Volkswagen Group vehicle diagnostics

What is ODIS?

ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic Information System) is the original diagnostic system of the Volkswagen Group, intended for professional diagnosis, maintenance and repair of vehicles of individual concern brands.

It enables communication with the car's electronic control units, checking their operating data and performing manufacturer-supported diagnostic and service functions.

What options does ODIS offer?

Depending on the vehicle, its equipment and the available authorisations, supported operations may include:

• Retrieving and evaluating fault memories.
• Monitoring of actual operating values.
• Functional tests of electronic and electromechanical components.
• Basic settings and adaptation of control units.
• Coding of selected electronic systems.
• Guided Fault Finding using manufacturer procedures.
• Supported software updates and parameterization of control units.
• Selected secure online service operations.

What is Guided Fault Finding (GFF)?

GFF (Guided Fault Finding) is part of the ODIS diagnostics using diagnostic procedures prepared by the manufacturer.

It guides the technician through checks, functional tests and measurements whose results help identify the actual cause of the fault.

The error code itself may not clearly indicate a faulty component.

For example, a sensor failure can be caused by a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, incorrect power supply, connector problem, or other related failure.

Therefore, professional diagnostics does not consist only in reading and erasing error codes, but in a systematic evaluation of the vehicle's technical condition.

ODIS in J&S servis

We use the manufacturer's ODIS diagnostic system with online access to manufacturer systems.

During diagnostics, we combine prescribed service procedures, measured operating values and expert measurements using specialised technology.

We focus mainly on TSI and TDI engines, DSG/S tronic automatic transmissions, electronic chassis systems, assistance and safety systems, comfort electronics, infotainment and other electronic components of modern vehicles.

Whether a particular service operation can be carried out always depends on the vehicle's technical configuration and the relevant authorisations.

Why is the manufacturer's technical information important?

High-quality diagnostics and repair of a modern car require not only suitable equipment, but also accurate technical information.

Individual models may differ in construction, engine variant, transmission, electronic architecture and equipment.

It is therefore important to base repairs on technical data and work procedures corresponding to the specific vehicle.

New erWin – modern service information portal

erWin (Electronic Repair and Workshop Information) is the Volkswagen Group's official portal for repair and service information, including access for independent workshops.

Volkswagen Group gradually converted its service information environment into a new generation erWin portal, which allows managing access to technical information of multiple corporate brands through one user interface.

Depending on the specific brand and the relevant license, it may provide for example:

• Workshop manuals and repair procedures.
• Electrical wiring diagrams.
• Technical data and tightening torques.
• Information on service intervals and maintenance.
• Disassembly, assembly and adjustment procedures for components.
• Technical Product Information (TPI).
• Information on service measures.
• Training and self-study materials available.

ONE Business ID – a unified digital identity

ONE Business ID is a central digital identity system for organizations using the services of the Volkswagen Group.

Allows you to manage company accounts and access supported services, including the new erWin portal.

However, a single login does not automatically mean unlimited access to all information of the concern.

Individual brands may require their own licenses and some service operations may require separate authorizations.

ONE Business ID therefore does not replace the SFD or GEKO/FAZIT security systems or SERMI approval.

ELSAPro – service information system

ELSAPro is a service information system of the Volkswagen Group, intended for working with service information and relevant service processes according to available functions and authorizations.

The erWin portal provides access to manufacturer service and repair information. The range of available information and features depends on the specific brand, license and access permissions.

Access to erWin alone does not guarantee access to all ELSAPro functions or authorisation for protected service operations.

TPI - Technical Product Information

TPI (Technical Product Information) is information from the manufacturer regarding specific technical issues and recommended service actions.

They may contain a description of a known defect, the conditions of its occurrence, a diagnostic procedure or a prescribed technical solution.

For example, with repeated infotainment restarts, the relevant TPI can point out a specific software problem and a recommended procedure to fix it.

Checking this information can sometimes avoid unnecessary replacement of a serviceable component.

However, TPI is not an automatic confirmation of a specific defect or a guarantee of a free repair. Its applicability must always be verified for a specific vehicle.

SSP – self-study programs

SSP (Self-Study Programme) are professional teaching materials explaining the construction and principles of operation of automotive systems.

For example, they deal with new generations of engines, automatic transmissions, electronic vehicle architecture, assistance systems or hybrid and electric drive technologies.

These materials help professionals understand new technologies and their interrelationships.

However, SSPs do not replace current workshop manuals or prescribed service procedures for a specific repair.

The availability of individual materials depends on the conditions of the manufacturer.

partslink24 – identification of original spare parts

partslink24 is an electronic platform providing access to original spare parts catalogs of participating vehicle manufacturers.

For supported brands, it enables parts searches by vehicle identification number (VIN), model and assembly group.

It helps, for example, with:

• Identification of catalog numbers of spare parts.
• Selection of components for a specific vehicle design.
• Inspection of catalog variants and spare parts.
• Searching for related assembly parts.
• Preparation of documents for ordering spare parts.

Even a search by VIN may not always completely replace checking the actual installed part, equipment codes or other technical restrictions.

Technical information in J&S servis

For diagnostics and repairs, we combine the original ODIS diagnostic system with available manufacturer information, service procedures and spare parts catalog data.

This approach helps to verify technical correctness of repairs, identify appropriate components and minimize the risk of unnecessary or incorrect replacements.

What is SFD?

SFD (Schutz der Fahrzeugdiagnose – vehicle diagnostic protection) is a Volkswagen Group security system that protects selected electronic control units from unauthorised intervention and changes to their settings.

This security is found in newer vehicles of the brands Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA.

How does SFD work?

For some service operations, for example coding, adaptations or basic settings, it is necessary to first obtain the appropriate authorization.

The diagnostic system verifies the authorization through secure communication and allows access to supported protected functions.

These access operations can be recorded in the manufacturer's systems.

Normal reading of the fault memory and monitoring of operating values usually remains available without unlocking the SFD.

What is SFD2?

SFD2 is the designation used for extended protection of diagnostic and configuration functions on some newer Volkswagen Group vehicles.

SFD2 does not replace the original SFD but extends its security mechanisms.

Certain changes to electronic configuration or software may require data that has been authorised and cryptographically signed by the manufacturer.

Therefore, the temporary unlocking of SFD alone may not be sufficient for all service operations.

Enhanced protection also relates to requirements for vehicle cyber security and software update management.

What does this mean for the customer?

Some changes to the settings of modern vehicles can no longer be made without secure access and appropriate authorization.

The goal is to protect electronic systems from unauthorized or incorrectly performed changes.

However, this does not mean that all normal diagnostic and service operations are blocked.

SFD and SFD2 in J&S servis

We use the manufacturer's ODIS online diagnostic system with active access and authorisations for supported SFD and SFD2 functions.

We check the availability of each SFD and SFD2 service procedure against the vehicle model, control unit and manufacturer requirements. This access does not mean that every service operation can be performed.

What is GEKO/FAZIT?

FAZIT/GeKo is a secure environment of the Volkswagen Group used in selected service operations related to the protection of the vehicle and its electronic components.

These functions can be accessed through the original ODIS diagnostic system and the manufacturer's corresponding online access.

When is GEKO/FAZIT used?

For some repairs, physically replacing an electronic component alone is not sufficient.

A new or replacement control unit may need to be electronically matched to a specific vehicle.

These secure procedures may, depending on the manufacturer's terms and conditions, apply to, for example:

• Selected immobilizer control units.
• Assigning keys to the vehicle.
• Adaptation of some protected electronic units.
• Component Protection System.

What is component protection?

Component protection limits the unauthorized use of selected electronic components in another vehicle.

For example, an infotainment control unit, instrument cluster or other protected component may have restricted functionality after replacement.

For proper commissioning, it may be necessary to carry out the online service procedure prescribed by the manufacturer.

However, not every used unit can be reassigned. Its origin, compatibility and manufacturer's rules decide.

What does this mean for the customer?

Modern electronic components after replacement may require not only routine setup, but also secure customization through the manufacturer's systems.

J&S servis has access to supported GEKO/FAZIT functions.

Whether a particular operation is possible depends on the vehicle's technical configuration, current authorisations and manufacturer security requirements.

Operations subject to SERMI also require the relevant conditions of that system to be met.

What is SVM?

SVM (Software Version Management) is a system of the Volkswagen Group used to control and manage software configurations of electronic control units.

Through the original ODIS diagnostics and online communication with the manufacturer's systems, it allows to perform supported operations related to the software and configuration of the vehicle.

When is SVM used?

For example, when:

• Checking the software versions of the control units.
• Comparison of actual and reference vehicle configuration.
• Performing prescribed software updates.
• Coding and parameterization of selected electronic units.
• Customization of some control units after replacement.
• Records of selected software changes in the manufacturer's systems.

Comparing the software configuration alone does not automatically mean finding or installing the latest available software.

What is parameterization?

Parameterization is the uploading of specific data that adapts the function of the control unit to the technical design of a specific vehicle.

When replacing some electronic units, it is therefore not enough to simply install a new part.

Corresponding parameterization data, coding, basic settings or other service operations may be required for their correct operation.

Why might a software update be important?

For example, a manufacturer may release an update to fix a known software bug, modify the functionality of an electronic system, or address a security issue.

However, a newer software version alone does not guarantee the removal of every bug.

Before updating, it is therefore necessary to verify its suitability and applicability for a specific vehicle.

SVM in J&S servis

We use the manufacturer's ODIS online diagnostics for supported SVM operations.

During updates and parameterization, we follow the manufacturer's service instructions and ensure appropriate technical conditions, including stabilized power supply during programming.

The goal is the correct software configuration of the vehicle, the compatibility of electronic systems and the reliable function of the repaired components.

At J&S servis, we use the original tool of the Volkswagen Group FMC (Flash Media Creator), which is used to download the relevant manufacturer software files and prepare USB or SD update media for supported vehicle electronic systems, especially infotainment.

Preparing update media with FMC is not the same as online control unit programming through ODIS/SVM.

Software updates may resolve known operating faults and improve system stability, functionality and compatibility with other devices.

We prepare and install updates according to the manufacturer's technical instructions, in appropriate cases using the original ODIS diagnostics.

We always verify the update option according to the specific vehicle, its hardware and software design and the availability of the relevant update files.

Why are these regulations important?

Modern cars contain a multitude of interconnected electronic systems and increasingly allow communication with external devices or remote updates.

With the increasing use of electronics comes the need to protect vehicles from cyber threats and unverified software changes.

The international UNECE regulations R155 and R156 are also used for this.

UNECE R155 – vehicle cyber security

The UNECE regulation R155 sets the requirements for the cyber security of vehicles.

Manufacturers must use a cyber security management system called CSMS (Cyber Security Management System) for the relevant approvals.

Its task is to identify security risks, implement appropriate protective measures and respond to cyber threats during the vehicle's lifecycle.

The protection concerns, for example, electronic communication, control units, communication interfaces and the possibility of unauthorized interventions in the software.

UNECE R156 - software update management

The UNECE regulation R156 regulates the requirements for the secure management of vehicle software updates.

Manufacturers must use SUMS (Software Update Management System) when applicable.

Its purpose is to ensure the correct identification, documentation, verification and safe execution of software updates.

Updates can take place, for example, via service diagnostics or, for supported vehicles, wirelessly using OTA (Over-the-Air) technology.

What does this mean for the customer?

The electronics of a modern vehicle are protected against selected unauthorized interventions and software changes.

Some service operations therefore require secure communication and procedures established by the manufacturer.

UNECE Regulations R155 and R156 primarily concern vehicle manufacturers' obligations. They do not constitute separate diagnostic authorisations for workshops.

How do we proceed in J&S servis?

During diagnostics and software interventions, we use the manufacturer's available service procedures and respect the requirements for the security of the vehicle's electronic systems.

We assess the possibility of a specific service operation according to the technical design of the vehicle, the manufacturer's conditions and the relevant authorizations.

What is SERMI?

SERMI (Security-Related Repair and Maintenance Information) is the European scheme for approving independent workshops and authorising individual employees to access information and functions related to vehicle anti-theft security.

The goal of the system is to allow qualified independent service providers to carry out selected security-protected repairs while simultaneously maintaining access control.

Which repairs does SERMI cover?

Primarily selected actions related to vehicle security, for example:

• Programming and assigning keys.
• Immobilizer service and repairs.
• Selected operations with electronic vehicle security units.
• Other functions marked by the manufacturer as security protected.

The specific range of operations is determined by the respective manufacturer.

How does SERMI work?

An independent garage must go through a set approval process and its employees must obtain the appropriate individual authorization.

When accessing security-protected information, verification of the authorized person and, in appropriate cases, also of the authorization of the requested service intervention is carried out.

The purpose is to limit the possibility of misuse of access to the vehicle's electronic security.

What does this mean for the customer?

SERMI provides a standardised route for approved independent workshops to access selected manufacturer service information protected for security reasons.

At the same time, it helps protect vehicles from unauthorized interventions.

SERMI does not automatically provide access to all vehicle diagnostic, programming or protected functions.

SERMI is distinct from SFD, SFD2 and GEKO/FAZIT. It is a separate European approval and access authorisation scheme.

SERMI and J&S servis

J&S servis uses the original ODIS online diagnostic system and available authorizations for the manufacturer's supported service operations.

We do not currently hold SERMI approval.

For operations requiring SERMI approval, we therefore check the conditions in advance and do not promise functions for which we lack the required authorisation.