FAQ - VCDS Open Box Review & Registration

SwissJetPilot · Oct 23, 2019

For those of you who have decided the VCDS is your diagnostic tool of choice, this post will try to pull together as much information as possible from various VCDS users in the Forum. While a bit tricky to support all years, engine variants and options, hopefully we can pool our collective knowledge and sort out Mk2 specific issues.

I've owned a Ross-Tech VCDS® HEX-V2® Enthusiast connector and cable for about four years and have used it primarily to resolve the convertible top issue with the flap servos and the Adaptation to get it all working again. I would not consider myself advanced VCDS user, but I am familiar enough with it to have installed and re-coded the RNS-E to accommodate a retrofitted reverse camera, made some long-code changes for LED DLRs and re-coded some other minor tweaks on my 2007 Mk2 Roadster.

It's a great diagnostic tool with excellent functionality and Ross-Tech stands behind their products with their own Forum and great customer service. Not to mention user videos and an entire list of OBD fault codes and possible solutions.

UPDATE - Regarding VCDS Lite:

(From Ross Tech sales) The VCDS-Lite coverage stops with most models around 2004/2005. The Mk2 Audi TT uses CAN communications for diagnostic purposes which are not supported by VCDS-Lite. You need one of our current VCDS products. My suggestions is the HEX-V2 Limited to 3 VINs and costs $199, our lowest price offer that is compatible with your Audi."

For a quick video tour, check out this Tutorial from Charles the Humble Mechanic. Well worth a watch -

VCDS Tutorial ~ How to Use VCDS Scan Tool

VCDS - Open Box Review + Q&A
https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtop ... &t=1635097
https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtop ... &t=1928925

For those who want to use the OBDeleven, here's a link that's supporting that particular diagnostic tool -

OBDeleven - Open Box Review + Q&A
https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtop ... &t=1926901

Looking up Fault Codes on Ross Tech's Wiki Page -

If you want to know what those fault codes actually mean, you can run a Google Search for "Ross Tech XXXXX" where XXXXX is the fault code. This will bring up a link to Ross Tech's wiki which will describe the fault code, possible causes and solutions.

SwissJetPilot · Mar 26, 2024

Registering your VCDS -

Be sure you register your VCDS so Ross Tech knows you are a legit owner/user. This is really important should you find yourself on their Forum asking for help on a topic you can't get resolved here. Here's a link to their forum should you need their help.

General VW/Audi Repair

For questions about repairs that do not involve a scan tool.

forums.ross-tech.com

Note - You can register your VCDS while sitting at your desk with your VCDS cable plugged into your laptop with an online connection to the internet.

To register your cable, start by downloading the latest software from their website onto you laptop or PC. Link here.

Then plug the VCDS cable into your laptop or PC and start the VCDS program. When you plug it in to the USB port, the connector will blink blue. Just be aware that unless it's actually plugged into the OBDII port, you can't access any of the addresses or perform any functions.

At the main Screen, click Options -> Config -> Registration.

Tick the box for "I understand that the data on this page..." and then you can fill in all the fields.
Fill in all the information, I believe the "Create new cloud account" is the default. Not sure if you want this or not - your choice.
Click Submit Registration Request or Register Cloud Account.

Shortly afterwards, you should receive an email that states -

Your request to register your HEX-V2 (H12-XXXXX) is currently under review.
We'll contact you as soon as we have a decision.

Followed shortly by another email -

Your request to register your HEX-V2 (H12-XXXXXX) has been approved.
Please use 399XXXXXXXXXXXX as Transaction ID to "Finalize registration" in the configuration utility.

Go back into the VCDS Registration page.
Enter your Email and the Transaction ID.
Click Finalize Registration.

Note - the black rectangles shown in the fields below are simply redacting my personal information. You won't see them when you are doing the registration.

If successful, a little pop-up window will appear almost immediately -

That's it!

FAQ - VCDS Open Box Review & Registration

General VW/Audi Repair

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