Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay?

Goochie · 02-09-2006, 18:18

The engine light has come on again on our Octavia. The VAG-COM cable a former colleague made for me has packed up (and was a serial cable anyway)

So how many people have bought a USB cable from an ebay seller and got it working OK?

If you have, please state the ebay ID of the seller (if you have it)

Basil · 02-09-2006, 20:36

url deleted - the guy's honest and it works fine with provided slightly older software (see site). More than enough for my needs....
Whatever you do - don't try to upgrade the firmware - the newer software will destroy the interface. I was advised this by the guy and thank goodness did not find this out by misadventure.

Uwe@Ross-Tech · 02-09-2006, 23:26

If someone has "provided slightly older software" then they are NOT honest -- they are a pirate. Unauthorized re-distribution of VAG-COM software is specifically prohibited by our copyright notice.

-Uwe-

rickyb303 · 03-09-2006, 09:53

I have tried to find an answer to this question on the forum but haven't found a clear cut answer: Is it possible to remap the ECU using one of these cables? And If so what software would you use to do it? Also are there generic maps available (like the ones Jabba would use?)

apd007 · 03-09-2006, 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickyb303

I have tried to find an answer to this question on the forum but haven't found a clear cut answer: Is it possible to remap the ECU using one of these cables?

I wouldn't try it with the cabe I bought, perhaps with a geniune one it would be possible.

I got my cable from ebay, came from the states. The guy had instructions on his eBay shop. The cables are not plug and play you need a driver for them even if your running Windoze XP.

ric04vrs · 03-09-2006, 20:35

i think mines off Ebay , i bought it off Fluffmiester and i'm sure thats where he got it from , works ok on my Fabia VRS , had to sort out the correct comm port to use on the computer so was a bit of a pain at first , haven't got fully opened software though

kenny · 06-09-2006, 09:05

do the leads off ebay come with the software or do you get that elsewhere?

Goochie · 06-09-2006, 09:17

Software can be downloaded from the VAG-COM website IIRC.

kenny · 06-09-2006, 09:18

thanks mate, will have a look, i keep getting the same fault code so need to reset it

Fluffmeister · 06-09-2006, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by ric04vrs

i think mines off Ebay , i bought it off Fluffmiester and i'm sure thats where he got it from , works ok on my Fabia VRS , had to sort out the correct comm port to use on the computer so was a bit of a pain at first , haven't got fully opened software though

It is m8

I got it from a seller called "Virtual Village" iirc from Ebay, it came from China and once the com port was sorted it worked fine.

I have also used a serial cable with a keyspan USA 19HS usb / serial adapter without any issues.

kenny · 06-09-2006, 10:53

what are CAN-BUS vehicles? how do you know if you have one?

***DGW*** · 06-09-2006, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny

what are CAN-BUS vehicles? how do you know if you have one?

Read this:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/canbus.html

kenny · 06-09-2006, 12:01

cheers

paragon · 07-09-2006, 16:26

Got mine off ebay - it reads the ABS but nothing else

Keep getting the baud rate sync error - I have tried resetting rate to 9600 and lower but still no joy

Have not left feedback for seller as I do not know whether it is the cable or me - Cable made in China - it would have been useful had it stated this in Ebay add - maybe I would have thought twice - cost about £20 inc post

Anyway the car is in to the local garage tomorrow to "clear the fault and turn the light off" - I hope

Car runs OK - no probs - has done for miles - so maybe it is just (sensitive) emmissions

Interestingly I rang the local dealer - (unfortunately a salesman picked the telephone up) - I said the EM light is on - he said - Oh you need a new "part" - £80 plus labour!!! - just makes you wonder - dose this warning light really serve any purpose? apart from VW et al and the dealers using it to put the "frighteners" up the unsuspecting motoring public

Goochie · 07-09-2006, 17:14

Interesting that yours only reads the ABS. The Chinese one I had only read the Stereo and the central locking.

Griffster · 09-09-2006, 16:18

Mine only seems to read engine and ABS.. maybe something to do with the trial version of the software rather than the cable?

Theresias · 09-09-2006, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griffster

Mine only seems to read engine and ABS.. maybe something to do with the trial version of the software rather than the cable?

Nope, the software doesn't care which module you want to connect to - so if there are other diagnostic capable modules that you can't connect to, it's definitly a interface related issue.

mackdaddy · 14-09-2006, 13:04

Right - I got a cable off Ebay - some seller called something like Ecafe.
He doesn't respond to emails.
Finally got the cable working.
Go to Autonostics.com and download the driver.
download VAG-COM version 409.1
Don't test the USB - check each COM port.
Mine came up as COM3 but wasn't quite right.
In device manager expand the serial ports. It should be obvious which one is the cable - mine was COM10. Change the properties and force it to the one VAG-COM found (COM3).
I also slowed it down to send and receive at 128.
Not everything is available for the Octavia but on one tab you can select to automatically scan controllers for different cars. This will also show you the controllers it can scan so you can go back and check individually.

Oh and don't expect it to show no errors! Like I did!
DV pressure, window motor, climate control intermittent faults.
GGGGGGGGreat!

Just hope this is useful 'cos ecafe wasn't.

bbrbob · 18-09-2006, 13:33

I didn't use ebay, but went to a website to order one. It was about £60-£70 for a USB cable, came with the software and just plugged in and worked. I got my money back the first time I did something myself rather than havie to take it to a stealer. You can even make you car have a really annoying beep when locking and unlocking. Very handy in a crowded car park....

Goochie · 18-09-2006, 13:56

Well my cable arrived today from the dishonest chap and the deleted URL mentioned on the first page of this thread. Uwe will be pleased to hear it did not come with a CD of software.

Will try it later and see if it is any better than the one I bought previously on EBay.

**VRStu** · 30-09-2006, 22:39

The naughty bit is actually in the cable Phil, later versions of the software require a registered cable to act as a dongle.

I have a genuine cable myself, I use it a lot so it kinda pays for itself really. It allows me to use the latest versions of the software which has some nice new functions.

LJ_Matt · 01-10-2006, 21:56

so is the general verdict on the ebay cables ok then? Im looking at this item number 330034346853 to enable anti hijack and be able to diagnose myself.
Any advice appreciated.
Matt

**VRStu** · 01-10-2006, 22:34

That cable will not come with authorised Ross-Tech software.

You can use the trial version or buy a license from Ross-Tech for around $100

http://www.ross-tech.com/Merchant2/m...ry_Code=VAGCOM

With that you'll be limited to version 409.1 which is probably adequate for your needs.

LJ_Matt · 02-10-2006, 10:05

Thanks for the response Stu,
I understand it's not an "official" cable and have already downloaded the software and drivers (version mentioned) so I will buy it and see what happens.
I don't mind paying a bit for the license if I need it but I don't need the all singing and dancing latest version, just wanted some reassurance that this one will do what I want! (Object to paying shedloads for a cable with a bit of electronics in it that cost's pence to make once developed!!)

Matt

LJ_Matt · 09-10-2006, 19:43

Just a quick update for anyone who's interested.
Got my cable today, tested with the software downloaded from Ross-Tech and the drivers provided by the ebay seller, all seems to work great

.
I'm still in serious novice mode so I won't be posting I have this in the map sticky but if anyone needs any help in my area I'll be glad to attempt to assist!

.

Matt

View Poll Results: Do you use a USB cable bought on EBay?
Yes, it works fine	22	62.86%
Tried one and it failed to work	5	14.29%
I have a genuine cable	8	22.86%
Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

02-09-2006, 18:18	#1
Goochie Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Up a tree. Posts: 12,363 Members Car: Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts	Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? The engine light has come on again on our Octavia. The VAG-COM cable a former colleague made for me has packed up (and was a serial cable anyway) So how many people have bought a USB cable from an ebay seller and got it working OK? If you have, please state the ebay ID of the seller (if you have it)

02-09-2006, 20:36	#2
Basil Hardcore Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bahrain Posts: 3,255 Members Car: Fabia vRS Thanks: 200 Thanked 194 Times in 151 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? url deleted - the guy's honest and it works fine with provided slightly older software (see site). More than enough for my needs.... Whatever you do - don't try to upgrade the firmware - the newer software will destroy the interface. I was advised this by the guy and thank goodness did not find this out by misadventure. __________________ Fab vRS - Black Magic - PD160 intake - Forge FMIC - colour coded front grille -SLC Splitter - K&N Airfilter -SEAT Strutbrace - Jabba ARB - IC Waterspray (need to wire it in!) - 312mm TT brakes - Eibach Springs - Skoda Reversing sensors - Devonutopia Tuning (tm) Custom Exhaust (2 1/4" straight pipe) - Short shifter mod- 5 brake light mod - Helix Steel SMF + Organic Clutch + pressure plate - Peloquin LSD - TD stage 2 Hybrid - Washbrook remapped ECU - Uprated injectors - Cupra bushes -Poly-filled dogbone - Allard racepipe - Pirelli Dragons - Forge Rear Strutbrace - DIY SS upper boostpipe delete -Koni FSD's - elephant pipe CCV mod Last edited by Quinten; 03-09-2006 at 05:11.

02-09-2006, 23:26	#3
Uwe@Ross-Tech Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 114 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? If someone has "provided slightly older software" then they are NOT honest -- they are a pirate. Unauthorized re-distribution of VAG-COM software is specifically prohibited by our copyright notice. -Uwe-

03-09-2006, 09:53	#4
rickyb303 Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bristol Posts: 26 Members Car: Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDi Elegance, Nature Green, 120BHP (ish), 16" TSW "Pace" Wheels Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? I have tried to find an answer to this question on the forum but haven't found a clear cut answer: Is it possible to remap the ECU using one of these cables? And If so what software would you use to do it? Also are there generic maps available (like the ones Jabba would use?) __________________ Seat Leon Cupra TDI MK1 seal grey

03-09-2006, 20:35	#6
ric04vrs I parked up 1st Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: not near enough to the Ring Posts: 6,165 Members Car: silver Fabia VRS Thanks: 31 Thanked 187 Times in 181 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? i think mines off Ebay , i bought it off Fluffmiester and i'm sure thats where he got it from , works ok on my Fabia VRS , had to sort out the correct comm port to use on the computer so was a bit of a pain at first , haven't got fully opened software though __________________ not so bored now

06-09-2006, 09:05	#7
kenny Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 3,795 Members Car: Audi A4 Quattro S-Line Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? do the leads off ebay come with the software or do you get that elsewhere? __________________ Ive seen a lot of good things die and im in an over emotional way So please hand me the bottle I think im lonely now, and please give me direction I think the hurt has set in, and I don’t feel nothing

06-09-2006, 09:17	#8
Goochie Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Up a tree. Posts: 12,363 Members Car: Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Software can be downloaded from the VAG-COM website IIRC.

06-09-2006, 09:18	#9
kenny Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 3,795 Members Car: Audi A4 Quattro S-Line Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? thanks mate, will have a look, i keep getting the same fault code so need to reset it __________________ Ive seen a lot of good things die and im in an over emotional way So please hand me the bottle I think im lonely now, and please give me direction I think the hurt has set in, and I don’t feel nothing

06-09-2006, 10:53	#11
kenny Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 3,795 Members Car: Audi A4 Quattro S-Line Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? what are CAN-BUS vehicles? how do you know if you have one? __________________ Ive seen a lot of good things die and im in an over emotional way So please hand me the bottle I think im lonely now, and please give me direction I think the hurt has set in, and I don’t feel nothing

06-09-2006, 12:01	#13
kenny Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 3,795 Members Car: Audi A4 Quattro S-Line Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? cheers __________________ Ive seen a lot of good things die and im in an over emotional way So please hand me the bottle I think im lonely now, and please give me direction I think the hurt has set in, and I don’t feel nothing

07-09-2006, 16:26	#14
paragon Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 14 Members Car: 1.4 Fabia 16v Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Got mine off ebay - it reads the ABS but nothing else Keep getting the baud rate sync error - I have tried resetting rate to 9600 and lower but still no joy Have not left feedback for seller as I do not know whether it is the cable or me - Cable made in China - it would have been useful had it stated this in Ebay add - maybe I would have thought twice - cost about £20 inc post Anyway the car is in to the local garage tomorrow to "clear the fault and turn the light off" - I hope Car runs OK - no probs - has done for miles - so maybe it is just (sensitive) emmissions Interestingly I rang the local dealer - (unfortunately a salesman picked the telephone up) - I said the EM light is on - he said - Oh you need a new "part" - £80 plus labour!!! - just makes you wonder - dose this warning light really serve any purpose? apart from VW et al and the dealers using it to put the "frighteners" up the unsuspecting motoring public Last edited by paragon; 07-09-2006 at 16:27.

07-09-2006, 17:14	#15
Goochie Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Up a tree. Posts: 12,363 Members Car: Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Interesting that yours only reads the ABS. The Chinese one I had only read the Stereo and the central locking.

09-09-2006, 16:18	#16
Griffster Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: North West Posts: 56 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Mine only seems to read engine and ABS.. maybe something to do with the trial version of the software rather than the cable?

14-09-2006, 13:04	#18
mackdaddy Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 159 Members Car: Octavia Elegance 4x4 Thanks: 8 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Right - I got a cable off Ebay - some seller called something like Ecafe. He doesn't respond to emails. Finally got the cable working. Go to Autonostics.com and download the driver. download VAG-COM version 409.1 Don't test the USB - check each COM port. Mine came up as COM3 but wasn't quite right. In device manager expand the serial ports. It should be obvious which one is the cable - mine was COM10. Change the properties and force it to the one VAG-COM found (COM3). I also slowed it down to send and receive at 128. Not everything is available for the Octavia but on one tab you can select to automatically scan controllers for different cars. This will also show you the controllers it can scan so you can go back and check individually. Oh and don't expect it to show no errors! Like I did! DV pressure, window motor, climate control intermittent faults. GGGGGGGGreat! Just hope this is useful 'cos ecafe wasn't.

30-09-2006, 22:39	#21
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,831 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 997 Times in 893 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? The naughty bit is actually in the cable Phil, later versions of the software require a registered cable to act as a dongle. I have a genuine cable myself, I use it a lot so it kinda pays for itself really. It allows me to use the latest versions of the software which has some nice new functions. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

01-10-2006, 22:34	#23
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,831 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 997 Times in 893 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? That cable will not come with authorised Ross-Tech software. You can use the trial version or buy a license from Ross-Tech for around $100 http://www.ross-tech.com/Merchant2/m...ry_Code=VAGCOM With that you'll be limited to version 409.1 which is probably adequate for your needs. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

18-09-2006, 13:33	#19
bbrbob Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 19 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? I didn't use ebay, but went to a website to order one. It was about £60-£70 for a USB cable, came with the software and just plugged in and worked. I got my money back the first time I did something myself rather than havie to take it to a stealer. You can even make you car have a really annoying beep when locking and unlocking. Very handy in a crowded car park.... Last edited by Lummox; 30-09-2006 at 22:43.

18-09-2006, 13:56	#20
Goochie Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Up a tree. Posts: 12,363 Members Car: Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Well my cable arrived today from the dishonest chap and the deleted URL mentioned on the first page of this thread. Uwe will be pleased to hear it did not come with a CD of software. Will try it later and see if it is any better than the one I bought previously on EBay.

01-10-2006, 21:56	#22
LJ_Matt Light Jockey! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset, UK Posts: 671 Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 Thanks: 2 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? so is the general verdict on the ebay cables ok then? Im looking at this item number 330034346853 to enable anti hijack and be able to diagnose myself. Any advice appreciated. Matt

02-10-2006, 10:05	#24
LJ_Matt Light Jockey! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset, UK Posts: 671 Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 Thanks: 2 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Thanks for the response Stu, I understand it's not an "official" cable and have already downloaded the software and drivers (version mentioned) so I will buy it and see what happens. I don't mind paying a bit for the license if I need it but I don't need the all singing and dancing latest version, just wanted some reassurance that this one will do what I want! (Object to paying shedloads for a cable with a bit of electronics in it that cost's pence to make once developed!!) Matt

09-10-2006, 19:43	#25
LJ_Matt Light Jockey! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset, UK Posts: 671 Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS Mk1 Thanks: 2 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay? Just a quick update for anyone who's interested. Got my cable today, tested with the software downloaded from Ross-Tech and the drivers provided by the ebay seller, all seems to work great . I'm still in serious novice mode so I won't be posting I have this in the map sticky but if anyone needs any help in my area I'll be glad to attempt to assist! . Matt

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Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay?

Whos has a USB VAG-COM cable from EBay?

View Poll Results: Do you use a USB cable bought on EBay?