Help Needed With Vag-com

[AndyLT]

Hello,

recently, I bought a cheap VAG-COM cable and wanted to do some diagnostics for my 2002 Ford Galaxy 1.9TDI.

I used VAG-COM 409.1 software and my netbook.

 

I followed the instructions and the connection was accepted by the software. But when I tried to browse through Control Modules, I could only access 18-Aux. Heat. The others were giving this error:

http://i.imgur.com/VRbuz.jpg

 

As VAG-COM system wasn't designed specifically for Ford, I decided to scan for Control Modules and came up with these results:

Address 09: Cent. Elect.
  Protocol: KW1281
  Controller: 7M3 962 258 R
  Component:    Multifunkt.Einh  0001
  Coding: 16385
  Shop #: WSC 00020

Skipping Address 15-Airbags

Address 17: Instruments
  Protocol: KW1281
  Controller: 7M5 920 800 E
  Component: KOMBIINSTRUMENT VDO V57
  Coding: 01101
  Shop #: WSC 01731

Address 18: Aux. Heat
  Protocol: KW1281
  Controller: 7M3 815 071 
  Component: HEIZG. B/D5W       0001

Address 3F: Unknown Address: 3F
  Protocol: KW1281
  Controller: 

 

Now I guess there should be 10+ Control Modules. Why weren't they discovered?

 

• If the problem lies in the cable, software, netbook or compatibility, why can I access some Modules?
  
• A year ago, service guy managed to connect to Engine Module, so I have to dismiss hardware issues.
  

 

So what else could cause such problem? Any help is highly appreciated! :D

 

Besides, not sure if it's important, but my car didn't pass OBD-II compatibility test:

http://i.imgur.com/MMpR6.jpg

[Mirez]

Hi Andy, you'll be using a USB cable I take it? VAG-Com is quite old now and was written back in the day when USB didn't exist - over the years its been tweaked so it can work but its designed for serial communications which is WAY slower then USB. Most report using VCDS (the new name for VagCom) works much better with USB cables.

 

The problems you are experiencing are almost certainly down to communication errors with the computer trying to communicate too quickly with the car.

 

There are a number of tweaks you can make to the software to attempt to correct the issue and you'll find a quite in depth thread on here regarding it if you search for VAGCOM issues.

[AndyLT]

Thanks a lot for your response, Mirez.

 

Yes, I use USB cable on Windows XP. I tried both VAG-COM 409.1 and VCDS Lite getting the same results.

I read quite a few threads here covering VAG-COM issues, I tried lowering latency, as suggested, with no results.

 

Ok, so you suggest to decrease the speed of the cable. When I open USB Serial Port properties, I see it's possible to adjust:

• Bits per second
  
• USB transfer sizes
  

 

I will try lowering these values.

Although, VAG-COM software options are very confusing, not sure what to adjust:

http://i.imgur.com/uyjjx.jpg

 

Any more ideas, links?

[chrispb123456]

Thanks a lot for your response, Mirez.

 

Yes, I use USB cable on Windows XP. I tried both VAG-COM 409.1 and VCDS Lite getting the same results.

I read quite a few threads here covering VAG-COM issues, I tried lowering latency, as suggested, with no results.

 

Ok, so you suggest to decrease the speed of the cable. When I open USB Serial Port properties, I see it's possible to adjust:

• Bits per second
  
• USB transfer sizes
  

 

I will try lowering these values.

Although, VAG-COM software options are very confusing, not sure what to adjust:

http://i.imgur.com/uyjjx.jpg

 

Any more ideas, links?

Hi Andy

You shouldn't have to alter any settings apart from latency down to 3 are you sure the COM port number on vagcom options screen matches the COM ports in device manager

[AndyLT]

Hi Andy

You shouldn't have to alter any settings apart from latency down to 3 are you sure the COM port number on vagcom options screen matches the COM ports in device manager

Hi,

yes, I'm sure about COM port match. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to connect to some Controllers.

 

I will try using VAG-COM 311.2, as some report such problems get fixed with it. Dunno what else to try... Maybe another laptop?

[AndyLT]

Anyone got more ideas? :lol:

[AndyLT]

I've tried older VAG-COM and the new VCDS-Lite. All give the same results.

This is port test results:

 

http://i.imgur.com/Ia3Jy.jpg

 

Good latency was achieved after adjusting port settings.

[alanfp]

If only I knew what you were all talking about, :lol: I could probably help you

[gregers]

i know what there talking about,but still dont understand how some people have no trouble running it and others have no end of problems with it.ME incluced.

[billywizzo]

Hi

I can only suggest you uninstall everything including the cable driver and then reinstall after a restart.

Also make sure that in device manager on the laptop that the cable is the correct port and only use that usb port to plug the cable into.Different usb ports make it a different com port so vagcom wont find it unless you retest.Also plug in the cable before starting vagcom.

If it is reading one module it should read all of them.

You have tried it with the engine running.

I know that mine will only read the engine module with the engine running.

Only things I can think of .

 

Bill

[chrispb123456]

Hi Andy

You shouldn't have to alter any settings apart from latency down to 3 are you sure the COM port number on vagcom options screen matches the COM ports in device manager

Hi,

yes, I'm sure about COM port match. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to connect to some Controllers.

 

I will try using VAG-COM 311.2, as some report such problems get fixed with it. Dunno what else to try... Maybe another laptop?

Hi Andy

I must be honest I had similar problem when I first had mine, I wanted to connect to auto transmission to check oil temperature.

Tried uninstalling then reinstalling vagcom software but made no difference.

I ended up putting the recovery disc in the laptop and reloading everything it then worked OK first time.

Have since had to reboot laptop for other reasons and recently started using VCDS lite and on the Ross-Tech web site they tell you to reduce the latency from 16 (default) down to 3.

What modules can you connect to? you cant use the autoscan unless it's the full version, you will have to try each one seperatly and there will be a lot that are not relevent to your car depending on spec