VCDS and OBD2 - FAQ

VAG-COM/VCDS? What are the differences? VAG-COM has been renamed to Vag-Com Diagnostic System (VCDS) several years ago.
Because of this, offers of 'VAG-COM' indicate that somebody wants to sell you an outdated software without support. Because many people know the old name 'VAG-COM', we use both names or VCDS/VAG-COM in our product descriptions.
We are the manufacturer of KPower, KDataScope, KPerformance and KFuel, these VCD plugins are exclusivly sold with our VCDS Distribution (VCDS-RKS). We are official distributor for VCDS, the GS-911 motorcycle diagnostic tool and Bavariantechnic diagnostics.

Physical access to the control units with VCDS...

• is done via the OBD2 plug of the car or Stecker or the 2x2 plug for older vehicles.
• The OBD2 plug in the car is independent of the generic diagnostic protocol 'OBD2'. The OBD2 plug defines only form factor and pin assignment of the plug.
• The generic diagnostic protocol OBD2 is a small subset of the manufacturers diagnostic functions. OBD2 as protocol is intended only for emmission relevant functions.
• Your car does not need to support the OBD2 diagnostic protocol, VAG uses KWP1281 and KWP2000.

Is the generic OBD2 protocol supported by VCDS?

• Yes.
• A VCDS diagnostic system with 'dongle function' is needed, all our VCDS systems fulfill this requirement.

What are the differences between generic OBD2 and the manufacturer specific OBD (VAG-vehicles)?

• Generic OBD2 works with all OBD2 capable vehicles. Emission relevant informationen and setups can be done (engine control unit).
• The manufacturer specific (Audi, Seat, VW, Skoda) OBD protocol can do much more: all control units in the vehicle can be accessed. Example: check ABS sensors, activate cruise control, key matching, configuration of the comfort system or checking injection timing of TDI engines.

What does KKL support mean?

• KKL is an abbreviation for K1, K2 and L-line. These are 2 physical pins in the OBD2 plug, that can have 3 different functions: K1, K2 and L-line. These pins are used for the pysical signals of the diagnostic protocol.
• K1/L-line is a special mode, some older control units need to be activated on the L-line prior to communication over K-line.
• K1/K2 mode is used by some Audis with many control units. Here the pin of the L-line is used as second K-line.

What is CAN bus support?

• While nearly all VAG (Audi, Seat, Skoda, VW) vehicles before 2003 could be accessed via K1,K2 and L-line, newer cars like e.g. Golf 5 use the CAN bus (Controller Area Network) for diagnostic messages.
• With Golf5, Seat Altea and all new models of the Volkswagen group all controll units are only accessible via CAN.
• Our professional VCDS diagnostic systems with CAN bus support are downwards compatible with K/L-lines for all older models.
• The CAN support can also be used for OBD2 diagnostics for non-VAG vehicles.
• All new models independent of the manufacturer use CAN for diagnostics because it has been set as standard.

Which cars use diagnostics via CAN-bus?

• All models based on the Golf 5 plattform and the new Passat 3c: Model year 2004+ VW Golf, 2005+ VW Golf Plus, 2005+ VW Jetta, 2003+ VW Touran, 2004+ VW Caddy, 2005+ VW Passat, 2004+ Audi A3, Seat Altea, 2005+ Seat Toledo, 2005+ Seat Leon, 2004+ Skoda Octavia.
• Model year 2003+ Audi A8 and A8L, 2005+ Audi A6, 2005+ Audi A4
• ... all new models.

What does 'dongle-function' of the VCDS diagnostic hardware mean?

• 'Dongle-functionality' means that VAG-COM/VCDS in connection with a 'dongle' diagnostic adapter is automatically activated from shareware version to full version. The software license of a 'dongle-adapter' resides in the diagnostic hardware itself. This means, you can install the diagnostic software on any computer you want and do not need to care about licensing. Plug your diagnostic cable to this computer and start working.
• You need not type in any license keys.

What does 'shareware-version of VCDS' mean?

• The VCDS shareware version is a test version of VCDS with reduced functionality. It can be used without time limitation.
• Please consult the according product description for details which functionality is possible.
• You can buy an activation to VCDS full version for the Basic Diagnostic Tool KKL from us (license).
• All other VCDS diagnostic systems are delivered with a full version of VCDS, licensing/activation is already within the diagnostic cable. See 'dongle functionality'.

Is it relevant where I buy VAG-COM/VCDS? Isn't it all the same?

• No. Depending on the distributor there are differences how much or few additional software is within the installation package or what kinds of support are available. We offer customer support via mail or the dieselschrauber - community, via telephone or via remote access (live support) to your diagnostic computer.
• KPower, KDataScope, KFuel and KPerformance are only in our distribution inclusive!

Model coverage - which vehicles can I access with VCDS?

• All diagnosis supporting models of Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen and Bentley. Aditionally there exist some rare vehicles with engines from VAG, for details please check the .
• Additionally all other vehicles that are accessible via generic OBD2 with ISO9141-2, ISO14230 or ISO15765 (CAN).
• Our domain name is 'dieselschrauber.de', of course our diagnostic systems work also on 'petrol cars', independent of the powertrain.

• Mail us!

Can I do chiptuning with VCDS/GS-911 or Bavariantechnic, can I read out maps etc.?

• No. We provide diagnostic software, no OBD flash tools. You can check what a chiptuning does with your engine with our diagnostic tools, so they are a tool to check if a car has been chipped or not.
• Our VCDS diagnostic hardware supports a special driver in order to use them with third party software that expect an ISO9141-2 compatible interface on a serial port (RS232).

CAN I read CAN messages directly on the busses of the car?

• No. VCDS uses CAN for diagnostics, but is no CAN development kit. If you want to access directly powertrain CAN, comfort CAN etc., you will find help in the CAN-bus forum.