code readers?

[choppster1]

OK I know this is like beating a dead horse buuutt anyway here we go. I did a search as my "Crush" just gave me a airbag code yesterday. I want to be able to read these cel, airbag etc..etc.. codes as they appear. I did find some info but I would like user opinions and feedback, from what I read there are a few "readers" and they cost anywhere from $71.00 and up. I dont want to throw triple digit money at one and get more bells and whistles than I can use....so a little help would be great!!!I also read about pirated software (NOT COOL) and umpteen cables you may or may not need so please those of you who use em if you could enlighten me..!! TIA!!

[choppster1]

found this on flebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VAG-C...mZ310073669217
any info on these cheap vag com cables from ebay there are a bunch there...

[choppster1]

also found this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USB-V...mZ260271291699

this has to be a case of you get what you pay for!!! ANY INFO AT ALL ON THESE??!!!

[choppster1]

ok who is using VAG COM 409.1 man no replies as of yet I think im gonna try my luck with the ebay cable and a download of the 409.1 but i need some input ppl help me please!! also will the 409.1 work on my 2000 GLS

[Smileybug]

I have only used the Ross Tech VAG-COM stuff. I find that its really useful and yeah, it can do a lot, but thats its appeal. You can read and clear any codes that the car throws, even if they don't throw a CEL. You can also tweak settings on your car, equilibrate your gas gauge and also monitor processes. For example, when my O2 sensor was dying, hooked the Vag-com up and watched how my 2 sensors were functioning. Helped me figure out what one was dying and also go to see how it should normally function (which was pretty cool). Its really a matter of what you want to do though. It pays for itself in 2-3 uses if you consider the price the dealers charge for a diagnosis with one, and the autozone readers only pull codes relating to emissions and only if a CEL is thrown. I've never used a generic cable. so I have no info on that. But I've had nothing but good experience with the ross tech cable.

[BASIK203]

I own a 2000 NB 2.0 AEP. I got the blue cable off Ebay (the 1st link) and it didn't want to connect to my car. I have done some research on other forums and some people claim it has worked great for them, so I am not sure what the problem is. Might be a hit or miss kinda thing. Good thing is I got 30 days to return it, so I guess I'll be takin that route.

[choppster1]

havent recieved mine yet so we'll see

[vdubbugman53]

you still have to pay for 409.1. it will work for free but it will not tell you what the code is it will just tell you the code number. the free version will also not let you log any data. i think to reg the new software it is like 100 bucks. also it can be hard to find drivers for Ebay USB Vag Coms

[choppster1]

hindsight is when your ass hits your face from slamming the brakes LOL or is that butt eye? LOL thanks bugman!!

[BASIK203]

Originally Posted by choppster1

havent recieved mine yet so we'll see

So did you ever receive it? If so, did you get it to work?

[choppster1]

I am still waiting on the damn thing

[macdave]

With the 409.1 you have to check the P/N on the airbag controller. Some of them can get screwed up and the light will never clear. See the note on the ross-tech site

[choppster1]

yep read this i figured I would look at it when the cable gets here whenever the f#*$ that is lol

[choppster1]

OK GOT THE CABLE now im trying to get it to work im scared to frag up my baby man

[choppster1]

was able to clear CEL so this was worth the $17 i payed for the cable.....I didnt mess with the Airbags as i havent checked the module itself like ross tech advises

[BASIK203]

So you got it to work? WOW ! Don't hold out on us, DETAILS !
Which interface exactly did u buy? What drivers did you use? ETC...ETC... Screenshots? I wonder why mine didn't work. I just put it in the mail today for an exchange.

[macdave]

I have the one from the seller in BC, it works fine with the shareware version.

[choppster1]

the one i got was from China look at the beginning of this thread it cost $0.99 cents and roughly $16 to ship sorry no pix or anything of the process... I was just trying to fix CEL which was caused by dirty MAF...I cleaned the MAF but could not recode or clear the code till now (she runs fine now no new code)Im using the shareware version also....no advanced settings changable.....

[BASIK203]

I finally got my replacement KKL interface from AlphaBid and am happy to report that it works! I have already done a Throtle Body Alignment, Set both doors to unlock with 1 click of the Fob, and found and replaced a faulty Temp Sensor. Running "Fully Activated"(Hint, Hint) Version 311.2