UrS6 - vag-com Queries

[macspring]

I have a MacBook Pro laptop and the connection lead that plugs into the two small connections in the under bonnet fusebox.

I wanted to attempt to be able to read codes on vag-com, even though I think I don't have any fault codes, and the car is running pretty well, but I know that won't last forever, so this is why I'm asking.

Do you buy / download vag-com. How ? Price ? etc.

Hopefully I can understand people's replies.

If the MacBook is not suitable, would it be better to buy a old cheap second hand PC laptop, as as well as reading the codes, I'd like to be able to view the various blocks' as I drive, e.g. fuel pressure, and also inlet manifold air temperature, as well as boost pressure. I haven't yet fitted a dedicated gauge for this as I've been watching the oem dash one.

mcandmar, sorry if you've explained this to me previously.

Thanks for any help.

[UrS4boy]

http://www.ross-tech.com/

You need the proper cable. You can download the unsupported VCDS Lite for free but it is limited. I would go for the $99 version with more capabilities.

[RichLV]

If you just want to read the fault codes on your dinosaur S2/S4/S6, no need to buy the official RT cable. I have a 20 dollar HEX-USB chinese knock off + a chinese 16-pin to 2x2 adapter for our cars. Works like a charm. I've even messed around with 2012 Passats and A5's with this very cable. Just don't upgrade to VCDS higher than the cable is supposed to work on, that's the only drawback of knock-offs.

When I finally moved the diag connectors inside the car I was finally able to see block readings while driving. Pretty neat stuff, but our old Motronic is still very un-talkative compared to much newer cars. And K/L line interfaces are not really suited for live tracking, since the update rate is not like with CAN cars.

[hunker7]

Like RichLV said. Just for codes I don't see need to spend loads. I bought a cheapo Chinese cable which came with software and bought adapter to use on our cars.

[recurveandy]

You'll need emulation SW to run Windows on your Macbook
I've been running Oracle VirtualBox and Win XP Pro with no issues to date
You can then also add Elsawin and Etka

[RichLV]

You'll need emulation SW to run Windows on your Macbook
I've been running Oracle VirtualBox and Win XP Pro with no issues to date
You can then also add Elsawin and Etka

I'm also running AutoData with that set.

[andy10v]

You can buy genuine from Ross-Tech, $249

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCKII.html

Lite $99

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCDSLiteReg.html

A lot of people use the £10 ebay cables with the hacked lite software.

0BD-2x2 adapter from ebay for £5.

You can get full clone cables with hacked software for about £50, just dont update them.

Not a clue on Mac though, I use an old laptop I was given purely for VAG COM, however I would like it on a laptop with battery to be able to take it out in the car with somebody else driving, or to log.

[hunker7]

What sort of extra features do you get with $99 version compared to Chinese stuff?

[macspring]

Hi mcandmar, if you're reading this I'll be in touch / call in over Christmas to catch up and get a 'lesson' on the contents of this thread.

Thanks.

[UrS4boy]

What sort of extra features do you get with $99 version compared to Chinese stuff?

It's all laid out here:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html

Personally I would go for the $99 version.

[varia]

What sort of extra features do you get with $99 version compared to Chinese stuff?

nothing. you shouldn't upgrade or let out to the internet.
if you sandbox it, it will work just like a registered one.