Measuring Blocks (VAG 1551/1552 function 08)
On this screen, you can read all sorts of data from the Control Module in real-time. Use [Up] and [Dn] to scroll through the available groups (000 - 255 on most Control Modules). Don't become discouraged when you find some that say "ERROR: Group xxx Not Available" or if you find some groups where the fields are all blank. Most 1996 and newer ECU's have Groups in the 200 range, but there are often "gaps" in the numbers. You can also type a Group number into the Group box and click [Go!] You can also [Log] the data from the measuring blocks. For more information see page 13 Data Logging. [Switch to Basic Settings] can be used to go to Basic Settings for the Group that is currently being displayed. This should be done only under guidance from the Service Manual or when following some other documented procedure. For more information see page 19 Basic Settings. NOTE: Multiple Groups are not permitted in Basic Settings. The [Switch To Basic Settings] button is intentionally disabled if you have groups "running" in the second and third rows. To stop a running group, click on the box that displays the group number (as though you wanted to enter a new number). This button is also disabled on controllers using KWP-2000. On those, you need to go directly to the Basic Settings screen. The data presented in each Measuring Block Group varies greatly from Control Module to Control Module and between different models and years. Some groups are documented in the Factory Repair Manuals, but many are not. Feel free to explore the Control Modules in your car by scrolling through all the Groups. You can't hurt anything with the Measuring Blocks function!

Measuring Blocks cont.

In each case, VAG-COM will attempt to "scale" the raw data coming from the Control Module into real-world units like degrees C, km/h, etc. At the present time, all scaling conversions are to metric units. Note: Group 000 and any other group that displays 10 fields instead of 4 is an exception. No scaling is possible because the Control Module provides no "Data Type" information with the data for these. Groups of this type can only be displayed in the top row of the screen. VAG-COM also tries to elaborate as much as possible what the data means. Unfortunately, the "Data Type" information coming from the Control Module is not that precise. For example: VAG-COM can tell that a particular field contains a Temperature, but the data from the Controller doesn't tell us whether this is the Coolant Temperature or the Intake Air Temperature. To reduce the confusion, VAG-COM supports Label Files and will display the name of the Label File. When a Label file for the Control Module you are looking at does not exist, VAG-COM will come up with an "educated guess" for what a particular Data Type means. The dealers' VAG-1551 and 1552 scan-tools do not provide any elaboration; they only show whats in the display fields! Sample Rate: We can get just over 4.0 samples per second from our '97 VR6 ECU (single group) with the most aggressive protocol-timing settings. This ECU runs at 9600 baud. Most newer ECU's run at 10400 and should give proportionately more. Naturally, if two groups are being displayed simultaneously, the sample rate drops to around 2.0, and 3 groups simultaneously runs at around 1.3. Sample Rate will vary from controller to controller and the PC used will also have some effect. Some controllers (particularly AG4 transmissions and Digifant-III ECU's) use a "hybrid" datatype that requires reading a long header when changing group numbers. Viewing multiple groups still works with these data types, but the sample rate becomes extremely slow. If you see "Reading Header" all the time under the Sample Rate display, you'll know you've got one of these. In Engine controllers using KWP-2000, there is a [Turbo] button in Measuring Blocks screen of the latest version of VAG-COM. Pressing this button can significantly speed up sampling, in some cases to over 30 samples per second when logging a single group. Once you have pressed [Turbo] you will remain in this High-Speed mode until you exit the Measuring Blocks screen. [VAG-Scope] is a plug-in for VAG-COM that allows you to graph Measuring Group Information. See Appendix C for information on VAG-Scope. Use [Done, Go Back] to return to the Controller Info / Select Function screen. Warning! If you wish to observe real-time data while driving the car, use a second person who is not in front of an active airbag!

7-digit PIN/SKC Dialog

The 7-digit PIN/SKC dialog is used for Key Matching and Immobilizer 3 Adaptation. You must enter the following information: 7-digit SKC that the dealer generated for your exact Immobilizer ID Number. Date on which the SKC was GENERATED BY THE DEALER. Workshop Code (WSC) for the dealer that generated the SKC. Importer Number for the dealer that generated the SKC.
The 7-digit SKC is useless without these other items. When you have filled in all of the data click [OK]. If any of the entered data does not make sense, this message may appear G When you have successfully submitted the 7-digit PIN/SKC, you are taken back to either the Login or Adaptation screen (wherever you were when you clicked on [Use 7-digit PIN/SKC] ). Now, you should have XXXXX in Login or Adaptation value. Note: Unlike the factory diagnostic tools, with VAG-COM, the same PIN can be used for a particular car at any time in the future, as long as you keep track of the PIN, along with the Date on which the PIN was GENERATED BY THE DEALER, the dealer's Workshop Code (WSC) and the Importer number. Use the [OK] button to save the 7-digit information and return to the Login or Adaptation screen Use the [Cancel] button to return to the Login or Adaptation screen without saving.
Basic Settings (VAG 1551/1552 function 04)
This screen is presented when a Control Module is in Basic Settings Mode. Basic Settings Mode is very similar to Measuring Blocks, and the contents of each display group is the same. The difference between the functions is that the Control Module may try to perform various calibrations while in Basic Settings mode. Warning! You should refer to the Factory Repair Manual for your particular car (or some other documented procedure) before "playing" with the Basic Settings function. Failure to follow the proper procedures can result in serious damage to the vehicle. Although you can use the [Up] and [Dn] buttons to scroll through the available groups just like on the Measuring Blocks screen, this is probably not a good idea since you may put the Controller into Basic Settings for a Group that you did not intend. You can also enter a Group number directly and click [Go!] [Switch to Meas. Blocks] will switch back to the passive (and "safe") Measuring Blocks mode. NOTE: Multiple Groups are not permitted in Basic Settings. The data presented in each Basic Settings Group varies greatly from Control Module to Control Module and between different models and years. Some groups are documented in the Factory Repair Manuals, but many are not.

Basic Settings cont.

VAG-COM also tries to elaborate as much as possible what the data means. Unfortunately, the "Data Type" information coming from the Control Module is not that precise. For example: VAG-COM can tell that a particular field contains a Temperature, but the data from the Controller doesn't tell us whether this is the Coolant Temperature or the Intake Air Temperature. To reduce the confusion, VAG-COM supports Label Files and will display the name of the Label File. When a Label file for the Control Module you are looking at does not exist, VAG-COM will come up with an "educated guess" for what a particular Data Type means. The dealers' VAG-1551 and 1552 scan-tools do not provide any elaboration; they only show whats in the display fields! Use [Done, Go Back] to return to the Controller Info / Select Function screen. The most common use for the Basic Settings function is to recalibrate the Throttle Body (sort of like having a Chiropractor do an adjustment on the engine). Another common use for Basic Settings is to bleed the ABS Hydraulic Unit on newer cars. Please refer to a Factory Repair Manual for your car before attempting to do any of these procedures! You can begin and end a Data [Log] while in Basic Settings. See page 13 for information on Data Logging. Basic Settings in KWP-2000:

Adaptation (VAG 1551/1552 function 10)
The Adaptation function allows you to alter certain values and/or settings in control modules which support it. Warning! You should refer to the Factory Repair Manual for your particular car (or some other documented procedure) before "playing" with the Adaptation function. However, many available Adaptation Channels are totally undocumented! You can use the [Up] and [Dn] buttons next to Channel Number to scroll through all 99 possible channels, or you can manually enter a channel number and click [Read]. If a channel exists, VAGCOM will show you the Stored Value. If a channel does not exist, the Stored Value will show as "N/A". Other data the controller may or may not send will be decoded and shown in the four display fields at the top of the screen. Once you have reached a channel of interest, you can use the [Up] and [Dn] buttons next to New Value to incrementally change the value. Or you can directly enter a New Value and click [Test]. This will tell the controller to temporarily use the new value so you can evaluate it's effects. When you are satisfied with the effect of a New Value, you can store it in the Controller permanently by clicking [Save]. Note: Channel 00 is a special case. Performing a [Save] to Channel 00 resets all adaptation values to their original factory defaults. This only works in controllers that support this function, see your Factory Repair Manual to find out if this procedure applies to each controller in your vehicle.

Adaptation cont.

Note: Some Engine and Immobilizer controllers will require a valid Log-In before permitting you to [Test] or [Save] Adaptation values. Examples of things that can be done with Adaptation: * Altering the Idle Speed (only SOME engines) * Changing the Service Intervals and resetting the Service Reminder Indicators (newer instrument clusters) * Disabling/Enabling various components of the Airbag/SRS system. * Changing the sensitivity of the Interior Monitor (Sonar Scan) component of the Alarm System in many newer Audis. * Swapping ECU's and re-matching keys (newer immobilizer-equipped cars) * Selecting certain Central Locking options in newer vehicles. Click [Done, Go Back] to return to the Open Controller Function Screen. Note: Values put in with [Test] but not saved will persist until controller is powered-down.
Security Access Screen (VAG 1551/2 Function 16, KWP-2000 only)
The Security Access Function must be used on some (but not all) KWP-2000 Control Modules before you can Recode or change Adaptation values. On others, it "enables" certain features like cruise control. Valid Login codes can be found in the Factory Repair Manual for your car. Use the [Do It!] button to save the Login and return to the Select Function Screen. Use the [Cancel] button to cancel the Login and return to the Select Function Screen.

So, Evergreen Terrace Volkswagen has a WSC of 01742. This only applies to US VW dealers. Canadian dealerships use a 4-digit number on their stamp. To find the WSC, place a 9 before their number. The VZ/Importer number is essentially a "region code" extension to the Work Shop Code (should be 444 for US, 999 for Canada). The default value is 000. If you are an individual user or independent mechanic, just leave the WorkShop Code set to "0000" and VZ/Importer number set to "000". This allows VAG-COM to operate in stealth mode, keeping whatever WSC and Importer numbers that were already in the controller. If you are using VAG-COM at a Dealership, enter your Dealer's Workshop Code and VZ/Importer number. VZ/Importer number and Work Shop Code are not easily changed once set on this screen. Contact us for advice if you need to do so. Shop Name is displayed on reports, such as the Fault Code Report. [Restore Defaults] will reset all Protocol Options (except WorkShop Code and VZ/Importer number) to their "as-delivered" settings.
[Save] causes the current options to be stored. [Apply] lets you use and test the options without storing them. [Cancel] takes you back to the Main Screen without any effect.

About Screen

License Info The Serial Number will initially be Please test on car before registering until you have connected to a car and checked fault codes in a controller. After you have done this, you will have a Serial Number composed of letters and numbers. License Status should always be Fully Registered / Activated, since the HEX-COM and HEX-USB have activation built-in. With all other Interfaces, this will be "Unregistered/Shareware" until you Register/Activate VAG-COM. See our Website for more info: www.Ross-Tech.com/vca On this screen, you will also find a Copyright Notice, License info, and Contact Information. The Web and E-Mail "links" open up your browser or mail program, respectively and can be used if your PC is connected to the Internet. To return to the Main Screen, click [Go Back].
Appendix A: VAG-COM Problems & Issues
Possible Issues, all versions:
We have some reports indicating that VAG-COM versions 211.1 and newer do not get along with the Zone Alarm firewall application. If you are using Zone Alarm, turn it off while using VAG-COM. SP1 (Service Pack 1) for Windows 2000 adversely affects VAG-COM's ability to do real-time and makes communications with some controllers unreliable. If using Windows 2000 with Service Pak 1, you should apply Service Pak 2 or Service Pak 3. 1991-1994 TDI Engines: We have a number of reports indicating that VAG-COM doesn't work with these using a "dumb" Interface. For these vehicles, you will need to use our HEX-COM or HEX-USB Interface. If you try to connect to a control module and you get the error message "Can't Synch Baud Rate", go to the Options Screen and try setting the Start Baud to 9600. If 9600 doesn't work, also try 4800 and 1200. Turn the car's ignition OFF and back ON after each failed attempt to connect!

2000-2001 VW Golf/GTI/Jetta/Beetle Airbag System (important!) We have had a number of reports of Air Bag Warning Lights staying on permanently after scanning with VAG-COM. The Air Bag Controller shows DTC number 65535, indicating an internal error which cannot be cleared. This problem seems to be limited to airbag controllers with the part number: 6Q0-909-605-A. There are a number of different "Index" or "color-code" variations of this controller and not all of them are affected, but we haven't got a definitive list of which ones are which. If you have a 2000-2001 Golf, Jetta/Bora, Beetle, or a similar SEAT or Skoda model, you should physically inspect the airbag controller and look at the part number. If it is not 6Q0-909-605-A, then it should be safe to scan. If it is 6Q0-909-605-A, then it is at risk of this problem -please avoid scanning the airbag controller in these cars, unless you are prepared to buy a new one!
Appendix A: VAG-COM Problems & Issues cont.
2000-2001 VW Golf/GTI/Jetta/Beetle Airbag System cont. So, can you unintentionally connect to the Airbag controller? When you try to access the Airbag controller, you need to click on Airbags in the Select Control Module screen. Then, you are confronted with a disclaimer screen asking if you really want to proceed, the default answer is "No". We have no reports of people scanning their airbags by mistake with these safeguards in place. Also, please note the disclaimer on the Download Page. If you have a vehicle with the affected part number and are concerned, simply do not scan the airbag controller. Accessing the other control modules in the car should not affect the airbag controller in any way. Comment: There is no way that scanning a controller should cause it to become dysfunctional in this manner, even if the scan-tool fouls up in some way. We believe there is a bug in the firmware in these controllers. We also believe VW knows this, but isn't admitting it. The affected controllers are no longer available as replacement parts, they have been superceded by a new part number: 1C0-909-605-A which appears not to have this problem. On the previous page is the location of the airbag Controller in the Golf/GTI/Jetta: (Thanks to Drew Weirshousky for the excellent photos!) 1997 VW Passat B5 Central Convenience System These controllers seem to have a bug that causes them to drop the communications session when VAG-COM requests the door-slave controller "Extra" info. A work-around is available in Version 0.70e which simply does not request any "Extra" info. If you have a 1997 B5 Passat (non-US models only), use 0.70e on the Central Convenience system. 1998 and newer Passats do not have this problem. 1990-1992 VW 2.0L 16V Engines Works fine with the HEX-COM and HEX-USB. If you're using a "dumb" interface, you must set the Start Baud on the Options Screen to 4800 to get these to work. If you have anything else in Starting Baud Rate, the ECU will "choke" and you'll need to turn the ignition OFF and back ON again before you can communicate. 1990-1993 VW Cabrio/Cabriolet Airbags These controllers do not communicate with VAG-COM. In fact, they do not communicate with Volkswagen's VAG-1552 scan tool either, unless the 1552 has an old, outdated program card installed. 1994-1997 C4 (A6/S6) Instrument Clusters These have a high bit-error rate. We suspect they use a software-UART and "stretch" bits sometimes. The error-detection/correction logic built into VAG-COM's low-level protocol drivers as of version 0.70 seems to take care of this in a majority of cases, but I still had few reports of customers not being able to communicate with these clusters. In version 0.75 or or newer, please ensure that Char Int on the Options Screen is set to approximately 3 (which is the default). On some PC's, it may be necessary to adjust this value to something other than 3. On very fast PC's try a higher value. On very slow PC's, try something less. We have received reports from users who cleaned the terminals on the wiring connections at the back of their instrument cluster with electronics cleaner. This appeared to fix the problem with communicating with these clusters.

Q: Will there be a Windows-CE/PocketPC or Palm-OS version? A: Possibly at some point in the future, but we don't have a timetable yet. We conducted a poll of current and potential VAG-COM users about where we should concentrate development efforts. The results: 75 % Improving and adding features to the Windows version 11 % Porting VAG-COM to Windows CE / PocketPC 9 % Porting VAG-COM to Palm 3 % Porting VAG-COM to LINUX 2 % Porting VAG-COM to Macintosh Some of our customers use VAG-COM on a tablet PC such as a Fujitsu Stylistic or on an ultraportable PC such as a Toshiba Libretto. These can be purchased inexpensively on auction sites. These REAL PC's work wonderfully and have very small form factors (the Libretto is about the size of a VHS video cassette). Q: What's the difference between VAG-COM and an OBD-II Scan-Tool? A: OBD-II is a government mandated diagnostic protocol that is primarily aimed at diagnosing emissions-related problems. An OBD-II scan tool will work in many different brands of cars. VAGCOM uses VW's proprietary diagnostic protocol and will only work in VW/Audi vehicles. Although you can use an OBD-II Scan Tool in an OBD-II compliant (1996 or newer) VW or Audi, an OBD-II Scan Tool can only talk to the engine, not the numerous other "intelligent" systems in the car. Want to reprogram your central locks or your Radio? Diagnose a problem with your ABS, Airbags, or Automatic Transmission? Re-align your Immobilizer after swapping ECU's? Reset your Service Reminder Indicators? Communicate with a pre-1996 model (not OBD-II compliant) car? An OBD-II Scan-Tool can't do any of these things. Please see our OBD-II Page for information on using third party generic OBD-II software through our Interface. Q: Can I use VAG-COM to roll back my electronic odometer? A: No. A brand new instrument cluster (with less than 100 km on it) can be rolled forward, one time only. Of course, this assumes that the instrument cluster is "diagnostics capable". Not all instrument clusters with electronic odometers are. Q: Can I use VAG-COM to "Flash" the chip in my ECU? A: No, we have investigated flashing, but found that there are several different methods of encryption for various VW/Audi vehicles, as well as delicate licensing issues to overcome. Therefore, we do not intend to pursue flashing any further at this time. You cannot alter boost, timing, fueling, rev limiter, or speed limiter with VAG-COM. You should contact a chiptuner if you wish to have those parameters altered. Q: Is there anything else I need to make full use of VAG-COM? A: Yes. A good Factory Repair Manual containing the VAG Scan-Tool procedures for your car. VAG-COM is a tool, not an on-line service manual. We could not possibly document everything you can do with it in every year and model of VW/Audi that VAG-COM can be used with. The most costeffective manuals with good Scan-Tool procedures for US/Canadian vehicles are the CD-ROMs from Robert Bentley Publishers. We offer these at a discount to registered VAG-COM users. Beware, however, that many of the paper "Service Manuals" published by Bentley do not contain Scan-Tool Procedures. If a paper Bentley manual is called a "Service Manual" it usually does not have scantool procedures. If it is called "Official Factory Repair Manual", it does. An additional source of manuals that contain Scan-Tool procedures is Dyment Distribution Services (1-800-544-8021). For European VW manuals, check http://erwin.volkswagen.de/index.jsp For European Audi manuals, check http://erwin.audi.de/index.jsp

Virus Scanners Task Scheduler Microsoft Active-Synch Fast-Find Some Novell Netware network drivers Canon "Multipass" multi-function printer/scanner software Power Management -- some laptops are notoriously difficult, try running the laptop on AC power! Go through all the stuff in your System Tray: Right-Click on each little icon. If there's a "Disable" or "Exit" option, do it! Windows 2000 with SP1: Install IE 5.5 or SP2. Windows 95/98/Me: Pull up a task list by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL. Kill everything except Explorer and Systray. All versions of Windows: Start -> Run -> MSCONFIG. Take a look at what other non-essential stuff Windows is loading and disable it. STOP or remove PCMCIA Cards, especially anything made by Xircom. Some IBM brand cards are also problematical. Try turning off your COM Port's FIFO buffers. Open the properties sheet for the COM Port in Device Manager. Select the Port Settings tab. Click the Advanced button. Uncheck the "use FIFO buffer" checkbox. Some Windows installations, especially ones that have had numerous program installed and uninstalled over the years may be hopeless. Try installing a clean copy of Windows in a different folder than the original.

Other Tips:

If all else fails, please call or email us, making sure to provide the brand and model of vehicle, brand and model of PC, and version of VAG-COM. Q: How do I eliminate the "CAN'T OPEN CODES.DAT" message? A: Ensure that VAGCOM.EXE and CODES.DAT are both in the same folder. Then run the VAGCOM.EXE file directly, not from a shortcut. If you want to run VAG-COM using a shortcut, ensure that the shortcut's START_IN property points at the folder where VAGCOM.EXE and CODES.DAT are (i.e. whatever folder you installed VAG-COM in). The simplest way to fix this is to download and install the latest version of VAG-COM. Q: Why does my dash BEEP when I access my ABS controller? A: In many of the newer models, there will be a series of BEEPS from the dash when you access the ABS controller (and the ABS light will be ON while you are talking to it). This perfectly normal and is done to notify the driver that the ABS is non-functional while in diagnostic mode.

Q: How do I permanently move VAG-COM from one PC to another? (This also applies to reformatting your hard drive, installing new OS or performing other system overhauls). 1. Download and Install the latest version of VAG-COM on your new PC. 2. Test it to make sure it works properly on that machine. Contact us for support if you have any difficulties. 3. Fill out the appropriate Registration Form using the serial number from the About screen and we'll send you a new Activation Code, subject to the following caveat: You must provide us with a De-Activation code from a prior installation. To generate a DeActivation Code, you need version 0.76 or newer on the old, previously activated machine. In other words, if you've got an older version on that machine, you may have to update it. The best way to send the De-Activation code is to grab the DE-ACT.TXT file that is generated in the VAGCOM folder when you use the De-Activate button. Additional notes:
All Activation Requests or Re-Activation requests must be made using the appropriate Registration Form. Email requests will not be accepted. Once again, if you intend to use VAG-COM on multiple PC's or swap PC's often, we HIGHLY recommend you purchase one of our Intelligent Interfaces (upgrades for existing registered users are also available).
Q: What's the De-Activate button for? Why would I want to do that? Two reasons:
To move your activated copy of VAG-COM permanently from one PC to another. See the previous question. Some things you might want to do to your PC will kill the Activation. If you're going to re-install Windows or update to different version of Windows, re-format or re-partition, or replace your hard drive, then you're going to loose your Activation anyway, and you'll need to ask us for a new activation code when you're done. Sometimes we can tell from the Serial Number that you're requesting a new activation for the same PC. Sometimes we can't. It depends on exactly what you've changed. Now you can always get a new Activation with no questions asked IF you are our customer and you supply proof of de-activation from a previous installation. So if you're about to undertake surgery on your PC, please use the De-Activate function first.
To De-Activate, simply go to the About Screen and press the Register/Activate/Transfer button. Next you will see a button labeled as "De-Activate". Press the De-Activate Button. Doing so will generate a "Proof of De-Activation" code which you can copy and paste into the appropriate Registration Form using the serial number from the About screen. The "Proof of De-Activation" code is also written to a file called DE-ACT.TXT which you can easily put on a floppy disk for safe keeping. Note: A De-Activation code cannot be used to activate a new installation of VAG-COM! You must fill out the appropriate Registration Form to receive a new Activation Code.

Q: Why has VAG-COM become De-Activated on its own? There are a few conditions that can cause previously-registered installations of VAG-COM to become De-Activated:
Performing major systems maintenance like upgrading your operating system, swapping hardware or reformatting your hard drive will "kill" an activation. If you're going to do maintenance of this type, manually de-activate first -- see the previous question. A problem with your system clock such as a dead CMOS battery, or manually setting the system clock backwards in an attempt to defeat the time limit on other shareware products. VAG-COM's Serial Number may change if it perceives that is has gone "back in time". A PC without a properly functioning system clock is considered defective. The use of some "System Cleaning" utilities that root around in the Windows Registry can kill the activation. "Machine Gun Clicking". We have not been able to reproduce this here, but have enough reports from users to believe that it happens: If the user is impatient and "machine-gun" clicks on the VAG-COM icon and causes a second instance of VAG-COM to begin loading before the first instance has finished loading, it can "kill" the activation. This appears to be most common on older, slower PC's, and PC's which have a marginal amount of RAM for the version of Windows that is installed. Current release versions (208.X and newer) contain code to prevent multiple instances of VAG-COM from loading. If you're still running any older version, we'd like to suggest you download an update. If you're an existing registered user with a "dumb" interface, Beta 310.0 or newer will remain shareware until you request a new activation code. Legitimate activations for previous versions won't be affected. Existing registered users with dumb interfaces must complete the short form to request a new activation code for Beta 310.0 or newer. Requests submitted via e-mail or forms with incomplete information will be rejected and will delay your activation. Intelligent Interfaces (HEX-COM and HEX-USB) are not affected by this.
If your previously activated copy of VAG-COM becomes de-activated for some reason, don't panic. First establish that your Serial Number is stable (make note of the last 4 digits of the Serial Number, and close and restart VAG-COM and restart Windows a few times to ensure that the Serial Number remains constant). Then fill out the appropriate Registration Form to receive a new Activation Code. Note: Your old activation code won't work! Q: Can I sell my VAG-COM System to someone else? You can sell the interface, but the software license is not transferable. The HEX-COM acts as a "dongle" for VAG-COM (version 211.1 and newer), so the software should be fully functional on any PC you use with the HEX-COM. However, we only provide support to the original purchaser. If you purchase a second-hand HEX-COM and want to be a "registered user" and get support, you'll still need to pay $99 to register.

Q: Why and How should I test VAG-COM prior to Activating it? A: As per our Guarantee no refunds will be issued once you have received an Activation Code from us. Therefore, it is in your best interest to test VAG-COM with your PC and your vehicle prior to requesting an Activation. First, Download and install VAG-COM on your PC. Find your vehicle on the Applications Page to see which control modules are in your car. Connect your Interface to your car's Diagnostic Port and to your PC. Go into the Options screen, select the correct port, and click the TEST button. Ensure that VAG-COM finds your interface. Turn the ignition ON (turn the key so the Instrument Cluster lights up, but do not start the car) and Select one of your car's Control Modules (note: your car will not have all the Control Modules listed in VAG-COM, only the ones on your Applications Page). After VAG-COM has Connected, check Fault Codes. Repeat the process for each of your car's Control Modules. If you encounter problems, please try the above Suggestions first. If you still have problems, feel free to Contact Us with full details about your PC and vehicle, preferably while you are in front of both. Of course, our Interfaces that have built-in Activation, are fully Registered and Activated once you test them on a car. Q: Can I use VAG-COM while I am driving? A: We strongly recommend against reading data while driving -- that would be an accident waiting to happen. Almost everything that changes while you drive can be LOGGED to a.CSV file, which you can analyze to your heart's content using Excel (or a number of other programs) preferably while the vehicle is not in motion.:-) If you find it necessary to read data while the vehicle is in motion, we strongly urge you to use a second person -- one to drive, one to look at the PC. This second person should sit in the back seat, because a laptop used in the front passenger's seat becomes potentially lethal if an airbag drives it back into the passenger's head or torso in case of an accident. What is "The Aftermarket Radio Problem"? A: Please read The Aftermarket Radio Page on the Ross-Tech website: www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/aftermarket-radio.html Q: How do I upgrade my existing VAG-COM software to the newest version? A: Software updates are free, however it is your responsibility to take advantage of these free updates. You should be able to simply Download and install the latest release of VAG-COM to the same folder where VAG-COM is currently located on your PC. The new version of VAG-COM should see and use your existing registration/activation. Very rarely, the software will revert to shareware when an upgrade is done. We're not sure what causes this (if indeed it happens). It's possible that people who rarely use VAG-COM didn't notice that something else previously killed their activation and only notice it when they go to test a new version. Please check that your old version is still activated before you install an upgrade. If you perform an upgrade and feel it killed your registration, simply complete the short form to request a new activation code. Note: If you're an existing registered user with a "dumb" interface, Beta 310.0 or newer will remain shareware until you request a new activation code. Legitimate activations for previous versions won't be affected. Existing registered users with dumb interfaces must complete the short form to request a new activation code for Beta 310.0 or newer. Requests submitted via e-mail or forms with incomplete information will be rejected and will delay your activation. Intelligent Interfaces (HEX-COM and HEXUSB) are not affected by this.

Q: Does Ross-Tech make diagnostic software for other makes of cars? A: Currently, we sell only VAG-COM, which works on VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda. We are developing diagnostic software for BMW/MINI vehicles, but are in the very early development stages. Our website will have information about the upcoming product. We do not currently have plans to develop software for any other makes of cars, but of course, all plans are subject to change. If you'd like to add generic OBD-II functionality for Chrysler/Imports to your existing Serial Interface, see our OBD-II page for information about 3rd party software. We do not know of any other makers of similar software for other makes of vehicles.

Appendix C: VAG-Scope

Graphing "Plug-In" for VAG-COM

Quick Instructions:

You can use VAG-Scope in one of two ways: Allow VAG-COM to launch VAG-Scope by clicking the [VAG-Scope] button on the Measuring Blocks screen, or manually start VAG-Scope in stand-alone mode to play back VAG-COM Log Files. You cannot do both at the same time. If VAG-Scope is running in Stand-alone mode, VAGCOM will not start. If you manually start VAG-Scope while VAG-COM is running, it will probably complain. Use the checkboxes next to each display field to select which items are graphed. Click on a field to select it for vertical scaling. VAG-Scope will remember all scaling values for a particular control module by part number.
Click the Ross-Tech Icon for a menu item to access a Preferences Dialog:
Preferences: Here you can set colors for the graph lines, the graph background and the grid. You can also set default scaling values (based on the units that VAG-COM sends) NOTE: VAG-Scope can be used to play back Log files produced by any version of VAGCOM. Using it to graph live data in real-time requires VAG-COM Beta 212.2, Release 303.1 or newer. VAG-Scope included in the latest VAG-COM release on our Download page.
Appendix C: VAG-Scope cont.
VAG-Scope -- FAQ: Q: What are those numbers on the left of the graph? A: They are the scaling numbers. They define the min and max values that will be graphed in the window. For instance, a temperature could be graphed between -10 and 130*C. Q: Great, but I don't like the current ones. A: Don't worry, everything is fully customizable. You have two different ways of choosing your scaling factors: In the preferences screen, you can either modify the values for an existing units, or add a new unit with its values. Make sure the unit is spelled exactly (including the case) as it appears in the measuring blocks/graphing data. In the main screen, click on a field (or use the blue horizontal arrow) to display its scaling values. The field you're working on is surrounded by a frame. You can then change the min and max scaling factors for this particular field Both settings are saved, so that next time you won't have to do it all over again!

Appendix D: TDI Timing Checker "Plug-In" for VAG-COM
This plug-in allows you to check the injection timing setting on a TDI engine. This needs to be done after you changed the timing belt and every once in a while. The standard procedure for this is to have the engine idling at operating temperature (coolant temp >85*C), go to measuring block 000 for the engine, switch to basic settings and report fields #2 (injection timing) and #9 (fuel temperature) on a special graph.
This plug-in reports the timing on the graph in real-time, so you don't need to have your manual sitting on your lap at the same time. The application also gives you a comment in the "result" field, that will tell you if all the conditions are fulfilled to check the timing (some people don't realize you need to have the engine running, for instance.) and if your timing is within specs or not. The history of the last 100 samples is displayed as a "cloud" of points. From the size and shape of this "cloud" you can see how much "jumping around" your engine is doing, and your average timing is probably right in the middle of the cloud. Step by step: Start your engine Start VAG-COM Press the [Select] button Press the [01-Engine] button Press the [Measuring blocks-08] button Go to group 000 Press the [Switch to basic settings] button Now press the [TDI Timing] button.
Note: The TDI Timing Checker works only as a plug-in. You must start it using the [TDI Timing] button in VAG-COM. Starting it any other way will result in error messages and it wont work.
Appendix E: VAG-COM Function Chart
Factory Diagnostic Tools: VAG-1551/1552 or VAS-5051/5052 Function Number / Name 00 Auto-Scan 01 Control Unit Info 02 Read Fault Codes 03 Output Tests 04 Basic Settings 05 Clear Fault Codes 06 Close Controller 07 Code Module 08 Measuring Blocks 09 Single Reading 10 Adaptation 11 Login 15 View Readiness 33 Generic OBD-II Data Logging (Exclusive to VAG-COM!) High-Speed Data Logging (Exclusive to VAG-COM!) Real-Time Graphs (Exclusive to VAG-COM!) Real-Time Virtual Gauges (Exclusive to VAG-COM!) Dual K-Line Support 7-Digit SKC/PINs (VAS only) Control Module Finder (Exclusive to VAG-COM!) Code Database current through MY 2004 (VAS only) VAG-COM Release 311.2 KWP-1281 * KWP-2000 ** Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Not Used Yes Yes Yes Planned Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes