The Perils of the DIY Mechanic - to VCDS or to not VCDS

[Transporter]

Hey blake_

My main reason for trying out the Actron U-Scan is because you can make an IAP that unlocks the Volkswagen specific error codes (around $8 i think) and also provides you an extensive database on what the error codes mean and what you need to do to fix the error code ie: Oxygen sensor faulty > replace oxygen sensor etc.

Upon further research, it also does live data feeds straight to the U-Scan app on your iPhone or iPad.

I just want to point out that the Actron u-scan is not a cheap ebay knock off from china. I did some research on Actron and they seem to be a reputable market player in scanning equipment. I also had to order this product off Amazon so its coming direct from their warehouse.

If this product actually does what it says it does, I think it will be a great short term investment until I get a little more heavy handed.

Item should show up by the end of the month from the USA, will post a separate review for everyone once I get it.

I don't know any scanner which would tell you to replace the component in order to fix the fault. It only points you to the direction where the scanner THINKS the fault is. Sometimes it gets it right and MANY times not. Also the cheaper scanners don't have to be very accurate in detecting the faults. The popular LM27 (Torque Pro) couldn't even see the overboost when the turbo failed in 2008 Octavia. There is a very good reason why my Snap-On Verus Pro cost me $13k, it was able to detect the cylinder misfire in 09 Jetta (no fault stored condition), where the VCDS couldn't.

[the_clive]

More info can be found here and what the CodeConnect functions do.

In theory it implies that you can make an IAP which will go one step further and give you the manufacturers fault code. Another IAP will then give you CodeConnect, an online database that lists common repairs for each error code.

[the_clive]

Theres also a unbiased review here which i found very informative

[LeStig]

I've a cheap $30 vag OBD hand held scanner that I used to reset a airbag fault on my A6 after it came unplugged when the seat was moved too far forward. It scans my Bora 4motion and allows faults to be cleared on engine, abs and airbag systems as well as obviously recording the fault codes for further investigation.... Cheap and cheerful !!

[the_clive]

I've a cheap $30 vag OBD hand held scanner that I used to reset a airbag fault on my A6 after it came unplugged when the seat was moved too far forward. It scans my Bora 4motion and allows faults to be cleared on engine, abs and airbag systems as well as obviously recording the fault codes for further investigation.... Cheap and cheerful !!

Hmmm i did order a cheap Chinese made scanner but once i got it, it didn't work on the Golf or my 1999 Holden Astra so i've since returned it, however it was not VAG specific. To be honest, I dunno if i can be bothered with the hassle of ordering another on the off chance that it might work...

[The_Hawk]

I have a MacBook Pro here and use Parallels to run Windows. It works perfectly with VCDS (as well as pretty much everything else I have tried that needs some piece of hardware that is Windows only).

As for cheap scanner vs VCDS. Many will be fine for clearing basic codes, resetting the service interval and probably most stuff the average backyard mechanic is likely to come up against... But if you're going to be tinkering much more than regular oil changes VCDS can be a handy thing to have around.

[RubAVeeDubDub]

I haven't been this confused for quite some time!

So some non official VAGCOM gear, like Actron, can clear codes and relay correct information about the car's 'health' ?
(Can ABS/ESP code be cleared too?)

What sort of stuff can it not do? I'm just wondering because if I can avoid having to pay $300 for the official VAGCOM gear then I will avoid it at all costs. A lot of other things on the car I'd rather spend the money on

[the_clive]

I haven't been this confused for quite some time!

So some non official VAGCOM gear, like Actron, can clear codes and relay correct information about the car's 'health' ?
(Can ABS/ESP code be cleared too?)

What sort of stuff can it not do? I'm just wondering because if I can avoid having to pay $300 for the official VAGCOM gear then I will avoid it at all costs. A lot of other things on the car I'd rather spend the money on

So it reckons. It may however be limited in resetting service messages however i have a service due in 2000 kms so I'll let you know if it works or not...

You need to unlock these options within the app though - i suggest downloading the u-scan app and checking out the functions yourself - its free from the app store

But the product says it works with all 1996 + vehicles with obd2 and has the ability to clear codes - have a look at the review link i posted in an earlier post - it gives a pretty good overview of its capabilities. But once i get mine in a couple of weeks, i'll officially review it (with pictures) and let the VWW members be the judge

[greg32]

I originally bought a microcan cable. This was really good exept it didn't work on the wifes car. I sold it and bought the hexcan cable. The Ross-Tech cable allows many things to be customised so the car is nicer on a daily basis. I have set mine to Euro as it allows me to use the high beam lights and the some other little things which are a bit quirky with the Aus setting. It allows each module to be set the way you want not the way the dealer dictated. Fault codes are saved into a txt file for review as well.

[unrealshots]

I have a MacBook Pro here and use Parallels to run Windows. It works perfectly with VCDS (as well as pretty much everything else I have tried that needs some piece of hardware that is Windows only).

As for cheap scanner vs VCDS. Many will be fine for clearing basic codes, resetting the service interval and probably most stuff the average backyard mechanic is likely to come up against... But if you're going to be tinkering much more than regular oil changes VCDS can be a handy thing to have around.

Another option for Mac users is Virtual Box and the Microsoft XP virtual machine they ship for Windows 7... Both are available for the "right price"

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[LeStig]

My cheap n cheerful reader.... as said bought to clear a fault on a A6 but it checked and cleared any issues re Engine, ABS, Auto Trans and airbags on the Bora....

[the_clive]

Hmmmm will keep that one in mind! Cheers!