An USBasp or an AVR ISP programmer is recommended. Some older guides mention using an LPT port programmer, but these are often unreliable on modern PCs .
– With the proper EEPROM flash, you can switch the cable to Russian, German, French, or other languages without purchasing a new device.
Connect the cable to a vehicle's OBD-II port. Ensure the CAN and K-line test statuses read "OK". Common Error Solutions
Before you start, be aware of the following:
Open (a free hardware utility provided by FTDI chip manufacturers). Click Scan to locate your cable. vcds atmega162 reflash
Note: Double-check your specific PCB layout using a multimeter to confirm continuity between the chip pins and the ISP pads before soldering. Step-by-Step Reflashing Procedure
A small memory module (often a 93C46 or 93C56) attached to the FTDI chip. It stores the USB Vendor ID (VID), Product ID (PID), and serial descriptors.
This method is for cables with a bootloader or when the software method fails. It involves soldering and is more technically challenging.
Open the plastic casing of your VCDS cable by removing the hidden screws under the label. Locate the ATmega162 chip. Near the chip, look for a row of six unpopulated holes or pads. This is the In-System Programming (ISP) port. An USBasp or an AVR ISP programmer is recommended
Many high-quality aftermarket VCDS hex-usb+can interfaces rely on the Atmel ATmega162 microcontroller alongside an FTDI chip (usually FT232RQ or FT232BL) and a programmable logic device (GAL or ATF).
to ensure the FT232RL chip has the correct VID/PID and string descriptors. Flash ATmega162 : Use an ISP programmer to write the flash file and set the appropriate (crucial for the chip to boot correctly). Update EEPROM VAGCOM_EEWriteLang to write the language-specific EEPROM data. Install VCDS
Plug your USBASP into your PC and connect it to the cable's ISP header. Power the cable (some programmers provide 5V, others require you to plug the cable into a car or a 12V supply—be careful not to double-power!). Step B: Erase and Set Fuses Before loading new firmware, you must clear the old data. Open your programming software (e.g., ). Select ATmega162 from the chip list.
The cable should appear under "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" or "Ports" as a "Ross-Tech HEX-USB" device or a generic USB Serial Converter. Connect the cable to a vehicle's OBD-II port
To open the plastic casing of your VCDS cable. 2. Software Checklist
: Hook up your USBASP to the ISP pads on the VCDS PCB.
Complete firmware packages for various VCDS versions—including dumps for the Atmega162 flash, EEPROM, and FTDI templates—are available from community sources. Look for packages that support VCDS versions 18.2.0, 18.9.0, 20.4.0, 20.4.1, 20.12.0, and newer. Some packages also include hardware detection tools ( VAGCOM_HWType.exe ) and ready‑to‑use projects for programmers like TL866 and USBasp.