Service Information
Diagnostic Device Hardware & Windows®

Number: VHW-15-03

Subject: VAS 6160A Diagnostic Tablet – Unpacking and Setup
Instructions

Date: Jan 8, 2015

Supersedes VVT-14-12 due to updated ServiceNet section titles.
Table of Contents
Section

Page

1.0

Additional Documentation

1

2.0

Safety Instructions

2

3.0

Important Information

4

4.0

Unpacking Instructions

5

5.0

Contents of Carton

6

6.0

Install Rechargeable Battery Pack

6

7.0

Connecting to Power

7

8.0

Windows 7 Startup & Initial Setup

8

9.0

Network Setup

16

10.0

Install Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS Service)

17

11.0

VAS 5054A Transmitter Head Setup

17

12.0

Windows 7 Updates

19

13.0

Warranty Registration

22

14.0

Malfunctions and Support

22

1.0 – Additional Documentation
These unpacking and setup instructions contain references to Service Information (SI) documents with
additional instructions needed before placing the laptop into service. These documents are all posted in
the Vehicle Diagnostics section in ServiceNet.
Locate and print the following documents to have on hand before proceeding with these instructions:
SI Document
Subcategory

Document Titles

ODIS Service Installation Phase 1 - Preparation & License Request Instructions (eShop)
ODIS Service

ODIS Service Installation Phase 2 - Software Installation & Configuration Instructions
ODIS Service Installation Phase 3 - Security Certificate Request & Installation Instructions
ODIS Service Infomedia Setup Instructions

Diagnostic
Device Hardware
& Windows

VAS Diagnostic Device Computer Name Builder
VAS 5054A Transmitter Head - Bluetooth & EDIC Configuration - ODIS Service Only
VAS 5054A Transmitter Head - USB Configuration - ODIS Service Only
Page 1 of 22

© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
2.0 – Safety Instructions
2.1 – Explanation of Symbols
Symbols with the following meanings are used in the safety instructions of the Operating Manuals, the
startup/unpacking instructions and other documentation provided, in screen displays on the tester during
operation and on the products themselves:

Warning!

Text with this symbol contains information regarding your safety and how you
can reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries. The Warning symbol deserves
special attention with respect to your safety.

Caution!

Text with this symbol contains information on how you can prevent damage to
the vehicle and to the device. The Caution symbol informs you that failure to
comply with such information can result in damage to the vehicle and/or tester.

Note

Text with this symbol contains additional, useful information. The Note symbol
indicates important information on the product, its use and other items.

2.2 – Reference to Additional Safety Instructions
The following contains the general safety instructions that apply to all VAS diagnostic console, tablet and
tablet devices. Additional safety instructions can be found in the applicable device Operating Manuals. It is
thus important to read the device Operating Manual prior to use. Safety instructions may also appear on
the screen of the tester and displayed by the diagnostic software. Heed all instructions displayed.

2.3 – Important Safety Instructions

Warning!
1. Read all instructions.
2. If the power cable or unit is damaged, the equipment may be not used until inspected by a
qualified technician.
3. Do not allow any cables or leads to drape over the edges of tables, benches or stands.
Prevent hot parts or rotating fans from coming into contact with cables or leads.
4. Use of an extension cable is prohibited. When performing tests, only the specified cables
and leads may be used.
5. Always unplug the equipment when it is not in use. Never unplug the power cable from
the outlet by pulling on the cable. Grasp the connector to disconnect the equipment from
the power outlet.
6. The tester may not be used in the vicinity of open fuel containers, as there is otherwise
the risk of fire or explosion.
7. When you are working on internal combustion engines, ensure adequate ventilation.
Otherwise, there is a risk of poisoning.
Continued …3/

Page 2 of 22
© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
Warning!
8. Use the equipment only in the manner described. Use only the accessories listed by the
manufacturer.
9. Risk of explosion. The equipment has spark-generating components inside and for this
reason must not be used in areas with flammable vapors. The equipment should be
operated at a height of at least 460 mm (18 inches) above the floor, since gasoline and
other possible vapors collect at floor level.
10. The equipment complies with Safety Class 1 when under power and is equipped with a
safety tested power cable. Connect the equipment only to electrical service or power
outlets with a grounded protective conductor (TN network).
11. Fasten the diagnosis tablet securely to the rear seat of the vehicle during test drives. A
second person on the rear seat must operate the diagnosis tablet. For safety reasons,
operation on the front seat and without being fastened securely is prohibited (e.g. risk of
triggering the airbag).
12. Electric ignition systems have voltages of up to approx. 30 kV. General Safety guidelines
for workshops are to be observed at all times.
13. Opening of the tester, including its accessories, by unauthorized personnel can result in
serious risk to the individual and the equipment.
14. If the power cable, a diagnostic or measuring cable, the tester or any other accessory
under power is damaged, their use is prohibited until a qualified technician has given
approval to do so.
15. If you will not be using the equipment for a longer period of time, please switch it off at the
on/off switch and disconnect it from the power if the rechargeable battery is charged.
Switching off at the on/off switch alone does not ensure that the power supply, charging
circuit or any connected accessory has been disconnected from power.
16. Data transmission lines should not be connected or disconnected during a thunderstorm
nor should the equipment itself be operated.

2.4 – Safety Instructions for Wireless Units

Warning!
1. No antenna modifications, e.g. relocation or use of other antennas or transmitters, are
permitted on units approved for wireless operation.
2. Do not use a portable transmitter (e.g. wireless network (WLAN) or Bluetooth device) in
the vicinity of unshielded detonator caps or in an explosive atmosphere, unless the device
has been modified in a way that permits such use.
3. Information regarding Bluetooth and W-LAN approval in various countries may be found in
the diagnostic software operating manual.
Continued …4/

Page 3 of 22
© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
Caution!
1. Line voltage fluctuations and deviations exceeding the permissible tolerance can result in
malfunction and damage to the diagnostic device.
2. When operating the VAS 6160A in a workshop cart, ensure that the power adapter has
adequate ventilation. Remember that the charging circuit is operating even when the tester is
switched off. This is also true in the power saving mode.
3. When connecting other make vehicles:
• The VAS 6160A diagnostic tablet was developed and specified for vehicles manufactured
by the Volkswagen Group. Connecting the tester or remote diagnosis head interface
directly to a vehicle from another manufacturer, may cause damage to the vehicle’s
electrical system.
• If attempting to use the generally applicable OBD functions for self-diagnosis of other
make vehicles, the OBD adapter cable VAS 5052/16 should be connected between the
diagnostic head and diagnosis connection in the vehicle.
4. When handling the rechargeable battery:
• The rechargeable battery should be replaced only by properly trained personnel.
• Never short-circuit the rechargeable battery.
• Never throw the rechargeable battery into a fire.
• Dispose of/recycle the rechargeable battery only when discharged and in accordance with
local regulations.

3.0 – Important Information
3.1 – Shipping Damage / Incomplete Shipment
Please check the following items when unpacking/starting your VAS 6160A:
1. Packaging damaged:
•

Have the damage confirmed in writing on the shipping documents by the delivery service and
report it immediately.

2. Packaging in good condition, but contents damaged:
• Report damage to Snap-on immediately.
3. Incomplete shipment:
•

Please check the contents list as per instructions in Section 5.0 – Contents of Carton to
determine whether your shipment is complete. Report issues to Snap-on immediately.

Page 4 of 22
© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
3.2 – Temperature Equalization

Caution!
If the VAS 6160A is delivered during winter months, efforts must be made to prevent the
formation of condensation within the device. For this reason we recommend the device be left
unattended at room temperature for approximately 3 hours prior to connecting/switching on for
temperature compensation purposes.

3.3 – Safety and Startup Instructions
Please read the safety and startup instructions carefully prior to startup.

3.4 – Purchase Documentation
Please retain your shipping documents as proof of purchase and delivery.

3.5 - Additional Instructions

Note
•

These unpacking and setup instructions include cross-references to other Service
Information documents with additional instructions needed prior to placing the tablet into
service. These additional documents are all posted on ServiceNet.

•

If you have not already done so, be prepared to locate the cross-referenced documents!

•

Print the documents if necessary and perform the necessary instruction steps before
continuing with the remaining instructions in this document.

•

Discard all printed copies of all documents, including this one, after use. Revised
versions may be issued at any time. Always check ServiceNet for the latest versions.

•

Be aware that as of the publication date of this document, new VAS 6160A are shipped with
Windows 7 operating systems.

4.0 – Unpacking Instructions
The VAS 6160A is delivered with the tablet unit and docking station (port replicator) packed separately in
the main shipping box.
1. Unpack all parts; then remove the protective film from the tablet and the docking station (port
replicator).
2. Dispose of the packaging material in accordance with local regulations.
3. Check the contents for completeness as instructed in Section 5.0 - Contents of Carton.
4. In case of incomplete shipment, report the issue immediately to Snap-on (SBS).

Page 5 of 22
© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
5.0 - Contents of Carton
Confirm your VAS 6160A shipment contains the following items (check the boxes provided):

 1. VAS 6160A
 2. Docking Station with CD/DVD drive
 3. A/C Power Adapter/cables
 4. VAS 5054A Transmitter Head
 5. VAS 5054A USB Cable (“Rugged

1

3

USB 2.0”)

 6. Stylus
 Rechargeable Battery*
 Operating Manuals for Panasonic CF-D1

5

series tablet and docking station*

2

6

4

*Not shown

6.0 – Install Rechargeable Battery Pack
Caution!
When handling the rechargeable battery:
• The battery should be replaced only by properly trained personnel.
• Never short-circuit the battery.
• Never throw the battery into a fire.
• Dispose of/recycle the battery only when discharged and in accordance with local regulations.
Remove battery from its packaging and install as follows:
1. On the left-hand underside of the tablet, slide the battery compartment lock to the right and downward
as illustrated -arrows-, then open the battery compartment cover:

Page 6 of 22
© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
2. Slide the battery pack into the compartment -arrow- until it connects firmly with the contacts:

3. Close battery compartment cover and re-secure the battery compartment cover/lock.

Caution!
Ensure battery compartment cover is locked at all times. Otherwise, the battery pack may fall out
during use or transport.

Note
For optimum battery performance and service life, please heed the battery charging and recalibration
instructions included with the Panasonic CF-D1 Operating Manual.

7.0 – Connecting to Power
The tablet is connected to power either via the docking station (port replicator) connection to the A/C
power adapter, directly via the A/C power adapter or run from the internal rechargeable battery pack.

Caution!
•
•
•

The A/C power adapter includes a country-specific power cable (UL-approved or CSA-approved,
oil-resistant power cord).
Operation on ungrounded or impedance-grounded electrical networks (IT electrical networks) is
prohibited.
Use only the original Panasonic CF-D1 power adapter. For additional information (part number
etc.), refer to the CF-D1 Operating Manual.

Page 7 of 22
© 2015 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
8.0 – Windows 7 Startup & Initial Setup
8.1 – Preparation
Initial startup must be performed with the tablet removed from the docking station (port replicator) and
the wireless switch in the OFF position. Additional information can be found in the Panasonic CF-D1
Operating Manual.
1. On the upper left-hand side of the tablet, open the access cover marked “SC / EX”. If necessary, slide
the wireless operation switch to the OFF position -arrow-:

2. Connect the A/C power adapter cable to a 115V A/C outlet and the DC IN 15.6V port -arrow- on the
lower right-hand side of the tablet:

8.2 - Interface Connections
For additional information, on interface connections, refer to the Panasonic CF-D1 and docking station
(port replicator) Operating Manuals.

8.3 - Switching the Unit On and Off
Switch on the tablet by pressing the on/off button for approximately 1 second. The tablet boots and
displays a series of automatic setup, registry and service screens followed by the initial Windows setup
screen. No user intervention is required during this time.

Caution!
•

When switching the tablet off after normal use, DO NOT press and hold the on/off button for
longer than 5 seconds! This executes a forced shutdown which may result in hard drive faults.

•

To switch off the tablet after normal use, click the Windows “Start” symbol from the desktop and
then select “Shut down”.
Page 8 of 22