Code scanner on the cheap

[geezerb]

As a brief history, I had a CEL caused by a faulty glow plug as scanned by Auto Zone. They could not legally douse the light after I changed the bad glow plug so I bought a Launch C-reader from Hocell (or whatever) on E-bay. This gadget put out the light and indicated a code of 42A0 which is not in the gadgets manual. This was last summer. In the last few days, I have been getting the CEL and this 42A0 code again. Each time I snuff it with the gadget.
I recently to moved to a colder climate (NC to MT) and have not programed myself to wait for the glow plug light to go off before starting. This seems to be what sets the thing off.
Has anyone else bought one of these things and gotten similar readings?
Geezerb

[pencilneck]

Well, there is always the Ross Tech KEY-USB interface, $249. It will scan every control module in your car that the dealer can scan (ECM, TCM, ABS, SRS, CCM, radio).

Ross Tech KEY-USB

Plus you get year phone tech support as well when you purchase from them. The guys at Ross Tech are VW/Audi nuts... expect the one guy who does drive a Mini.

If you have a laptop running Windows 2000 or XP already, then you are pretty much set to go. The software is pretty simple to use and plus Ross Tech has thier own forum section at vwvortex.com where you can ask questions and a real German Ross Tech rep tends to answer most of the questions in there.

Ross Tech's VAG COM forum @ VWVortex.com

The problem with the dinky code readers you get is they don't let you see any of the info the ECM is reading (boost, coolant temp readings, MAF readings, ect ect ect) that can be most useful in tracking down an issue. And they only do the engine and maybe the trans, but what happens if the airbag light comes on? VAG COM does it all for VW and Audi.

You also get free software upgrades as they are released, Ross Tech hasn't charged for software updates for the last 6 or 7 years and I doubt they ever will.

[ChristopherC]

Another option is to go over to the tdiclub.com website and find the list of VAG-COM owners. Could be an owner in your area who'll more than likely help you out.

Attending a VW GTG is another option.

GL

[geezerb]

I happened upon the cause of the CEL. Evidently the cheapo gadget was trying to tell me to look at the glow plugs. While involved in checking the omhs readings I found one plug lead was not snapped down securely. Have had no CEL since snapping that one down.

[dunno513]

I have one of those "cheapo" Actron readers, and I really like it. I used it once again on my other vehicle to diagnose a "small leak in the evap control system" AKA...possible loose gas cap... AKA saved me 75 buck diagnostic reading at dealership, or a trip to autozone.

Sure vag com is great for those who can't stand not changing things on their cars.. but if you just want to read codes, save your bucks. Actron are a solid built and easy to use reader. Foolproof even if you have lighter hair color

[pencilneck]

The other issues with the cheap OBD scan tools is they don't allow you to do any testing. Lets say for example you did have an EVAP small leak DTC and you clear it out, with VAG COM, you can then turn around test the EVAP system with 01-04-071 and see if the system passes the test. On EVAP leaks, if the gas cap is loose, one of the first things I do is then swap out gas caps and retest as described.

VAG COM is not just an engine code scanner. Every control module that is in your car that can be scanned by a dealer scan tool (5051B for example) can be scanned via VAG COM. If the airbag light comes on, what will a generic OBD scanner do? What if the alarm starts going off at random, will the OBD scanner go into the Comfort Control Module and show you the last 4 alarm triggers?

I am a dealer tech, VW certified and use a HEX-USB+CAN interface pretty much every day at work and can tell you first hand it has been one of the best tools I've ever purchased.

Call up Ross-Tech, tell 'em Pencilneck sent ya and ask them for a "free gift" (free hat if you mention my name... and maybe a few velcro wraps).

[cooter]

Do you know of anything like the VAG COM that will work on a Macintosh computer?
Thanks,
Gary

cooter3@swbell.net

[pencilneck]

VAG COM will work via Bootcamp, but the software isn't native to the Mac platform. I have my doubts it would work on the Mac platform in a virtual PC as well.

When scanning a control module, timing is pretty much everything. If there is any latency caused by anything, then you'll get a crappy connection, if any.

Now one can dig around eBay and score a 500PII for under $200 shipped.