VCDS users often inquire about unlocking modules using VCDS. A common question revolves around whether or not this functionality is truly free. While initial responses may suggest it’s free, a deeper understanding reveals a more nuanced answer. The ability to unlock certain modules using VCDS is often tied to having a GeKo account.
GeKo, short for “Gesamtkonzept”, is a comprehensive system used by Volkswagen Group for various dealer and workshop functions. Registering for a GeKo account often involves submitting documentation, such as a certificate of incorporation, and may require a subscription fee. Once registered, users gain access to a dealer portal, the SFD (Software Download) application, and, importantly, the ability to obtain tokens or credits required for certain VCDS unlock procedures.
Therefore, while the tokens themselves might not have a separate price tag, their accessibility is contingent upon maintaining a paid GeKo account. The cost of these tokens, then, is effectively built into the overall GeKo subscription fee. This model ensures that access to these powerful unlocking capabilities is primarily limited to authorized workshops and professionals within the Volkswagen Group ecosystem.
This “free” with paid subscription model is common across various markets and is often influenced by regulations and manufacturer policies. It’s essential to understand that “free” in this context refers to “no additional cost” beyond the existing GeKo subscription, rather than completely free and accessible to anyone. This clarification helps avoid misunderstandings regarding the actual costs associated with VCDS module unlocking. So, while the unlock feature itself doesn’t come with a separate price, accessing it requires a financial commitment in the form of a GeKo account subscription.
