Ford Galaxy - Software Solutions (Vag-Com / VCDS / VagTacho)

[Mirez]

This is a brief overview of the software solutions available to help diagnose the Ford Galaxy. For more specific information, you should consult the manufacturers website. In all cases an interface lead will be needed, this connects the PC to the Car via the OBD port.

What's what?

Vagcom:
This was a software program developed by RossTech - It works with VW group car's including VW, SEAT, Skoda and Audi, however because the Mk1 and Mk2 Ford Galaxy is largely VW designed it also works with this vehicle. VagCom was renamed to VCDS for version 803.

VCDS-Lite:
A free version of the software which provides the same functionality as the shareware version of VagCom, VCDS-Lite allows users to do a number of things with the vehicles electrical systems. Each car contains a number of control modules for various systems such as the car's ECU, HVAC system and ABS. Connecting VCDS-Lite to the car allows the user to interrogate the controller for Fault codes and live data.

VCDS:
This is the paid version of VCDS and allows the user to access more advanced features such as coding control modules and turning on/off specific functions. A dongle style interface cable is required.

VAG-Tacho:
This is a utility developed by Opelinfo. Its used to recode the Instrument Cluster in a more advanced way then VCDS allows, and in the case of the Sharan and Alhambra is also used to programme the immobiliser. A specific interface cable is required (VCDS cables will not work)

So what do I need?
Well firstly if you have a Mk3 Galaxy, it was developed exclusively by Ford so none of the VW programs listed above will work (See: Which version do I have?) and you'll need a generic OBD2 program. If you have a Mk1 or Mk2 Galaxy then the above programs will work BUT if you own a 2.0 Petrol or 2.3 Petrol then because these engines are Ford ECU's,  VCDS can't communicate with them. It can still be very useful for the rest of the modules around the car but again you'll need an OBD2 program for the engine.

If you have a TD or V6 then you have a VW sourced engine so VCDS works on all modules including the engine. When buying a VCDS cable you need to ensure it supports "K-Line" diagnostic (the older version). The more recent versions (HEX + CAN) are backward compatible but there is no need for for a later version with the Ford Galaxy. Vag-Tacho will only be needed if you intend to modify the instrument clusters EEPROM (ie to enable Mileage to Empty functions) or perform mileage correction.

Genuine or Not?
This is a raging debate on a number of VW forums, VCDS-Lite can be legitimately used with a number of 3rd party interface cables which makes it a powerful yet affordable solution providing you don't need access to recoding the controller or adjusting options. If you do want this functionality then things become expensive, as VCDS in its full form isn't cheap, however there are a number of 'full' versions out there which are basically hacked to work with a 3rd party cable meaning you get the full program for a fraction of the cost. We would stress that wherever possible you should buy the full, legitimate version if you need access to the additional functions - the last thing you want is the software crashing midway through coding a very expensive controller!

Question? Something not quite make sense?
Posts in the reference library are locked but you can start a new topic on the subject by clicking here

[Chrispb]

Here is an example of the third party interface lead available from the online market place,  usually less than Ã,£10
It is suitable for MK1 & MK2 vehicles with the VW based engines that's the 2.8 V6 and the 1.9 TDI's, unfortunately you cannot scan the Ford 2.0 & 2.3 petrol engine module as it's not compatible but will work on the other modules.

[attachimg=1]

You wont normally find it marked for use with the galaxy usually but those marked for VW, Audi, Skoda OBD2 USB KKL will work and using VCDS lite software available free from the Ross-Tech website see link below.
http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

Location of diagnostic socket.
MK1 models, remove ashtray and cover.
MK2 models, below fuse box trim panel.

Question? Something not quite make sense?
Posts in the reference library are locked but you can start a new topic on the subject by clicking here