Reading ECU Codes - Advice?

[officialmyki]

**please delete if this is in the wrong place**


I’ve had a bunch of check engine lights recently and i am trying to figure out what’s wrong with my car before I take it to a mechanic. It’s driving as normal, though my cruise control has stopped working.

I’m relatively new to Volkswagen, and have realised that not all code readers are created equal. My cheap eBay scanners detected no issues (when the light was very clearly on), so I took it for a diagnostic check at SCA.

Even the BOSCH scanner at supercheap was relatively inconclusive. I now know that there are error codes stored within the ECU, and that this may be the source of the problem. I’m probably going to need a vag com cable to view that information.

Will a cheap eBay cable allow me to view the information stored in the ECU? Or do I need to purchase a more expensive cable to do the job?

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

cheers.

[adey88]

I use a wifi obd2 dongle (elm327) from ebay and the torque pro app for Android which does the job.

See my previous thread which I have screenshot the codes it found.

You can get both of those items for less than $40

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[kamold]

The trouble with a generic scanner is that it can only read the generic code - not what the manufacturer has put in addition to the required SAE code.
So you really need at a minimum to get something like OBD11, or get a scan with VCDS from another forum member.
These will result in descriptive errors which:
1. on their own partially describe the problem and
2. give you something you can then use a starting point for what the cause is by doing a search online for the specific fault code.

Then armed with that info, go to a reputable VAG independent mechanic who will have the tools and experience to correctly diagnose and fix it for you.

[JustCruisn]

Get a proper vcds scan, find a VW mechanic and as for just a scan, might charge you $30.
If your mechanic does not have this scan tool you should find a new mechanic for your VW.

Or you may find someone local who has a scanner http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f153/

[adey88]

The trouble with a generic scanner is that it can only read the generic code - not what the manufacturer has put in addition to the required SAE code.
So you really need at a minimum to get something like OBD11, or get a scan with VCDS from another forum member.
These will result in descriptive errors which:
1. on their own partially describe the problem and
2. give you something you can then use a starting point for what the cause is by doing a search online for the specific fault code.

Then armed with that info, go to a reputable VAG independent mechanic who will have the tools and experience to correctly diagnose and fix it for you.

If you don't mind checking out my other post:

Dsg misbehaving... Help!

Are you saying these are just generic codes?

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[SimonMiller]

Get a proper vcds scan, find a VW mechanic and as for just a scan, might charge you $30.
If your mechanic does not have this scan tool you should find a new mechanic for your VW.

Or you may find someone local who has a scanner Vehicle Coding/Programming Tools (VCDS, OBD11 etc)


Only qualified specialists will be able to read the code. I think it is worth having an mba essay service as an aid since they often deal with reading and writing. And will be able to help you at any time.

Thanks for the recommendation.