help for a new user of VCDS

[clancy]

I am trying to learn what all this device will do for me. I am strictly an occasional DIY for not too hardcore repairs and maintenance. I realize this device provides info that is way beyond my understanding. But I'd like to know if there is some sort of index of commonly used features. Maybe a list of the 25 most useful features for a non tech. I've spent some time on the Ross-Tech site looking at the on line demo manual and downloaded the manual. This thing seems to has so much info if you just know where to find it, and, more importantly what you can do with this info. For example, just yesterday my 2000 A6 2.7 started to miss badly. The code was 16805, 16684, 16686. OK fuel or spark related. Could have been coil packs, injectors,or any of a dozen other things. Looked up the codes in the Ebahn reader, many potential reasons for these codes. Took the car to my Audi indy and he looked with his Bluetooth scanner and went to the readout that counted misfires. Within less than 2 minutes he said lets look at the ICMs. Then he swapped them and said yep one was bad. Put in a new one and that was it... Wow. He used the same system but knew what to look for. I would never have known to look at the misfires. Sure enough, when I got home I found that screen on my VCDS and laptop. Great tool, if you know what to look for and where to look. Yes, I have the Ebahn repair manual from Ross-Tech. Still would not have figured this out. And, yes I am glad to have an Audi indy to do these more technical troubleshooting and repair issues. Well worth paying for expertise. Still, my question is whether there is a list of the most common features I should know about and be able to use as a DIY. Thanks

[bearthebruce]

To start you need to gain some of the expertise your Indy has. He learned it by attending classes or studying on his own. We have a training manual entitled "Introduction to VW/Audi Diagnostics" by ATG (http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/ATGVWTM.html). A company called AVI filmed part of a class using this book and that video is also offered (manual and book: http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/ATGVWMD.html).

Next, have you visited the Ross-Tech Wiki (http://wiki.ross-tech.com)? This online encyclopedia we are building presents a ton of information on fault codes and such along with diagnostic procedures. Had you reviewed the fault codes there, it would have suggested spark. Now you have to know that coil packs are a notorious fail on your Audi. So looking at the misfire count in the measuring values is something you would have had to learn as you now have.

You have a great start. You have the tool. You have the repair manual. Now you need to study and learn. Of course learning at the knee of a qualified expert is the best means to learn.

Remember, having the tool does not an expert make. However, the tool in the hands of the knowledgeable, may an expert make. With diligence and practice, you too can be an expert.

[clancy]

Quick response.. Let me reiterate I am a basic DIY and not interested in becoming a tech. They are worth the money to solve issues like I had yesterday. I just wanted to know if there was a cheat sheet so to speak for a new DIY user. The sources you identified are likely more than I want to get into. Or, maybe you ought to offer a way to preview or tryout the diagnostics manual for a day or so someone could determine if it is something useful at my level.

Or, I just need to blunder through and see what I can figure out.

[bearthebruce]

Originally Posted by clancy

.... I just wanted to know if there was a cheat sheet so to speak ....Or, I just need to blunder through and see what I can figure out.

Your cheat sheet is our web site and the Wiki - nothing like it exists anywhere else on the web. But then, you have already told us that our web site contains too much and doesn't give you what you want.

It seems to me you desire what I refer to as the "magic silver bullet" - the tool and information that will tell you how to go about fixing your car so you don't need to go to a repair professional to have work done.

My earlier point was that learning about measuring values, basic settings, adaptations, output tests, coding - these are the things required to make a misfire diagnosis. There is no cheat sheet that can replace the knowledge the technician gained through his training.

Yes, you can use your VCDS tool as learning experience. By, as you referred to it, "blundering through", you will learn what the tool can show you. Playing with the tool, reading forums, etc. will add to your knowledge. Just remember, save an AutoScan! It is your way back if you mess with something and need help.

[clancy]

Perhaps you are a little quick to go on the offensive. Or I need to be even more specific. At no time did I criticize you or your website....... And, I said at least twice that I do not wish to become a tech nor do I begrudge paying them for their expertise. And, I said there is more information available on the VCDS than I will use or care to use. I fully understand it is a technician's tool that is not intended for a DIY. My use will be for basics primarily. Yes, I accept if I were to spend the time learning all that your website offers and bought all your offerings and went to tech school, and apprenticed with a tech then I would more fully appreciate all that you have compiled and made available. There is truly much more there than I will ever comprehend or be able to utilize..... Again, it is not there for me, but for those who are professionals.

What I was trying to ask for was there a dumbed down list of nifty things an average DIY would find most beneficial. I have tried to say I have no intention of expecting your tools and information to make me a competent tech. I also was not expecting Ross-Tech to reply or take my inquiry as criticism. I was hoping some of the users might have compiled a list of handy things we non-techs could use it for.

Sorry if I insulted you.

[bearthebruce]

No need to apologize to me... I'm not offended.

We just have a difference on opinion about who and what the VCDS tool is intended to help. You see thousands of enthusiasts around the world consult the resources on our web site daily to get the help they seek.

The VCDS tool is designed for those that are willing to learn the technologies behind the systems found in their car. Does it answer all questions? No. Supplemental information has to be consulted. Some of that supplemental information can be found on our web site (did you read this page? http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...lroad_%284B%29). Other information can be found on the erWin.Audi web site. Still other information can be found in the Bentley Publishers Repair Manual.

By the way, going back to your original post, the following is available in the Ross-Tech Wiki:

16805 - http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...5/P0421/001057
16684 - http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...4/P0300/000768
16686 - http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...6/P0302/000770

But what has never been developed to the best of my knowledge is a cheat sheet of "what to do if ......"

I'll leave your post for others.....

[aTOMic*]

VAGCOM4DUMMIES.pdf

Pretty basic but does have some useful info.

Tom

[clancy]

Good information. I do not believe it applies to my near ancient 2001 A6 but surly it will be good for others.