VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum banner

$20 Android Carista App as a VAGCOM alternative

127K views 556 replies 155 participants last post by  Carl- 
#1 · (Edited)
This info is found other places but I thought since there is a lot of new jetta owners coming in lately that this is also a good place to give them a heads up about VAGCOM alternatives. VAGCOM is a $350 obdII connector and software offered by http://www.ross-tech.com/ that you would connect to a windows laptop to change some internal settings in your car. In my case I wanted to turn off the horn honking when the car is locked via the key fob. A OBDII bluetooth dongle can be used to connect to an android device, to use a $20 app called Carista. You can then change the settings via your android device and email yourself your settings, here is the raw email I received from my car(2015 Jetta 1.8T Sport) after I changed a few things:

The following settings were available specifically to your vehicle using Carista:
Doors / Windows / Remote:
Auto-lock doors when moving *YES* / NO
Auto-unlock doors when key is taken out of ignition *YES* / NO
Auto-lock trunk when moving *YES* / NO
Unlock trunk when doors are unlocked *YES* / NO
Blink turn signals when locking/unlocking with remote *YES* / NO
Beep when locking with remote YES / *NO*
Beep when unlocking with remote YES / *NO*
Beep when alarm is armed *YES* / NO
Unlock doors via remote DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / *ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS*
Enable settings for opening/closing windows and sunroof YES / *NO*
Open/close windows via long-press on remote YES / *NO*
Open/close sunroof via long-press on remote or key YES / *NO*
Open sunroof via long-press on remote YES / *NO*
Close sunroof via long-press on remote YES / *NO*
Open/close windows by holding key in door lock *YES* / NO
Blink turn signals when done closing windows via remote *YES* / NO
Re-lock doors automatically if you unlock, but don't open a door *YES* / NO
Enable remote control buttons when ignition is on YES / *NO*

Instruments / Display / Dings:
Instrument cluster language CHINESE / CZECH / DUTCH / ENGLISH (UK) / *ENGLISH (US)* / FRENCH / GERMAN / ITALIAN / NORWEGIAN / POLISH / PORTUGUESE / RUSSIAN / SPANISH / SWEDISH / TURKISH / NONE / SYMBOLS (NO TEXT)
Instrument cluster region (affects ext. lights too) GERMANY / EUROPE/OTHER / *USA* / CANADA / GREAT BRITAIN / JAPAN / SAUDI ARABIA / AUSTRALIA
Temperature display units CELSIUS / *FARENHEIT*
Distance display units KM / *MILES*
Speed display units KM/H / *MPH*
Pressure display units BAR / *PSI* /
KPA Volume display units LITERS / GALLONS (UK) / *GALLONS (US)*
Time display format 24H / *12H AM/PM*
Date display format DD/MM/YY / *MM/DD/YY* / YY/MM/DD
Consumption display units MPG (UK) / *MPG (US)* / L/100KM / KM/L
Multi-Function Display *ENABLED* / DISABLED
Gauge needle sweep at startup *YES* / NO / NOT AVAILABLE
Seat belt warning *ENABLED* / DISABLED
Lane-change turn signal auto-flasher *ENABLED* / DISABLED
Lane-change turn signal auto-flasher count 1 FLASH / 2 FLASHES / *3 FLASHES* / 4 FLASHES / 5 FLASHES

Lights:
Daytime running lights *ENABLED* / DISABLED
Allow configuring daytime running lights via dash display YES / *NO*
Coming-home lights (req. auto headlights or manual flick of high beams) ENABLED / *DISABLED*
Leaving-home lights (req. auto headlights) ENABLED / *DISABLED*
Coming/leaving-home lights use… LOW BEAMS / *FOG LIGHTS*
Coming-home lights duration 10 SECONDS / *15 SECONDS* / 20 SECONDS / 25 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS / 35 SECONDS / 40 SECONDS / 45 SECONDS / 50 SECONDS / 55 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS
Leaving-home lights duration 10 SECONDS / *15 SECONDS* / 20 SECONDS / 25 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS / 35 SECONDS / 40 SECONDS / 45 SECONDS / 50 SECONDS / 55 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS
Turn off front fog lights when high beams are on *YES* / NO
Turn on interior lights when key is taken out of ignition *YES* / NO
Flash brake lights in emergency stopping *YES* / NO
Flash hazard lights in emergency stopping YES / *NO*
Brake lights work even when ignition is off *YES* / NO
Euro parking lights when ignition off, turn signal on ENABLED / *DISABLED*

Other:
Activate side mirror heaters when rear window defroster is on YES / *NO*
Automatic wipers (using rain sensor) ENABLED / *DISABLED*
Speed-dependent windshield wiper speed *YES* / NO
Additional 'tear' wipe after windshield washer use YES / *NO*
Auto-enable rear wiper when front wipers on and reverse gear engaged YES / *NO*
Horn works even when ignition is off YES / *NO*
Obtained with Carista 2.3 for Android. Download app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prizmos.carista Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caristaapp
 
See less See more
#372 ·
I read it and tried it yesterday but that option has been removed entirely now. I even found and downloaded an older apk of Carista to see if I could get that option that way, but the software is smart and detects that you aren't using the latest version and doesn't allow you to pay that way either.

Bottom line: $20 Carista is no more.
 
#374 ·
I agree. You and everyone else can help by giving them a one-star feedback on the Google Play Store and mentioning exactly that.

If you haven't purchased it yet, you can still download it for free (just don't activate the pro features), leave feedback, then uninstall again.
 
#376 ·
So what if I had previously purchased it before? Is it going to make me pay for it all over again?
Unlikely. That would be disingenuous. Old lifetime users are probably grandfathered. The only thing the developer could do is restrict future new features to subscription payers.
 
#377 ·
If you purchased before, then you're all set for the future - forcing old members to pay a monthly fee on top of their lifetime sub is a quick way to go out of business.

The only thing that they have over OBDeleven is that you can use any OBD reader with Carista. I suspect that Carista will change their business model again in the near future, as they're taking a lot of heat on message boards and on app store reviews.
 
#387 · (Edited)
Carista 3.2 has some new features. I like the turn signal "wink", and auto closing sunroof when it rains. Below is my configurations from my 2016.

Not sure about OBDeleven. I know it offers deeper editing of the VAGCOM settings, so the options would be limited to your knowledge. Someone else might know more about the pre-configured settings, but if you want to use those make sure you buy the extra credits. Each preconfigured changes requires credits


Doors / Windows / Remote

Auto-lock doors when moving
*YES* / NO

Auto-unlock doors when key is taken out of ignition
*YES* / NO

Auto-lock trunk when moving
*YES* / NO

Unlock trunk when doors are unlocked
*YES* / NO

Blink turn signals when locking/unlocking with remote
*YES* / NO

Beep when locking with remote
*YES* / NO

Beep when unlocking with remote
YES / *NO*

Beep when alarm is armed
*YES* / NO

Unlock doors via remote
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / *ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS*

Enable settings for opening/closing windows and sunroof
YES / *NO*

Open/close windows via long-press on remote
*YES* / NO

Open/close sunroof via long-press on remote or key
YES / *NO*

Open sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / *NO*

Close sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / *NO*

Open/close windows by holding key in door lock
*YES* / NO

Blink turn signals when done closing windows via remote
*YES* / NO

Auto-close sunroof when rain is detected (must have rain sensor)
YES / *NO*

Re-lock doors automatically if you unlock, but don't open a door
*YES* / NO

Enable smart key buttons when ignition is on
YES / *NO*



Instruments / Display / Dings

Instrument cluster language
CHINESE / CZECH / DUTCH / ENGLISH (UK) / *ENGLISH (US)* / FRENCH / GERMAN / ITALIAN / NORWEGIAN / POLISH / PORTUGUESE / RUSSIAN / SPANISH / SWEDISH / TURKISH / NONE / SYMBOLS (NO TEXT)

Instrument cluster region (affects ext. lights too)
GERMANY / EUROPE/OTHER / *USA* / CANADA / GREAT BRITAIN / JAPAN / SAUDI ARABIA / AUSTRALIA

Temperature display units
CELSIUS / *FARENHEIT*

Distance display units
KM / *MILES*

Speed display units
KM/H / *MPH*

Pressure display units
BAR / *PSI* / KPA

Volume display units
LITERS / GALLONS (UK) / *GALLONS (US)*

Time display format
24H / *12H AM/PM*

Date display format
DD/MM/YY / *MM/DD/YY* / YY/MM/DD

Consumption display units
MPG (UK) / *MPG (US)* / L/100KM / KM/L

Multi-Function Display
*ENABLED* / DISABLED

Enable refuel quantity in MFD
YES / *NO* / NOT AVAILABLE

Gauge needle sweep at startup
*YES* / NO

Display gear shift suggestions (Economy)
ENABLED / *DISABLED*

Seat belt warning
*ENABLED* / DISABLED

Lane-change turn signal auto-flasher
*ENABLED* / DISABLED

Lane-change turn signal auto-flasher count
1 FLASH / 2 FLASHES / *3 FLASHES* / 4 FLASHES / 5 FLASHES



Lights

Daytime running lights
*ENABLED* / DISABLED

Allow configuring daytime running lights via dash display
YES / *NO*

Turn off daytime running lights ("wink") when turn signal is on
*YES* / NO

Coming-home lights (req. auto headlights or manual flick of high beams)
*ENABLED* / DISABLED

Leaving-home lights (req. auto headlights)
ENABLED / *DISABLED*

Coming/leaving-home lights use…
LOW BEAMS / *FOG LIGHTS*

Coming-home lights duration
10 SECONDS / *15 SECONDS* / 20 SECONDS / 25 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS / 35 SECONDS / 40 SECONDS / 45 SECONDS / 50 SECONDS / 55 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS

Leaving-home lights duration
10 SECONDS / *15 SECONDS* / 20 SECONDS / 25 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS / 35 SECONDS / 40 SECONDS / 45 SECONDS / 50 SECONDS / 55 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS

Turn off front fog lights when high beams are on
YES / *NO*

Cornering lights (using fog lights)
ENABLED / *DISABLED*

Turn on cornering lights when turn signal is on
YES / *NO*

Turn on interior lights when key is taken out of ignition
*YES* / NO

Flash brake lights in emergency stopping
YES / *NO*

Flash hazard lights in emergency stopping
YES / *NO*

Brake lights work even when ignition is off
*YES* / NO

"Euro" parking lights when ignition off, turn signal on
ENABLED / *DISABLED*



Other

Activate side mirror heaters when rear window defroster is on
*YES* / NO

Automatic wipers (using rain sensor)
ENABLED / *DISABLED*

Speed-dependent windshield wiper speed
*YES* / NO

Additional 'tear' wipe after windshield washer use
YES / *NO*

Auto-enable rear wiper when front wipers on and reverse gear engaged
YES / *NO*

TPMS warning light
*ENABLED* / DISABLED

Horn works even when ignition is off
YES / *NO*
 
#389 · (Edited)
They are all the available ones to my understanding. The asterisk surrounding the yes or no indicates what I have selected.

OBDeleven

Carista
  • Is very simple, just yes no buttons.
  • Works on iPhone or Android
  • compatible with ~10 dollar adapters
  • 9.99 weekly fee or 39.99 a year (you can stop at any point and keep the changes you already made to the car)
 
#391 ·
OBDeleven
  • Is more robust, but also complicated
  • Requires Android
  • No additional charges for manual editing
  • Must by credits for pre-set edits
  • Cost 65 dollars (plus credits if you want them)

Carista
  • Is very simple, just yes no buttons.
  • Works on iPhone or Android
  • compatible with ~10 dollar adapters
  • 9.99 Montly fee or 39.99 a year (you can stop at any point and keep the changes you already made to the car)
Great comparison -- thank you! Just one correction -- the 9.99 fee for Carista is for only one week. A month would already cost as much as their yearly fee ($40).
 
#395 ·
Well, at least for the time being, all of the focus on the OBDeleven site seems to be for the Golf. Some things do work for the Jetta, but there is way more for the Golf. I can't seem to get an answer to any of my questions either. However, I still find it worth the $60 I paid. The app is still in Beta too. I've been getting minor updates to the app about once per week. I have hope for a much brighter future for it!
 
#397 ·
If you don't feel comfortable with it I would not use the beta for changes. I too shared your concern about warranty. My Jetta is a 16 too and was a little nervous about voiding the warranty. If you still want to take one for the team, just without the risk, just scan your 2016 GLI and post the available options. This does not make any changes to the car.


The following settings were available specifically to your vehicle using Carista:
Doors / Windows / Remote:
Auto-lock doors when moving *YES* / NO
Auto-unlock doors when key is taken out of ignition *YES* / NO
Auto-lock trunk when moving *YES* / NO
Unlock trunk when doors are unlocked *YES* / NO

......
 
#400 ·
Still waiting on a generic obd2 bluetooth in the mail. No way I'm spending $40 on this dongle. I bought it mainly for torque app and other free apps but I plan to just tweak once or twice on Carista. It is a great app don't get me wrong, it just wouldn't suit my needs or make sense for me to pay into it monthly. I'd probably only use it once anyways

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
 
#404 · (Edited)
Cheap Ebay OBDII reader

I have had this https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5AftBFMiMxvM1Y0TG1qalVqR3c/view reader for about 4 years and was surprised today when I saw this thread and tried Carista, and it worked on my 2013 Jetta S. It worked for all three areas of the App. I also have used this with Torque and Smart Control Pro with no problems. I tried to find the eBay seller of this adapter but eBay doesn't keep records that far back.
 
#407 ·
I haven't seen an option.

But you also don't really need to prime it. It will do it on its own when you open the door or just turn the key to the Run position without starting.
 
#408 ·
Does anyone else use a generic obd2 bluetooth for Carista? I bought a cheap one a tried testing it out with torque and it connected once or twice iffy though. I don't know how to use torque and don't think there's much on the free app anyway. I couldn't get it to load up on Carista with WiFi or bluetooth. Could it be because I set torque up on bluetooth first? IL have to mess around with it some more

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
 
#410 ·
What adapter did you get? Verebs1 made a list of supported ones. Also WIFI only works on iOS.

This is a list of adapters that WORK 100%

1. $24+s/h (BT) BAFX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ZJCQvbN8WKVDH
2. $17+s/h (WiFi) iOS Compatible, ieGeek http://www.amazon.com/ieGeek®-Wirel...00_QL40&qid=1437656096&ref_=mp_s_a_1_1&sr=8-1
3. $14+s/h (BT) Foseal http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5G53ZM/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
4. $13+s/h (BT) Panlong http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PJPHEBO?ref_=cm_sw_r_awd_UzNTvbWEF8FFZ&tag=viglink21662-20



This is a list of adapters that you should NOT waste your money on

1. $7 shipped (BT) ELM 327 MINI
2. $4 shipped (BT) TUiREL
3. $5 shipped (BT) AUGOCOM A1
4. $7 shipped (BT) NEWNOW OBDII MINI
5. $7 shipped (BT) ELM327 INTERFACE (advertised as being BT + WiFi but is only BT)

:
 
#414 ·
Every vw I've ever owned was like he said, open driver door or key on and it primes. It could be different for tdi but I doubt it, think of all the no Brainers who drive cars. Think having to prime manually each start is a little much and wouldn't be seen on a newer car

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
 
#413 ·
TDI may be a different story.

In any case, no. This is not a thing in Carista.
 
#415 ·
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top