"Total Car Diagnostics" - Any thoughts on their VAG-COM alternative?

[DeepBlue]

Came across "Total Car Diagnostics" (based in Byron Bay of all places) - see totalcardiagnostics.com.

Need to change my rear rotors and brake pads on my 2009 Passat CC. Problem is retracting the EPB. Told that the aforementioned have a reasonably priced cable and matching laptop software that I can use to interrogate/clear any codes, but more importantly retract that damned EPB.

Any knowledge/thoughts?

[Vexed]

I have purchased their Ross-Tech replica (without knowing it was a replica) for $141 in 2015.

VAG-COM VCDS 14.10 Software + VAGCOM 14.10 USB Cable

I thought it was a legit product, until one day it was mentioned on this forum, and a forum member got really furious about it (buying fake stuff).
Anyway, it is not, look at the installation procedure below:

=============
Software Download:
=============

IMPORTANT Notes before installing:

1) Install below software BEFORE plugging in cable into your computer.

2) You MUST be disconnected from internet/WIFI before launching the software. If you're connected to internet, then interface won't be found.

3) DO NOT update the software to latest version, else it will not work. Only works on current version.

4) Registration is not needed. It's already registered/licensed per your full name.


The cable works as far as I can tell. I would have not bought it if I knew it was fake. I'd hate to rip off the people at Ross-Tech who are doing all the R&D.

Genuine Ross-Tech cables are expensive though. You might be able to get help from someone who already has the cable in the forums. there is section for that.

[Transporter]

I have purchased their Ross-Tech replica (without knowing it was a replica) for $141 in 2015.

VAG-COM VCDS 14.10 Software + VAGCOM 14.10 USB Cable

I thought it was a legit product, until one day it was mentioned on this forum, and a forum member got really furious about it (buying fake stuff).
Anyway, it is not, look at the installation procedure below:

=============
Software Download:
=============

IMPORTANT Notes before installing:

1) Install below software BEFORE plugging in cable into your computer.

2) You MUST be disconnected from internet/WIFI before launching the software. If you're connected to internet, then interface won't be found.

3) DO NOT update the software to latest version, else it will not work. Only works on current version.

4) Registration is not needed. It's already registered/licensed per your full name.


The cable works as far as I can tell. I would have not bought it if I knew it was fake. I'd hate to rip off the people at Ross-Tech who are doing all the R&D.

Genuine Ross-Tech cables are expensive though. You might be able to get help from someone who already has the cable in the forums. there is section for that.

Yes, it looks like their website is loaded with cheap copies of various tools, which you can also get of the ebay.

[Snail Style]

Yeah i have them, don't get it if you are purely doing VW. They are basically a compliation of various other OBD scanner software, and not the best ones by any means. I use their stuff for some other euro/domestics that i don't work on daily, which is enough to get me by.

Anything VAG i only use VCDS and have a real version.

[DeepBlue]

Yeah i have them, don't get it if you are purely doing VW. They are basically a compliation of various other OBD scanner software, and not the best ones by any means. I use their stuff for some other euro/domestics that i don't work on daily, which is enough to get me by.

Anything VAG i only use VCDS and have a real version.

Okay, got it! Looks like four options then with rear brakes (only need it for activating (fully retracting) EPB to change rear rotors and pads):

1. Buy VAG-COM from Ross-Tech - need to save-up!
2. Get the dealer to do it - need a second mortgage!
3. Borrow or rent a VAG-COM somehow from somewhere.
4. Put a 12V battery across the EPB terminals and hope for the best?

[kamold]

How about 4th option - just visit a local independent mechanic who will have the skills and tools but won't charge like a dealer.

[DeepBlue]

How about 4th option - just visit a local independent mechanic who will have the skills and tools but won't charge like a dealer.

Sorry, was actually an independent VW mechanic - quoted $2,400 to do front and rear rotors and pads!

[The_Hawk]

If you're planning on doing the work yourself you could bail up one of your fellow enthusiasts to either lend you the cable or lend a hand. Mind you in this case it's a little more involved than a little coding work, but there's plenty of us around with a genuine cable (myself included). Just be aware for most of us we are not experts so you need to have done the research and have some idea of what needs to be done and where to do it. (links to the instructions are handy).

Check out this thread:
VAG-COM scanning, who can help

[Vexed]

Sorry, was actually an independent VW mechanic - quoted $2,400 to do front and rear rotors and pads!

Wow, that is really expensive... In April 2015, I purchased 4 ATE rotors and 4 ceramic pads, my mechanic installed them for me, and I paid $1300 for parts and installation. Are we talking about the same thing here?

[Transporter]

Wow, that is really expensive... In April 2015, I purchased 4 ATE rotors and 4 ceramic pads, my mechanic installed them for me, and I paid $1300 for parts and installation. Are we talking about the same thing here?

...or was there anything else in the quote?

[zillar32]

"Total Car Diagnostics" - Any thoughts on their VAG-COM alternative?

You can buy slotted front rotors for $300-$400, rear slotted for around $200, bendix front brake pads $70

[Umai Naa!!]

But even the decent stuff isn't that dear.

Retail on the ATE Ceramics is like $150, and about $180ea for the discs.

Plus maybe two hours for labour.

[DeepBlue]

Doing rear brakes myself now!

Most importantly, no need for VAGCOM or Ross-Tech software for EPB retraction, see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAB43eO7wIs

Discs - DBA2807E | DBA Street Series Standard Brake Rotor Pair (rear - solid) - $157.84
Pads - REMSA Brake Pad Set Rear 1031 00 - $79.97

[Umai Naa!!]

Let us know what a new caliper is worth.

I'd rather do it the right way and not break things.

[Mysticality]

The video seems simple, enough - my main concern however would be whether the control unit gets a "reset" signal triggered by a complete release of the EPB.
Doing it like this, the car potentially never finds out that its been reset. Only an issue if it monitors the EPB - but who knows; it could!

Also, the seal between the motor/gearbox and the caliper could get crud stuck in it. Not ideal for long term use.