've found a lot of scan tools that state they work with VW/Audi for a lot less money than any of Ross-Tech's stuff, but I understand that they aren't as fully featured as Ross-Tech's. I still don't know what the code is, won't be able to take the car to Autozone for a free scan until tomorrow, if they can read it, so I may not need better than a standard CAN-BUS scan tool at this point.

If I go with Ross-Tech, I'm looking at spending at least $250 for the Micro-CAN (which only works on the MkV) or $350 for the HEX-USB+CAN that "does it all." Dad's got an '04 Passat wagon, so if I got the HEX-USB+CAN I could use it on his car too, could possibly get him to chip in on the purchase too, so I'd probably go that route.

The other option is an eBay/Amazon dongle and VDCS-Lite, looks like this would be a lot cheaper than the other options from Ross-Tech, but I know it's going to be more limited in features.

Another question, if I go VDCS-Lite, do I have to pay $99 to activate the software, or is that just if I want Ross-Tech's technical support? I'm not 100% on the answer to that. If I've got to pay $99 to use VDCS-Lite at all, and still buy a decent dongle, I might as well get one of their other options, or at least a VAG capable scan tool.

I tend to over think things, and feel I might be doing the same here.

Additionally, GOOD GRIEF, is the Bentley manual expensive! The Haynes option provides no TDI info, so it's a $$$ DVD or Book.

• Lee

VAG-Com (I still call it that): yes. Worth every penny. I'm not as versed on the PD engines, but it's basically impossible to do DIY service on an older TDI without it.

Bentley: Yes as well and I'll admit it was a hard pill to swallow after years of buying $20 Haynes & Chiltons books. The difference is the Bentley info is essentially the VAG TIS (Volkswagen Auto Group - Technical Information System) in print form, slightly watered down for consumer use. Look on eBay and TDIclub.com - you may find a cheaper used copy.

In reply to Ian F:

The Bentley manual is going to be tough to stomach, I'll have to be careful with it too. On all of our other cars I typically had 2 manuals, a "dirty" one and a "clean" one.

Our '09 is Common Rail (CBEA I think) not Pumpe Duse.

Did you buy the licensed VAG-Com dongle and full version of the software?

The more I've read the more it looks like I've got to go with the full version instead of Lite, since I need CAN, and according to their page, the version of VCDS-Lite that supports CAN, "does not work with any third-party interfaces or some of our older "low-tech" interfaces." Which brings me back to the $250 or $350 options... sigh.

Another question, have you used the OBDII diag of your VAG-Com on any non VAG vehicles, if so, any feedback on its usefulness?

• Lee

My Bentley manuals have grease prints on them. It happens. It's a service manual, not a priceless tome. Hell, I spent more on used factory service manuals for my old van that were/are dirtier (van is gone, but still have those manuals since they were so hard to get). When you start using real factory service manuals, the consumer manuals really get frustrating.

When I bought VAG-COM back in 2005, there was only one version and you actually got a CD with the cable back then vs. a program download.

BTW, don't bother with trying to use a 'generic' ODBII plug/cable with VAG-COM. The Ross-Tech cable is somehow "keyed" and the program will only work with their cable. On the plus side, you can have copies of the program on a few machines and as long as you use the correct cable it won't matter. One of the Ross-Tech techs was a MINI owner for awhile and I saw and talked to him a lot back then. Computer-nerds to the Nth degree... always working hard to stay a step ahead of the hackers.

The OBDII function is hit-or-miss... at least with my older version. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. And only on European cars (only tried with MINI's and BMWs). US or Asian cars wouldn't connect.

We're a professional shop and we use it over all other scan tools for anything VWAG.

~ 10 years ago, VAG-COM used generic OBD2 cables and you had a license key for the software. They switched from that to the keyed dongles, which is much simpler to use, no need to manage license keys.

I wouldn't buy the mini version, if you're going to get it, get the full one.

A $40 generic OBD2 scanner will read codes, but VCDS is much more than that. It allows configuration of a lot of optional features on the cars, stuff like which doors unlock when you press the remote button, turning on/off remote open/close of windows while unlocking/locking, etc. It will also datalog at much higher data rates than the standard OBD2 logging, enough to actually be useful in debugging problems with the engine.

So is it worth it? It's hard to say -- how many VW/Audi cars do you own, or are you likely to own in the future? If you hate the Jetta and plan to get rid of it in a couple years and never buy another VW product again, then no, you shouldn't buy it.

If you look around you can probably find a local VW/Audi enthusiast who has a copy and is willing to scan stuff for you. The usual compensation around here seems to be a 6-pack.

The OBD-2 functionality on VCDS works with my Miata, it does not work with my Chevy truck. I don't think I've ever tried it on the Honda, probably because it's never set a code. :)

In reply to Ian F:

I'm familiar with FSMs, they are dang near "priceless tomes." I have a both FSMs for a '97 F-body from a long stalled project involving a 383 LT1 from a Formula Firebird. I even tried selling them on eBay once $20 starting bid, got a couple watchers but no bids, so they're still on the garage bookshelf. So maybe that's priceless in that no one wants them.

Seems that even the newest versions of VCDS are hit or miss on non VAG OBDII.

In reply to codrus:

We currently just have the one Jetta. SWMBO is so enamored with modern diesel performance and fuel economy, she has proclaimed many times that our next car should also be a diesel. I'm going to have to remove the Volvo from DD duty sooner that I'd like. Its ideal replacement would be a TDI Cup Edition. We have no plan to get rid of the '09, dad also has an '04 Passat, and my sister has been waffling between a MkV Jetta gas burner and an S40 to replace her car. So there's some extra justification for owning the full version.

Thanks everyone for the info & advice!

• Lee

I have had Vag-Com / VCDS since 2000 when I bought my first Audi (still have it) and I bought a Bentley manual for it (as well as one for the S8 - sold - and the 2nd gen VW Golf - race car).

Worth every penny if you do your own work (or much of it).

While they seem expensive compared to generic manuals for old Detroit iron and common ODB2 testers, they are thorough for the product which is necessary if you want to do more than check your tire pressure and change oil.

For comparison we now own 2 Merc's a 2010 E550 and a 2012 Sprinter. The "manual" for them is a subscription service that can run $500 annually - each. MB has made it all but impossible (at least in the absence of someone in this MB space like Uwe Ross, who IS VCDS) to come up with a complete OBD tool like VCDS in the aftermarket and the factory scanner costs a fortune. In comparison the Bentley's and VCDS seem like bargains.

If you have or ever thing you'll need to work on a VW more then once, just get it.

I had an original ISO-COM I finally traded in for one of the new ones. It's amazing how far it's all come.

You want to borrow mine? I've used it once. Just pay shipping and maybe a deposit.

In reply to Enyar:

Thanks for the offer, but don't think I need it.

Autozone scanned codes and got two:

P13CE

P13DO

I know their little Actron Pocket scanner isn't as detailed as VAG-COM, but those codes and Google have me believing I need to replace Cyl #1 glow plug. They appear to be codes for bad cylinder pressure sensor, and said sensor is part of the glow plug.

• Lee

bigdaddylee82 wrote: In reply to Enyar: Thanks for the offer, but don't think I need it. Autozone scanned codes and got two: P13CE P13DO I know their little Acutron Pocket scanner isn't as detailed as VAG-COM, but those codes and Google have me believing I need to replace Cyl #1 glow plug. They appear to be codes for bad cylinder pressure sensor, and said sensor is part of the glow plug. - Lee

Identifix leads me to the same conclusion based on your codes.

My Mitchell On Demand log in from back when I was a Service Writer still works.

On Demand 5 said: P13CE Sensor for internal pressure of cylinder 1 Electrical malfunction. P13DO Sensor for internal pressure of cylinder 1 Implausible signal.

There's a step-by-step for glow plug replacement too, so I might not need that Bentley manual right away. Now I just need to find out if VAS 6454 is really a special socket I need, or if it's just a deep 12 pt.

• Lee

Had mine since 2004, worth every single penny.

My friend who lives across the street has one, which is the only reason I haven't bought my own yet. It is a great tool, plus you can do much more with it than just read codes.

Y'all have have convinced me, but VAG-Com isn't in the budget yet. After ordering a Bentley manual and the parts I need to remedy the CEL (CEBA glow plugs ain't cheap) I couldn't justify another $350 for VAG-Com.

• Lee

bigdaddylee82 wrote: Y'all have have convinced me, but VAG-Com isn't in the budget yet. After ordering a Bentley manual and the parts I need to remedy the CEL (CEBA glow plugs ain't cheap) I couldn't justify another $350 for VAG-Com. - Lee

In my area, the local Audi enthusiasts had a forum and we used it to "share" VAG-COM units for a few years, before everyone who needed one bought it. Using VW Vortex or one of the other VW/Audi enthusiast sites You might find someone local to you who has one and is willing to rent/loan it out occasionally.

So I don't have VAG-Com yet, but I had lunch with my folks last Sunday and dad says, "Do you have a scan tool? My CEL is on on the Passat." I put the bug in his ear, it may be a joint venture yet.

I did fix the Jetta though.

One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong...

The "Tome of VAG A5 Knowledge"

So I missed a slightly used Bentley manual on eBay that sold for $60, I was ticked, I completely forgot about it, I was going to try and snipe it. Found one on Amazon for about $74 which is still a great deal compared to most places.

While I haven't gotten VAG-Com yet, I did use some of my Amazon Rewards Points to pick up an Autel AL519 OBDII/CAN scan tool, it was able to pull the codes, and the Bentley manual told me what the VAG specific ones were, it also cleared the codes.

I know it's not a VAG-Com, but it was basically free, I was hoarding Rewards Points for Christmas, but now at least I've got a scan tool, and it works on my '95 Volvo too, those Swedes put a hybrid OBDI/II on my 850, there's a diag jumper box with a blinking light under the hood, and an OBDII port under the ash tray.

• Lee

VAG-Com sounds like something from Curtis' thread.