VAG-COM is something I've been meaning to get since I first heard of it. As a matter of fact, the only light I haven't rid myself of yet is the damn airbag light that requires vag com to clear. Alas, I just never did it.

But that is besides the point. Right now, the OBD II isn't even connecting at all, so I don't think it would matter.

 

Hi, my name is Temptation and I strongly urge you to get a B6 S4.

 

I will fix your car for the gold star! Ha ha ha!

Brad do you have a aftermarket stereo? If so try disconnecting from vehicle & check again. Sounds like something is bring down the can communication circuit , that would be the first thing i would check.

 

The head unit is stock, but I have aftermarket rear speakers and amp. I'm sitting in the car right now, and the radio seems to working ok. Now that the windows are up since its not so hot, I can hear what sounds like a couple relays clicking after I leave the key in the on position for a few minutes. That's when the CEL starts flickering and the tach starts moving. I'm hoping to get it started one more time so I can drive it home and not have to pay for a tow. Doesn't look like that's going to be the case, though.

 

When you say you cant scan your car do you mean it won't read the module?

Because on these cars when the ABS module goes bad it sends all kinds of mixed signals to the ECM if your ABS or like your " brake" light doesn't come on went you put your e brake on. Then your abs module is bad. ( like my car) the model is like $550 haha even with my discount for working at Audi it's still like $415!!! One day it shall be replaced...


But just unplug it to scan your car then plug it back in when you're done.
It's a single plug between where your windshield washer fluid reservoir is and the abs unit.
There's a slide lock on it becareful don't brake it. It pops out a little then as you continue to slide it all the way out pull up at the same time.

 

With my generic OBD II reader, it will not connect to pull codes. It will either infinitely flash "Reading" or say read error.

I don't think the ABS is an issue. That light isn't on, the brake light does come on with the E-brake up, and last time I remember breaking hard in the rain, I think I can recall the ABS kicking in like it should...

Anyway, I paid 40 bucks for the tow. I'm back at the house now, so time to get some work clothes on and figure out how to pop the hood. Once I get the hood up, where can I find the ECM, which I assume is not the ECU?

 

A sad, sad day...

 

Seen that on Beemers several times , good possibility.

I don't know if it would prevent it from starting though , just communication.

Let us know what you find!

 

It can still be causing miscommunication, I too had a working ABS module and couldn't connect my OBDII scanner until the fuse for the abs was pulled or the module was disconnected. I had to pass echeck like that and they didnt like the light on because the fuse was pulled but would have had no way for them to connect if I didnt. It instantly connected when the abs was disconnected

 

$40 bucks for the tow! Around here it's $75 + $3.50 a mile.