Finding a great deal on a VCDS VAG-COM diagnostic cable for your VW or Audi on eBay can be exciting, but often these cables come with little to no instructions. This guide will walk you through setting up your eBay VCDS VAG-COM cable, specifically using the free, legal demo version of the VCDS software, on a Windows PC. We’ll cover driver installation, COM port configuration, and testing your connection.
Installing the Correct Drivers for Your eBay VCDS VAG-COM Cable
Before plugging your cable into your computer, you’ll need to download and install the correct drivers. Many eBay VCDS VAG-COM cables use a standard FTDI chipset. Download the official FTDI drivers from the following link:
Unzip the downloaded file to a memorable location on your computer. Now, you can connect your eBay VCDS VAG-COM cable. Windows will automatically detect the new hardware and prompt you for drivers. Direct Windows to the location where you unzipped the FTDI drivers.
Configuring the COM Port for Your eBay VCDS VAG-COM
VCDS software only communicates with specific COM ports (typically 1-4). After installing the drivers, you need to ensure your eBay VCDS VAG-COM cable is assigned to one of these ports.
-
Open the Device Manager:
- Windows XP: Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Search for “Device Manager” in the Start Menu
-
Expand the “Ports (COM & LPT)” section.
-
Locate your eBay VCDS VAG-COM cable (usually listed as “USB Serial Port” or similar).
-
If the assigned COM port is higher than 4:
-
Double-click the cable’s entry.
-
Go to the “Port Settings” tab and click “Advanced.”
-
Under “COM Port Number,” select a COM port between 1 and 4 from the dropdown menu. If all lower COM ports are in use, you may need to disable other devices using those ports in Device Manager or your computer’s BIOS.
-
Click “OK” until all dialog boxes are closed. Restart your computer if prompted.
-
Testing Your eBay VCDS VAG-COM Cable with VCDS Software
Download the free VCDS demo software from the official Ross-Tech website:
Install and launch the VCDS software.
-
Click the “Options” button.
-
Select the COM port you assigned to your cable.
-
Click “Test.” A successful test will confirm communication with your interface. You should see a “Port Status: OK” message.
You’re Ready to Use Your eBay VCDS VAG-COM Cable!
You’ve successfully configured your eBay VCDS VAG-COM cable! Remember, the demo version has limited functionality, but it’s sufficient for basic diagnostics like reading fault codes. For full functionality, consider purchasing a licensed version of VCDS from Ross-Tech. Using a legitimate, licensed version supports the developers and ensures you have access to all features and updates.
