Running VCDS in a VirtualBox environment can sometimes lead to unexpected results. This article explores a specific issue where VCDS, running in a Windows 10 guest within a VirtualBox on Ubuntu, failed to scan an airbag controller in a 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. We’ll compare the results with a scan performed using VCDS on bare metal Windows 10 and discuss potential causes.
Comparing VCDS Scans: VirtualBox vs. Bare Metal
The problem manifested when performing an auto-scan on a 2001 New Beetle with a 2.0 gas engine. While most modules were successfully scanned in both environments, the airbag controller was only detected when VCDS ran directly on Windows 10.
Below are the scan results from both scenarios:
VCDS in VirtualBox (Windows 10 Guest):
Thursday,24,September,2020,17:35:49:10877 VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 10 x64(VirtualBox) VCDS Version 20.4.2.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4513.4 Data version: 20200730 DS317.0 www.Ross-Tech.com Mileage: 222710km-138385mi Repair Order: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chassis Type: 1C - VW New Beetle (1998 > 2010) Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 17 19 25 29 35 37 39 46 54 56 65 75 Mileage: 222710km-138385miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ... (Other modules scanned successfully) ... End----(Elapsed Time: 03:37, VBatt start/end: 11.9V/11.9V. VIgn 11.9V)-----VCDS on Bare Metal Windows 10:
Thursday,24,September,2020,17:44:58:10877 VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 10 x64 VCDS Version: 20.4.2.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4513.4 Data version: 20200730 DS317.0 www.Ross-Tech.com Mileage: 222710km-138385mi Repair Order: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chassis Type: 1C - VW New Beetle (1998 > 2010) Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 17 19 25 29 35 37 39 46 54 56 65 75 Mileage: 222710km-138385miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ...(Other modules scanned successfully)... Address 15: Airbags Labels: 6Q0-909-605-VW5.lbl Part No: 6Q0 909 605 A Component: 16 AIRBAG VW5 0D 0004 Coding: 12598 Shop #: WSC 00066 VCID: 3537DF64AC53D173B15-4B3C No fault code found. ... (Other modules scanned successfully) ... End----(Elapsed Time: 03:34, VBatt start/end: 11.8V/11.8V. VIgn 11.8V)-----Noticeably, the bare metal scan includes “Address 15: Airbags,” which is absent in the VirtualBox scan.
Potential Causes and Solutions
One possibility is an incompatibility between the airbag controller’s communication protocol and the virtualized environment. Older airbag controllers in some Volkswagen models are known to have communication quirks. Running VCDS within VirtualBox might exacerbate these issues due to latency or driver limitations. The virtualized USB port might not be providing the necessary timing precision required for communication with the airbag module.
Another suspect is the specific airbag controller part number. The original poster mentioned the possibility of having a “bad” airbag controller known to cause problems with older VCDS versions. It’s plausible that while newer VCDS versions on bare metal can handle these controllers, the virtualized environment reintroduces the communication issues.
Further investigation might involve:
- Testing different VirtualBox USB settings: Exploring different USB controller types or enabling USB 2.0/3.0 support within VirtualBox might improve communication.
- Updating VCDS Drivers: Ensuring the latest VCDS drivers are installed in the Windows 10 guest could resolve potential driver conflicts.
- Checking VirtualBox Version and Settings: Using the latest version of VirtualBox and optimizing its settings for performance might alleviate latency issues.
While using VCDS in a virtual machine like VirtualBox offers convenience, it’s crucial to be aware of potential compatibility challenges with certain vehicle modules. Directly connecting to the vehicle with VCDS running on bare metal remains the most reliable method for diagnostics.
