I am looking to help diagnose my new (to me) 2001 A4 Avant 2.8 (30v- 5spd) and was looking to get a low cost VAG tool so I can diagnose and delete error codes. I dont have a PC laptop, so I dont want to get the cable and software. Not looking for all the bells and whistles, just basics... I was looking at this :


any reports? are there similar products that I should check out?

thanks, matt

 

The Autel VAG405 is one of the best scanners because it is made for the Volkswagon Audi car group. I actually just purchased a Autel MD802 which is incredible. But I bought that one because I wanted one that does more detailed work. But the VAG405 is a very good scanner it should help with resetting oil lights as well as other major checks.

 

What about this from ebay? Connects from a laptop to the OBD2 port. I"m not sure about how reliable the software is for the Audi's and I"m considering this option since I recenlty purchased an A6.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KKL-VAG-COM-409-1-OBD-2-II-USB-Diagnostic-Cable-Auto-Scan-Scanner-Tool-Interface-/310651623301?hash=item4854479785&item=310651623301&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

And so it begins...

(see my response to your post in the New Members sub... LoL!)

 

Well that responce was NOT helpful to anyone!! Don't be such an *******. I myself have never tuned or messed with any VW/Audi tuning programs, however, I have tuned many cars. Over the past 15 years, I helped many tune GMC/Chevy's and I put my completley stock GMC Typhoon in a 12.2 1/4 mile. My Typhoon was the second fastest in the GMC community. I helped tune many Syclone and Typhoons & Grand Nationals over the years and I learned a lot helping others tune thier cars and they learned a lot from me. It's a WIN WIN if we all help each other. Point being, if your gonna have a forum to help others and we will have a great time and learn from each other. But ******* help each other, don't be an *******!

As far as the ebay cable, it looks ligit, however, I know nothing about the source code of VW/Audi & I"m sure I"m not the only one who has no clue regarding VAG-COM or other options. The kit I found on ebay "looks like it should work", maybe the cable will work with the Ross software? I don't know? Maybe you should simply responed with ....no, that cable system is a piece of crap BECAUSE OF ........Or the cable will work but the software sucks. Maybe the cable will work with the ross software. I don't know if the ebay kit is crap or will only partially work. And yes, I have been using the SEARCH fcn. Bottom line, ******* educate us OH GREAT ONE with your vast knowledge.


Bottom line, we are all here to help each other. Your comments helped NO ONE.

 

.....

 

Yea, I'm not impressed with these types of responses either. What I have found is that the eBay cables will. of work with the vagcom software unless it is a specific protocol type. A lot of good info@ nefmoto. I'm torn on burning my own chip or just spending 600 on a proven chip such as the Apr stage 1. I do have the torque program for my droid which did pull up codes so if you ha e a droid all you need is the.torque app and an obd2 Bluetooth addapter that you Can get at Amazon. For. 15$ I have the.elm327 which.worms.great on my f350.diesel truck and my a6

 

......

 

Hi guys, I've got a great (and legal) alternative for you: use the Carista OBD2 app on Android, together with a cheap ELM327 Bluetooth dongle ($10-20). The app is free to download, but costs $19.99 if you wanna use the VAG-specific functionality (which includes reading/clearing codes from all ECUs and changing customization settings/adaptations). Total: around $30. I'd call that a pretty damn good low-cost solution

Note that only CAN- or UDS-based VAG models are supported. See Supported Vehicles | Carista OBD2 - Vehicle Diagnostics and Customization

 

How is that program ddifferent from the vag-com software? Sounds like it will do everything, or most things The Vag-com software will do. Torque will read sensors and clear codes but will not allow you to change anything.

I'm going to look into this software since I have a droid😊
Thanks for the info!