MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: RMK87 on September 20, 2016, 07:49:02 am

Title: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: RMK87 on September 20, 2016, 07:49:02 am

Hi,

I've read about VCDS on a few posts. Can someone tell me exactly what this is? And where to buy? Whats the difference between this and Ross tech?

Also could anyone recommend a Haynes manual or alternative for an eddy?

Thanks.

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: SI-R32 on September 20, 2016, 08:53:58 am

Vcds is a diagnosis and programming lead for vag cars,  its made by Ross tech and distributed by other suppliers outside the US. Even though I have the proper lead you can easily get a copy on eBay for peanuts that will do everything you want but you won't get support from Ross tech for any problems obviously.

ETKA is VW's parts programme although not just vw it covers all 4 brands and depending on what modding and diy skill set you have can be the best ever tool to look up any parts your car was made with down to screws and wires,  to big items etc etc

To go with ETKA and to some extent what else you asked about the Haynes manual,  if your ok with keeping everything on a pc then the Elsawin program, also VW's own software for service,  wiring and literary stripping the car down piece by piece,  only thing is it can't be tailored for just mk5 golf you have to install say 12gb of data which covers any vw from say 1996 to 2013 then once installed you pick make,  model,  year,  engine and gearbox to identify what your working on,  very very comprehensive piece of software available very cheap on eBay.

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: RMK87 on September 20, 2016, 03:04:47 pm

Thank you SI-R32,

Is eBay also the best place to purchase the VCDS copy? Where would I plug it into (Car > Laptop)?

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: lukemk5gti on September 20, 2016, 03:58:31 pm

It's not recommended on here to promote the sale of copied VCDS and the issue has been raised in the past.

Buy it genuine, pricey but worth it.

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: RMK87 on September 20, 2016, 04:48:21 pm

Thats fair enough Luke,

Could you direct me to where I could purchase one from? What are the things I could do with this? Mainly to check and reset faults etc?

Thanks

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: xs2man on September 20, 2016, 05:39:48 pm

Cheapest place I found for genuine cable: http://www.vagcom.biz/

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: lukemk5gti on September 21, 2016, 09:12:51 am

I'm based in Ireland and purchased mine from logic automotive.

There's plenty of people on here too with it that might be close to you.

The general consensus would be that one of them could help you out for a few pound each time so it all depends on how often you think you'll use it.

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: Flyingscotsman on September 21, 2016, 09:44:56 am

I bought mine from this UK seller:

https://m.gendan.co.uk/category_172.html

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: RMK87 on September 21, 2016, 02:05:51 pm

I don't mind paying for someone to scan for me.

In fact how I do locate somebody close to me? start a new thread? Or is there an existing thread?

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: xs2man on September 21, 2016, 02:23:10 pm

See here:  http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,88875.0.html

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: lukemk5gti on September 21, 2016, 02:23:15 pm

Quote from: RMK87 on September 21, 2016, 02:05:51 pm

I don't mind paying for someone to scan for me.

In fact how I do locate somebody close to me? start a new thread? Or is there an existing thread?

Here - http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,88875.0.html

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: FJ1000 on September 21, 2016, 03:28:50 pm

The OP mentioned ETKA...

This website might be handy for all:

www.etka.cc

Title: Re: VCDS + EKTA
Post by: RMK87 on September 21, 2016, 07:35:00 pm

Quote from: lukemk5gti on September 21, 2016, 02:23:15 pm

Quote from: RMK87 on September 21, 2016, 02:05:51 pm

I don't mind paying for someone to scan for me.

In fact how I do locate somebody close to me? start a new thread? Or is there an existing thread?

Here - http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,88875.0.html

Thank you Luke, that was really helpful.