Diagnostic Tool and Cable for Ibiza Ecomotive 58 1.4TDI

[Shivy]

I need to start monitoring and repairing my car as the warranty is expiring. So need diagnostic tools that will allow me to:
- monitor car system
- check/read/reset error codes, warnings, service, etc
- change fuel management, etc

Anyone knows what type of Diagnostic Tool and Cable for Ibiza Ecomotive 58 1.4TDI is best ?

What is best:
- a cable interface + laptop software ?
- or handheld small devices for £50 ? (eg. RAC diagnostic scanner )

I haven't looked at the connection, but believe I'll need a OBDII > USB cable interface - is that correct ?
Any other cables I can use to connect the car to the laptop in USB ?

What Diagnostics Software should I use ?
(preferably free or not too expensive (<£50), i understand VAC COM has a few free but limited sharewares, any better around ?)

Thank you for your help

 

[Blanco92]

The very least I'd do is get VCDS-Lite (was once called VAG-COM 409.1) which consists of OBDII USB cable (£15 if that), a laptop and a fully registered copy of the VCDS-Lite software which costs $99.

I've been using the above for a few years now, the program is terrific. Only works on up to around 2006 cars now (but does cover a Mk4 Ibiza, whatever age) but the newer version of the software will cover cars up to present day (costs circa £250).

 

[Shivy]

Gracias Blanco !
I've enquired about the 409.1 OBDII cable and people tell me will not run on my car. need the latest, which i can see only coming from Ross Tech.

You also mentioned the VCDS-Lite, where do you get the cheapest from ?

Anywhere I can go for cheaper cable and software ?

thank you again.

 

[Viking]

As you're posting this in the Mk4 section I assume your car is a Mk4 (6L chassis)? In that case it's able to be accessed by VCDS lite with an aftermarket cable as alluded to in the previous post.

As for where to get the cheapest, cheapest isn't necessarily best. I'd suggest this one as the seller is a Ross Tech agent. If you buy from Ebay you might end up with a useless cable from China.

FYI, there's a Ross Tech compatibility chart here, showing you what works with your vehicle.