Anyone got thier dealer to VCDS something for you?

[Golfitup]

Just wondering if anyone has approached their dealer to have any aftermarket items vag-comed. Eg, LED tail "light out" warning switched off, bluetooth upgrades, automatic closing windows, drls etc.

I would imagine that dealers are not openly offering this service, I suppose I am wondering how much "persuasion" is required to get your dealer to do the Vag-Com for you. (I rather a dealer do it to avoid any warrenty issues).

[Corey_R]

VAG-COM is not a Volkswagen tool. It's a third-party tool produced by Ross-Tech.

So I think it entirely unlikely that you would get a dealer to VAG-COM anything for you.

If you were to get the LED Tail-lights as a dealer accessory, I'm sure they'd use their official VW programming/diagnostics tool to properly configure the car for those lights.
Also - in a few of the threads that have discussed things (such as the automatic closing windows/sunroof), it appears that the official VW programming tool doesn't allow all the options that VAG-COM does .

[Golfitup]

VAG-COM is not a Volkswagen tool. It's a third-party tool produced by Ross-Tech.

So I think it entirely unlikely that you would get a dealer to VAG-COM anything for you.

If you were to get the LED Tail-lights as a dealer accessory, I'm sure they'd use their official VW programming/diagnostics tool to properly configure the car for those lights.
Also - in a few of the threads that have discussed things (such as the automatic closing windows/sunroof), it appears that the official VW programming tool doesn't allow all the options that VAG-COM does .

Ahh Ok, so if I understand you correctly, it seems that as LEDs are an option overseas, it would mean that dealers could install them here and do any of the programming required. If the mod you want is not a genuine VW option (here or overseas), dealers will be unlikley to be able to accomodate?

So, if I buy genuine LED tails from overseas, I should be able to get my dealer to install them for me?

[Corey_R]

If the mod you want is not a genuine VW option (here or overseas), dealers will be unlikley to be able to accomodate?

Correct.

So, if I buy genuine LED tails from overseas, I should be able to get my dealer to install them for me?

You would need to consult your dealer first. I obviously can't speak on their behalf. There may be technical reasons as to why they can't help you. There could also be other reasons that your particular dealer might not want to (the fact that the parts haven't been sourced by them. Maybe they also might want to charge you for labour time etc. So talk to them first

[STV4SYT]

What it would cost you for 2 hours labour to install the lights and program them you could buy your very own vag-com.

A dealer will happily take your money to do anything within reason.

[Golfitup]

What it would cost you for 2 hours labour to install the lights and program them you could buy your very own vag-com.

A dealer will happily take your money to do anything within reason.

Yeah, I agree, the only thing is, I don’t want VW to say my installation void the warranty.

I will give the dealer a call, I just wanted to get an idea if it was actually possible for the dealer to fit them and if anyone has had this done.

I have not taken delivery of my car yet, so I may have some leverage??

[AdamD]

So, if I buy genuine LED tails from overseas, I should be able to get my dealer to install them for me?

To be honest, I'd be surprised if your average dealer would do this until such time as the part is available for sale via VWA - especially for something like LED tail lights. The dealer may site anything from warranty issues to compliance/ADR problems, and therefore elect not to do the work. Such an outcome is arguably in their best interests from a legal perspective, and if they know the parts will be available down the track through VWA they'd definitely want you to take that option instead (parts markup, no possible legal issues).

Having said that, as the tail lights are now fitted to the R, the compliance argument probably goes out the window. At any rate, certainly best to ask your dealer.

[goodfella]

when I discovered my 4motion Bora was running FWD only, I bit the bullet and took it to VW Fivedock for an analysis. I just booked it for maximum 1 hr diag ($135) and they fully diagnosed the problem to be a failed Haldex controller... considering the previous "finger in the air" suggestions ranged from Complete Haldex Coupling failure to just a Haldex oil change or failed ABS sensor, I was pretty happy with the findings. Infact they even quoted me 3.2k for the supply and fit of an oem haldex controller! <- No I didnt go there, i sourced a used unit from a fellow VWWC dubber (cheers Manaz !)

If your unsure about any unique issues, it might pay to get VW diag done.

[Golfitup]

So it seems, as I am told, that dealers can make changes such as programming of LED installs IF they are supplied with the appropriate codes from VW. It seems that until there is an option here for LEDs on Golf’s, dealers are not provided with the coding.

So what I am left with is either:
1. Don’t fix what aint broken and leave the car as is (which, of course, is no fun)
2. Get a hold of a VAGCOM from Ross-Tech and give it a go.

I know this is probably better suited to one of the VAGCOM threads but how likely is it that using VAGCOM will result in a huge (and expensive) stuff up?

I know there are always the extreme cases, but with a little common sense and some patients it using VAGCOM a huge risk?

[Idle]

I know this is probably better suited to one of the VAGCOM threads but how likely is it that using VAGCOM will result in a huge (and expensive) stuff up?

I know there are always the extreme cases, but with a little common sense and some patients it using VAGCOM a huge risk?

You can probably do a lot of damage with a VAG-COM, but if you're careful not to fiddle with vital parts, check for information before doing anything and above all — document the original settings before changing anything, you won't go far wrong.

Incidentally, we're not supposed to refer to this device as VAG-COM any more (VAG is now a registered tradename and RossTech have had to change it...)

I wonder if VAGrant is banned as well?