What is VAG-Com?
It is a Windows® based diagnostic software suite written by Ross-Tech for the VAG platform of vehicles (VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda)
What cable do I need?
You will need an interface cable that connects to the vehicles on-board diagnostic connector. The genuine cable can be purchased from the Ross-Tech web site or one of their authorised distributors, these cables will have built in activation for the software which enables you to use the latest versions automatically.
There are “dumb cables” available through sites like Ebay that don’t have activation built in and will only work on versions of VAG-Com prior to version 5, un-activated these cables allow the software to be used in shareware mode with reduced functionality but the software can be activated through the Ross-Tech web site to give the full functionality of the version.
Ross-Tech does state that only versions 7.xx and newer of the software is Windows Vista® compatible.
What is the difference between the Shareware version and the registered version?
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VAS-505x $4-15k (VW Computer)
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VAG-COM Shareware
Release 311 or 409
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VAG-COM Fully Registered V5.x - Current Release
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00 Auto-Scan
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No
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Yes
|
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01 Control Unit Info
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Yes
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Yes
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02 Read Fault Codes
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Limited
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Yes
|
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03 Output Tests
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No
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Yes
|
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Selective Output Tests
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No
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Yes
|
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04 Basic Settings
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No
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Yes
|
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05 Clear Fault Codes
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Yes
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Yes
|
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06 Close Controller
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Yes
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Yes
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07 Code Module
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Yes
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Yes
|
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Code Slave Modules
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No
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Yes
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08 Measuring Blocks
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Limited
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Yes
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09 Single Reading
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Yes
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Yes
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10 Adaptation
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Limited
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Yes
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11 Login
(called Coding II under KWP-2000)
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Yes
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Yes
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15 View Readiness
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Yes
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Yes
|
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16 Security Access
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No
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Yes
|
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18 Supported Codes
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No
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Yes
|
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33 Generic OBD-II
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No
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Yes
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Freeze-Frame Data
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No
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Yes
|
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Dual K-Line Support
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Yes
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Yes
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7-Digit PINs (VAS only)
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No
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Yes
|
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Code Database current through MY 2007
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Limited
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Yes
|
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Diagnostics via direct CAN connection
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No
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Yes
(with CAN Interface)
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Transport Mode (VAS Only)
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No
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Yes
(with HEX+CAN Interface)
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Advanced Measuring Blocks
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No
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Yes
|
|
Data Logging
(Factory tools cannot do this!)
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Limited
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Yes
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HighSpeed DataLogging
(Factory tools cannot do this!)
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No
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Yes
|
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Real-Time Graphs
(Factory tools cannot do this!)
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Limited
|
Yes
|
|
Real-Time Gauges
(Factory tools cannot do this!)
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Limited
|
Yes
|
|
Graphic TDI Timing Checker
(Factory tools cannot do this!)
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No
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Yes
|
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Control Module Finder
(Factory tools cannot do this!)
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Yes
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Yes
|
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(mis)Guided Fault Finding
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No
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No
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|
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Which cable do I need for my car?
To check which cable you will need for your car check this web page on the Ross-Tech web site. Generally there are two types of cable, the Key cable(K Line communication) and the CAN cable(Can Bus Communication). The MK4 platform uses the KEY cables and the MK5 platform uses the CAN cables which is also backwards compliant with the older KEY system so the one CAN based interface can be used on both platforms.
What interface should I get, COM port or USB?
If you're using a modern PC running Windows XP or Vista, then you should probably get a USB interface. Although USB interfaces are no faster than serial versions, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new PC's with serial ports, so a USB interface is more future-proof , also COM ports are not supported under Windows Vista®
Can I use my Vag-Com cable with VAG-Tacho software?
No, VAG-Tacho uses a proprietary interface that activates the software in a similar way that the Vag-com interface activates the software.
Where can I find diagnostic procedure and search for what the fault codes mean?
The Ross-Tech Wiki site has diagnostic procedures and fault code references.
Can I enable miles to empty or auto windows using Vagcom?
NO - These functions can't be enabled using Vagcom as they need other software and cables to perform the modifications. Miles to empty can be done via Vagtacho and a dedicated cable where as auto windows needs a serial ODB cable and a laptop with a COM port to run VDS Pro in DOS mode.
HTH
Neil