Some basic questions about vag-com

[rickjames8]

Hello,

I've read the FAQs on your website and although the answers are there, I find them slightly confusing. I have a 2000 VW Polo 6n2 1.4TDi. My first VW, and in fact my first post 1996 (hence OBD2) car.

First - how much is the VCDS-lite? Its listed as shareware, and the price is listed as $0-$99. Is it pay-what-you-can-afford-ware?

I have an issue with my airbag light being on and have the parts to replace it. I understand that after replacing the parts, I'll need to reset the computer (correct?). Will VCDS-lite allow me to do that- it looks like the answer is yes, but not completely clear.

I understand that third-party USB dongles are non-supported, and if I try one I will be on my own for getting it to work. However, have people found one which works with more success than others.

Lastly, I see many of these cheap-o USB connectors being sold with software included. As I am new to all of this, (I don't want this to sound rude) but how is VCDS different? By the descriptions, it seems to do the same thing. I'm sure it must be more VW-Audi specific?

Thanks,
-Rick

[ZPrime]

Many of the cheap-o USB connectors just come with a copy of VCDS-Lite on a CD, or they use an older version of VCDS that isn't supported, or they have done something to a newer copy to break the protection on it. All of these things are bad.

Skip some lunches for a month or two so you can afford the real thing. If you own a VAG-branded car, it is worth every penny.

[Santos@Ross-Tech.com]

3rd Party KKL interfaces are compatible with VCDS-Lite.

A shareware version of VCDS-Lite can be downloaded at no cost. This will allow you to test the 3rd party hardware before purchasing a license. A license can be purchased for $99.00 and will unlock the shareware and make it a fully functional version.

Regarding the hardware, The build quality varies. Some people have no problems getting them to work, others are not so lucky. We do not recommend any 3rd party hardware sellers. If you do not wish to mess around and spend time trying to get a cable to work, i recommend purchasing one of our licensed interfaces. The license is built into the hardware and is guaranteed to work.

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/cat/IC.html

[rickjames8]

Thanks for clearing that up. Unfortunately - skipping lunches wont save me any money. I'm on a year volunteering project in France and my meals are included. I bought the best car I could afford (this VW Polo) based on the reports of outstanding reliability. It has a few things I'd like to fix, which are all self serviceable - except maybe resetting this Airbag light. However, I cant see myself using the software too many other times in the coming year- at least I hope not.

I'll see how much the dealer would charge and weigh that against the price of the SW and see what comes out best. Or maybe see if the SW included with the cheap USB dongle does the trick, and its not a pirate copy of what you wrote.

When I head back to the USA and get a real job which pays real money again and if I end up with a VW, I'll surely look at getting a copy. I used to be a small-time developer and I'm against any sort of piracy - it's not my aim to find a way to do this for free - just want to find my best option for the moment.

Thanks,
-Rick