Compatible fault code scanners?

Steve Langridge

Steve Langridge

Member
Hi. I'm going to purchase a fault code scanner. There are a few threads on here which imply that some work, some don't and some should work, but sometimes don't appear to. So I'm a little confused about which to buy. (I have asked Audi customer services but am anticipating a reply which either refuses to give a recommendation or else proposes the most expensive one available). So I thought I'd ask here as well, at least to cross-check the reply from Audi (which I will also post here).

I do also have a more specific question which may give the answer: Is the A2 compatible with OBD2? The reason I ask this is that because I have asked one supplier of an OBD2-compatible scanner if it works with the A2 (Audi was advertised as being one of the manufacturers covered so I was expecting a 'yes') but they surprised me by saying that it wouldn't work with the A2, without explanation.

My (wife's!) car is a 2002 petrol 1.4L.

Thanking club members in advance for your input and for my education!
 
OBD2 is on all A2s. A simple OBD scanner will work on all of them.
I've just personally bought an Autodia K509 cable and have spent €10 on carport's OBD module; when I add the CAN part for €80 I will have full diagnostics for both the A2 and the Octavia.
The current Bluetooth dongle I have is a pain. It doesn't connect half the time and is generally very touch-and-go. The K509 should be better.

- Bret
 
bretti_kivi said:
OBD2 is on all A2s. A simple OBD scanner will work on all of them.
I've just personally bought an Autodia K509 cable and have spent €10 on carport's OBD module; when I add the CAN part for €80 I will have full diagnostics for both the A2 and the Octavia.
The current Bluetooth dongle I have is a pain. It doesn't connect half the time and is generally very touch-and-go. The K509 should be better.

- Bret
Click to expand...
Hi Bret. Many thanks. I'm probably not understanding your configuration correctly. Doesn't the Carport system include both 1) the plug which goes into the port and 2) software to be installed on a PC? (Or are you saying that the Autodia cable replaces the plug and you've sourced the software separately?). Cheers, Steve
 
I recently brought a Audi/VW specific iCarsoft one to replace a cheap one that never worked. This new one is so much simpler to use and clears fault codes that you choose. After changing a steering wheel recently I rushed it and ended up with a Air bag warning light on, No problem now and have used it on my partners A2 as well as her Airbag light comes on each time the seat gets moved.

Nigel

51QDtyok9iL._SX425_.jpg
 
Steve Langridge said:
Hi Bret. Many thanks. I'm probably not understanding your configuration correctly. Doesn't the Carport system include both 1) the plug which goes into the port and 2) software to be installed on a PC? (Or are you saying that the Autodia cable replaces the plug and you've sourced the software separately?). Cheers, Steve
Click to expand...
The second of those. The software is one of the cheaper ones - obdeleven, for example, is nearly free but requires their BT dongle; Carista is also cheap but has additional requirements; VCDS now has VIN limitations and is picky about cables. I see no point in buying a cheap Ebay cable that will work for five minutes.

I am not a fan of the standalone units - yet another gizmo to be lost, charged and have out of date software... never mind having to live with their limitations and user interface.

- Bret
 
4 years past but did you Steve found a proper diagnostic tool?. I have gendan and it works on my tdi but not on petrol. Looks like they use two different communication protocols or something is wrong with my petrol audi.
 
zago said:
I have gendan and it works on my tdi but not on petrol. Looks like they use two different communication protocols or something is wrong with my petrol audi.
Click to expand...

What cable did you buy from Gendan and what software are you running?
 
steve_c said:
What cable did you buy from Gendan and what software are you running?
Click to expand...
I use a licensed copy of VCDS Lite, on a very old HP Mini Note, running XP, and use both a Gendan cable, and an ebay KKL. Both cables work on my FSI and the TT.
Mac.
 
If you don't want to go the vcds way, I recommend xtool v401, this one has a good price as well.
www.ebay.co.uk

XTOOL V401 Car Engine ABS SRS DTC Fault Code Reader Auto Diagnostic Scanner Tool | eBay

V401 Fault Coding Scanner. V401 is the higher version based on V5053 with powerful function. It can work on For AUDI,For SEAT and For SKODA. With its smart appearance and powerful function, it can be conveniently used and can be run detachedly without PC.
www.ebay.co.uk
It's not just a code reader, it can delete airbag lights as well, many cheap scanner can't do that, but mostly importantly it can ADAPT throttle body, I'd cleaned/changed TB few times and this has saved me hassle,money and time for sure, and if I recall it right, it sorts egr too, basic scanner can't do those even at £100 range. I've been using it for years and does a great job, bit bulky but really helpful tool.
 
Last edited:
Further to @Sylvester 's comment above I also use an Xtools VAG401 as well as an old PC laptop with a copy of VCDS lite and an Ebay dongle. The 401 I use for most things on both our Tdis and the 1.4i (and my previous C5 A6) ; it clears errors, adapts the throttle body (1.4i), calibrates the fuel gauge and switches between ECU maps on the Tdi and much more besides - quickly and without need for mains wiring to the car to power the laptop (knackered battery). What it doesn't do in either case is communicate with Climatronic and a couple of other less useful ECUs ; for this I do use VCDS lite to clear a/c errors that prevent the Webasto from running. If I had the cash I would upgrade the VCDS to give better functionality, but for most things I need the 401 gets the job done and has paid for itself many times over the years.
 
I have a shareware vcds (pita as the laptop its on has to have constant power source plugged in) also have a Supervag which seems very good but once wouldnt read a brake pedal switch fault on my dads galaxy (1.9 pd vag software)
At work i have access to some expensive code readers which work well
 
Looks my petrol have far more troubles than I expected . Today tried VCDS (data below). Received some information but only from few modules. Something with communication issue.
Ill try to find posts on OBD communication problem.
Thank you everyone.



Chassis Type: 8Z - Audi A2 (2000 > 2005)
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 16 17 18 37 45 46 56 57 75 76 77

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8Z0-907-379-MK60.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 907 379 C
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0101
Coding: 0019463
Shop #: WSC 00000 785 00200
VCID: 489FED2738B3F2C9C9-5178

5 Faults Found:
00285 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor; Front Right (G45)
012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
01314 - Engine Control Module
013 - Check DTC Memory - Intermittent
01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
014 - Defective - Intermittent
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
004 - No Signal/Communication
01314 - Engine Control Module
004 - No Signal/Communication

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: None
Part No: 8Z0 820 043 D
Component: A2-KLIMAVOLLAUTOMAT 0512
VCID: 377D9EDB154D8D31B0-2592

10 Faults Found:
00710 - Defroster Flap Positioning Motor (V107)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
01272 - Positioning Motor for Central Flap (V70)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
01271 - Positioning Motor for Temperature Flap (V68)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
00716 - Air recirculation Flap Positioning Motor (V113)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
00727 - Potentiometer in Positioning Motor for Defrost Flap (G135)
30-10 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
00600 - Potentiometer On Positioning Motor for Temperature Flap (G92)
30-10 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
00735 - Potentiometer in Positioning Motor for Air recirculation Flap (G143)
30-10 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
00819 - High Pressure Sensor (G65)
29-00 - Short to Ground
01273 - Fresh Air Blower (V2)
17-10 - Control Difference - Intermittent
01206 - Signal for Duration of Ignition Off Time
27-00 - Implausible Signal

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 8Z0-959-655.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 959 655 E
Component: Airbag Front+Seite 5005
Coding: 00102
Shop #: WSC 02152
VCID: 4E93DB3F8AD72CF983-515A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8Z0-907-379-MK60.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 907 379 C
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0101
Coding: 0019463
Shop #: WSC 00000 785 00200
VCID: 489FED2738B3F2C9C9-5178

5 Faults Found:
00285 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor; Front Right (G45)
012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
01314 - Engine Control Module
013 - Check DTC Memory - Intermittent
01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
014 - Defective - Intermittent
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
004 - No Signal/Communication
01314 - Engine Control Module
004 - No Signal/Communication

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: None
Part No: 8Z0 820 043 D
Component: A2-KLIMAVOLLAUTOMAT 0512
VCID: 377D9EDB154D8D31B0-2592

10 Faults Found:
00710 - Defroster Flap Positioning Motor (V107)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
01272 - Positioning Motor for Central Flap (V70)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
01271 - Positioning Motor for Temperature Flap (V68)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
00716 - Air recirculation Flap Positioning Motor (V113)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
00727 - Potentiometer in Positioning Motor for Defrost Flap (G135)
30-10 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
00600 - Potentiometer On Positioning Motor for Temperature Flap (G92)
30-10 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
00735 - Potentiometer in Positioning Motor for Air recirculation Flap (G143)
30-10 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
00819 - High Pressure Sensor (G65)
29-00 - Short to Ground
01273 - Fresh Air Blower (V2)
17-10 - Control Difference - Intermittent
01206 - Signal for Duration of Ignition Off Time
27-00 - Implausible Signal
 
To be honest this doesn't look too bad.

Climatronic always accumulates loads of errors over time. Clear these and try scanning again after running the car. Same with the ABS apparent faults. There may be a dodgy ABS sensor or damage to the wire but clear and repeat and see what comes back.

Have you needed to replace the battery recently or is the battery old? A lot of spurious errors in the fault code memory can be caused by low voltage while starting.

The G65 a/c sensor problem could be genuine : if this is faulty it not only gives problems with a/c but also possibly steering, oil pressure sensors and a load of other systems that use CANBUS. If these errors do not go away when cleared, try unplugging the sensor ; it is in front of the radiator when you take off the bonnet and look behind the bumper.

Try clearing these faults then come back.

What is the main problem that you are trying to diagnose?
 
Robin_Cox said:
To be honest this doesn't look too bad.

Climatronic always accumulates loads of errors over time. Clear these and try scanning again after running the car. Same with the ABS apparent faults. There may be a dodgy ABS sensor or damage to the wire but clear and repeat and see what comes back.

Have you needed to replace the battery recently or is the battery old? A lot of spurious errors in the fault code memory can be caused by low voltage while starting.

The G65 a/c sensor problem could be genuine : if this is faulty it not only gives problems with a/c but also possibly steering, oil pressure sensors and a load of other systems that use CANBUS. If these errors do not go away when cleared, try unplugging the sensor ; it is in front of the radiator when you take off the bonnet and look behind the bumper.

Try clearing these faults then come back.

What is the main problem that you are trying to diagnose?
Click to expand...

Robin_Cox said:
To be honest this doesn't look too bad.

Climatronic always accumulates loads of errors over time. Clear these and try scanning again after running the car. Same with the ABS apparent faults. There may be a dodgy ABS sensor or damage to the wire but clear and repeat and see what comes back.

Have you needed to replace the battery recently or is the battery old? A lot of spurious errors in the fault code memory can be caused by low voltage while starting.

The G65 a/c sensor problem could be genuine : if this is faulty it not only gives problems with a/c but also possibly steering, oil pressure sensors and a load of other systems that use CANBUS. If these errors do not go away when cleared, try unplugging the sensor ; it is in front of the radiator when you take off the bonnet and look behind the bumper.

Try clearing these faults then come back.

What is the main problem that you are trying to diagnose?
Click to expand...

Bought this car few months ago. After few months in garage wont start.
 
Robin_Cox said:
To be honest this doesn't look too bad.

Climatronic always accumulates loads of errors over time. Clear these and try scanning again after running the car. Same with the ABS apparent faults. There may be a dodgy ABS sensor or damage to the wire but clear and repeat and see what comes back.

Have you needed to replace the battery recently or is the battery old? A lot of spurious errors in the fault code memory can be caused by low voltage while starting.

The G65 a/c sensor problem could be genuine : if this is faulty it not only gives problems with a/c but also possibly steering, oil pressure sensors and a load of other systems that use CANBUS. If these errors do not go away when cleared, try unplugging the sensor ; it is in front of the radiator when you take off the bonnet and look behind the bumper.

Try clearing these faults then come back.

What is the main problem that you are trying to diagnose?
Click to expand...

Disconnected cleared faults but looks similar
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8Z0-907-379-MK60.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 907 379 C
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0101
Coding: 0019463
Shop #: WSC 00000 785 00200
VCID: 489FED2738B3F2C9C9-5178

2 Faults Found:
01314 - Engine Control Module
004 - No Signal/Communication
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
004 - No Signal/Communication

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: None
Part No: 8Z0 820 043 D
Component: A2-KLIMAVOLLAUTOMAT 0512
VCID: 377D9EDB154D8D31B0-258C

4 Faults Found:
00710 - Defroster Flap Positioning Motor (V107)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
01272 - Positioning Motor for Central Flap (V70)
41-10 - Blocked or No Voltage - Intermittent
00819 - High Pressure Sensor (G65)
30-00 - Open or Short to Plus
01206 - Signal for Duration of Ignition Off Time
27-00 - Implausible Signal

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 8Z0-959-655.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 959 655 E
Component: Airbag Front+Seite 5005
Coding: 00102
Shop #: WSC 02152
VCID: 4E93DB3F8AD72CF983-5178

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 8Z0-920-xxx-17.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 920 901
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. VDO D02
Coding: 04142
Shop #: WSC 52101
VCID: 77FD5EDB55CD4D3170-5178
WAUZZZ8Z93N015184 AUZ7Z0B2206970

2 Faults Found:
01314 - Engine Control Module
49-00 - No Communications
01760 - Power Steering Control Module (J500) No comm. with Engine Control Module (ECM)
49-00 - No Communications

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels:. 8Z0-959-433.lbl
Part No: 8Z0 959 433 AH
Component: Komfortgerát T84 1210
Coding: 02048
Shop #: WSC 02138
VCID: 0C1711373C4B5EE92D-4B18

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8Z1959801A
Component: Tõrsteuer.FS BRM 0003

Subsystem 2 - Part No: 8Z1959802A
Component: Tõrsteuer.BF BRM 0003

No fault code found.

End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 04:21)--------------------------
 
Is fuse 38 intact? The reason I ask is that when a sensor on the CANBUS circuit (such as G65) is shorting (mine was internally corroded and broke apart), it was causing the fuse 38 on that circuit to blow repeatedly - which took out the power steering, and gave messages about the J500 non-communication from other control units.

Starter motor earth can also cause problems starting, but this usually manifests itself in the starter itself turning very slowly akin to a bad battery and rapidly failing to turn over at all.

The following thread helped considerably - in the case of the original poster the car stopped starting as well.

Why did my power steering fuse pop?

Well yesterday before I set off driving the power steering stopped working , the oil light came on and the rev counter also stopped. after doing some digging today manage to trace it back to a big 80Amp fuse located in the passenger footwell my question is why did it go pop ?? Sent from my HTC...
www.a2oc.net
 
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