A useful tool for doing diagnostics on your GTI is the VAG-COM. This is the PC based version of the tool that VW uses when doing check ups and services on your car. The VAG-COM plugs into the OBD (On-board Diagnostic) port in your car, which is located just below the climate control display.

The way it works is that every time your car senses a bit of a problem, it records a fault code, and when a VAG tool (either a VAG-COM or the one used by the VW agents) is plugged in, these codes can be read.

The VAG-COM can also be used to change things like your alarm configuration, certain engine parameters (like engine idle rpm, for example).

Basically, the VAG-COM consists of:

Hardware: OBD Connection

Software: VAG program

I did some enquiries about the VAG-COM and its availability in South Africa, and I was sent the following ‘Q and A’ as a reply:

A: The interface will work on all 94 and later Volkswagens, as these have the 16-pin OBD-II interface adapter.

A: VAG-COM should run on 486DX or better CPU capable of running Windows 95 or newer, but a Pentium with 16M of RAM is recommended. The PC must have an available RS-232 serial port. USB is not supported. Please note that Some Compaq Presario 1200 Laptops have serial ports that do not meet the RS-232 specs.

A: Yes, but you will probably have to extend the cables. This is a

standard serial extension cord (DB9-male on one side and DB9-female on the other side)

Diagnostic Interface and cable:

R 750.00

shipping and handling:

R 55.00 (by courier to Jhb, normal airmail is cheaper)

Optional VAG-COM software registration: this is USD99.00.

As for the Shareware Limitations (unregistered version), I have listed them down below.

* The Basic Settings Function is Blocked.

* The Unregistered/Unactivated version of VAG-COM will only decode a fraction of the codes it finds into text. However, it will always show all error codes.

* You can only view groups 001-025. Groups 000 and 026-255 are blocked.

* Switch to Basic Settings is blocked.

* No Limitations

* No Limitations

* No Limitations

* No Limitations

* This function is not available in the Shareware version.

* No Limitations

* The Unregistered/Unactivated version of VAG-COM will only allow access to

the first 9 Adaptation Channels (out of 99 possible).

* The Save Function is Blocked.

No Limitations

The person to contact in South Africa for more information, and for ordering is Stephan, and you can get him at the following e-mail:

Or, you can contact Uwe Ross of Ross-Tech for more information:

Or, you can visit one of the following sites: