i have recently purchased my 01 a4.... i am mechanicly inclined and plan on doing all my own work... what tools and electronics should i start collecting ????

 

usual stuff will work all metric sizes. torx bits and allen keys are necessary. if your gunna get vag com software your going to need a computer obviously.

 

i have a nice lap top.... but where do i get the softwear?

 

what do you want to be able to do with your vag-com

1- only reset CEL and other warning lights you would normally have to go to a dealer to have done.

2 - do full engine diag. , run logs of all kinds of different area's of the car, etc. check out Ross-tech.com for more info

for #1 (cost: $20)pick up an ODB II cable from ebay - use free software from ross-tech.com to run everything

for #2 (cost: $250) either buy a used official ross-tech cable, if you can find one. or get a new one from ross-tech or AWEtuning.

 

Purchase general hand tools.
Vag-Com get the full $250 version, it will pay for it self the first couple of times you use it.
Then purchase a bentley so you can learn how to test things, and get at things.

 

I already have the bently... picked that up right after i picked up the car... and over the years with my on-going automotive experience i have developed a nice tool box.... mainly i guess i am trying to get after the electronics side.... so is the ross-tech cable and the vag com the same thing?

 

Yes, they are the same, just go to http://www.ross-tech.com/ & pick one up.
Anyone who tells you the shareware works just as well is FULL OF ****!
http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html

 

yep - same thing
I just got AESIS(Audi Electronic Service Information System) - now I have to figure out haw to install the thing. Don't ask, can't tell

 

thanks alot guys

 

Get a real vagcom from ross-tech. Not only does it unlock the full functionality of the software, but, when you sell your car, you can sell your cable on ebay and get most of your investment back.