Serious car diagnostics interfaces for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda models!
The Ross-Tech VCDS package (previously known as VAG-COM or VAGCOM) turns your PC into a sophisticated VW/Audi
diagnostic tool, that performs the functions of a factory VAG scan tools for VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars.
The Ross-Tech HEX-V2® interface is the new generation wired interface for VCDS, designed to replace the HEX-USB+CAN and Micro-CAN products.
The HEX-V2 is based on the technology of Ross-Tech's revolutionary HEX-NET® interface, which was completely re-designed from the ground up to be faster,
more secure and more versatile. The HEX-NET and HEX-V2 are the fastest interfaces Ross-Tech have ever sold. They can perform Auto-Scans on 2005 and later models
up to 3 times faster than the HEX-USB+CAN interface.
The HEX-V2 is a wired USB interface, for the most reliable connections, but now features a user-replaceable USB cable.
The HEX-V2 is available in 3 versions:
A "home user" version, with which use of advanced functions is limited to connection to 3 unique vehicles (3 VINs) - see VIN limits section below.
Ideal for a household with one or two VAG cars to look after.
An "enthusiast" version, with which use of advanced functions is limited to connection to 10 unique vehicles (10 VINs) - see VIN limits section below.
Ideal for hobbyists working on a number of VAG cars.
A "professional" unlimited version, which may be used on as many cars as you wish.
If you are in the motor trade, you should consider this package or the HEX-NET.
This product is the enthusiast (10-VIN) version and may only be used for advanced functions on 10 cars.
For home use, please see the 3-VIN package.
For professional use, please see the Unlimited package.
VIN Limits
Only some VCDS functions are restricted to use on a specific number of cars on the 3 and 10-VIN limited interfaces.
Basic functions may be used on as many cars as you wish:
Unlimited functions
A VIN-Limited interface can do Auto-Scans,
Clear DTCs, and look at
Measuring Values on an
unlimited number of cars.
If you directly connect to a control module (e.g. Select > 01. Engine), or use the 'Clear All DTCs' function,
VCDS will ask if you wish to store the VIN, but selecting Cancel will still allow the function to continue.
Limited functions
Essentially functions that actually change things in the car are VIN-limited:
VCDS will never count a VIN toward the license limit without the user's explicit permission.
It will always ask you first, thereby giving you the opportunity to decline to "register" a VIN in the interface.
For more information on VIN limits please see this
VIN FAQ
on the Ross-Tech forums.
VCDS Software Information
Using VCDS on a Windows PC, you can:
read and clear fault codes from all systems within the car, e.g. engine,
airbag, ABS, instruments, parking sensors etc.
view live data from the sensors within the car
reset service lights (both fixed and variable service intervals)
read stored and intermittent fault codes
graph and log live data with the car running
automatically read fault codes from all car systems in a single search
perform basic setting functions, adaptations and soft coding
activate service functions, such as Electronic Park Brake (EPB) to allow brake pad changes
supports bi-directional output test and component actuation
VCDS software features:
over 25,000 fault code definitions
free software updates
HEX-V2 Interface Information
Official VCDS HEX-V2 interfaces from Ross Tech LLC, that work with:
VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda cars with the 16-pin diagnostic socket including models using CAN and UDS/ODX protocols
(i.e. almost all from 1995 to Current Model Year)
Many 2020 and newer model year VAG vehicles are fitted with an SFD diagnostic firewall, which prevents full function coverage without a security token obtained from VW.
For more details see our SFD help page.
The HEX-V2 packages do NOT offer Lamborghini coverage, which is only available with the HEX-NET.
Coverage for the Mk1 Volkswagen Crafter / LT3 (2006-2017 model, 2E/2F chassis) is not as comprehensive as other VAG models, as the diagnostics systems are based on the Mercedes Sprinter.
Ross-Tech have some function information on this page, but if you require coverage for a specific function we would recommend posting a question on the
Ross-Tech forums (including the VIN of the vehicle) before purchasing to check support.
VCDS does not support the new Volkswagen Amarok (VW Amarok MK2) 2022 onwards. This is a Ford-based vehicle and requires Ford diagnostic software, such as FCOM
Package contents
Packages include:
Genuine Ross-Tech VCDS HEX-V2 interface
USB link cable
VCDS HEX-V2 'Quick Start' Guide
VCDS Software updates at no additional charge
Foam lined hard plastic carry case
Please note that the HEX-V2 interface does not ship with software on CD -
the full, licensed version of the software can be downloaded on receipt of the interface
(full details provided with interface)
Buy with confidence - Gendan Ltd are an official VCDS UK distributor
PC requirements
The minimum system requirements for the VCDS software are:
Desktop, laptop, notebook or tablet Windows PC.
1GHz dual-core x86/x86-64 (Intel or AMD) processor.
Machines running Windows 10/11 on 64-bit ARM CPUs (e.g. Surface Pro 11th gen.) are also now supported.
2GB RAM (4GB or more recommended).
Windows 10 or 11 (32 and 64 bit editions).
Approx. 250MB of hard disk space.
USB port. (Included cable is USB type A. Type C cables can be purchased separately).
Computers of a lower spec, or running Windows Vista, 7, 8 or 8.1 may work but are not officially supported.
More information
To visit the Ross Tech website for more information, please select an option below:
Ross-Tech VCDS Wiki
How-to guides, fault code information, coding info and much more
"Ross-Tech", "HEX-V2", "VCDS" and the VCDS logo are registered trademarks of Ross-Tech, LLC in the USA, used with permission.
Gendan Limited are an authorised distributor of Ross-Tech products in the United Kingdom.
Our VCDS interfaces are supplied to us direct by Ross-Tech LLC in Lansdale, PA, USA.
Product comparison
Below is a comparison of the VCDS packages we offer.
Please click a product link to view more information on the required product.
Supports cars which require a direct CAN connection
Supports Diagnostic Over IP (DOIP) connection
(Blue 'HN2' interfaces)
Field Upgradeable Firmware in Interface
"Turbo" Mode for Measuring Blocks on newer KWP-2000 ECUs
'2x2' adaptor lead for pre-1996 VW & Audi included
(in Plus / Power bundles)
Adaptor lead for VW LT van included
(in Power Bundle)
(in Plus Bundle)
3 metre USB extension lead included
(in Plus / Power bundles)
20cm OBD-II Extensiom cable included
(in Plus Bundle)
Hard plastic carry case included
(except 'no case' version)
Frequently asked questions
Our most frequently asked questions about VCDS are answered below:
Will it work on MacOS / Linux / iOS / Android?
No, the VCDS desktop program is Windows software, for Windows 10 or newer.
If you wish to use another device consider the HEX-NET® interfaces.
The HEX-NET can be used wirelessly through the VCDS-Mobile® software with any modern Wi-Fi enabled computer,
tablet or smartphone.
VCDS-Mobile does not offer the complete functionality of the Windows VCDS application though. You will also still
require access to a Windows PC to register your interface.
What happened to the HEX-USB / Micro-CAN interfaces?
The HEX-USB interface had been in use by Ross-Tech since 2004, updating to support new vehicles and protocols via
firmware updates. In 2016 Audi introduced some new systems which for the first time Ross-Tech were unable to support
with the hardware in that cable. The new generation HEX-NET and HEX-V2® interfaces are able to support these
models and are firmware upgradeable to support future changes.
Why are the new cables VIN limited?
Ross-Tech have always wanted to offer the same level of coverage to home users and garage owners alike, but don't think
it's fair for a home user working on one car in their spare time to have to pay the same as a garage who are using the product
every day on customer cars and making money from its use. The advent of cars offering their VIN (chassis number) electronically
has given them a way of tailoring the cost to the way the product is used. Uwe from Ross-Tech has explained it more fully in the
VIN limit FAQ here.
What is restricted by VIN limits?
You can still run an Auto Scan, read & clear fault codes and view live sensor data from as many cars as you like.
(If you directly connect to a control module (e.g. Select > 01. Engine), or use the 'Clear All DTCs' function, VCDS will ask
if you wish to store the VIN, but selecting Cancel will still allow the connection to continue).
It is only when you try to use any more advanced functions that VCDS will ask if you wish to store the car's VIN (and it will
always ask you first, before using one of your VIN allocations).
Again, for more details see the VIN limit FAQ
here.
What happens if I need more VINs?
When you store a VIN it is added permanently and cannot be removed. You can however upgrade your interface's license from
3-VIN to 10-VIN and from 10-VIN to unlimited.
The upgrades are £169 each (including VAT) and are available here.
What about SFD?
Some 2020 or newer models have VW's 'SFD' diagnostic firewall, which prevents coding and adaptation changes unless you can
authenticate with VAG's servers. Ross-Tech are currently working on adding SFD unlocking into a future release of VCDS.
See our dedicated Help article for more details.
Can I upgrade my HEX-USB+CAN to a new generation interface?
If you have registered your HEX-USB+CAN interface with Ross-Tech and are "in good standing" with them, Ross-Tech do offer upgrade
paths to the HEX-V2 unlimited or HEX-NET unlimited packages,
which we can usually offer on their behalf.
This is only available on interfaces assembled by Ross-Tech in the USA (some resellers build their own interfaces under
license and are not eligible for the upgrade scheme).
If you would like to upgrade your interface, please contact us, with the serial number (HCxxxxxx) of your interface.
Software updates
As with previous Ross-Tech products, software updates are free for the life of the cable with HEX-V2 interfaces.
However, the HEX-V2 interface may only be used a limited number of times before you must register it (for free) with Ross-Tech.
A "use" is a connection to any control module, so you may need to register it after running your first Auto-Scan.
To register your interface simply follow the instructions in this video from Ross-Tech:
The VCDS software installed on your PC will automatically inform you when software updates are available, and will offer to install the update itself.
You will also need to update the "firmware" of the interface cable though - this is the operating software stored inside the interface itself.
Ross-Tech recommend checking for firmware updates at least once a month, and after any VCDS software update.
To check for firmware updates, follow the instructions in this video:
Product reviews
If you've already purchased this product, you can submit a review here.
6 customers
have reviewed this product so far, with an average score of
5/5
Displaying reviews 1 to
5 of 6
Review submitted on 17/08/2024 by Stephen
The parcel came the next day before 1pm, that was fast. In addition were also 2 packets of Haribos. Great idea they also taste lovely. VCDS is awesomely easy to use with straightforward install instructions. Ive already used it on 3 vehilces. I bought a 10vin version with USB 3 cable it works on a brand new Lenovo Legion GO. Good quality official product great comms from Gendan team.
Review submitted on 23/05/2024 by [name withheld]
An excellent and comprehensive diagnostics tool for VAG vehicles. I was impressed with the ease of purchase and the efficiency of Gendan. They kept me informed every step of the way. The delivery was super fast - I ordered in the afternoon and the product was delivered before 11am the next day.
Review submitted on 20/12/2022 by Matthew Fox
This is without doubt a great bit of kit and has already paid for itself by the savings I have made in diagnosing and clearing faults/fault codes, and that is just on my car and the A3 my wife bought. I took it with us when we test drove and it told us of several faults, which although minor would have totalled over 750 to fix, so were used as a barganing tool.
Overall Excellent and easy to use.
Review submitted on 17/05/2021 by [name withheld]
I bought this on advice from the Caddy2k.com forum and have to say that even for an old nougat like me its a brilliant tool. Cleared several faults the first time I used it. Delivery was very quick, and well packaged. Cant recommend both it and Gendan highly enough.
Review submitted on 20/04/2021 by Jeff
Spent quite a while researching VCDS from Ross-Tech. There are many so called VCDS cables with software out there on auction sites but, many are cloned copies.
I decided to bite the bullet, and buy the real thing which has full support from Gendan and Ross-Tech, Plus free updates.
I bought the HEX V2,..10 vin bundle version which includes the twin plug cable for very early diagnostic systems and a USB flash drive which loads all the software onto the laptop in seconds.
I can upgrade to the unlimited version anytime.
The package came the next day before 11AM and was in use by midday. In addition were also 2 packets of Haribos. Nom nom.
Well done Genden, who also quickly answered a question about loading the software.
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