Hi,
New to the forum here and I just bought a 99' A4 with a 1.8

The car has 119K and when I got it it was running like a cement mixer....plugs looked like they were only firing off the center two cylinders and it was scanned at a dealer before I got it and they called for a new timming belt and cam sensor to start.

I just did a timming belt kit, water pump, cam sensor, coils, plugs and unfortunately my gamble has not paid off as it still can barely run.

I borrowed a laptop with some software for the car but it wasn't the best and it did not tell me anything.

So now I'mthinking either the coil module or possibly bent valves?

If anyone here can help point me in the right direction I could use the help so I can start driving and enjoying the car.
Thanks
Jeff

 

Go to AutoZone, and have them read the codes.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.

Can anyone recomend some decentsoftware?

 

Spend the $75 bucks on an ODB tool and VAG-COM software. If your PC doesn't have a serial port then you'll also need the Keyspan US-19 adapter (USB-to-serial).

http://www.obdtool.com/

Its one of the better investments you'll make!

 

You should be able to find a code reader for $40.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...&category0=

 

Boy412,
I didn't know the VAG was that cheap and I do have a serial port on my laptop that has my LM-1 program.

I was told by my friends that the VAG will not do all the codes that the factory audi stuff does but I'll check your link....thanks

Crazyhawk,
Thanks I'll check that as well.

 

The software you get with the ODB tool I mentioned is a shareware version. It does almost everything you need it to do for diagnostic work. Mine has paid for itself several times over already.

There are other ODB scanners that work OK, but case in point; Today there was an error I could not clear with the generic tool. I got much more detailed information with the VAG-COM software...and there are certain parts of the ECU that the generic tool can't access. Bottom like is you can do a LOT more with the serial interface and VAG-COM software.

Hope this hhelps...

boy412

 

I bought one of these last year: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-Au...46725850QQrdZ1
And to tell the truth it does a pretty good job. its not the Vag-Com but it will do many things and it is cheap.

 

you can never go wrong with getting the VAG, but go to autozone and let us know what the deal is.