VW ODIS - the well-known Volkswagen vehicle diagnosis!

Recently updated on September 19, 2023 at 05:53 am

[Update: 19.09.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. Already in the year 2009/2010 provided the Volkswagen group with its diagnostic software "Odis" its new Vehicle diagnosis in front. "Odis" offers together with the repair and maintenance portal "Erwin" (erwin.volkswagen.de) his authorized workshops, as well as independent service partners, have many options in vehicle repair and maintenance. In addition to the advance of clean drive types, the Electronics an extremely high priority. The number of control devices in cars continues to increase. In order to be able to offer competent maintenance and repairs, workshops can no longer avoid a modern diagnostic system. And this is exactly where the problem comes. Because when it comes to diagnostics, every vehicle manufacturer has their own own software also your own diagnostic device on offer.

VW ODIS vehicle diagnostics

This simply makes it impossible for independent workshops to be able to offer the right diagnosis for every vehicle type. The Volkswagen Group is no exception here. With “Odis” it should at least be significantly easier to carry out modern vehicle diagnostics. “Odis” solved the VW diagnostic procedure at the time VAS 5051B or 5052A .

Diagnosis using a laptop

Even years later, the old VAS testers for diagnosis have still not disappeared from the workshops. "Odis" can be operated on the old test devices or with a laptop (back then you started with Windows XP) and also had a special Panasonic laptop on offer.

"Odis" can be installed and operated on any commercially available notebook. This is also a significant advantage for independent workshops, as there is no need to purchase an expensive diagnostic device. This ensures significantly more efficiency in the diagnostic process. Because "Odis" recognizes the vehicle automatically and offers interactive circuit diagrams for troubleshooting. Thanks to the online connection, all data is available on a daily basis in “Odis”. That speaks for the best service in diagnosis. The mechanic in the workshop has the latest information about the individual vehicles. An important finding in the repair process.

"Odis" - diagnosis with limits

But “Odis” from VW has also been able to do this for a long time when it comes to diagnosis not everything. No tester can do everything, this is currently the case in most workshops. So it can't hurt if you still have a workshop VCDS system has at hand.

Example: Diagnostic system ODIS 6.0 used

For a price of around 800 EUR you can currently (as of June 06.2021) get a well-preserved Panasonic Toughbook CF-D1, but without a VAS5054A radio head. However, this is required for reading and costs another 300 EUR. If you don't want (or have to) buy a whole set, a tablet like this with the latest software might be enough. Such toughbooks and also notebooks are often offered as leasing returns from workshops online. That might be enough for a small workshop or hobby mechanic.

Example: ODIS 6.0 Odis Engineering 12.0

Reading out you can use it for Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, MAN, VW commercial vehicles. To find With this software you have the right circuit diagrams, repair plans, the parts catalog and much more. Common languages ​​of the software are English / Japanese / Portuguese / Romanian / Korean / Dutch / Polish / Turkish / Spanish / French / Italian / Croatian / Danish / German / Swedish / Finnish / Slovenian / Czech / Russian / Greek.

newer systems cost over 2.000 euros

If you want a newer system (VAS6154A ODIS Service 7.0 Panasonic CF-19 MK5 Odis Engineering built in 2021), then you have to go with at least 2.300 EUR count on costs. A current VAS6154 diagnostic head (part number ASE 405 431 00 001) is already included. To start using this software, you need a suitable Toughbook, an interface module (VAS 6154/1), the base station (VAS 6154/2), a Y-USB cable (VAS 6154/3) and a USB Module (e.g. VAS 6154/4). Then nothing stands in the way of professional vehicle diagnostics.

win

erWin supports the user in diagnosing vehicles with the necessary software and of course also with the correct data. You will receive detailed instructions on how to repair the vehicle. erWin also offers various flat rates with different ranges of functions.

Volkswagen's step into the future of diagnostics? In summary!

With Odis into the diagnostic future? Volkswagen has with us Odis brought a new diagnostic system onto the market years ago. In combination with the repair and maintenance portal "Erwin" It opens new doors not only for VW's own service companies, but also for independent workshops. Anyone who visited the IAA back then knows: cars are becoming more and more complex. Without modern diagnostic systems, workshops could soon be out of the race. The problem? Each manufacturer has its own system. But VW has developed a solution with Odis that simplifies diagnosis. And the best part? It is a software that works on everyone Laptop with Windows XP (state of affairs at the time) is running. VW even offers a special one Panasonic laptop which is optimized for workshop use.

The most important things at a glance:

1. Cross-manufacturer diagnostics: ODIS supports not only Volkswagen, but also the other brands of the Volkswagen Group, such as Audi, Skoda and SEAT.
2. Offboard diagnostics: ODIS allows vehicles to be diagnosed via an external computer. The system interacts with the vehicle through a diagnostic interface.
3. ODIS Service and ODIS Engineering: There are two main variants of ODIS. ODIS Service is intended for regular maintenance and diagnostics, while ODIS Engineering is used for more in-depth technical work and development.
4. Erased error codes: Using ODIS, technicians can read and clear trouble codes and test the vehicle's on-board systems.
5. Flashing and coding: ODIS also enables flashing of software updates and coding of ECUs.
6. Guided Fault Finding (GFF): The system offers a guided troubleshooting mode that guides technicians through the diagnostic process and suggests solutions to identified problems.
7. Database updates: ODIS accesses a constantly updated database of vehicle information, diagnostic logs and repair guides.
8. Secure connection: For certain actions, especially for security-related functions, ODIS must establish a secure connection to the manufacturer (online connection).
9. Integration with ElsaPro: ODIS is integrated with ElsaPro, a system that provides technical information, repair guides and working values ​​for the various models of the Volkswagen Group.
10. Hardware Compatibility: ODIS typically works with VAS PC hardware interfaces, such as the VAS 5054A or VAS 6154.

Laptop as a fully-fledged diagnostic device

With Odis, mechanics can use laptops as full-fledged diagnostic devices that automatically recognize vehicles and make troubleshooting easier with interactive wiring diagrams. Thanks to the online connection, the data is always up to date. Dr. Will Specks, Head of Aftersales Vehicle Diagnostics at Volkswagen, emphasized at the time how important this is for the repair process. But, and this is a big but, no system can do everything - not even Odis. But with that time Euro 5/6 legislation (Almost) anything was possible. It requires that manufacturers and importers must give all market participants free access to data and information for the maintenance and repair of their Euro 5 vehicles. If not, no approval in the EU. As simple as that.

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