VCDS Frequent Issues

Some issues come up quite regularly with VCDS:

What is VCDS?

• VCDS is the VAG-COM Diagnostic System, made by Ross-Tech in the USA.
  It's an aftermarket tool specifically for VAG (VW, Audi, Seat & Skoda) cars, and offers near dealer-level diagnostic coverage for a fraction of the price of the dealer tool.

What computer do I need?

Ross-Tech's current system requirements are listed here. Essentially they are:

• Windows PC, running Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 (Windows 10 recommended)
• Dual-core CPU
• 4GB RAM
• Approx. 250MB disk space

Will it work on a Mac?

• No (unless you dual-boot Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp).

Which package is right for me?

• We have a handy VCDS Package Chooser for that.

What about VIN limits?

Ross-Tech have always wanted to be able to offer home users and enthusiasts the same features and coverage as a professional using VCDS to work on customer cars in a garage, while charging them less to reflect the way the tool is used.

Modern VW Audi Group cars offer their VIN electronically, giving Ross-Tech the opportunity to limit the number of cars the tool can be used on, rather than limiting what the user can do with those cars.

The Home User and Enthusiast packages can be used with full functionality on 3 and 10 cars respectively.
There are also basic functions you can run on an unlimited number of cars 'for free':

• Fault code reading & clearing
• Viewing Measuring Blocks (live sensor data)
• Auto Scan
• Create Channel Maps

For more details see the VIN-Limited Interface FAQ on the official Ross-Tech Forums.

Unregistered runs left?

HEX-V2 and HEX-NET interfaces have to be registered (for free) with Ross-Tech within the first 14 uses. If not registered, all functions except registration will be disabled until registration is completed.
Ross-Tech have walk-through videos explaining the registration process on their YouTube channel:

• HEX-V2, getting registered
• HEX-NET, getting registered