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[tunnie]

As VW forums are generally rubbish, I'm posting here for some advice on this software.

As my VW is 'modern' it has things like an electric handbrake, which I do actually really like using day to day. But as with all modern cars, this adds complexity. As such to change the rear pads, you must tell the car to wind the pistons back to change the rear pads. Like it or lump it most new cars have leccy handbrakes, so no point and laughing at my modern car     

So I'm looking at this VCDS software:

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

Which appears to be the "go to" software for VW/Audi etc, it's home brew of Tech2 basically, giving full access to do stuff.

Do I understand this correctly, for those who may know this software, that the install itself to Windows is free, it's the "genuine" cables which only speak to later cars?

Research suggests VCDS + cheap eBay adaptors work on old cars, but for modern ones I need a "chipped" cable, so it can talk fully to my 2013 VW?

Looks like powerful software, as I need to use it for things like fuel filter changes as well, to prime it after a change to remove air. It's an expensive investment as it looks to be around £200 for the cable, but so far I'm really liking VW and when the 3.2 goes, I will strongly consider a Passat Estate or the People carrier thing. So a good investment for the future.

[tunnie]

I think the VCDS License with Micro-CAN Interface would be suitable?

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCuCAN.html

As the VCDS Licensewith HEX-USB+CAN Interface is $100 more, I don't think I need it?

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html

[serek]

Some time ago bought genuine vag was about £250+vat , imho real value for money life time up dates and support  works on all cars from early 90 up to day
Very easy to use too

[Doctor Gollum]

I could ask my neighbour what he uses for his Octavia, but you'll only sneer, so I won't.

[aaronjb]

I could ask my neighbour what he uses for his Octavia, but you'll only sneer, so I won't.

The Ross Tech kit is what is recommended on Briskoda, so likely that.. it's certainly what I was considering - all sorts of reprogramming opportunities to turn on options the car didn't come with (like traffic sign recognition, on my car) or telling the car it has a pikey bar (although I am probably going to wimp out and pay someone to fit one as there are many stories of the bar disabling the adaptive cruise and needing a recode to fix!)

[Doctor Gollum]

Joking aside Aaron I shall ask when I am next home

[tunnie]

Some time ago bought genuine vag was about £250+vat , imho real value for money life time up dates and support  works on all cars from early 90 up to day
Very easy to use too

Thanks. Where did you source yours from?

[tidla]

http://www.mi-uk.com/products/ross-tech-vcds/

Was 3-4 years ago so might be a cheaper supplier out there.

[tunnie]

http://www.mi-uk.com/products/ross-tech-vcds/

Was 3-4 years ago so might be a cheaper supplier out there.

That appears the going rate, very tempted to get this. Be a good investment I think

[Lazydocker]

You don't have to have it for fuel filter changes

[tunnie]

You don't have to have it for fuel filter changes

Hummmm. Various sources say the fuel pump must be primed, after a filter change. To remove the air?

As changing filter looksma doddle, some forums suggest soaking the new filter in diesel first?

[serek]

You don't have to have it for fuel filter changes

Hummmm. Various sources say the fuel pump must be primed, after a filter change. To remove the air?

As changing filter looksma doddle, some forums suggest soaking the new filter in diesel first?

what's year is your Passat?
We do a lot VAG TDI CR and all have fuel pump in thank

[Andy H]

I bought mine from Ilexa https://www.ilexa.co.uk/shop/VCDS-VAG-COM

It does everything I need (except key programming) on a 1999 Golf, a 2002 and a 2004 SEAT Ibeza and a 2003 Galaxy TDi (which was built by SEAT on the Sharan production line). (I think these cars are all pre CAN-bus)

I have also used it to scan a recent 3.0 litre diesel Audi with CAN-bus. (I can't remember the model or year)

I did buy an cheap ebay lead to try with the free VAG-COM software but it can only do a limited range of live readings. I don't think it can do any coding. I doubt it will do anything on a can-bus car

The worst bit for me is I have to keep a laptop with a working Windoze partition so I can use the software. Sorting out the new issues that mysteriously appear since I last booted the Win7 partition seem to take longer than the VCDS session 

[Andy H]

You don't have to have it for fuel filter changes

Hummmm. Various sources say the fuel pump must be primed, after a filter change. To remove the air?

As changing filter looksma doddle, some forums suggest soaking the new filter in diesel first?

what's year is your Passat?
We do a lot VAG TDI CR and all have fuel pump in thank

I think it is to do with running the pump for long enough to fill the diesel filter and flush most of the air bubbles back to the tank BEFORE you crank the engine.

If Tunnies is set up to run the pump every time the doors are unlocked then he could probably prime the filter by locking and unlocking the car half a dozen times.

[tunnie]

Thanks all.

@Serek it's a 2013 plate, 2014 model Passat CC.

@Andy H, yeah I found that reseller as well, they get good reviews.

I think mine is too new to do the door or ignition prime, that said when I unlock the car the drivers window does go down and I do hear a buzz. The lights come on, so thought it was them warming up 

I still need it to wind the Calipers back into "service mode" for rear pads anyway. So it's useful software to have.