Ex-BMW addict buys A2
- Thread starter Modecorp
- Start date
PlasticMac
Member
As a diagnostic starter, buy a KKL, USB to serial cable from ebay, at less than a tenner. Download the VCDS Lite from the Ross-Tech web site, don't be tempted to install any version other than the official one from Ross-Tech.
You'll need a Windows laptop, any version, XP up.
Install the cable driver first, before plugging the cable in for the first time, or Windows will allocate a standard usb driver, which won't work, and will need removing via device manager, before starting again. Once the driver is installed, turn pc off. Plug KKL cable in, and restart the pc.
Install VCDS Lite. In the car switch ignition on, but don't start the engine. Plug cable into the car's OBD port, red led shows it's connected. Open VCDS, and try each comms port to find out which one is being used. Then you're away.
Mac.
You'll need a Windows laptop, any version, XP up.
Install the cable driver first, before plugging the cable in for the first time, or Windows will allocate a standard usb driver, which won't work, and will need removing via device manager, before starting again. Once the driver is installed, turn pc off. Plug KKL cable in, and restart the pc.
Install VCDS Lite. In the car switch ignition on, but don't start the engine. Plug cable into the car's OBD port, red led shows it's connected. Open VCDS, and try each comms port to find out which one is being used. Then you're away.
Mac.
simon martyn
Member
Greetings and welcome.
Please please get your cambelt and water pump done NOW to avoid the copious shedding of tears at bedtime. I warmly recommend B&F Autos out at West Hounslow who have a fine understanding of the A2 and will not charge stupid money. Don't expect piped music, potted plants and glossy reception areas. They will also happily check your new car over and advise on what needs doing. Happy to fit your new check strap from the mighty @depronman. His exchange wiper arm is another must have. The are also a short walk from West Hounslow tube station.
Not affiliated, just a happy punter.
All the best.
Please please get your cambelt and water pump done NOW to avoid the copious shedding of tears at bedtime. I warmly recommend B&F Autos out at West Hounslow who have a fine understanding of the A2 and will not charge stupid money. Don't expect piped music, potted plants and glossy reception areas. They will also happily check your new car over and advise on what needs doing. Happy to fit your new check strap from the mighty @depronman. His exchange wiper arm is another must have. The are also a short walk from West Hounslow tube station.
Not affiliated, just a happy punter.
All the best.
Modecorp
A2OC Donor
Appreciate the advice. This sounds quite involving! Considering I dont own a Windows laptop and am Mac based. All I really need is a diagnosis and reset tool so I can see how okay/bad things are when they happen. I can vist a mate who has VCDS if I ever need anything deeper.
Modecorp
A2OC Donor
Unfortunately I’m nowhere near Hounslow, but I am very near 4rings in Dartford, so I’m guessing they’d be a good go-to place as well?
simon martyn
Member
These little cars do require very specialised skills that not all Audi specialists posess, Many of them have never set eyes on one.
B&F will lend you a loan car if you ask them nicely.
B&F will lend you a loan car if you ask them nicely.
Modecorp
A2OC Donor
I’ll bear them in mind, but think I may try 4rings first, as I don’t fancy the prospect of a 90 min drive there/back for any jobs need doing! I’m very used to finding good indys from my BMW days.
4rings.co.uk
4 Rings Ltd | Local Garage | Dartford
4 Rings is a local garage in the Dartford Area which provides Servicing & MOTS. Book Online today!
PlasticMac
Member
If you have an Android phone, - any old Android phone is fine), OBD Eleven is a very good choice, VAG specific, which is important.
Mac.
Modecorp
A2OC Donor
I do indeed. I’ll dig it out and check out OBD Eleven
Alan_uk
A2OC Donor
Here is a list of members with VCDS that will do a scan for you
www.a2oc.net
Free Scan Register
This is a register of members who generously offer free scans for other members. To arrange a free scan: 1. Click the pdf map in the footer and choose a location. 2. Cross reference the location number in the table below to identify the member. 3. Click on their username on the left, click...
www.a2oc.net
Modecorp
A2OC Donor
That’s amazing. Thanks so much for sharing!Here is a list of members with VCDS that will do a scan for you
Free Scan Register
This is a register of members who generously offer free scans for other members. To arrange a free scan: 1. Click the pdf map in the footer and choose a location. 2. Cross reference the location number in the table below to identify the member. 3. Click on their username on the left, click...
stevec
Member
Hi And welcome to the club.
You have a Nice car there, dolphin grey IMO is one of the best colours suited to the A2. The site has a wealth of knowledge and we are a friendly bunch with regular meets, get together's and mini tours. There are also members here that offer 2nd hand parts services at very good prices.
Best of luck on your journey with your A2.
Steve
You have a Nice car there, dolphin grey IMO is one of the best colours suited to the A2. The site has a wealth of knowledge and we are a friendly bunch with regular meets, get together's and mini tours. There are also members here that offer 2nd hand parts services at very good prices.
Best of luck on your journey with your A2.
Steve
Modecorp
A2OC Donor
Cheers Steve. I’m keen to get involved, learn more about the car and build my knowledge as I have done over the years with BMW. The A2 is a great little thing and part of the appeal was the polarising opinion of them. I do like a quirky car!
2work
Well Known Member
Evening and welcome,
Your choice of diagnostic software is entirely up to you but I can confirm you can use VCDS with a Mac.
I currently use a 2012 MacBook Pro 13” running OSX Catalina. To get VCDS working perfectly you’ll need time add Windows 10 via Bootcamp. It’s free and very easy with some very useful YouTube clips which explain the 30 minute process. Happy to remotely assist if you’ve not used Bootcamp before.
Here’s the official Apple support page:
Install Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp Assistant
With Boot Camp, you can install Microsoft Windows 10 on your Mac, then switch between macOS and Windows when restarting your Mac.
Kind regards,
Tom
PlasticMac
Member
VCDS is the easiest to interpret, as it's widely used, and Ross-Tech, and their Wiki is full of information and pointers. The disadvantage, compared to OBD Eleven, is it's wired rather than Bluetooth. OBD Eleven is not, for me anyway, intuitive. VCDS, being twenty years old, has loads of historical stuff. OBD Eleven is the best if you have newer cars, as well as older ones. For VAG cars upto 2005/06, VCDS Lite is my firm recommendation, and I have both.
Mac.
Mac.
PlasticMac
Member
You'll find OBD provide no support, and are not very responsive. Everyone uses the Ross-Tech info, which matches what the VCDS screen shows.
Mac.
