Cars that have been manufactured in recent
years have electronic interfaces that can be accessed with special software.
In
the past, only mechanics could access these, and the manufacturers of vehicles
kept it quiet. Now, anyone can purchase adapters and scanners that pull
information out of vehicles.
There are a lot of options that you can consider in
regard to work within on board diagnostic tools, but if you have a specific
vehicle type, you may not be able to get a generic solution.
You may need to
use something like VAG-COM to work on specific vehicles.
Understanding
OBD Options
First and foremost, you’ll need to
understand what an OBD system is. This stands for on board diagnostics. There
are a lot of solutions that you can find by simply searching for OBD-II online.
You’ll find that there are solutions that are handheld, some that are attached
to computer systems, smartphones, and tablets.
Whichever you decide to use,
many generic options exist that can tap into the car type you have. However,
they are not completely universal.
Unfortunately, you’ll find that generic
options only go with consoles with systems that have ECU and are generic in
nature. In fact, you’re going to be able to get all the information you want
with generalized, cloned, or DIY OBD solutions.
You’ll need to buy brand
specific or manufacturer specific solutions.
Introducing
VAG-COM
If you have never heard of the VAG-COM
diagnostic system, or the VCDS, then you will find this to be quite
fascinating.
In 2000, Ross Tech LLC built a software that worked with specific
vehicles for the purpose of OBD scanning.
They focused on working with the
diagnostics and adjustments of Volkswagen Group cars. That included Audi, SEAT,
SKODA, and the traditional Volkswagen offerings that were sold.
Before Ross
Tech LLC built this software for specific use with Microsoft systems, only
dealers were allowed to have such tools.
In fact, dealers never sold the items to
consumers, and therefore you could not fix, or diagnose any problems without
visiting an authorized dealership and automotive shop.
However, after 2,000 the
software was released, and updates have been going strong for some time,
including an update that went out on March 20, 2019
The stable release is the
19th version of the software, and it comes in a variety of
languages, and options.
What
Makes VAG-COM Different
Unlike other on board diagnostic scanners
and tools, you’ll find that this is specific to the cars of the Volkswagengroup. By only working with one type of vehicle’s electronic unit, you’ll be
able to get more information than generic or cloned options.
Generic solutions
give you an overall code that is the same across several cars. That’s not the
case with this solution. This solution goes in depth to diagnose everything
about the vehicle that you plug into.
You’ll find that you can replace timing,
control fuel injection, even work with door locks, and more. You can diagnose
problems associated with the electronics, the car tuning, and just about
anything that is attributed to the car that you have.
This is not the same
thing that generic OBD solutions can offer, which is why many are looking at
this option.
Working
With Generic Protocols
With the latest updates, you’ll find that
the VCDS option now works with vehicles that are usually only meant for generic
OBD-II protocols.
While they are limited in reach, you can still save money by
knowing the general issues that your car may have.
Generic protocols may have
vague codes, but they will help with identifying certain classes of problems.
For instance, if you hear a misfire from your engine, or it sputters. You may
get a code that tells you something is wrong with the ignition, or spark plugs.
Replacing these can be an easy fix. Another issue may be with the battery, and
therefore, you can change that up as well.
Getting notice about where or how
the car you’re driving is not doing so hot, can help you avoid having to go to
a garage and get a helping hand from a professional.
There’s nothing wrong with
going to a pro, but if you want to save money, why not fix things yourself?
VAG-COM
works with any vehicle that has an input for scanners and tools of this type,
but of course, it works best with specific makes and models.
Should
You Invest In VCDS
You may be wondering whether or not this is
a good option for your vehicle. You have to consider whether or not you have a
Volkswagen that has been made after 1996. If you do, then yes, purchase this
solution to get a lot of information about your vehicle, and even hack it.
When
you hook this up to your ECU, you’ll find that you can control everything, fine
tune the processes, and figure out what is wrong. You’ll know it all, and you
will be able to change the stock elements of your car to run the way you want
it to run.
Whether it’s for racing, or just fuel efficiency, you control the
way the car runs by simply using this system and changing things up.
Even if
you were to add a secondary part, you can calibrate it with this option so that
you don’t have adverse effects. If you have a Volkswagen, you owe it to
yourself to pick up one of these tools.
What
If You Don’t Have a Volkswagen?
For those that don’t have a Volkswagen, car
tuning will not be possible with this. You’ll need to get an option that is
more specific to your make or model.
VCDS from Ross Tech LLC is NOT made to
help with adjustments to the ECU or in-depth diagnostics systems.
That’s what
makes this different than others. Don’t go this route. If you do not have a
specific make or model, then you will have limited use of this option, even
though it may help you find out a few things about your car.
It’s limited, so
it’s essentially only meant for certain cars, and that’s it.
