Hey guys

Well, I am getting sick of not being able to get my car checked for codes, so.....after thinking about it.....I wanna buy a VAG-COM. I know basically how to get it and how it works but I have a few specific questions.

I plan on calling Ross-Tech on Monday but I wanna get some background stuff first. I hope you guys can help out a little bit. Any input would be great.

First off, I have a 01 2.8 so how much should i expect to have to pay for a complete VAG-COM system?

I have a feeling that Ross-Tech will try and sell me their Pro-set for $600 (ya right) so I want to know what I really only need. Just the software and cable?

I have a 3 year old HP laptop, and I know it SHOULD work fine, but does VAG-COM plug into laptops via USB or with what?

Also, 1 more, I know VAG-COM reads codes, but does it also diagnose those codes, tell you whats wrong, and then fix it? What are the limitations that VAG-COM has?

I know this is a lot to ask and I plan on asking Ross-Tech the same questions, but I figure that it would be good to hear these from the CONSUMERS instead of just the SELLER (Ross-Tech).

Thanks in advance guys.....this REALLY helps out.

Peace

 

you only need the cable and the software and you don't need CAN, only if you want to scan newer cars. you can read all sensor outputs and compare them to OEM and thats how you diagnose the DTC's. but it won't just tell you what to do. if you sign up at alldata, they have step by step guided fault finding. they sell 2 different versions of the cable, one to connect to a serial port and the other for USB

 

hey thanks chaos, i love the center caps btw

 

I don't think they support the serial version any more do they?

 

you can get a serial (or USB) cable off ebay and just get the software license. the cable is just a connection, the software is what your paying for.

 

What I got was: The software from Ross-tech. which cost $99 and the cable off Ebay 20$.

It works great, you can basically do the same as the one that Ross-tech sells, BUT there are some limitations.
I can't access to all the modules (maybe only in my case, but I have read other posts with the same issue)

At the end you get what you pay for.lol I would say if you just want it to diagnostic and clear codes, get the Ebay cable, if you'd like to go more advanced get the original cable from Ross-tech. http://www.ross-tech.com/Merchant2/m...ry_Code=VAGCOM


P.S. Don't get the the professional kit, unless you're starting a shop or something.


Gl

 

K so it sounds like i want the $99 software, but I want the cable from Ross-Tech too, how much is that?

 

If you get the Ross Tech cable, you do not need a license. Here how it works. You pay approx 250$ for the cable. When you plug the cable into the Vag Com software you have installed on your laptop, it recognizes the original Ross Tech cable, and enables the shareware version of the software to FULL version. This allows you to use your cable on any computer with the Vag Com software without a license.The ebay cable will not do this and you are stuck with shareware version unless you purchase a license for 99$.

I just got the ebay cable and I'm debating if I should just buy a license or the actual Ross Tech cable. ISramirez21 stated in this thread, there are there are some restrictions with using the ebay cable with the licensed full version. Does anyone have any more details or examples of what CAN"T be done with the full version and an ebay cable?

 

Ross-tech has excellent service. My 6 year old laptop can still use the software. I have the HEX+CAN version so I scan any VW/Audi with OBD2 (96+ I believe). I have a few friends with Audi's and VW's in the area. I'll probably end up getting a newer car eventually and it will still work.