Diagnostic Software for European Automobiles

 
881 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale PA 19446, USA

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Current Version for customers with High-Tech
HEX, KEY, KII or Micro-CAN Series Interfaces

Copyright Notice:

VCDS is Copyright 2000-2009 by Uwe M. Ross.   All rights are reserved.   De-compilation,  disassembly, reverse-engineering, alteration, use as a reference tool for the purpose of developing a product with similar functionality, and re-distribution in any form without the prior written consent of the author is prohibited.

Disclaimer:

By downloading this software, you acknowledge that this Program is provided "as is" and "with all faults, defects and errors" and that all use of the Program is at your own full risk.    It has been extensively tested, but we cannot guarantee it will work correctly with every system in every car.  We will make our best effort to fix any bugs and to enhance the program, but we specifically disclaim any liability for damage to your computer or your car, and we do not promise to have any particular enhancements available on any specific date.

Instructions:

  • Download the self-installing distribution file. 

  • Run it and follow the prompts to allow it to install itself. 

  • You must install VAG-COM on your PC's hard disk!

    • It may not work properly if you try running it directly from other media.   

    • However, you can use other media such as a CD or USB memory key to move the distribution file from a PC with internet access to another PC that does not have internet access.

  • Connect an appropriate interface between the computer and the car.

  • Turn the car's ignition switch ON.  No need to start the engine.

  • Start the VAG-COM program:

    • Click [Options] and select the correct communications port. 

    • Use [Test] to confirm that the program can use the port and find the interface. 

    • Then [Save]. 

  • Now Play.  Make sure the software can reliably access all the control modules that it should in your car.    See our Application Charts.   Query Fault Codes from some modules.

  • Please check back frequently for updates!  If you want to be notified of updates via e-mail, please subscribe to the VAG-COM-Announce mailing list.

Release Notes:

  • Release 908 must be used with a HEX-, KEY-, KII-, or Micro-CAN "high-tech" Interface.  

  • The default installation folder is C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\   

    • It is essential NOT to install in the \Program Files\ tree in on systems running Windows Vista.

  • Compatibility of HEX interfaces with 3rd-Party Software:   

    • New firmware introduced in this cycle boots HEX interfaces in "intelligent mode" rather than the "dumb pass-through mode that was used previously.  This is necessary for compatibility with the new 6J Ibiza chassis and also speeds up the determining what modules are installed in current cars.   However, it may cause compatibility issues with 3rd-party applications.

    • Work-around:  If you want to use a 3rd-Party application, plug the interface into a car and your PC, go to the Options Screen and click [Test].   After the interface is identified, uncheck the "Boot in intelligent mode" checkbox, and click [Test] again, then [Save].   Once you've done this, the interface will boot in "compatibility mode" again, and should work with whatever 3rd-party apps it did before, however, it will not work on the 6J Ibiza in that state, and detecting what modules are installed in current models will be noticeably slower.   

  • Driver Versioning Issue:

    • The USB drivers shipped with some previous Releases reported an incorrect version -- much higher than it should have been. When you install the new drivers that come with this version, Windows will probably complain that they are older than the ones which are already installed. You must answer "Yes" when asked if you want to replace the files anyway. Previous versions of VCDS may also complain that the new drivers are outdated. This can and should be ignored.

  • To remove other old versions:
    • Versions prior to Release 704, simply delete the shortcuts from your Start menu and
      Desktop and delete the folder(s) where the program was installed..     

    • Release 704 and newer may be uninstalled using Windows' Add/Remove Programs or by running the
      uninstall.exe program in the C:\Ross-Tech\VAG-COM-Beta folder.

Important: Please read the following:
Problems & Issues Page

The Current version is:
Release 908.1
Data Version 20091018

Universal Installer
for all HEX, KEY, KII and MicroCAN series interfaces,
and for all versions of Windows, from 98 through 7



Digitally signed self-installing .EXE file ~5.7 MB

However, if you're using a "low-tech" interface,
in other words anything other than a genuine Ross-Tech
HEX, KEY, KII or Micro-CAN series interface,
Click here for for our download archives page
where you'll find older versions for "dumb" interfaces.

     Also Available:  
Beta 912.0
Click here for complete details

All distributions include the VAG-Scope and TDI Timing Checker "Plug-Ins"

Additional handy links:

VAG-COM Revision History

Interactive On-Line Manual

We also have an 88 sheet Printable Manual that you can download.

Printable Manual ( ~2.4 MB)
Download PDF Format VAG-COM Manual
(Right-Click on the above link and select "Save Target As..")
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the Manual,
if you don't have it you can get it here

You should tell your PDF reader to "Fit to Printable Area" or use similar instructions
 when printing in order to make the images and text as legible as possible.


Home 
    Products   
        VCDS  
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Current Version   Archives    USB Driver Installation Instructions 

Unless otherwise noted, all content on this site is Copyright © 2000-2009 by Ross-Tech LLC.  All rights reserved.
"VCDS" is a Registered Trademark of Ross-Tech, LLC.   
Ross-Tech is not affiliated with the Volkswagen Group in any way.