Using a VAG-COM lead with other manufacturers

[Slimy]

My wifes car is a Nissan Almera, and it has an engine fault light on it. We know what the problem is and its not a critical one (speed sensor intermittent failure), so we want to reset the code to remove the light.

I have a lead and the vag-com software for my Toledo, but I was wondering about the possibility of using it with the Almera. Obviously the software won't work, but from my limited understanding, the lead is OBDII compliant? So, if I got hold of some appropriate Nissan software, could I use my lead to access the Almera ECU?

 

[BeartheBruce]

It is possible that under the OBDII mode of VAG-COM you might be able to "talk" to the Nissan and use the OBDII mode to clear the fault code.

Version 504 added this capability (and required a dongle style genuine Ross-Tech interface) which means if you are using an aftermarket wire with version 409 or lower, you will not have this capability.

As to other software working with your lead, I would suggest you check with the software supplier. Many are like Ross-Tech. They design their software to work with their interface hardware.

 

[Slimy]

Thats great, thanks. Unfortunately I'm using the freebie vag-com and a third party interface, so I doubt I'll be able to take advantage of the OBDII mode!

At least the theory of using it in 'OBDII mode' checks out, at least thats a start.

 

[BeartheBruce]

The OBDII mode will work with all 2008 CAN based OBD-II and newer vehicles. In the US, all OEMs had to move to CAN based OBDII in 2008. That move, I think, was implemented all around the world by the OEMS. A full version of VCDS can now talk to all the OEMs in OBDII mode (at least in theory and we have not tested it).

Any OEM that used the same subset of OBDII that VW used will communicate via the OBD implementation in VCDS. I know it works on Volvos and Subaru. I have personally tested on those. I believe we have reports of VCDS working with BMW and Mercedes. Some other Asian cars work also. The ones that do not work are the ones who chose the other standard such as GM, Ford and Chyrsler.

You cannot do damage to connect and try. The DLC pinout is mandated by the standards so you can always plug into any car and give it a try.