fault code reader under £40

[phil22]

have a look at this guys and let me know what you think, what will this do and sorry novice to this code reader stuff lol

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GDVAG.html

phil

 

[phil22]

also i have a 1996 2.0 8v ibiza will this work on it

scrap that lot just manage to get hold of the vag-com software will this cable run with my car

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VAGUSB.html

thanks phil

 

[robreidmotors]

I have that reader and it works perfectly, also works on golfs etc.

You can keep it in the car which is handy also, not so possible with laptop.

 

[phil22]

thanks mate is the vag com cable worth getting as have a fully registed vag-com softeare not cracked fully legal

thanks
phil

 

[robreidmotors]

Hi mate

im afraid i dont know, i only use the above fault reader, so i dont know, one of the chaps on here should be able to tell you.

I seem to remember some people having problems with certain cables, but i dont know which ones they were.

 

[phil22]

ok cheers mate thanks for your advice

phil

 

[BeartheBruce]

The major difference between the code reader and VAG-COM is that the code reader is limited to reading codes only on certain modules while VAG-COM is the equivalent of the VW factory tool allowing full access to all modules. With VAG-COM, you can code modules, perform bi-directional tests, query measuring value blocks, log and display data from those blocks, perform adaptations and basic settings and more.

If all you need to do is read codes, then the code reader may be the tool for you. If you want to be able to maintain your car yourself, you may find the code reader inadequate to do so.

 

[phil22]

so all i do is count the pins in the dianostic plug to buy the correct lead then? last question will vagcom all me to adjust air flow and things like that so if i fit a cool air flow induction kit i can adjust it to run perfect thanks in advance


phil

 

[robreidmotors]

Phil

If you fit an induction kit the MAF sensor will notice the change in airflow. All you have to do is reset the ecu, which without VAG-COM is disconnecting the battery. With I dont know im sure there is a vagcom equivalent.

 

[Damoegan]

I got one just like that from the bay for less than half the price and it does the job clicky.

 

[BeartheBruce]

so all i do is count the pins in the dianostic plug to buy the correct lead then?

Huh? If buying a VAG-COM compatible interface, get the manufacturer to tell you if the interface works with your car. If you want help with a genuine Ross-Tech interface, let me know.

last question will vagcom all me to adjust air flow and things like that so if i fit a cool air flow induction kit i can adjust it to run perfect thanks in advance

No, VAG-COM is not a chip tuning tool that let's you modify engine control parameters. It is a diagnostic tool and works with the standard VAG diagnostic protocols.

Phil, have you taken any time to read the Ross-Tech web site?

 

[James_R]

If all you need to do is read codes, then the code reader may be the tool for you. If you want to be able to maintain your car yourself, you may find the code reader inadequate to do so.

I totally agree and if you only want a fault code raeder your best off with an autel VAG, i have one and VCDS - the autel is fast and conveinient but doesnt cover everything where as VCDS has a much broader application list so can not only cover the units not covered by the autel but it can be used to alter peramenters, carry out auto-scans and to read out full blocks of control unit live data.

So in the long run it might cost a bit more but its well worth it.

 

[dirtbiker]

Just ordered one of the £40 readers having had loads of problems with (eBay) VAG COM leads in the past. Will let you know how I get on with it

 

[RUM4MO]

have a look at this guys and let me know what you think, what will this do and sorry novice to this code reader stuff lol

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GDVAG.html phil

Just to add my "two pence" worth, I bought one of these from Gendan, really just to have in the car at all times - it works a treat and will talk to ENGINE + AUTO TRANS + SRS + ABS so covers most areas that would worry you when you are "out and about" and lets you clear stored codes - you will need to go on-line to get yourself a better list of VAG fault codes though as I have had read four codes and none of them were listed on the manual that came with the Gendan supplied tool, I had already bought VCDS but would not want to carry it with me at all times - it is really for serious fault finding and changing things - oh and resetting the service indicator - but there are also other ways to do that without any tools (see owner's handbook).