VAG-COM Members

vespa166 said:
anyone north east England, ideally Newcastle willing to help out with a scan, considering buying VCDS so also looking for advice on what to get, take into consideration laptops and myself have history basic is better.
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The official cable is the only way to go (IMHO). Expensive at £260 but I have had that money saved several times over.

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VCHU.html

If you only have one Audi and only plan on scanning it occasionally then it would be better to use the services of a local member who has the cable.

Please don't go for a pirated version, not only are they poor quality but you need to change settings on your laptop to fool the hardware into thinking it is a legal one.

Steve b
 
Ken Pope said:
hi , does this item scan the whole car ? only asking as my alarm is playing up and wondered if this would scan and tell me what is wrong with it ? i live in Sarisbury Green and any help is greatly appreciated
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Yes it scans items like that.

First thing to check though is the service flap in the bonnet.
Most false alarms come from that not being closed properly. So check that first and that might be the cause.

A scan will help tell what is triggering the alarm normally.
Steve B
 
Hi All,

I ended-up buying a cheap scanner (VGate VS450) to reset my AirBag light (usual dodgy under-seat connector), so if anyone needs the same doing in the St. Albans area I can help - no quite up to VCDS, but it'll do for very simple stuff.

Cheers

Kevin
 
I am ok at coming up with ideas but I am hopeless when it comes to carrying them out.

Wouldn't it be great if we could have a map that shows the location of all of our members and shows the location of all of the VCDS owners, plus the location of "partners" and "Service providers" Such as A2 Cars, WOM, Tom, etc. etc.???

I wouldn't have the time and I am not sure of how it could be done technically (It would only work if it used an automatic update of sorts (perhaps based on the location specified on the member's details, but they would need to be a proper location, nit just UK etc.)

As I say, it looks like a lot of work for someone, but it might be very useful.

We could even add the location of any events etc. so that people can see which ones are close to them?

Probably a silly idea, but worth mentioning perhaps?

Steve B
 
zaphodbb said:
Ahh.. you mean like Ben has done in post #12 ;)
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Not quite, because that does not include the positions of non VCDS members, which would be interesting to see.

And I am not sure I have seen the results of this? Are you saying that there is a map of the UK showing the VCDS Members?

I see the map but no markers.

We should perhaps make it more known / visible perhaps?

Steve B
 
Anybody near Norwich prepared to read / reset code on my airbag system?

Came on today. No Idea why.

Jay
 
A2Jay said:
Anybody near Norwich prepared to read / reset code on my airbag system?

Came on today. No Idea why.

Jay
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In the meantime, check the connections to the seat airbags (under each front seat).

They can easily be disturbed by rear passenger's feet.

Hopefully someone local will help with the error check and reset.

Steve B
 
Thanks for this. Will have a look.

Only thing I came think about on doing was spraying a couple of trim pieces with WD40. But I ensured I didn't soak any electronics so can't believe this would cause a problem.

If I fix the problem, with say a connector. Will the light go off? It checks every time?

Also now you've said that. Today was the first day with rear seat passangers.

Cheers Jay
 
WD40 is fine for electronics anyway (in small portions), it is used to dispel moisture from the HT circuit on a petrol car.
It is quite harsh for delicate connections but as long as you didn't saturate it that will not be the cause.

The air bag light will stay on after the connector is sorted, it needs VCDS or similar to reset it.

I had this problem frequently (due to a loose plug connector) and finally used insulation tape to keep the plug firmly connected.

Steve B
 
Ok Thanks.

I'll check the connectors and ensure they're tight. And hopefully someone local / cambridge / Ipswich area can help out!

If not i'll need to look into a way of resetting it myself!
 
I am not sure if disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes would do it (after checking the connections), I doubt it but worth a try if you have no other options?

Steve B
 
Had a good look at the connectors.
All looks fine, gave them a good wiggly and checked integrity of the cables.

So back to question 1. If anyone has a way of reading the codes for Air Bag System. I'd be very thankful and will pay in good beer!

I think i'm going to be at Audis In the Park so if anyone is there that could read it, that would be awesome too?

Jay
 
I always bring the VCDS with me to socials and I am not alone, BUT Airbags are an important safety item so I wouldn't wait until then!!!

Please do try whatever you can to get this checked ASAP. As a last resort paying a garage to do a diagnostic is essential.

Steve B
 
While I agree with Steve re getting this checked ASAP, for less than the price you will pay a dealer for a scan, you can pick-up the same 'scanner' as mine which will do what you need - see post #65
I bought mine from Amazon for just under £30 inc delivery - if you shop around you can get them for a fair bit less (my need was very urgent - MOT! (passed thankfully)).

I did enquire about a scan and reset at the local tyre fitters (2 new tyres also needed for the MOT - a whole other story which I will relate another time) - even they charge £45!

There is a YouTube video on replacing the connector with copper spade connectors (different vehicle but the principle is the same) - I personally wouldn't use spade connectors as the signal level is very low and sensitive to change in resistance. Something gold (proper gold) plated would be OK, or directly soldered but that will make seat removal difficult in the future.

I also agree with Steve on his point re buying the full VCDS if you plan on keeping the vehicle for some time :)
 
I agree! I don't want to just reset the system. I want to know whats wrong.

I've just bought a scanner and reset system on ebay for £27. So will try that! If not will pop to local STR garage in Norwich.
 
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