What is Vcds

Mka306

A2OC Donor
Hello all you knowledgable A2 nuts (myself now included) could someone please explain what the vcds is and how I can get and use it. I gather it reads the ecu and fault codes but I only have a general code reader that I used on my Vauxhall insignia and I don't know if I can use it on the A2??
 
VCDS is software almost identical to the software that Audi uses to diagnose faults by interrogating the modules sensors and onboard computers of the car. It is THE software package to have for the A2. Generics pretty much vague to useless and do not give the Audi codes.
 
VCDS is software almost identical to the software that Audi uses to diagnose faults by interrogating the modules sensors and onboard computers of the car. It is THE software package to have for the A2. Generics pretty much vague to useless and do not give the Audi codes.
I assume when you say software it's on a laptop?
 
Yes on a laptop or a desktop if you have a long lead! Do not need anything fancy I run it on laptop with XP and one with Windows 10, just needs a USB port. Lite is free to download from Ross Tech all you need is a compatible ebay lead £10 this can then be registered if needed for about £75 may be more now or you can get more expensive versions ( full fats ) with 3, 10 or unlimited VIN use. Check out their site for a bit more info.
 
Volkswagen Car Diagnostic Software is a pretty close description for it. Used to be known as Vag.com
 
Most of the VCDS cables on eBay say they need to run on Windows XP - is this the case or will they also run on Windows 10 - not easy to find an XP laptop these days!
 
Most of the VCDS cables on eBay say they need to run on Windows XP - is this the case or will they also run on Windows 10 - not easy to find an XP laptop these days!
My ebay cable runs fine on Windows 7 & 10. It's only the driver that may vary. Search for USB to Serial driver, for your operating system, and be sure to install the driver before plugging the cable in for the first time. If you don't, the pc will use a default USB driver, and that won't work. If you make that mistake, you'll have to remove the device (cable) and start again.
Mac.
 
Another option is OBDeleven if you have an android phone. It has similar functionality to VCDS Lite and can view the VW AG specific codes. I personally do not think it's functionality is as good as VCDS and the product support is not a patch on ross tech but it's handy as it does not require a laptop so can be handy for just keeping in the car
 
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