VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) is a powerful diagnostic tool for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles. Learning how to Scan With Vcds effectively is crucial for identifying and resolving vehicle issues. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the VCDS Auto-Scan function, enabling you to diagnose your car like a pro.
Understanding the VCDS Auto-Scan
The Auto-Scan function in VCDS systematically interrogates each control module in your vehicle, retrieving essential information such as:
- Part Numbers: Identifying specific components.
- Component Numbers: Further specifying individual parts.
- Soft. Coding: Revealing software versions and configurations.
- WSC: Workshop Code, indicating the dealership or workshop that last worked on the vehicle.
- Fault Codes (DTCs): Pinpointing specific malfunctions within the system.
Performing a Scan with VCDS
1. Selecting the Chassis:
Accurately identifying your vehicle’s chassis type is crucial for a successful scan. The chassis type determines which control modules are relevant to your specific car model. You can usually find this information within the 7th and 8th digits of your VIN. For example, a VIN with “4F” in these positions usually indicates an Audi A6 C6. Utilize the search function within VCDS to quickly locate your chassis type or consult online resources like Ross-Tech’s Vehicle Application Charts.
For newer, fully CAN-based vehicles, selecting “Auto Detect (CAN Only)” allows VCDS to automatically determine installed modules, significantly speeding up the scanning process.
2. Customizing Your Scan with MyAutoScan.TXT:
VCDS allows for customized scanning profiles through the MyAutoScan.TXT file. This file, located in the VCDS directory, can be edited with a standard text editor like Notepad. Customizing this file lets you tailor the scan to your specific vehicle’s needs.
3. Utilizing UDS Aggressive Mode:
By default, the “UDS Aggressive Mode” is enabled. This setting prompts VCDS to retrieve all possible fault codes, including those that a factory scan tool might not display in standard diagnostic modes. Disabling this option can align your scan results more closely with a factory tool’s “Self Diagnostics” mode.
4. Including Freeze Frame Data:
Enabling the “Display Freeze Frame Data” option provides valuable context to fault codes by capturing a snapshot of vehicle conditions at the time the fault occurred. This feature is generally supported by newer control modules (post-2003 designs). While enabling this option might increase scan output, it offers valuable diagnostic insights.
5. Initiating the Auto-Scan:
Click the [Start] button to commence the Auto-Scan. Be patient, as this process can take several minutes to complete. During the scan, VCDS will cycle through each controller, displaying relevant information and any detected fault codes.
6. Interpreting Label File Indicators:
Pay attention to symbols preceding label files in the scan results:
*: Indicates experimental coding available for the module..: Signifies coding information is available from the label file.|: Represents both experimental and label file coding are available.- (No symbol): Indicates no long coding information is available.
7. Accessing Fault Codes and Clearing DTCs:
Double-clicking on any control module highlighted in red will directly open its Fault Codes screen. From here, you can analyze the specific DTCs and clear them as needed. Alternatively, the [Clear All DTCs] function (available with HEX interfaces) offers a quicker method for clearing codes across multiple modules.
8. Reviewing and Saving Scan Results:
The Auto-Scan results provide a comprehensive overview of your vehicle’s diagnostic data. You can copy, print, or save these results for future reference. VCDS automatically saves a copy of each scan in the Scans folder (typically C:Ross-TechVCDSScans).
Conclusion
Mastering how to scan with VCDS empowers you to perform in-depth vehicle diagnostics, identify underlying issues, and make informed repair decisions. By following this guide, you can confidently utilize the Auto-Scan function to unlock the wealth of information hidden within your vehicle’s control modules. Remember to consult the official Ross-Tech documentation for the most up-to-date information and specific instructions related to your VCDS version and vehicle model.
