was looking for information on VagCom, and just need some clarification. From what i understand, all it is is a data cable running from the data-port in the car, to a laptop with VagCom software. NO? I see a lot of kits online with the date cable and a CD with the software on it. is that all i need? seems to good to be true for a functional scan-tool.

 

that is the way that it works. the expensive version licensed cable has an eeprom (chip) in it that allows full functionality of the software. The inexpensive cables that you see use the freeware version of the software, with limited functionality (still does quite a bit). However, when you use one of the inexpensive cables you are not guaranteed any fucntionality whatsoever (several instances of people who have never gotten their cheap cables to work)

 

So what would i be looking at buying if i wanted to be able to see live data while im driving the car around? can i access that function with the cheap version? or do i need to spend the buck on the expensive version? And, can i use the vagcom to clear CEL/MIL codes?

 

VAG-COM is a very powerful tool, I'd HIGHLY recommend getting the full legit version. It was one of the first things I bought for my A4 and has probably been the most used piece of equipment for my car.

It can clear whatever code you want, on any module. Clearing a CEL is a simple matter of accessing the engine module (ECU) and clicking "Fault Codes" and then "Erase codes". Just keep in mind that any time you clear codes in the ECU it resets the fuel trims and readiness parameters (the self-check tests the ECU performs for emissions compliance).

 

There are knockoff cables that work just as well as the real thing, they use the exact same hardware and it makes the software think you have a real cable. I won't post what it's called though because the legality of it is kind of a gray area and I might get in trouble for linking to it, but they are readily available from the same places you can get knockoff cables. I have one and it's great, everything worked out of the box and it only cost me $60.

 

Ya if I'm honest, I could care less if it's the "legit" vagcom cable or not. Bu I would like to get the real deal software. So does anyone know if you can see live data while driving the car? And where can I get this "legit" vagcom setup?

 

You sure can! You are able to log the data as well, it's become one of the things I do whenever I change something in my engine's setup.

This is the cable I use:
Ross-Tech Store: VCDS License with KII-USB Interface

 

I feel you are better off going with the Vag-Com Cable. The software is downloaded for free & they have excellent tech support.

As far as the live data , yes you can monitor live data in just about all systems if not all.

 

Knockoff cables come with a cd that has drivers and software, everything's there for a fraction of the price. In fact my cable looks exactly like the one linked above, right down to the location of the LED, the only difference is the sticker.

 

alright thanks guys. i think that pretty much answers any questions i had