Vag-com??

[beetlegirlvw]

Can someone provide specific info on the vag-com unit needed for vw? I think this would be a valuable purchase but don't know which one. On ebay there are some that work with a laptop but it didn't say anything about the software to run the thing. Is a code reader & the laptop setup the same? Differences? Please help! I am tired of getting ripped off by dealers. Thanks

[noR]

The bare minimum needed for a beetle that I would recommend would be a "VAG-COM License with KEY-USB Interface" ...

http://ross-tech.com/Merchant2/merch...ry_Code=VAGCOM

You can get some from ebay, but you won't get the support that you would if you buy from Ross Tech directly. If you think you'll be wanting something much more 'future proof' go for a HEX-USB+CAN. But our current beetles don't yet use a CAN bus... so right now it's overkill. (But awesome for a MkV vw.)

If you imagine sharing and pooling resources and you want something broad, it's probably worth the step up. After all, what does your dealership charge you for a simple 'Diag' scan?

There's alot of 'generic' scanners and a few shadey ones. But personally I'd just recommend you go straight to ross-tech for it.


Oh... software, it's free. Ross-tech provides free downloads, the 'security' is in the cable itself these days. If you have the cable you can download the software to any computer/laptop and use it. [not just YOUR computer/laptop]

They have an older style that still works as well; down in the $100 range; they're not quite as plug-n-play, and the software is criple w/o a liscense, but it's enough to see the code (not description) and clear them. I wouldn't recommend this though.

[ChristopherC]

Ditto, what noR said.

[bub]

I bought a USB Ross-Tech VAG-COM here on the Forum from a fellow member. Downloaded the free software off the Ross-Tech site. You'll need the $200 dongle to make it work.

Mine has already paid for itself resetting an airbag light and diagnosing a bad brakelight switch.

-CKB