The Ross-Tech VCDS scanner, also known as VAG-COM, is a powerful diagnostic tool for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles. This comprehensive guide explains how to use the Auto-Scan function in VCDS to retrieve vital information from your car’s control modules, identify fault codes, and understand your vehicle’s health.
Understanding the VCDS Auto-Scan
The Auto-Scan function systematically scans each control module in your vehicle, extracting crucial data such as:
- Part Numbers: Identify the specific components installed in your car.
- Component Numbers: Further specify individual parts within modules.
- Soft Coding: Access the software configuration of your modules.
- WSC (Workshop Code): Identify the workshop that originally coded the module.
- Fault Codes (DTCs): Pinpoint malfunctions within the system.
Selecting the Correct Chassis Type
Before initiating an Auto-Scan, selecting the correct Chassis Type is crucial. This ensures VCDS only scans modules relevant to your specific vehicle model. The Chassis Type is usually the 7th and 8th digits of your VIN. For example, a VIN of WAUZZZ4F36N111022 indicates a “4F, Audi A6 C6”. Use the search function within VCDS or consult Ross-Tech’s Vehicle Application Charts for assistance. For newer CAN-based vehicles, selecting “Auto Detect (CAN Only)” allows VCDS to automatically determine and scan the installed modules, significantly speeding up the process.
Customizing Your Auto-Scan with MyAutoScan.TXT
You can personalize your Auto-Scan using the MyAutoScan.TXT file located in the VCDS directory. Clicking the hyperlink above the Chassis Type selection opens this file in a text editor, allowing you to create a custom profile for your vehicle.
UDS Aggressive Mode and Freeze Frame Data
By default, the UDS Aggressive Mode is enabled. This comprehensive mode retrieves all fault codes, including those not typically displayed by factory scan tools. Disabling this option aligns the scan results more closely with the factory tool’s “Self Diagnostics” mode. The Display Freeze Frame Data option, when checked, provides valuable contextual information about fault codes on KWP-2000 protocol modules, offering insights into the conditions when the fault occurred. While not all modules support this feature, enabling it is generally harmless and can aid in diagnostics.
Initiating and Interpreting the Auto-Scan
Clicking the [Start] button initiates the Auto-Scan. This process may take several minutes as VCDS cycles through each module. During the scan, VCDS displays the Open Controller and Fault Codes screens for each module. The scan results include Hardware and Software Part Numbers for newer modules, along with applicable ROD and Label Files. Asterisks, periods, and vertical bars preceding Label Files indicate experimental coding, coding from the label file only, or both respectively. The absence of these symbols indicates no long coding information. Double-clicking on any Control Module highlighted in RED opens the Fault Codes screen for that specific controller, enabling code clearing.
Additional Features: Gateway Installation List, Auto-Refresh, and Clearing DTCs
The Gateway Installation List, available on CAN-based vehicles, provides a quick overview of installed modules and their status. Modules with fault codes are highlighted in red and directly accessible by double-clicking. The Auto-Refresh function allows for real-time monitoring of fault code appearances. With a Ross-Tech HEX Interface, the Clear All DTCs function efficiently clears codes from all modules, either individually on pre-CAN vehicles or globally using CAN commands on newer vehicles.
Saving and Managing Scan Results
The Auto-Scan results include valuable information, such as VIN, engine codes, and component identifiers. While VCDS automatically saves scans in the Scans folder, utilizing the [Copy], [Print], or [Save] buttons allows for archiving and sharing. The [Clear] button erases displayed results but does not clear fault codes from the controllers.
Conclusion
The Ross-Tech VCDS scanner and its Auto-Scan function provide an invaluable resource for understanding and maintaining your VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda vehicle. By following this guide, you can effectively utilize this tool to diagnose issues, monitor your car’s health, and unlock its hidden secrets. For further information and support, consult the official Ross-Tech website and documentation.
