VCDS Frequent Issues

Some issues come up quite regularly with VCDS:

What is VCDS?

• VCDS is the VAG-COM Diagnostic System, made by Ross-Tech in the USA.
  It's an aftermarket tool specifically for VAG (VW, Audi, Seat & Skoda) cars, and offers near dealer-level diagnostic coverage for a fraction of the price of the dealer tool.

What computer do I need?

Ross-Tech's current system requirements are listed here. Essentially they are:

• Windows PC, running Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 (Windows 10 recommended)
• Dual-core CPU
• 4GB RAM
• Approx. 250MB disk space

Will it work on a Mac?

• No (unless you dual-boot Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp).

Which package is right for me?

• We have a handy VCDS Package Chooser for that.

What about VIN limits?

Ross-Tech have always wanted to be able to offer home users and enthusiasts the same features and coverage as a professional using VCDS to work on customer cars in a garage, while charging them less to reflect the way the tool is used.

Modern VW Audi Group cars offer their VIN electronically, giving Ross-Tech the opportunity to limit the number of cars the tool can be used on, rather than limiting what the user can do with those cars.

The Home User and Enthusiast packages can be used with full functionality on 3 and 10 cars respectively.
There are also basic functions you can run on an unlimited number of cars 'for free':

• Fault code reading & clearing
• Viewing Measuring Blocks (live sensor data)
• Auto Scan
• Create Channel Maps

For more details see the VIN-Limited Interface FAQ on the official Ross-Tech Forums.

Unregistered runs left?

HEX-V2 and HEX-NET interfaces have to be registered (for free) with Ross-Tech within the first 14 uses. If not registered, all functions except registration will be disabled until registration is completed.
Ross-Tech have walk-through videos explaining the registration process on their YouTube channel:

• HEX-V2, getting registered
• HEX-NET, getting registered

Important Coverage Notes:

• Many 2020 and newer model year VAG vehicles are fitted with an SFD diagnostic firewall, which prevents full function coverage without a security token obtained from VW. VCDS cannot obtain these tokens (yet).
  For more details see our SFD help page.
  
  
• The HEX-V2 packages do NOT offer Lamborghini coverage, which is only available with the HEX-NET.
  
  
• Coverage for the Mk1 Volkswagen Crafter / LT3 (2006-2017 model, 2E/2F chassis) is not as comprehensive as other VAG models, as the diagnostics systems are based on the Mercedes Sprinter.
  Ross-Tech have some function information on this page, but if you require coverage for a specific function we would recommend posting a question on the Ross-Tech forums (including the VIN of the vehicle) before purchasing to check support.
  
  
• VCDS does not support the new Volkswagen Amarok Mk2 (2022 onwards).
  This is a Ford-based vehicle and requires Ford diagnostic software, such as FCOM
  
  
• VCDS does not support the new Volkswagen Transporter (2024 onwards), often (incorrectly) referred to as the T7.
  The VW T7 is the Multivan / California which is produced by VW, and works with VCDS.
  However, the new Transporter has branched off and is now produced by Ford, as a re-badged Transit Custom. These will NOT work with VCDS.