VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnose System) has been a leading, readily available diagnostic software for Volkswagen Group vehicles for over 24 years. Compatible with models ranging from the early Polo G40 and Golf III VR6 to the latest 2025 models, VCDS provides comprehensive diagnostic capabilities for a wide range of vehicles.
Key Features of VCDS
VCDS offers a robust suite of features designed to diagnose and troubleshoot Volkswagen Group vehicles:
- Auto Scan: Automated scan of the entire vehicle system.
- Control Unit Information: Access all essential control unit data.
- Fault Code Management: Read and clear fault codes, including supplemental data. Fault code database with over 32,000 entries in German.
- Actuator Tests: Perform sequential or selective actuator tests.
- SFD Token Processing: Process Security Find Diagnosis (SFD) tokens (from version 21.09 onwards).
- Basic Settings: Configure basic settings.
- Long Coding: Perform long coding, including a coding assistance function.
- Short Coding: Perform short coding with coding suggestions.
- Adaptations: Make necessary adaptations to vehicle settings.
- Live Data/Measuring Blocks: Access and monitor real-time data and measuring blocks.
- Access Authorization/Login: Secure access and login functionality.
- Battery History Data: Read and code battery history data.
- Service Interval Reset: Reset service intervals.
- Readiness Code Management: Read and set readiness codes.
- OBD/E-OBD Data Retrieval: Retrieve On-Board Diagnostics data.
- MOST-Bus Ring Break Diagnosis: Diagnose MOST-Bus ring breaks.
Understanding SFD – Security Find Diagnosis
With the MQBevo platform, the Volkswagen Group introduced SFD (Security Find Diagnosis) in compliance with EU regulations 2018/858 and 2021/1244. This security feature restricts access to safety-relevant components, such as driver assistance systems.
VCDS access to non-SFD related areas remains unrestricted. However, accessing SFD-protected areas requires a manufacturer-generated digital “token” instead of the previous 5-digit security code. Qualified, commercial users can request access via the manufacturer’s platform, ERWIN (https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do). VCDS versions 21.09 and later support manufacturer-generated SFD tokens.
SFD in Model Year 2024 and Beyond
Starting with model year 2024, the CAN Gateway control unit is also protected by SFD. VCDS version BETA 24.12 and later provides initial access to these protected systems.
VCDS Functionality and Continuous Development
Software, particularly diagnostic software like VCDS, is subject to continuous improvement and development. The latest VCDS version represents the current state of technological advancement and is regularly updated. Therefore, certain functions might be limited or unavailable for newer models. This is not a defect but reflects the ongoing development process. Ross-Tech, the manufacturer, strives to program these functions and incorporate them into future software releases.
While VCDS can access the diagnostic level of the models listed in the vehicle compatibility list and perform specific functions, it may not support all possible functions. Due to variations in equipment and optional features, it’s impossible to predict the full functionality for a specific vehicle beforehand.
