Ok, first of all what is VAG-COM or VCDS? VAG-COM is a cable Interface that plugs into the car’s OBD port. And VCDS is the Windows based software that is developed by RossTech – which uses this Interface to log into car’s ECU diagnostics computer.
Hence it’s a diagnostic software that will diagnose vehicles with VAG engines, meaning it covers nearly allAudi, Volkswagen Seat and Skoda models. It also works on non-VAG vehicles, but is limited to generic OBD2 system of Engine and Transmission.
VAG cars have been scannable (starting out with OBD1) since 1990’s. Therefore if you have a VW or Audi that was assembled from 1990 to present – you can immediately and safely use the VAGCOM-VCDS diagnostic tool.
May 18, 2019 VAG-COM is a software package for Windows that emulates the functions of the dealers' very expensive proprietary scan tools. VAG-COM is the first aftermarket VAG-Tool. Is fully compatible with all VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda models through 2009. VAG COM compatible all VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda models through the current model year,VAGCOM include models using a direct CAN connection for diagnostics. Full Version software, free download Vag 409 VAG.VAG KKL 409.1 VAG-COM 409.1 KKL Software Download VAG KKL 409.1 is. Here is the free download link for you VAG-COM 409.1 KKL Software. The full glance of.In addition you'll need to pay extra to upgrade free VCDS-Lite software to full version. Free download link of vag KKL 409.1 software. Our website provides a free download of VAG-COM 10.6.1. The most frequent installer filenames for the program include: VagCom.exe, VAG-COM311DE.exe, vcds.exe, VC-SEF-Beta 711l.exe and vcds1061.exe etc. The following versions: 10.6, 4.0 and 3.1 are the most frequently downloaded ones by the program users.
A car owner/mechanic can use the VCDS system for virtually all the functions that the dealer diagnostic tools can perform.
Before the owners of a vehicle had no option but to take their vehicles to a dealership to run the diagnostics… but now with VAG-COM… the smaller independent workshops, or DIY’er can perform key functions using vehicle’s onboard computer technology.
The type of diagnostics that can be done range from engine related problems such as diesel ignition timing to coding a new electronic control unit (ECU).
The VCDS diagnostic system uses a more detailed manufacturer protocol commands and allows the user to access all the diagnostics that have been installed in the vehicle provided it is a Volkswagen or Audi.
Uses of Ross-Tech VAGCOM / VCDS
On of the key components to good vehicle maintenance, repair or upgrade is to make sure that you have the right tools and know how to use them.
Using the VAG-COM diagnostic tool will show you the state of your engine, how it is performing and then you can make the required adjustments to ensure that your car runs as economical as possible and reliably.
- There are lots of car enthusiast that like to check if the car is running according to the original OEM specifications… and doing the diagnostics using the VAG-COM with a VW or Audi… will do exactly that.
- A person generally knows when a vehicle is not running right and often the symptoms are obvious with bad idling, struggling to start and loss of power. Using diagnostic systems will show exactly where the problem lies letting you do the required repairs and getting it back to its best performance.
- Sometimes modifications need to be made to get the optimum performance and using the VAG-COM before and afterwards will show what the improvements are after the Volkswagen or Audi engine has been modified.
How it works
It uses the OBD-II on-board diagnostic system which is part of the engine operating parameters. This however, requires to be decoded and that is exactly what the VAG-COM software does for the Audi and Volkswagen engines.
It then codes them into 4 character codes which are simple to understand and each one is related to the performance of the vehicle.
There are thousands of different codes and by using the VCDS system it will direct you to exactly where the problem is lying.
In short, if you have a Volkswagen or an Audi there you no longer the need to guess what is wrong with the car or doing modifications by trial and error.
The great thing about the VAG-COM diagnostic system a person no longer has to visit the dealer and pay an astronomical price for the service but you can do it right from your home.
How to Use the VCDS Software
After the software has been downloaded onto your laptop… start the VCDS from the shortcut icon on your computer and the main screen will appear. It will show all the options that are available.
Plug the cable into the car and to the laptop and turn the ignition on.
Go to the options menu and it will show the tab port and protocol options.
Then you select the port or USB that it is connected to. Press the test button and the test window will show. If the message ok’s, the software is ready to use!
To test the vehicle you will need the cable that plugs into the car and the plug is in the vehicle cab normally placed somewhere in the dash of the car.
Scanning for Faults
Once the scanning screen is accessed then it will require the chassis number.
Each chassis number have different control modules that exist across the VW and Audi range and with newer cars, there are more control modules and the reason why the chassis number is important is that not one of the cars have all the modules.
The newer models that have a full CAN diagnostic system a person can use the auto detect function of the software.
The VAG-COM directory has a file for all the vehicle profiles and it can be edited if you press the hyperlink above the chassis type.
If you are not sure of which controllers you have in your car you can use the control module finder.
Press the start and the auto scan will start. This process can take a while but after it is completed the lines that are printed in Red are where there are faults.
You click on these and the fault codes can be cleared. depending on the fault it is important the necessary repairs have been carried out.
Using the Codes to Modify the Vehicle
Using fuel trim as an example the VAG-COM will check the current status of the fuel trim and in this case, you need to check the appropriate group for the vehicle.
For modern vehicles, you can check the repair manual for the particular module.
Once you have accessed the code you will find two percentages. The first percentage is when the car is idling and the second percentage is when the car is operating at faster speeds.
Negative figures indicate that the vehicle is running too rich and the oxygen sensor is, therefore, closing the injectors to soon.
Positive values are the engine is running too lean and the opposite effect will take place with the injector control.
After that, you can adjust the trim as per the factory manual.
There will very seldom be zeros in both the fields and if there are you have probably cleared the values.
One of the advantages of using the VAG-COM diagnostic system is that you have the flexibility to do readings of the various sensors in real time.
Firstly you need to choose the modules and generally, these modules are all listed under the engine option.
By using the features you are able to log more than one group at a time. These can include the air mass meter diagnosis, vehicle speed but that is generally just for interest and coolant intake and temperature which is a good way to compare the revs against the vehicle speed.
To use some examples
Vagcom Vw Software Free Software
Using Block 115 there will be readings in column 3 and 4 which will be the requested boost and the actual boost. The ECU is programmed to control the turbo waste gate to achieve close to the requested boost.
Therefore when the car is at full throttle then the deviation should at no time be higher than 100 millibars. If the deviation is higher than that then there could be a problem.
Just like block 120 you can measure the amount of torque and compare the readings to other parameters such as the boost and duty cycle. If all these three factors are strong then the car is running well.
If the boost is too low then there could be a pressure loss such as the clamps or if there are any cracks. If it does not solve the problem then you will need to troubleshoot the system.
Some Tips for Data Logging
Setting up the vehicle: make sure that the air conditioning is off. If you have traction control then turn that off as well and make sure that all the car windows are up. It is important to note that if the car was running on a different octane fuel before the test then run it as low as possible and put the fuel that you would like to test the vehicle with. Drive the car for at least 15 km to make sure that the last of the fuel is used up.
At what speeds to drive: The runs are generally done in full throttle and in 4th gear. The revs start at 1500 rpm to red line. If speed is a problem then use a lower gear and do the run that way.
A number of runs: There should be no less than 4 runs and each run will cover certain logs in order for you to ensure that you get the engine information to enable you to make repairs or modifications. It is important to note that the engine should be at operating temperature before you start logging and that you use the same stretch of road.
Setting up the computer: The data that is being logged should be in the advanced measuring block which you will find in the Engine Controller Interface. The next step is to activate the turbo mode so that you get a good data sampling rate. Make sure that you get the data feedback in numerical data and not in graphs. You are able to export the required data in CSV format.
Below are some screen shots that show you how to set up the computer.
Each round is used for the different analyses with the first one being the analyses between the boost and fuelling.
You get the results from the data read out which include a total of 12 items. These are:
- The speed of the engine
- Any misfires
- The lambda value
- The accelerator pedal position
- What the throttle angle is
- The timing
- The fuel pressure at the time
- N75 Duty Cycle
- The boost pressure which is specified
- The boost pressure that was achieved
- The rail pressure which is specified
- The actual rail pressure
Each of the rounds is for different diagnostics and these include Boost and timing, MAF load and Misfire specific.
Output Tests
This is the measuring of data when it is available from the specific module in question. To do the output tests using the VCDS click on the “start button” or “Activate” depending which module is being used.
Aspects that need to be taken into consideration when doing output tests is that:
- The outputs that are tested and in which sequence will depend on the modules and not the diagnostic tester. To find out the sequence refer to the factory repair module.
- Once the test has been started and you would like to go back then clicking “Done, Go Back” will take you back to the Open Controller function screen.
- Most modules will only allow sequence testing only once per session. Even though the VCDS system will allow you to go back to the previous screen the sequence is still running. But it will probably not allow you to run the testing sequence again. However, there is a method of doing it manually.
- Some output tests might need additional actions and as an example, if you want to run a test on the injectors the accelerator pedal needs to be pressed before the test will begin
- Most of these test are only available when the engine is not running.
- The message “short to ground” is normal.
There are a few warnings that need to be taken into consideration when doing output tests.
- Never try and do output tests while the car is being driven. By doing output tests while it is in motion can have dire consequences. The ABS brakes, for example, could be disabled and then activated causing one wheel at a time being locked and unlocked.
- Before anyone ventures in doing output tests, it is recommended that the repair manual is read and thoroughly understood so that you know what to expect.
- If you try and do output tests on the Airbag you could get a warning saying that the car might not start and asking if you would like to proceed.
Summary of the Advantages
Anyone who has a workshop can now have access to VCDS diagnostic tools. If you own or service Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda or Seat… and you want to make sure that the cars perform at their best then doing the diagnostics are a crucial part of the service.
You could be an enthusiast who services their own vehicles and with the VAG-COM diagnostic tool will ensure that you will get the ultimate performance from the car
Following are the diagnostics and capabilities of using the VCDS system:
- Gain OEM quality access to all the diagnostics for VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars (including Bentley) and they do not have to be modern but any model manufactured from 1990 to current can have diagnostics done using the VAG-COM system.
- Able to scan for over 19,000 fault codes and reset them.
- Through the module coding system the modules can be coded which was only possible by using factory level tools before.
- You can do modifications that are specific to the country that you live in such as seat belt chimes, sunroof with remote and enable lap timer plus much more.
- One of the biggest advantages is to be able to get data logging while driving and checking the performance of the engine making sure that it is always giving the best economical use of fuel etc.
- Diagnosing first when there is a failure in the vehicle which allows that the faulty part only is replaced.
To download and install the VAG-COM software only requires a computer and an Internet connection. The suppliers can advise which connecting devices to use but most of them whether they are Wi-Fi or USB connections will be able to work with most models that have been assembled in 1990 onwards.
Some, however, have a limit to a number of cars and if you are a workshop owner there are systems available that will diagnose an unlimited amount of cars.
Some accessories that might come in handy are:
- Getting a copy of the VCDS manual so that you can get started
- Purchase an HEX-NET interface and the frequently asked questions so that you can do your own troubleshooting if needed
- An OBD-II right angle extension cable if you would like to ensure that the diagnostic tool is connected away from the driver’s feet and legs.
- Have a USB extension cable so that the VCDS can be connected to the car and the computer.
- If the car was manufactured before 1995 then as part of the accessories is a 2 x 2 adapter to connect to the OBD-II which is being used with the current diagnostic tools.
Conclusion
The great feature of the modern cars is that they are fully computerised… and if you are an owner of an Audi or Volkswagen; having a VAG-COM diagnostic system will ensure that you can maintain the vehicle to operate at its peak performance which is in the long term a lot more economical.
What was once only available to the factory or dealer workshops is now available to everyone.
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