Vcds alternative? Code reader

rosscanning

rosscanning

A2OC Donor
Hi Everyone,
I’m after a tried and test alternative code reader to vcds, anyone using another code reader that works?
Sole purpose for use is reading codes/deleting

Thanks in advance
Ross
 
There is small hand held Audi/VW one that my friend has and its excellent, I get a picture of it on Saturday hopefully when I see him, I have a snap on myself also try to use VCDS lite.
 
I use the Xtools VAG401 for this exact job set - as well as ability to adapt throttle body (AUA), swap between maps (AMF / BHC) and tinker with adaptations (fuel gauge calibration etc.) - however I understand they have been in short supply recently. The only thing it doesn't do is speak to Climatronic for some reason so I need to use VCDS lite to eliminate a/c errors.
 
OBD Eleven is also good, and VAG specific. There are several versions. I have the original Android version, now called "Classic"
There's also a "Next Gen" version, also for iPhone I believe.
It has to be online to work, which is a disadvantage, but is Bluetooth, no cable. I still prefer VCDS myself.
Mac.
 
Ami said:
There is small hand held Audi/VW one that my friend has and its excellent, I get a picture of it on Saturday hopefully when I see him, I have a snap on myself also try to use VCDS lite.
Click to expand...
That’ll be great thank you
Robin_Cox said:
I use the Xtools VAG401 for this exact job set - as well as ability to adapt throttle body (AUA), swap between maps (AMF / BHC) and tinker with adaptations (fuel gauge calibration etc.) - however I understand they have been in short supply recently. The only thing it doesn't do is speak to Climatronic for some reason so I need to use VCDS lite to eliminate a/c errors.
Click to expand...
great Robin thank you will look into it
PlasticMac said:
OBD Eleven is also good, and VAG specific. There are several versions. I have the original Android version, now called "Classic"
There's also a "Next Gen" version, also for iPhone I believe.
It has to be online to work, which is a disadvantage, but is Bluetooth, no cable. I still prefer VCDS myself.
Mac.
Click to expand...
I will look into it for sure.

I do prefer using vcds but i think my laptop is on the blink.

Thanks again
 
After vcds this is the best: Xtool vag401. I've been using it for 4 years and it's been extremely useful. It can even delete airbag light and do egr and throttle body adaptation, which is unheard-of at this price range. The issue is as mentioned above, it's difficult to find now and got more expensive too. This is the only one I've found available online from US or China, the price is good though. I obviously take no responsibility for it, if you want to buy it, up to you, they may even send you a wrong product or not send anything at all.
m.chinaobd2.com

US $45.6 |XTOOL VAG401 VW/AUDI/SEAT/SKODA Professional Tool | chinaobd2.com

XTOOL VAG401 VW/AUDI/SEAT/SKODA Professional tool is the higher version based on VAG5053 with powerful function. XTOOL VAG401 work on VW,AUDI,SEAT and SKODA. With its smart appearance and powerful function.
m.chinaobd2.com m.chinaobd2.com
If you don't want to risk it, either wait for one to pop us on facebook or ebay, or buy a different one, just make sure they can do adaptations, but most £100-150 scanner still can't do that.
 
Hi,

I'm also looking for a device, specifically to clear my airbag light. Will the obd eleven vag device clear this and also the service etc. I need one this week as MOT is due soon, so cannae wait for xtool coming back into stock.
 
Dinnae Ken said:
Hi,

I'm also looking for a device, specifically to clear my airbag light. Will the obd eleven vag device clear this and also the service etc. I need one this week as MOT is due soon, so cannae wait for xtool coming back into stock.
Click to expand...
It depends, not only on the scan tool, but also on the specific air bag error.
Mac
 
Dinnae Ken said:
Ps. Audi want £80 + vat to reset it.
Click to expand...
Why not take a look at the member's free scan register? Could be a member, not too far away, who has VCDS. If that doesn't clear it, then generic scan tools are unlikely to either.
Mac.

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 www.a2oc.net
 
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PlasticMac said:
Why not take a look at the member's free scan register? Could be a member, not too far away, who has VCDS. If that doesn't clear it, then generic scan tools are unlikely to either.
Mac.

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 www.a2oc.net
Click to expand...
Forget the register, just ask if anyone's within spitting distance of Inverness.
Mac.
 
Thanks all for your help.

As I’ve mentioned my cable for vcds has packed up so i borrow my friends code reader ( cheap one but usually finds faults ) which didn’t find any codes.

I recently repaired drivers front loom (thanks andy) which eliminated traction light but abs light is on perm still and i know if everything is ok the abs light will go out at 10mph but this doesn’t happen there fore brings on traction light and red exclamation ❗️. Without a good code reader im guessing its a abs sensor itself that need replacing…..? What’s everyones thoughts?

Cheers
Ross
 
rosscanning said:
Thanks all for your help.

As I’ve mentioned my cable for vcds has packed up so i borrow my friends code reader ( cheap one but usually finds faults ) which didn’t find any codes.

I recently repaired drivers front loom (thanks andy) which eliminated traction light but abs light is on perm still and i know if everything is ok the abs light will go out at 10mph but this doesn’t happen there fore brings on traction light and red exclamation ❗️. Without a good code reader im guessing its a abs sensor itself that need replacing…..? What’s everyones thoughts?

Cheers
Ross
Click to expand...
Is your VCDS the Lite version? If so, an eBay KKL lead is only around £7.50. Works fine with Lite, free, or registered.
Mac.
 
rosscanning said:
Thanks all for your help.

As I’ve mentioned my cable for vcds has packed up so i borrow my friends code reader ( cheap one but usually finds faults ) which didn’t find any codes.

I recently repaired drivers front loom (thanks andy) which eliminated traction light but abs light is on perm still and i know if everything is ok the abs light will go out at 10mph but this doesn’t happen there fore brings on traction light and red exclamation ❗️. Without a good code reader im guessing its a abs sensor itself that need replacing…..? What’s everyones thoughts?

Cheers
Ross
Click to expand...
You need a better scanner by the sound of it. With an issue like that there's definitely some data being stored.
 
rosscanning said:
That’ll be great thank you

great Robin thank you will look into it

I will look into it for sure.

I do prefer using vcds but i think my laptop is on the blink.

Thanks again
Click to expand...

VCDS is a pretty light programme, so maybe you can find a cheap second-hand laptop to run it on. I have a 9-year old laptop that I pretty much exclusively use for it.
 
BearMcPear said:
VCDS is a pretty light programme, so maybe you can find a cheap second-hand laptop to run it on. I have a 9-year old laptop that I pretty much exclusively use for it.
Click to expand...
It'll run on any old machine, mine is about twelve years old, running XP. I did swap the HD for a SSD, to help the aging battery cope.
Mac.
 
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