Finding a reliable and affordable diagnostic tool for your Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG) vehicle can be challenging. Many turn to eBay for VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) cables, often finding themselves with a device lacking instructions or drivers. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for setting up your Ebay Vcds Vag cable on Windows, enabling you to access the free demo version of VCDS software. This guide focuses on Windows 2000/XP.
Installing the Correct Drivers for Your VCDS Cable
Before connecting your eBay VCDS VAG cable, downloading the correct drivers is crucial. Do not plug in the cable yet. Download the necessary drivers from the official FTDI website: FTDI Drivers. Once downloaded, unzip the files to a memorable location on your computer. Now you can connect the cable. Windows will prompt you for driver installation; direct it to the unzipped driver folder.
Configuring the COM Port for VCDS Compatibility
VCDS software only communicates with specific COM ports. To ensure compatibility, verify your cable’s assigned port:
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Navigate to Start > Control Panel > System. (Select “Classic View” in the Control Panel if necessary).
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Click the Hardware tab, then Device Manager.
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Expand Ports (COM & LPT). Locate your “USB Serial…” device. Note its assigned COM port number.
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If the assigned port is COM1-COM4, proceed to testing VCDS. If it’s a higher number (e.g., COM18), further configuration is needed.
Reassigning the COM Port (If Necessary)
If your eBay VCDS VAG cable is assigned to a COM port higher than COM4:
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Double-click the “USB Serial…” device.
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Select the Port Settings tab and click Advanced.
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In the COM Port Number dropdown menu, select an available COM port between 1 and 4.
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Click OK to confirm changes and close all windows. Restart your computer.
Testing Your eBay VCDS VAG Cable with VCDS Software
After restarting, download and install the free VCDS demo software from the official Ross-Tech website: Ross-Tech VCDS.
- Launch VCDS and click Options.
- Select the COM port you assigned to the cable.
- Click Test.
A successful test indicates proper setup. You can now use the VCDS demo to diagnose your VAG vehicle, although functionality is limited compared to the full version.
Conclusion
Setting up your eBay VCDS VAG cable might seem daunting initially, but following these steps ensures a smooth process. Remember to download the correct drivers, configure the COM port appropriately, and test the connection with the free VCDS demo software. This allows you to experience the diagnostic capabilities of VCDS before considering purchasing the full licensed version. While the demo version has limitations, it offers a valuable tool for basic diagnostics and code reading for your VAG vehicle.
