VAGCOM Cable what do I need?

[Jimmgc51]

Hi,

Can anyone advise what I need to buy to be able to read and reset fault codes on Mk 6 Golf. Iv'e seen the cheap cables on ebay. Is this all I need?

Also been looking at this software - Autosafe Diagnostics which sounds quite good for the price, I assume this is an alternative to Rostech again any experience or advise would be appreciated!

[itavaltalainen]

Ross-tech HEX+CAN or micro can cable will work with vcds software.
Buy it from gendan (uk distributor) or ross-tech (who are more expensive as you will have to pay customs!).
http://www.gendan.co.uk/category_172.html

Anything on ebay that is less than 250£ for new hex+can (200£ for micro can) is fake stuff from china (just google images for the interfaces---- immediately obvious and anyone spending 5 mins on google can tell what genuine looks like - so think if they don't even bother with making it look genuine what electronics do they use and what is workmanship gonna be).
they are normally supplied with old version of software that cannot be upgraded (i.e. you will not be able to use on any of the newer VW models - MQB). So I'd stay clear of the cheap ebay fakes.

Another alternative (VAG specific) is VCP - it's a bit cheaper than vcds and can do pretty much everything vcds can, plus a few more things (think it can also flash control modules etc). http://www.vag-tech.eu/

If you just want to delete engine fault you can get a ELM327 dongle and use "torque" app on your android phone. Mind that is all the ELM327 and OBD2 software can do.