Vag Commander with VCDS cable

[caldy315]

Awhile back I was trying to make a couple of new keys for my car. Researching and asking a couple of questions, I learned the process. That said, no one said for sure if they could confirm if a genuine vag com cable would work with Vag commander to retrieve the SKC.

Has anyone successfully done this? I recently just go the cable (came today) and want to get a few extra keys made, but was unsure if this cable would work and don't want to brick anything. I don't have a blue ebay vag com cable and if I can do it with my Hex-CAN then it's one less thing I need to purchase.

Thanks

[rollerton]

I don't have a blue ebay vag com cable and if I can do it with my Hex-CAN then it's one less thing I need to purchase.

Thanks

Put VCDS to boot in "dumb" mode and Vag commander should run through a Hex Can, but by most accounts it won't run through a KII-Usb cable, wont run through mine anyway.
So- you should be good to go.

[Myst420]

I can't speak for the genuine cables, but I know the cheap ebay ones work.

[diagnosticator]

Awhile back I was trying to make a couple of new keys for my car. Researching and asking a couple of questions, I learned the process. That said, no one said for sure if they could confirm if a genuine vag com cable would work with Vag commander to retrieve the SKC.

Has anyone successfully done this? I recently just go the cable (came today) and want to get a few extra keys made, but was unsure if this cable would work and don't want to brick anything. I don't have a blue ebay vag com cable and if I can do it with my Hex-CAN then it's one less thing I need to purchase.

Thanks

As "rollerton" mentioned, you need to set VCDS to use "dumb" mode on the cable. Do this by Un-checking the "Boot in intelligent mode" box in VCDS Options Settings tab, then close and restart VCDS, then close VCDS again. Next, open the other application and see if it connects.

[caldy315]

Alright, I posted this thinking I had everything ready. Realized I never downloaded the Vag K-Can Commander software from a PM from a member. Now that link doesn't work. The link in my bookmarks is bad too. Can anyone shoot me a link to a download?

[caldy315]

Alright this appears that it's not going to work in my favor. I downloaded Commander 2.5 and installed it. When I open it, it asks for a COM Port number 3-6. Not knowing much about computers, I know that my Hex-CAN is a USB device and if I understand right, doesn't use COM ports. I pick an arbitrary port, and keep on. I select K line, go to ECU and click the second option just as Imnuts steps are in his tutorial. On the bottom it says can't connect, trying 3 times or something to that effect. Can anyone explain what I'm doing wrong? Can't seem to get my head around what port I'm in, and what needs to be selected in Commander. This is the tutorial I'm following

https://sites.google.com/site/imnuts/


EDIT: I see that you have to have the cord emulate a COM Port with virtual com port. I installed the drivers and now it looks like it's working as a COM port. In the morning I'll check to see if everything worked as I want it to.

[caldy315]

To close the loop, it was something with my computer or the version of vag commander I installed. Worked on another computer. So you can use at least a HEX-USB+CAN VCDS cable in dumb mode with Vag Commander. Make sure to download the VCP (virtual COM port) drivers from Ross Tech and install/update drivers.

[mats17]

Hi all
I only joined Audizine recently but I really need some pointers. PLease! I've an 03 A4 (B6) 1.9 tdi.

In a nutshell. My instrument cluster somehow suffered electrical damage. Earlier this year I sent it to 2 of the 'best' cluster repair centres in the UK without any luck. I wasn't given much to go on except told it was beyond repair, and that they couldn't pull info off the processor or something to that effect. all along I've wanted to change my cluster for a matching cluster. Garages won't touch the job, in fact all but 1 VW/Audi garage, and he only said he'd fit Brand new. If he or the nearest Audi dealerships do it, it's too much ££ for me. I've got a matching donor cluster on the way via ebay, as I type, and the seller has given me the SKC code for this which will save me some hassle.

I bought a USB OBDII 409.1 Cable VAG-COM 409 cable from ebay. Works with the VCDS Vag com 409 it came with on a CD. I've also downloaded Vag K commander, vag tacho. I've only partially had some connection with Vag Commander 1.4. and no luck with vag tacho. Vag commander goes as far as allows me to select the cluster tab, but It doesn't retrieve any data, for any module in fact.

I'm assuming my cable may be set up slightly wrong? but I don't even know if it is hex can compatible or whatever?

Any ideas? Any pointers? Should Vag commander be able to get the SKC off the ECU do you think?
this is the cable I bought. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3509823321...84.m1439.l2649

I've got the SKC from the guy sending me th donor cluster. All I need Vag Commander to do is get the SKC for my cluster OR failing that hopefully get it off my ECU (if my cluster's memory, or chip is too damaged). Then swap clusters by Adaptation.

[mats17]

With Vag Commander, newer versions than V1.4 are available, I believe I tried V4.5 but got "target unit not responding". V1.4 at least seems to connect! It gets a little bit confusing with..is my B6 A4 'K-line' or CAN, etc. But basically, I seem to have some connection with Commander 1.4 although it hasn't produced the goods yet. There may be a slight difference in my cable and a Vag commander cable? (even as cheap ebay versions go that is) ?

I'll need to:
1) get my SKC from either the cluster(if poss) or from my ECU. I've been given the SKC code for the cluster I'm buying;
2) Swap clusters over / Key adaptation;
3) set mileage correct on the donor cluster. My mileage is more than double that of the donor!

[caldy315]

Just a few pointers although I'm relatively new to this too. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Vag commander is a program you downloaded. You can use your eBay cable or use a genuine Vcds vag com cable in dumb mode.

Hex can is the type of vcds cable I happen to own. This covers up to current Audis. You can get a older version that does up to the B6 but doesn't communicate over CAN bus like the new cars do.

From what I have read and been told, DO NOT TRY to read the cluster from vag commander. Apparently you can brick it from what I'm told. Do yourself a favor and try and find vag commander v2.5. It's a newer but not the newest version. Then search a member names "imnuts" on this forum. On the bottom in his signature he has a link that will walk you through getting the skc with vag commander FROM YOUR ECU.

I don't know if the two match as I only have my ecu skc. As well as I don't know how to do anything cluster wise, I'm just trying to make an additional key

[Myst420]

With Vag Commander, newer versions than V1.4 are available, I believe I tried V4.5 but got "target unit not responding". V1.4 at least seems to connect! It gets a little bit confusing with..is my B6 A4 'K-line' or CAN, etc. But basically, I seem to have some connection with Commander 1.4 although it hasn't produced the goods yet. There may be a slight difference in my cable and a Vag commander cable? (even as cheap ebay versions go that is) ?

I'll need to:
1) get my SKC from either the cluster(if poss) or from my ECU. I've been given the SKC code for the cluster I'm buying;
2) Swap clusters over / Key adaptation;
3) set mileage correct on the donor cluster. My mileage is more than double that of the donor!

Like Caldy mentioned, with an ebay cable you need Vag commander 2.5. Then follow imnuts directions here. Then follow Ross-Tech's directions on swapping clusters.

I myself am trying to figure out how I can get the SKC code from a donor cluster. I picked up a cheap Vag-Tacho cable, but it doesn't appear to work.

[mats17]

Thanks guys. Have been busy! Going to posting on this one as it could be of use to someone. Even if I don't post for a week or so at a time. I'm expecting the donor cluster hopefully over the next 3 days - then it's bank holiday here, so if it doesn't arrive I may not get it until midweek 7th May. I need to decide on, and order another cable I think, something that will utilise Vag Commander 2.5.

I clean remove the cable's driver files that it came with for VCDS KKL409. I then plug cable in, so XP can find the approriate drivers for USB serial 2.0, tell XP to include the Vag Commander drivers folder...but that doesn't work for some reason. So with my cable, so far, I have had limited connectivity with Commander when it was using the cable setup with the VCDS CD drivers that the cable came with.

I hope to clean get in via cable, retrieve my own SKC code, then swap over using VCDS.

Here's a video from Ross Tech - if you haven't seen it yet, well it may be of use, on Immobiliser 3 ECU and Cluster swapping -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5_51qeEyec

http://www.youtube.com/user/RossTechVCDS/videos

The guy who's sold me the cluster has tried to be helpful, but his approach is to swap the chips over on the clusters - the downside to this is 1) I'm too sh*t scared to try this, and 2) I need to have my mileage corrected to match my own, faulty cluster. And I haven't even found anyone who can swap clusters with software here in the UK (unless it's brand new through AUDI dealer!) so the chances of anyone being able to swap the chips....No, I don't think that will happen.

Regards
Mathew

[mats17]

And yes Caldy, Vag Commander you can download. e.g...http://www.resettools.com/vag_k_can_commander_2.5_2.0

I did leave it try read the SKC on the Cluster with V1.4. My cluster is knackered anyway, but I certainly didn't intend to make it worse.

[mats17]

Update - Cluster arrived from East Europe (thanks Ebay!) The seller has been helpful, but say's to go down the route of swapping the EEPROM chips over from cluster to cluster. Should that work, then I'd 'guesstimate' that I'll need to still adjust the mileage using a tool such as Vag Commander.
So now I have 3 or 4 options, whereas a month or so ago I thought I was screwed!
I haven't yet found a suitable cable for Vag Commander, and my Vag Com cable (Ebay vag com) will not talk to the car / K-line / Can Bus / whatever with Commander. Just won't do it!
Options are now:
1) swap EEPROM chips of the clusters (has potential but scares the hell out of me!)
2) Use a local VW/Audi tuning shop that I found a few days ago (they say it isn't a problem)
3) Choose and order a Vag Commander cable (and cross fingers that works!)
4) Go to Audi and be penniless the rest of the year!

Will update soon!

[walky_talky20]

I've had good luck with VAG-Tacho for reading the clusters in MK4's and B5.5's with immobilizers. I can't say that I've done a B6, but it should be pretty much the same thing. I think I tried Vag Commander and couldn't get it to work for me.

[Toronto5.5]

I've used Vag Tacho to read mileage on a V6, never tried writing to it though, too scurred.

[mats17]

Update:

Opened the Cluster on tuesday, to find this EEPROM chip. In order to get at both sides of the circuit board, it is necessary to disconnect 5 data cable connections. Since doing this most of the pixels showing the total mileage of my own cluster (knackered cluster that I will be replacing) have gone corrupted. The mileage cannot be read by eye.

SO I would advise DO NOT DISMANTLE THE CLUSTER BOARD, the way I have.
I'm still looking for a Vag Commander cable!
Mat

[mats17]

May 25th... Got a cable for Commander, configured it. Connected it up.
I had the guide from Imnuts to refer to, but my aim was just to find the SKC of my instrument cluster via the ECU or Cluster.

I couldn't connect to the ECU. I don't know why.
I only tried using the settings in Imnuts guide however. If anyone has any ideas?

For some reason I tried the cluster. I connected via Audi Bosch setting, and also Audi Bosch Crypto, with the same results each time.
I had some strange readings... Odometer read 322640 (when my actual mileage is approx 149,000 miles). I was also shown a 5 digit Login???

Can anyone shed any light on whether I've had a garbage result from the cluster? I've saved the .bin files each time.
Mat.

[caldy315]

I only tried to connect to the ecu to pull my SKC. I had a few troubles but got it eventually. I used a genuine Ross tech hex can cable. Had to download a few drivers but it worked after that.

I'm not sure how to pull info off the cluster. Maybe check out nefmoto.com. I think that's the forum that deals with this cluster/ecu stuff exclusively

[k0mpresd]

i would only use a genuine trusted cable on the rb(x) clusters.

[csosnowski]

Commander wont read the pin from a bosch rb(x) encrypted cluster.

You have to log into the ecu with commander and get it that way.

If reading address 01 gives you garbage and a 5-digit login, try reading from address 11. I had this problem with a 2005 C5 Allroad.

As k0mpressed said, the bosch rb(x) clusters are picky. Almost as picky as the marelli clusters in beetles. Be careful.

[xhackerekx]

drive to Scranton 5 minutes job for me :)

[mats17]

drive to Scranton 5 minutes job for me :)

Unfortunately..I'm in the UK!

[mats17]

What do you mean you "had a few troubles"? You have managed to get your SKC Caldy?
Did it just take you many attempts to connect? or do you mean that after getting driver files and the basic settings and configurations of the software and cable..that you were then ok?


With mine, everything seems to work fine. I have an Ftd chip based cable, several commanders to use, but 2.5 I have been trying. I try with the key out, with the key in, with the key in and ignition on position 1, then tried with key in and ignition position 2. Basically I've tried connecting to the ECU, as per the Imnuts method...but he doesn't state to do it with engine running or what?

[mats17]

Commander wont read the pin from a bosch rb(x) encrypted cluster.

You have to log into the ecu with commander and get it that way.

If reading address 01 gives you garbage and a 5-digit login, try reading from address 11. I had this problem with a 2005 C5 Allroad.

As k0mpressed said, the bosch rb(x) clusters are picky. Almost as picky as the marelli clusters in beetles. Be careful.

I couldn't connect to the ECU.. Do you mean try using wakeup pattern 11 instead of wakeup pattern 01??

Commander did read 'something' from the Cluster.. Am I just to assume that it's garbage? Or with the PIN, is it worth me trying to log in with VCDS? I could disregard the 1st digit, leaving me with a 4 digit number?

[mats17]

One last question.. If I'm going to be unable to even Read from my cluster...How will I be able to adjust the mileage?

[caldy315]

What do you mean you "had a few troubles"? You have managed to get your SKC Caldy?
Did it just take you many attempts to connect? or do you mean that after getting driver files and the basic settings and configurations of the software and cable..that you were then ok?


With mine, everything seems to work fine. I have an Ftd chip based cable, several commanders to use, but 2.5 I have been trying. I try with the key out, with the key in, with the key in and ignition on position 1, then tried with key in and ignition position 2. Basically I've tried connecting to the ECU, as per the Imnuts method...but he doesn't state to do it with engine running or what?

I've gotten my SKC off my ecu to program my keys. With my personal computer it didn't want to recognize the hex can cable as a com port even with the drivers from Ross techs site.

I did everything over again because a guy from nefmoto was helping me and said it should've worked. I downloaded everything again on my work comp and it worked first try. Everything on mine looked legit and matched up

[Myst420]

One last question.. If I'm going to be unable to even Read from my cluster...How will I be able to adjust the mileage?

You can only adjust the mileage if your new.cluster is virginized

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[k0mpresd]

You can only adjust the mileage if your new.cluster is virginized

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

you can adjust the mileage with the proper tools no problem.

[mats17]

you can adjust the mileage with the proper tools no problem.

Proper tools? What be they kompressed?

[k0mpresd]

cheapest thing off hand is probably a genuine vagtacho. not the china clone crap. i have used mine on rb(x) clusters without any issues.

[Myst420]

you can adjust the mileage with the proper tools no problem.

Very true...but with the tools the OP has, it would have to be virginized first. I've heard good things about VagDashCom from eBay, but never tried it myself.

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[rollerton]

Proper tools? What be they kompressed?

Also " DejaVu" if you can find somewhere to buy it. Don't fiddle with the Rbx cluster with cheap tools.
Just don't, you'll regret it.

[mats17]

I looked into buying Vag Tacho -cable, And it seems it isn't for sale any longer! (V.5 or older).

Think I'll be happy just to find out my SKC codes for now, and get someone to change the cluster and set the mileage straight.
Although, if I know the SKC codes, It doesn't look that difficult to perform the adaptation and cluster swap.

[mats17]

[QUOTE=Myst420;9785239]Very true...but with the tools the OP has, it would have to be virginized first. I've heard good things about VagDashCom from eBay, but never tried it myself.

A cluster can be virginized then, as opposed to being a 'virgin' or new cluster.
This, I admit, I don't understand, but I'm guessing it would involve erasing or clearing the chips' memory?

[Myst420]

Yes, with the right software, a cluster can be reset so that it's like a new one. I tried with an s4 cluster a little, but never had any luck. I ended up contacting mpower on here and Tom was able to do it for me.

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[xhackerekx]

Unfortunately..I'm in the UK!

too bad 4 u

[xhackerekx]

You can only adjust the mileage if your new.cluster is virginized

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

u can copy whole cluster information included IMO and mileage and write to new cluster with millions miles without problem.

[mats17]

u can copy whole cluster information included IMO and mileage and write to new cluster with millions miles without problem.

Can you explain how? This is what I'm trying to find out.

[Myst420]

Can you explain how? This is what I'm trying to find out.

I believe VagDashCom will do that for you