Hey guys,

I've been curious to scan my car for error codes and I was wondering what the cheapest solution would be. I'm thinking something like this: http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-..._Tools/ES6928/

I could download vag com and use that wire to pull codes right? Would I be able to reset the service interval with that too?

Thanks

 

autozone. $0
don't think they'll clear codes though

 

i think that they have that wire on ebay for way cheaper

 

Autozone or similar would be free, but would only read engine codes I do think you can clear them though. Any cable can remove the service interval its based on the software, I dont think the free version of VAG COM would do that, but the full version would for sure. On my 99 you can clear the service interval with a combination of the instrument cluster buttons, but maybe its different for a 00.

 

Cheaper than free?!

Yea Autozone doesn't clear codes, they're not allowed to...

Unless you get your friend Mr. Washington to have a little chat with them

 

Yeah if you can find a place that lets you use the scan tool yourself (I assumed autozone was like that, but i guess not), you could clear them, checker auto parts used to until they got bought out by orielly I think, maybe orielly does it though idk?

 

some folks are easy going. Just smile and ask. Or they might let you 'take a look' at the unit yourself. The younger kids just want to be helpful.

But if you have routine codes then you'll want your own unit. I"ve seen things on ebay for about $20. But Vagcom does so much more!!! Not only can you log your codes in a file, but you can create realtime logs as you drive.

Measuring blocks 14,15, and 16 let you monitor your rpm's, and misfires per cylinder. I was astounded to see that I had occassional misfires. Nothing that set the code (let alone the CEL) and the misfire count resets itself if there are no misfires within a certain amount of time - If I hadnt logged them, then I wouldnt have known about them. (random, and spread across multiple cylinders, its not like I have a bad plug or coilpack)

And you can log your realtime monitoring, pull it into Excel (or your favorite spreadsheet), and examine the numbers in anyway that you want!

I have the registered version of VCDS-Lite (vagcom), and was monitoring my boost the other night. I can see the RPM's, Engine load, Specified boost, actual boost. Very interesting. You can see in black and white (or color - if you want to chart it) the effects of boost-lag.

So - do you have a laptop? Do you want to be able to get to know your car? Buy a cable, and get the full version of Vagcom. By all means, use the shareware version for a while. Even the shareware version lets you reset codes, monitor misfires and things like that. (Once you've used the shareware version for awhile, you'll be happy to register).

If you don't have a laptop, and just need to reset an occassional code - or want to leave something in the car 24/7 in case of a problem - then get a cheap scanner. Or - both.

 

hauptjr you should ask vagcom for commission or something dude because that post just sold me LOL. I'm gonna get a wire and hook up my laptop that sounds badass! Thanks!

 

OP said cheapest that's why everyone said stores cuz they are free. But yes Vagcom FTW I love stealing my neighbors! Now if I could just get the windows to work..