First Timer with VCDS - What do i need?

[Gregory_Tolson]

Got a '19 Audi A5 2.0T Sportback. I've realized my Creader Launch scan tool, that can read live data and perform actuation tests, is unable to do everything that i noticed VCDS can do, particularly the ATF draining function in the transmission. I have a laptop and i downloaded the VCDS software from their website. I am wondering what hardware i need to purchase? I plan to just hook directly up to my laptop, does that mean i need to purchase a Hex V2 with 3 VIN capacity? https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...ss-tech-vchv23

Is there anything else i need to be aware of? Steps on performing the ATF draining function with the software would be appreciated also.

[angrycatmeow]

Buy your cable straight from Ross tech.

Sent from my Samsung smart fridge

[Smac770]

Ross-Tech is the company that produces the hardware (cable) and software (VCDS). www.ross-tech.com

VCDS is a free download that runs on Windows (and not Windows S mode). The licensing mechanism is VCDS interacts with the attached OBD-II cable to confirm it's a Ross-Tech cable.

Ross-Tech has various cables. The two current ones are HEX-V2 and HEX-NET. Just get the HEX-V2. The HEX-NET additional feature of Wi-Fi connection is mitigated by the fact that it only works with VCDS Mobile through a web browser. Running full VCDS requires a USB cable connection to the HEX-NET, same as the HEX-V2. For the cost difference, I'd get a HEX-V2 to keep in the garage and an OBDeleven (without the annual cost of Pro) in the glovebox.

As for 3-VIN vs 10-VIN, depends on how many VW/Audi vehicles you intend to use the cable with. The basic action of an autoscan and clear codes is not subject to registering the VIN into one of the license slots. This way if you want to scan used vehicles you're evaluating, you can do so without VIN count concerns. If you go into a control module, the basic functions on the left seem to be VIN agnostic and the advanced functions on the right seem to require VIN registration. https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/open_screen.php

Ross-Tech has authorized resellers. https://www.ross-tech.com/distributors.php FCP Euro is among them. Europa Parts is who I was familiar with originally. Though I bought mine direct in the end. https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/hex-v2.php

[Gregory_Tolson]

Ross-Tech is the company that produces the hardware (cable) and software (VCDS). www.ross-tech.com

VCDS is a free download that runs on Windows (and not Windows S mode). The licensing mechanism is VCDS interacts with the attached OBD-II cable to confirm it's a Ross-Tech cable.

Ross-Tech has various cables. The two current ones are HEX-V2 and HEX-NET. Just get the HEX-V2. The HEX-NET additional feature of Wi-Fi connection is mitigated by the fact that it only works with VCDS Mobile through a web browser. Running full VCDS requires a USB cable connection to the HEX-NET, same as the HEX-V2. For the cost difference, I'd get a HEX-V2 to keep in the garage and an OBDeleven (without the annual cost of Pro) in the glovebox.

As for 3-VIN vs 10-VIN, depends on how many VW/Audi vehicles you intend to use the cable with. The basic action of an autoscan and clear codes is not subject to registering the VIN into one of the license slots. This way if you want to scan used vehicles you're evaluating, you can do so without VIN count concerns. If you go into a control module, the basic functions on the left seem to be VIN agnostic and the advanced functions on the right seem to require VIN registration. https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/open_screen.php

Ross-Tech has authorized resellers. https://www.ross-tech.com/distributors.php FCP Euro is among them. Europa Parts is who I was familiar with originally. Though I bought mine direct in the end. https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/hex-v2.php

thanks for the tips, any information on how navigate the software would be helpful once i connect the Hex-V2 up to my computer.

[Smac770]

https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/main_screen.php You can click on the buttons in the picture.

Depends on what you need to do. You'll have to do options and save first. Auto-Scan is the common thing. Do Save, not Print (unless you're literally printing it to paper). Or SRI reset, select USA, then perform. It depends on what you're doing.