Is buying a VAG COM cable from eBay all you need to perform programming?

[gjws]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be upgrading from a RCD510 to a RNS510 in the next few weeks in to my MY12 MK6 and from all the reading I've done I'm going to need to perform a bit of programming to get everything working again. I've looked on eBay and it looks like you can get a VAG COM cable for around the $20 mark, is that all I will need to make the necessary changes?

I'm guessing there is a software component required perhaps? Is that a free download or something else I will need to purchase?

Last night I also found that the "Coming Home" headlight feature doesn't work either. After a bit of googling I found another user with Xenon's with the same problem and it was fixed with a small code change so I think having the coding capabilities will prove useful for lots of things

[99_FGT]

Happy to be corrected on this, but pretty sure that whilst these will "work" with the 05+ golf's, all they will do is intercept and allow you to read basic error codes, vital statistix etc. They won't allow you to recode at all.
Best bet is to see who has one local to you that you may be able to bribe (beer/wine/chocolate) to help you for smaller jobs.
Al..

[gjws]

Happy to be corrected on this, but pretty sure that whilst these will "work" with the 05+ golf's, all they will do is intercept and allow you to read basic error codes, vital statistix etc. They won't allow you to recode at all.
Best bet is to see who has one local to you that you may be able to bribe (beer/wine/chocolate) to help you for smaller jobs.
Al..

Thanks 99_FGT

I'd love to know what is needed to work on my own car, tinkering is kind of a hobby of mine. Having said that, I am a master briber

[gjws]

So it's amazing what you can find as you learn more, now that I know what VCDS is I realise how silly my questions was

For any other new comers there is a great post here:

VAG-COM (VCDS) helper - VW GTI MKVI Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVI Forum / VW GTI Forum - Golfmk6.com

I've found the answer to most of my questions here:

Ross-Tech: FAQ

It appears I need the Micro-CAN USB interface for the MK6:

Ross-Tech: Micro-CAN Interface

What are others with an MK6 using? For $249USD I think it's a great investment.

[hentaiboy]

It appears I need the Micro-CAN USB interface for the MK6:

Ross-Tech: Micro-CAN Interface

What are others with an MK6 using? For $249USD I think it's a great investment.

However shipping to OZ is $61.37
I'm thinking of getting one as well so maybe we could split the shipping...

UPDATE: With that shipping cost, it's exactly the same price buying locally:
VCDS (VAGCOM Diagnostic System) License with Micro-CAN Interface - $299.00 : Dub Ad·dic·tion [duhb uh-dik-shuhn]

[Tim]

The VCDS cables are available locally at competitive pricing. $299 inc GST & express post anywhere in Australia. Most likely cheaper than ordering direct and you can have it within 24 to 48 hours

VCDS (VAGCOM Diagnostic System) License with Micro-CAN Interface - $299.00 : Dub Ad·dic·tion [duhb uh-dik-shuhn]

[hentaiboy]

Tim, if buying local, who supports it?

[gjws]

$61 to ship a cable to Australia, what a complete scam. Protecting local retailers by artificially inflating shipping costs really gets under my skin. How about reducing the wholesale cost so local disti's can be competitive....

[h100vw]

If you need support, just email Ross-tech direct. This is the best part of having a real cable.there's not much that could go wrong really anyway. Plenty of "experts " on the forums anyway. Gavin

[Tim]

If buying local we cover the warranty and can replace the unit from local stock where possible. We are just a stockist of the cable so the support you get is identical if you were to buy direct.
Once you register your cable with ross-tech you have access to their brilliant support network. The cables arent cheap but the support is that good.

[Tim]

$61 to ship a cable to Australia, what a complete scam. Protecting local retailers by artificially inflating shipping costs really gets under my skin. How about reducing the wholesale cost so local disti's can be competitive....

I think you will find the cables are expensive to ship because they refuse to send via the postal service. Fedex/UPS shipping costs are quite pricey even on small packages.

I wouldnt consider our pricing inflated at all. Take out the GST and the express post cost and we are selling for not much more than they do in the US.

[gjws]

Sorry Tim, I wasn't implying your prices are inflated, I was suggesting Ross-Tech inflate their postage price. No offense meant.