Since 2014 all new VW Audi Group vehicles (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Bentley) have been built to be compatible only with VW Audi Group’s ODIS Diagnostics. The ODIS system was developed to make diagnostic work more interactive: it links directly to the manufacturer’s diagnostic servers in Germany to guide our technicians through the diagnostic process, and is now the only way to ensure your vehicle is being diagnosed effectively and with the latest technology.
With VW Audi Group vehicles constantly progressing, ODIS means we are always up to speed with the latest technological developments. From guided fault finding and software updates to Electronic Control Units and key coding, most jobs now require your vehicle to be connected to our ODIS diagnostics computer.
Key coding with ODIS
With ODIS, we can supply and code new genuine keys directly from VW Audi Group to match your vehicle.
Genuine VW Audi Group keys are assembled and coded by the manufacturers in Germany, and matched solely to the vehicle they have been produced for. When they arrive with us, we use our online connection to the VW Audi Group security server to complete the coding and enable you to use the key with your vehicle.
There are certain identification details we’ll need from you before ordering your new key, to ensure VW Audi Group security protocols are adhered to. The original documentation we require includes vehicle registration documents, drivers license and a recent utility bill.
ODIS software updates and adaptions
When releasing a new vehicle, manufactures can’t always predict every potential problem.
Over time small errors or bugs can appear in the vehicle’s software, sometimes creating problems for its performance.
To overcome these problems, manufacturers release software updates. These can only be uploaded through ODIS, and ensure your vehicle has the latest firmware.
When a customer reports an issue with their vehicle, one of the primary actions we take is to check for any software updates specifically relating to that issue. Checking these first means we can eliminate software problems before investigating a faulty component.
ODIS component protection
Component protection is a VW Audi Group database. It tracks each individual electronic component, and which vehicle it is allocated to.
Essentially, component protection acts like an electronic padlock, tethering components to your vehicle. If we need to undertake any coding, adaptions, or basic settings of a component we need to release its padlock. That’s where ODIS comes in.
It tracks components right from the production line, but also applies to any parts purchased and fitted at a later date. For example, if you require a new control module it will need to be coded to your car using ODIS, through our licensed connection to the VW Group servers in Germany. Without component protection many, if not all, of a component’s functionality will be limited.
Component protection also helps to eliminate vehicle or component theft. If a theft is reported VW Audi Group’s component protection database updates and raises a red flag to prevent those components from being coded to another vehicle. ODIS will detect the red flag, prevent us from performing the coding and alert VW Audi Group. This is especially useful for second hand parts, making sure they are sourced only through reputable outlets.
Manufacturer technical bulletins
With ODIS we receive technical bulletins directly from VW Audi Group Germany.
Technical bulletins keep us up to date with any known component faults or fixes for your vehicle, meaning we can quickly get to the root of the problem.
Whether it’s a component replacement or a software update, when your vehicle is connected to the VW Audi Group servers via our ODIS equipment it will display the logical and correct diagnosis path to take.
Checking with ODIS first will ensure none of your time or money is wasted looking for faults that the manufacturer has already identified and released a fix for.
erWin from Volkswagen group
Erwin Electronic Repairs and Workshop INformation
erWin is the electronic repair and workshop information service from VW Audi Group.
It provides our technicians with original Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda workshop manuals and informs them in real-time of the requirements, tools and materials required.
erWin is regularly updated, which means we are always working on your vehicle using the latest technological knowledge available.