VCDS

[simon.guvna]

Hi folks, I have a 2005 Ford Galaxy 2.8 v6 24v that I'd like to get the cable and software. I've looked on a well known auction site and there's very little from UK sellers but one I've found has advised me that I need a later canbus enabled cable that he sells which is made by Ross tech. That also comes with the fully enabled software rather than the lite version, is he right in that the K-line cable won't work?

[johnnyroper]

I am not so sure a 2005 will need the later type lead for can bus cars,thought k line one will still work on that age of car.
Have a look in the Ross tech site and see what the recommend for your car

[brianh]

The free (or Lite) version will do most tasks anyway, it might be worth picking up a suitable cable and giving it a try, depending what you want to do with it?

This one for example will work with the lite version
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313566687552

[pillboxhunter]

Is it not the case that the v6 only works with the ford software  and not vcds? Forscan or something.

[brianh]

Nope. The v6 is the opposite of the other petrol models which work with VCDS for the rest of the car bar the engine and PATS (immobiliser). The V6 is the same systems on both the VW/Seat badged models and the Ford Badged ones.

Forscan works on the 2.3 and 2.0 Ford engined vehicles for the engine and PATS system, most obd2 software will also work for the engine, provided you have support for the right protocal on the cable/adapter in use. Fords of that era use an unusual protocal that isn't supported by all adapters

[Mirez]

Complete bull. The V6 is K-Line.

A hex-can interface is backward compatible so will work just fine but there isn't a need for it and, given it's significantly more expensive then the old K cable, I would suggest they are just trying to upsell you.

[simon.guvna]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I had a feeling that the K-line VCDS-LITE would work for that engine etc. I think the guy was just trying to sell me the non shareware software although it was way too cheap so something is not right. I'll order the K-line lead. Thanks again 👍

[brianh]

Something not right is probabbly that its not a legitimate copy of the software. Probabbly a hacked copy that will only work with the supplied install disc thats with the cable (and won't update to a newer version of vcds). That would be the likely reason for it being too cheap I'd think.

[Digitalis]

Just to confirm what others have said.....a K line cable for less than a tenner and a  free download from Ross Tech of VCDS lite did everything I needed in 6 years ownership of a Mk2 V6. The engine is a Volkswagen VR6 as fitted to many of their other high performance cars.