re-maps and code reading

[bennymac]

Hi everyone
I am pretty new here and have been looking around to do a couple of things on our A3 s-line with the 2.0 tfsi engine.

First of all I am looking at a remap for the car and I do understand that there are many options regarding companies offering these things, am I correct in my thinking though that none of these are approved by VAG ? I have spoken with Mark at Brotek via facebook but I haven't asked if the shark system is approved.

As well as the remap I was looking into getting some software to read the fault codes etc and I noticed on the forum a lot of talk regarding the Ross tech systems and how the other systems were not allowed to be discussed does that mean the Ross tech system is approved by VAG as well ? otherwise surely all of these suppliers have hacked into the programme to create their own product such as a re-map or a fault code reader ?

Maybe I am missing something so maybe someone with more experience can help me understand ?

 

[@udi A3]

Vcds doesnt compromise the cars immobiliser. With that kinda question though I assume you havent read the website fully. Iirc its all about the freedom of the end user not being tied down to main dealer garages.


re mapping, im pretty sure revo has been done by the dealers. Certainly has by specialists.

 

[bennymac]

Thank you for the response
I agree with you about not being tied down to a main dealer I just didn't understand why there was one favoured supplier and the other options were not allowed to be discussed but I assume its more to do with license agreements, if so I still don't see why the Vcds is any different if its not a registered approved VAG system?

I have been looking around the site to try and understand this but couldn't find a clear answer, regarding the re-map I will have a word with the dealer as I have been considering the Shark map but again just a little concerned that these may be not approved by VAG.

 

[kimhemm]

I don't think that you will find any remap's that are approved by VAG.

It may be the case that the local dealers have somebody that they work with, and if you have any problems with your car they will not say anything about the map and warranty. But, if you decide to remap your car, you should be aware that the dealers can say no to doing warranty work on your engine if they find out

 

[@udi A3]

VCDS is a tried and tested system, basicly a windows based vas emulator. NHN is a distributer for VCDS and as such can support you if bought from him. Just like KITI will support vag tacho. Vag tacho will compromise the immobiliser though, and its usefullness to the average DIY'er is not great. VCDS can do far more in the right hands to help the average person mantain there car.

Of course then there are the likes of abrites commanders, doing everything a dealer can and much much more, but with a 5-7k price tag I highly doubt anybody here will own these tools unless your in the correct trade.

What is not condoned or supported is the use of cloned tools on other members cars. Ive used cloned vag tacho and bought the genuine one. Ive used a very crude abrites clone, im saving up for the genuine one. Ive seen a lot of damage done to cars with clone tools.

In short for code reading and diagnostic work vcds is spot on. for anything more involved with immobiliser seek help from people with correct tools and insurance. VCDS comes in various trims, shareware, registered, and fully registered and genuine dongle.

 

[bennymac]

Thanks again for the replies guys very helpful information.
I had the code for the airbag light read by a mate who has this super expensive snap on system but I have something which does the same and more for my old Vauxhall which I think is similar to the VCDS. I just didn't understand the cloning issue as to my mind anyone's system which is not endorsed by the manufacturer is surely also dodgy, either way I like the idea of the low risk VCDS system so I will see about getting that.

 

[@udi A3]

I think opcom is supposed to be the vx equivalent of vcds. comes free with genuine vag tacho.

 

[bennymac]

yes I have opcom so I have the cable already and I did wonder if the software would read audi codes but not a chance lol.

 

[Brodster]

Reference your questions about VAG approved remaps. There is only 1 company that Audi will use to remap your car that allows the warranty to still be valid and thats MTM. They are however very expensive. I have tried an S3 with an MTM map and it wasn't for me....some people have these maps and swear by them so its entirely up to you.

If you go for another brand such as Shark/Revo/APR be up front with your Audi garage as you may find they will will be OK with it if the warranty claim is against say suspension or interior. If something happens to engine management then thats a different ball game.