Autocom ICON VCI - CARS and TRUCKS diagnostics, features and licence comparison
Autocom ICON VCI is a professional diagnostic interface that connects a vehicle's electronic systems to Autocom software. With the right CARS or TRUCKS license, a workshop reads fault codes, analyzes live data, and runs adjustments, activations and selected calibration procedures.
The ICON VCI hardware is the same for both diagnostic lines. CARS covers passenger vehicles, TRUCKS covers heavy trucks, buses and trailers. To use both software packages, you need both licenses. Which functions are available depends on the vehicle and the license level.
What is Autocom ICON VCI?
ICON VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) is a compact diagnostic device that links a vehicle's control systems to Autocom diagnostic software on a PC. Autocom solutions are developed in Sweden, at the company's headquarters in Trollhättan.
AutoVIN
Automatic vehicle identification for supported models.
DoIP and CAN-FD
Support for the data communication technologies used in modern vehicles.
PassThru J2534
Connection to compatible OEM software, where you have the required access rights.
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Wireless and wired connection options.
Indicators
Multicolor LED and separate status icons on the device.
Replaceable cable
A practical design for everyday workshop use.
ICON VCI and the diagnostic software are developed by Autocom in Sweden. BALTICDIAG supplies these devices to Latvian workshops.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Autocom ICON VCI |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 190 × 52 × 27 mm |
| Weight | 410 g |
| Operating temperature | -20 to +40 °C |
| Voltage | 6-36 V |
| Maximum current | 500 mA |
| Supported technologies | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, DoIP, CAN-FD and SAE J2534 PassThru |
Autocom CARS - diagnostics for passenger vehicles
CARS is software for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. It lets you check the control systems of many different makes in one workspace and run the available service procedures.
Everyday diagnostics
- Reading and clearing fault codes
- System scan (System Scan)
- Live data checks
- VIN decoding and diagnostic reports
Service functions
- Service indicator resets
- Adjustments and component activations
- Selected ADAS diagnostic and calibration procedures
- Extra options depending on the license level
Autocom's public CARS information lists more than 45,000 system selections. Actual model and function coverage must be checked for each specific vehicle.
CARS Standard, Plus and Pro: license comparison
All three licenses share the same core diagnostic functions. The differences mainly concern electric vehicle diagnostics, guided diagnostics, Secure Gateway access and Flight Recorder.
Reading and clearing fault codes, service indicator reset, System Scan, PassThru (J2534), live data, VIN decoding, adjustments, activations, reports, ADAS and DoIP. Repair Services is available in selected markets only. RegLink applies to Sweden and the United Kingdom.
| Function | Standard | Plus | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric vehicle diagnostics | No | Yes | Yes |
| Guided diagnostics | No | Yes | Yes |
| Secure Gateway - brand group 1 * | No | Yes | Yes |
| Secure Gateway - brand group 2 ** | No | No | Yes |
| Flight Recorder | No | No | Yes |
| Info System by HaynesPro | Paid add-on | Paid add-on | Paid add-on |
| Secure Gateway IVECO | No | Paid add-on | Paid add-on |
* Group 1: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Cupra, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Polestar, SEAT, Škoda, Volkswagen, Volvo.
** Group 2: Dacia, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Porsche, Renault. Access depends on the model, authorization and the current license terms.
CARS Plus
For workshops that need electric vehicle support, guided diagnostics and Secure Gateway access for the first brand group.
CARS Pro
Built for wider Secure Gateway coverage and for Flight Recorder, when you need to analyze faults that appear while driving.
Secure Gateway and Flight Recorder
Secure Gateway: access to protected systems
Some newer vehicles require authorized access to certain diagnostic functions. The supported brand groups differ between CARS Plus and Pro, and IVECO access has separate terms. Check support for the specific models before you buy.
Flight Recorder: data logging while driving
Flight Recorder lets you use the ICON VCI to record selected live vehicle parameters while driving and analyze them later on a PC. This function is included in CARS Pro, not in CARS Plus.
Autocom TRUCKS - diagnostics for trucks, buses and trailers
TRUCKS is made for workshops that work on trucks, buses, trailers and light commercial vehicles. The software lets you check supported control systems, read fault codes and run selected service and calibration procedures.
Suspension calibration
Calibration of air suspension level sensors on supported vehicles.
Clutch and brake systems
Selected calibration procedures for these systems.
Cylinder analysis
Functions for analyzing engine cylinder performance.
Service indicators
Reset of service intervals after the work is done.
Parameter adjustment
Checking settings and operating parameters of supported systems.
Diagnostic guidance
Data and instructions in the software for selected procedures.
The Autocom TRUCKS database lists about 19,000 unique diagnostic system selections. Exact coverage must be checked against the makes and models your workshop services.
TRUCKS also includes selected diagnostic functions for protected IVECO systems, if you have purchased the required Secure Gateway access.
If your workshop services both types of vehicles, one ICON VCI works with both software packages. They are separate licenses, though, and their functions and costs differ.
Which Autocom ICON package should you choose?
| Package | Best for |
|---|---|
| CARS Plus | Passenger vehicle workshops that need electric vehicle support, guided diagnostics and selected Secure Gateway functions. |
| CARS Pro | Workshops that need wider access to protected systems and Flight Recorder. |
| TRUCKS | Diagnostics for trucks, buses, trailers and commercial vehicles. |
When choosing a device, know which makes, models and diagnostic procedures your workshop will use most often. Also confirm the license term and renewal costs before you buy.
ICON VCI anniversary offers
ICON VCI + CARS Plus
Passenger vehicle diagnostics with Plus license functions.
Get a quoteICON VCI + CARS Pro
Extended Secure Gateway support and Flight Recorder.
Get a quoteThe anniversary offer is valid until 31.12.2026. More about the promotion: Autocom anniversary offers.
Frequently asked questions
Can one ICON VCI be used with both CARS and TRUCKS?
Yes. One ICON VCI works with both software packages, as long as you have bought the matching CARS and TRUCKS licenses.
What is the main difference between CARS Plus and Pro?
Pro adds Flight Recorder and wider Secure Gateway brand support. Check function availability for the specific vehicle.
Does a CARS license include HaynesPro Info System?
No, HaynesPro Info System is a paid add-on.
Does ICON work without a PC?
Diagnostic work needs compatible Autocom software on a PC. The Flight Recorder function records supported data while driving without a permanently connected PC, and you analyze it afterwards.
Are ICON and the CARS software enough for ADAS calibration?
Not always. Depending on the vehicle and the procedure, you may need separate calibration equipment and targets.
Need CARS or TRUCKS diagnostics?
BALTICDIAG helps you choose a license based on the vehicles your workshop services and the functions you need.