Can you use VCDS Lite with a Vag-Tacho cable?

[Mrdjc]

Does anyone know if you can use VCDS Lite with a Vag-Tacho cable?
Or do I need to purchase two seperate packages?
Vag Tacho + Cable to read data for the immobiliser / program it.
and
VCDS + Cable to read other data from the ECU?

As you may understand I am a bit reluctant to purchase Vag Tacho for €390,- and then to have to buy a rosstech Hex-USB+Can cable with license for another $395,- if I could get away with the Vag Tacho Cable and VCDS Lite (Perhaps registered for $99,- instead.)

[Doctle Odd]

VAG Tacho is very limited it's used to read PIN codes and "adjust" mileage. VCDS is a much more useful tool, a dealer will give you the SKC free and it's illegal to change the odometer. Buy VCDS

[Mrdjc]

I'm fully aware of what each software bundle does, that was not the question, and as far as getting the SKC and then programming it yourself using VCDS is concerned:

Directly from the Ross-Tech website http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/faq_4.htm


4.15 How do I obtain an SKC for Immobilizer and Key-Matching functions?


We do not know of any way to retrieve an SKC for VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda vehicles. Prior to 2002, some vehicles were delivered with a scratch-off panel (http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/images/key_tags.jpg) on a plastic tag that contained the 4 digit PIN code. Starting in 2002, dealerships implemented the WIN2 system to provide SKC's to their technicians and customers. Starting April 1, 2005, VW/Audi dealerships switched to the new GEKO system, whereby their factory scan tools dial up the factory while connected to a car. Under this system, the technician no longer sees the SKC at all and you will need to bring your vehicle into the dealer to have Immobilizer work performed. VCDS does not interact with the GEKO system. Check out our Immobilizer Page (http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/immobilizer.html) for more information and procedures.



I don't have the scratch Tag, and have been told this will cost €100 + just to get coded as they charge a full hours labour, plus an aditional fee to dial up to their system.

I already have the key Cut, Fob remote matched, and I have a new blank ID48 chip. I just need Vag Tacho to retrieve the SKC.

VCDS Won't do what I need it to do, as without the SKC it is useless for me, and I have a friend with a full VCDS license who can do it for beer money, but requires the SKC to code it. So there is no point investing in it for me at this present time.

So, back to the original question in hand.

Does anyone have Vag-Tacho, if yes, does it work with VCDS Lite?

[Doctle Odd]

Most locksmiths have VAG tacho or similar they will code a key for a score. I'm not sure if the chipset in the VCDS cable is the same as tacho. BTW my local VW dealer who is a licensed brigand and part time highwayman will give out the code if asked nicely

[Mrdjc]

Found out my friend also has Vag Tacho, so will see if he can use VCDS Lite with his VagTacho cable or not.

[bearthebruce]

Since you can download and try VCDS-Lite for free, just try it and report back. Biggest problem I expect you to have is that VAG-Tacho will not have drivers for VCDS-Lite. You can try the ones Ross-Tech supplies but there is no confidence that those will work. Those work with our wires that we used to sell 8 or 9 years ago. We no longer supply wires for VCDS-Lite or the old VAG-COM 409.