Service Information
Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS Service)

Number: VOS-14-01

Subject: VAS 6356 Test Instrument Box and ODIS Service Software Compatibility

Date: Feb. 4, 2013

Supersedes VOS-13-04 due to updated information

1.0 – Introduction
Full functionality of the VAS 6356 Test Instrument Box used in conjunction with ODIS Service relies on
software version compatibility. For example: If VAS 6356 software was previously installed with its supplied
installation CD, the software must be removed prior to performing the initial installation of ODIS Service.
The following sections cover various VAS 6356 software installation and setup scenarios on VAS
diagnostic laptops and tablets, as they apply to planned or existing ODIS Service installations. To
ensure software compatibility prior to using VAS 6356 with ODIS Service, identify the scenario that applies
in your case from the table below and refer to the instructions and additional documentation accordingly.
Included is an explanation summary of VAS 6356 operation modes with ODIS Service. Ref. Section 3.0.

2.0 – VAS 6356 & ODIS Service Installation Scenarios
Scenario

Ref. Section

VAS 6356 Software Installed with CD – ODIS Service Not Yet Installed

2.1

VAS 6356 Software Installed with CD – ODIS Service Installed

2.2

VAS 6356 Software Not Installed – ODIS Service Installed

2.3

VAS 6356 Software Not Installed – ODIS Service Not Installed

2.4

2.1 – VAS 6356 Installed with CD – ODIS Service Not Yet Installed
If a diagnostic laptop or tablet with existing VAS 6356 software is being prepared for ODIS Service
installation, perform the following steps:
1. Disconnect the VAS 6356 USB cable from the diagnostic device.
2. Uninstall ODIS AMT software. (From the Windows desktop > Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Add or Remove Programs > ODIS AMT > Remove)
3. Uninstall VAS 6356 software. (From the Windows desktop > Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Add or Remove Programs > VAS 6356 > Remove)
4. Reboot the diagnostic device.
5. Install ODIS Service. For detailed instructions, refer to the separate Service Information - ODIS
Service document titles that cover the initial installation of ODIS Service, i.e.: Installation Phases 1
through 3. Complete all three installation phases in order before proceeding with Step 6.
6. Reconnect the VAS 6356 USB cable to the diagnostic device.
7. Extract the VAS 6356 USB driver and network adapter files that are installed along with ODIS Service,
and perform a brief network configuration. For detailed instructions, refer to Service Information –
Workshop Equipment document tile: VAS 6356 Test Instruments Box – Software Configuration –
ODIS Service Only
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ver1.4

© 2014 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
2.2 – VAS 6356 Installed with CD – ODIS Service Installed
The ODIS AMT software previously installed via the VAS 6356 installation CD is not compatible with the
current ODIS Service software. For this scenario, perform the following steps to ensure software
compatibility:
1. Disconnect the VAS 6356 USB cable from the diagnostic device.
2. Uninstall ODIS AMT software. (From the Windows desktop > Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Add or Remove Programs > ODIS AMT > Remove)
3. Uninstall VAS 6356 software. (From the Windows desktop > Start > Settings > Control Panel >
Add or Remove Programs > VAS 6356 > Remove)
4. Uninstall ODIS Service. (From the Windows desktop > Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or
Remove Programs > Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service > Remove. Be sure to
remove the license, MCD projects etc. when prompted).
5. Reinstall ODIS Service. For detailed instructions, refer to Service Information - ODIS Service
document title: ODIS Service Installation Phase 2 - Software Installation and Configuration
Instructions before proceeding with Step 6.
6. Reconnect the VAS 6356 USB cable to the diagnostic device.
7. Extract the VAS 6356 USB driver and network adapter files that were installed along with ODIS Service
and perform a brief network configuration. For detailed instructions, refer to Service Information –
Workshop Equipment document tile: VAS 6356 Test Instruments Box – Software Configuration –
ODIS Service Only

2.3 – VAS 6356 Not Installed – ODIS Service Installed
All current ODIS Service “Installation DVD” versions automatically install VAS 6356 software.
All that is required is to extract the pre-installed files and perform a brief network configuration. For detailed
instructions, refer to Service Information – Workshop Equipment document tile: VAS 6356 Test
Instruments Box – Software Configuration – ODIS Service Only

2.4 – VAS 6356 Not Installed – ODIS Service Not Installed
Install the latest ODIS Service version prior to unpacking and setting up a new VAS 6356.
All current ODIS Service “Installation DVD” versions automatically install VAS 6356 software.
All that is required is to extract the pre-installed files and perform a brief network configuration. For detailed
instructions, refer to Service Information – Workshop Equipment document tile: VAS 6356 Test
Instruments Box – Software Configuration – ODIS Service Only
Note:
In all cases where VAS 6356 are used in conjunction with ODIS Service, DO NOT install the
software installation CD originally supplied with the VAS 6356!

Page 2 of 3
© 2014 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
3.0 – VAS 6356 Operation Modes in ODIS Service
When connected to diagnostic laptops or tablets with the latest version of ODIS Service, a VAS 6356 Test
Instrument Box enables a wide range of test measurement capabilities.
The following measurement operation modes are possible:
Mode:

Description:
Volt, ohm and current measurements, diode test and DSO etc. functions performed manually.

Manual

• A connection between the diagnostic device and vehicle Data Link Connector (DLC) via VAS
5054A is NOT necessary.
• Start ODIS Service and select the Measurement operating mode.
• Perform measurements in the same manner as you would with a full-function multimeter.
Volt, ohm and current measurements, diode test and DSO etc. functions performed as part of
Guided Fault Finding (GFF) test plans.

Integrated

• A connection between the diagnostic device and a vehicle DLC via a VAS 5054A transmitter IS
necessary.
• Start ODIS Service and initiate a vehicle module scan/GFF session.

• System or component GFF test plans may prompt user to perform volt, ohm, and current etc.
measurements. Measurement values are automatically integrated with the test plan and
interpreted for next steps.

Page 3 of 3
© 2014 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.