VCDS Lite works with any generic (ie about £6) USB KKL cable.
For general scanning the free unregistered VCDS Lite from Ross-Tech is a good start.

The full VCDS needs a proper cable from Ross-Tech or their authorised distributors (ie Genden in the UK).

Anything else is a fake interface using hacked software.

 

I used a copy/clone cable for several years and for basic fault-finding it was fine, but when you’re doing full fault scans then you need the full version which isn’t cheap.
I paid around £300 for my cable from Gendan about 5 years ago and it has been used on about 6 cars now (so far) in my family, so it has paid for itself a few times over.
Wouldn’t be without it now.

 

I would definitely recommend trying VCDS lite with a cheap blue kkl cable from ebay. The unregistered free version works fine for fault finding on the Mk1 as well as some blocks e.g. it works with misfire engine blocks. Even when it won't give a full description of a fault it still gives the code which you can then look up on the ross Tech site. If you want to programme or check restricted blocks (e.g. chain measurements on 3.2) it needs to be registered at $99 which is still a good price. The lite version doesn't work with later Audi's and VW but Ross Tech do offer the $99 off of the price of any of their full systems if you decide to upgrade later.

 

A "heads up" on the $99 off, it can only be done via Ross-Tech in the USA, not via their International distributors.
I went that route for mine. VCDS Lite first, then registered for $99, then upgrade to a 10-VIN HEX-V2.
As it came from the US, there were Import Duty fees too.

Still worked out ok, but worth bearing in mind.

 

I have used a couple of blue kkl leads, the last one was £3.45 from China. I essentially wore out the USB connector of the 1st one using it for me7logger when I was tweaking the map every week. Vcdslite is great, I bought VagCanPro which is essentially vcds proper.. and also have odbeleven, only because I have a mark 6 golf

 

Hi All.

Looking at getting VCDS, I see from the Ross Tech site that they will sell the software on its own, and there are quite a few aftermarket cables around. Works out quite a bit cheaper than Ross tech package with their cable. Any one out there who has experience of the an after market cable please?

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