VCDS only usable with limitations?

dieselschrauber · Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:00.

Bauks im A4-Freunde Forum wrote:

VCDS devices previously compatible with models from 2018 onwards are no longer usable.

Unfortunately, at yesterday's Seat Ateca gathering, we discovered that VCDS (HEX+CAN) is no longer compatible with Ateca models from the 2018 model year (it works with models from 2017), despite being on the latest version 17.1.3.

After contacting support at Ross-Tech, I unfortunately learned that the VW Group is gradually changing the engine control units (the Ateca hasn't actually received any new ones, but apparently "something" has been changed), and that a paid hardware upgrade is unavoidable.

Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:02.

Hello,

The statement is not correct, as it's not about VCDS and its general function, but rather about the HEX-USB+CAN diagnostic system and brand new cars.
The HEX-USB+CAN hardware is unfortunately at the end of its lifecycle; it has not been produced for several months. Instead, there is now the HEX-V2 diagnostic system.
Even with the last HEX-USB+CAN firmware updates, there were issues with insufficient space in the microcontroller's flash memory.

Nothing lasts forever. Apart from that, the HEX-V2 is significantly faster in workshop operations, which saves working time.

For customers who have outdated diagnostic hardware, the following option is available:
http://shop.dieselschrauber.de/vcds-interface-upgrade-p-342.php

Best regards, Rainer.

Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:03.

dieselschrauber wrote:

The HEX-USB+CAN hardware is unfortunately at the end of its lifecycle; it has not been produced for several months. Instead, there is now the HEX-V2 diagnostic system.

Does this essentially mean that version 17.1 will likely be the last one for this interface?

Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:06.

No, the firmware of the interface doesn't really have much to do with the software version of VCDS. I assume that there are still updates and newer versions available for older hardware, but it's probably less likely to work with newer cars that require different handling.
Questions -> Please contact Ross-Tech USA.

The current VCDS update to version 17.8.0, which of course also works with the HEX-USB+CAN, actually offers a whole range of new features, also for older (obsolete) interfaces, provided that the interface allows it from a functional point of view.
You cannot expect a device to forever support all the new features that another company, such as a vehicle manufacturer, might come up with.
Furthermore, it's not the case that all 2018 models are non-functional; rather, individual control units that appear in 2018 models may not be supported by the older HEX-USB+CAN (hardware design from 2004).

VCDS updates, as well as those for KDataScope and KPower, are free of charge for our customers.
For used interfaces, the following applies:

Every serious user of a HEX-USB+CAN or older interface has already, through the system, either saved or earned many times the purchase price. The HEX-USB+CAN cannot provide the functions needed for some brand new models; there is no more space for larger firmware, and that ends the discussion. Then you have to use the HEX-V2 or the HEX-NET. http://shop.dieselschrauber.de/faq.php

Best regards, Rainer.

Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:08.

Hello,

I've heard that there are already control units in the Golf 7 models from the 2018 model year that are no longer recognized by the HEX+CAN USB interface. Specifically, the aLWR STG (55) seems to have been removed and replaced with a new 4B module, but the new module no longer displays the HEX+CAN USB connection.

Rainer, can you confirm that?

"On my 2018 model, I'm not seeing either a 55 or a 4B code when using the HEX+CAN USB interface."
So far, I have only assumed limitations within the MLB platform, but not within the MQB

.

Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:10.

Hello Roger,

Sorry, I have no idea what the specific differences are in the 2018 model. The HEX-V2 and HEX-NET both support that model, however.

Best regards, Rainer.

Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:10.

A colleague drives a Golf VII GTI, but it's a 2016 model. For that model year, the address is 55. Just a side note.

dieselschrauber · Translated on 05-07-2026, 14:13.

Hello,

Here's an Autoscan, where I've bolded the control units (STG) that are onlyvisiblewith theHEX-V2, but not with the HEX-USB+CAN.

Vehicle type: AU-VW37 (3Q0)
Scan: 01 03 08 09 10 13 15 16 17 19 29 32 39 42 44 47 4B 52 5F A5 A9 D6 D7

Vehicle Identification Number: WVWZZZAUZJW043xxx Mileage: 6266 km

01-Motor electronics -- Status: OK 0000
03-Brake electronics -- Status: OK 0000
08-Climate/Heating Unit -- Status: OK 0000
09-Central Electrical System -- Status: OK 0000
10-Parking Assist 2 -- Status: OK 0000
13-meter distance rule -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbag -- Status: OK 0000
16-Wheel steering electronics -- Status: OK 0000
17-Terminal block insert -- Status: OK 0000
19-Diagnosis interface -- Status: OK 0000.
29-Light control left -- Status: OK 0000
32-pin electronics -- Status: OK 0000.
39-Light control right -- Status: OK 0000
42-door electric. Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
47-Sound System -- Status: OK 0000
4B Multifunction Unit -- Status: OK 0000
52-door electric. Front passenger seat. -- Status: OK 0000.
5F-Information Selection. I -- Status: OK 0000
A5 Front/Forward-facing camera -- Status: OK 0000
A9 body sound actuator -- Status: OK 0000
D6-light control left 2 -- Status: OK 0000
D7-Light control right 2 -- Status: OK 0000