Code reader for beginner

[SteveG]

Apologies if this has been covered a million times before.....

I'm pretty capable mechanically, but a newbie to VW's, vehicle electronics and fault codes etc in general. Trying to work out what sort of code reader/program I need for a 2005 new beetle.
There is VAG-COM/VCDS, VAG-Tacho, and on ebay a few other fault code readers like VS450, Roadi and VAGSCANNER.
VCDS seems to do everything except cut your lunch (and also the most expensive), and the others are much more limited in their functions.
Is there a thread somewhere here that explains practically which one is good for what?

My immediate need is to work out what has caused the engine check light to come on, and be able reset the fault light after its fixed. I won't be modifying the car in any way, just want to be able to maintain it.

Any help appreciated.

Steve

[h100vw]

Ross-techs website has heaps of information Steve. The VCDS cable is the best by a long way. If you bought a cable, you can always sell it on after you sell the car, there's a strong secondhand market for the cables.

There's a thread I started of people with cables and locations. There's plenty in VIC.

gavin

[SteveG]

Thanks.
Found the thread so will see if I can find someone nearby.

Steve

[Jmac]

If you only need to do basic OBD reading and erasing if need be then there are plenty entry level scanners out there, You really onlky need the VAG stuff if you are diagnosing , adapting coding etc as its reads all the modes and protocols set by the manufacturer, but by the sounds you only want something at a generic level. OBD2 is standardised so entry level scanners will do the job, its when you need to go more in depth with live data, o2 sensor testing and egr testing then the basic scanners are not so good. I use VAs5054 and VCDS as 2 of the most used bits of gear in my but thats what i do for a living. VCDS is an awesome bit of gear and i use it in conjunction with VAS when need be but is dear if all you are doing is reading Engine codes as a DIY,er
Ive been a speaker at some industry board nights and spent the night talking about this one subject as there is so much to say on the subject.
Anyway good luck


Cheers
Jmac

[SteveG]

Thanks Jmac.
Another member close by has offered to read the codes for me tonight so I think I'm sorted for my immediate need (gotta love a good enthusiasts forum )
If I was to start off with a basic scanner, is there any particular one that's better than the others - or just any ODB2 reader will do the job?

Steve

[Stan]

As well as vagcom, I have one of these:

Home Page > ES#9950 V-Checker Scanner - Pro - VAGCHECKERPRO

good for basic fault code clearing, service interval resets etc, however postage from these guys is killer... If you can find other members doing group buys etc, then jump on and order one to save bigtime on postage.

Glad the scan worked so far...

[SteveG]

As well as vagcom, I have one of these:

Home Page > ES#9950 V-Checker Scanner - Pro - VAGCHECKERPRO

good for basic fault code clearing, service interval resets etc, however postage from these guys is killer... If you can find other members doing group buys etc, then jump on and order one to save bigtime on postage.

Glad the scan worked so far...

Are these ones on ebay from Hong Kong the same thing or a dodgy knock-off? V-Checker V202 Can bus for VW Audi Seat Skoda VAG PRO Code Reader Scan Tool New | eBay

Thanks again for the scan - hoping the damn light stays away for good...

Steve

[Stan]

Welcome mate.

looks like the real deal, but those cleaver Chinese can copy anything. I doubt the guys at ECS make theirs....

If you get one, or want to check out mine, come around and I'll show you how to drive it

[Jmac]

Welcome mate.

looks like the real deal, but those cleaver Chinese can copy anything. I doubt the guys at ECS make theirs....

If you get one, or want to check out mine, come around and I'll show you how to drive it

Yep never thought of the Vchecker , not bad entry level scanner that .
Cheers
Jmac