ETKA (Elektronischer Teilekatalog) is Volkswagen Group's official electronic parts catalogue, used by dealers and independent workshops to identify the exact part number for a component based on its position on an assembly drawing. This guide explains what ETKA does, which brands it covers, and how it fits into a VAG workshop's diagnostic and repair workflow.
Looking for parts catalogue access? Check the ETKA electronic parts catalogue or browse the wider VAG Software Collection.
What is ETKA?
ETKA is the electronic parts catalogue used internally by Volkswagen Group dealers to look up part numbers, exploded assembly diagrams, and pricing information. Rather than searching by part name, technicians locate a component visually on an assembly drawing and pull the exact part number from there — which matters on VAG platforms where similar-looking parts often have different numbers depending on model year, engine code, or market.
ETKA is a parts lookup tool, not a diagnostic or programming platform. It's typically used alongside diagnostic software such as ODIS Service, and alongside repair documentation tools like ELSA or ElsaPro.
Supported Brands and Models
| Brand | Supported |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen (Passenger & Commercial) | Supported |
| Audi | Supported |
| Skoda | Supported |
| Seat | Supported |
Coverage spans from vehicles produced in the late 1940s through to current-generation models, with each brand and region organized into its own catalogue section.
Key Functions of ETKA
- Part number lookup by visual assembly diagram
- VIN-based filtering to show only parts relevant to a specific vehicle
- Cross-referencing between related component variants
- Pricing and availability information, depending on dealer access level
- Exploded-view diagrams for disassembly and reassembly reference
ETKA and ECU/Component Work
ETKA doesn't perform ECU coding or programming itself, but it plays a supporting role in that work. Before flashing or replacing a control unit, technicians often use ETKA to confirm the correct part number and revision for the vehicle in question, since installing the wrong variant can cause coding or adaptation failures later in ODIS Service or ODIS Engineering.
Common Use Cases
- Confirming part numbers before ordering a replacement component for a specific VIN.
- Pre-repair verification to check which control unit variant a vehicle originally shipped with.
- Cross-brand parts research when a part is shared across VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat platforms.
Workshops running ETKA alongside diagnostic and coding tools often pair it with ElsaPro workshop repair information for a more complete VAG documentation setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ETKA a diagnostic tool?
No. ETKA is a parts catalogue, not a diagnostic or coding platform. For diagnostics, workshops use ODIS Service or ODIS Engineering.
Which VAG brands does ETKA cover?
ETKA covers Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat, each organized into brand-specific catalogue sections.
Do I need ETKA if I already use ODIS?
ODIS handles diagnostics and coding, while ETKA handles parts identification. Many VAG-focused workshops run both, since neither replaces the other.
Conclusion
ETKA remains the standard reference for accurate VAG parts identification, especially where getting the exact variant right affects downstream coding or adaptation work. Pairing it with the right diagnostic software keeps parts and programming procedures aligned.
Get started with the ETKA parts catalogue, or explore the full VAG Software Collection for diagnostic and coding tools to pair with it.