VCDS by Ross-Tech is a diagnostic software tool specifically designed for Volkswagen Group brands. Its name stands for VAG-COM Diagnostic System. As suggested by the name, it is a highly specialized tool, offering dealership-quality diagnostic functionality for regular consumers. This makes it much more capable than standard OBD-II scanners.

What Types of Vehicles Can Use VCDS?

As excellent as VCDS is, its only limitation is the vehicles that can utilize it, since it is dedicated to cars made under the Volkswagen Group umbrella. The vehicles in this group share many of the same components, but they have been given a dedicated name for their niche of cars.

The Volkswagen Group includes Audi, Bentley, Cupra, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda, and Volkswagen. Post-1990 vehicles from all these manufacturers can utilize the software thanks to the standardization of the OBD-II port in the automotive industry through the mid-1990s. Future Volkswagen Group vehicles will also be able to use VCDS since it relies on generic OBD-II and EOBD protocols to communicate with your vehicle's ECU.

VAG-COM vs. OBD-II Scanners?

a standard obd-ii scanner and rosstech hexnet

OBD-II scanners are universal in the sense that they accomplish the same thing, which is ​​​​identifying diagnostic codes. However, what differentiates Ross-Tech's software from other diagnostic tools is its remarkable functionality.

VCDS performs everything an OBD-II scanner can do, all while having access to functions only available to dealerships. This gives you access to all diagnostic-capable vehicle systems on your car, including anything from your engine components to climate controls. It also allows you to code in various changes that would normally only be possible in dealerships. The vast majority of universal scanners can't do this.

While you can use a traditional OBD-II scanner, it is clear that this isn't the ideal way to connect to these types of vehicles. This is because VCDS provides you with a plethora of information—a lot more than you would get with normal OBD-II scanners. With over 900 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to be found, properly diagnosing your VW Group car has never been easier.

Ross-Tech has a dedicated Wiki page that provides diagnostic codes, potential causes, and possible solutions to your problem. Since you won't have to blindly guess which component is bad on your vehicle, this will ultimately save you time, money, and effort.

VCDS Features

all the modules you can scan with VCDS

The many features that VCDS provides you with are what set this diagnostic software apart from the rest. It allows you to scan every possible module in your car, from your HVAC system to your electronics.

Using its Measuring Block feature, you can closely monitor anything from your engine's sensors to its timing angle. This feature is especially beneficial when you are testing your internal components, which cannot otherwise be accomplished without physically checking the component itself.

Ross-Tech's VAG-COM: Cost Breakdown

Ross-Tech offers a few different packages for different types of users. Since VCDS is licensed software, each VCDS cable is VIN-locked, which means the cable is married to one vehicle (as each VIN is unique to one vehicle). For those who own multiple vehicles, there is an unlimited VIN cable, which allows you to connect to as many cars as you want. This is ideal for those who work in the car industry or who like to tinker with European cars.

There are two VCDS versions: VCDS-Lite and fully-licensed VCDS. The former can be purchased for $99, which does not include the cost of the cable. VCDS-Lite is only capable of using K-Lines for communication, which means compatibility generally ends with vehicle models manufactured up to 2005.

The full version of VCDS can be purchased starting at $199, which gives you a HEX-V2 cable and access to three VINs. If you need it, this can be upgraded to ten VINs for an additional $100.

For fully-fledged hobbyists, VCDS with an unlimited VIN cable (HEX-NET) can be purchased starting at $449. This gives you access to unlimited vehicles from models dating back to 1990, along with the ability to connect to HEX-NET wirelessly through Wi-Fi.

Ross-Tech's VCDS Software

Despite the great advancements in automotive technology, diagnosing a pesky vehicle is never truly easy. While standard OBD-II scanners can point you in the right direction, more advanced software like Ross-Tech's VAG-COM (VCDS) can truly dissect the information your car can provide.

From diagnosing your engine control management system to your climate control, identifying what's wrong with your vehicle is as simple as clicking a few buttons. With dealership-like software, this makes Ross-Tech's VCDS software essential for any Volkswagen or Audi.