Auto-diagnostic Software

[jvernon]

Hi all! I've been offered a CD with a load of auto diagnostic software on it. The programs are called:

 

Car Code - OBDII

OBDII Scan Tool

AutoTap Diagnostic Scan Tool

VAG-COM

OBDII Logger

wOBD

VWTOOL

 

If any of these programs are any use to me can anyone advise which one of these is best to use and which cable I need to connect my laptop to my car. I know having this program is not a necessity but I need to diagnose which one of my wheel sensors is causing my ABS fault and I'd rather not pay a fraud dealer. Preferebly I need a ready made cable because I've heard that if you make it yourself and bodge it up you can wreck your ECU electronics. I've been looking on ebay for one but I've got absolutely no idea what I'm looking for.

 

Any help appreciated.

[Masked Marauder]

Or find someone locally who can help with your problem. Where are you located?

[Rallim]

A basic 'isolated' serial cable can be bought on ebay here

 

It is from Canada but I've bought 2 cables both of which arrived in about 7 days. The latest version of VAG-COM requires more intelligent cables which also act as a of protection / licence dongle. Anyway the cable works with the free to download version of VAG-COM.

 

 

Gordon

[jvernon]

Thanks for your replies.

 

Masked Marauder - I had thought about getting it checked at a local garage but I thought if I get VAG-COM and a cable I can check what's wrong the next time my ABS light comes on (guranteed it will).

 

Rallim - So that cable is all I need to connect VAG-COM to my laptop? No other dongles or anything? I assume that OBD II is the connector on my car then? It is a 1999 Galaxy VR6 GhiaX. If you think that there is no chance of me wrecking my electronics through a faulty cable I'll go ahead and buy that one!

 

Thanks again for your replies.

[_dg]

IIRC, the pre facelift models based on the Ford engines have propriatory [Ford] electronics and do not conform the the OBD-II standard.

[Rallim]

I believe it should be OK, but please if anyone else knows different then say so. I have connected mine to my Sharan TDI, to a VW Golf TDI and a Polo 1.4CL with no problems and as yours is a VR6 engine I would have thought it would talk. The 'free' version of the software does have limitations on the monitoring functions and entering codes but it does let you read and reset fault data and monitor measurement values.

 

The only other thing to is I do not think this cable will work with the newest versions of VAG-COM.

 

Gordon

[Rallim]

Sorry I posted just after _dg but had not read his post. From his response you may need to some further investigation before buying the cable... :unsure:

 

Gordon

[_dg]

Search the forum for a post from ' Yurir ' - this has lots of details.

 

Vag-com won't work on pre-facelift ford engines, but Scan Tool may

[Masked Marauder]

Search the forum for a post from ' Yurir ' - this has lots of details.

 

Vag-com won't work on pre-facelift ford engines, but Scan Tool may

I thought the V6 was a VAG engine?

 

And would all the other modules not need VAG-Com as it is all VAG stuff on the car?

[jvernon]

Hi! Thanks everyone for your replies. There all seems to have been a bit of confusion so I decided not to buy that cable and wait for a few more responses on here.

 

MM & DG - I thought that the VR6 was a VW engine, if it's a VW engine will they have installed a VW car management system?

 

Rallim - Is the cable you recommended from a specific eBay member that you have used before or can I just do a search and get any optical-isolated cable if I decide to get one. The version of VAG-COM I have access to is a 2001 version anyway and it's the proper version not the shareware.

 

I have attached a picture of my connector, hope this helps. Is that an OBDII?

 

PS Sorry for the poor quality I had to use my mobile and it was dark :)

 

Thanks again everyone.

[Masked Marauder]

That socket is an OBD2 Socket, BUT uses other pins for the VAG outputs.

 

I think that if you are serious about getting a lead then the way forwards is to get a approved VAG-COM compatible lead and then if you want to licence the software for the advanced features then you have the option to do so.

 

Also bear in mind that the lead will work on almost every VAG produced car, so the potential is there to diagnose faults for family, friends, colleagues and neighbours and perhaps recoup some of the costs, if not actually profit from the purchase.

[Rallim]

Yes that is an obdII plug, looks exactly like mine!

 

I only recommended that particular ebayer as I have bought two cables from him and they have worked and been delivered from Canada in just over a week, but I initially searched ebay for a generic cable... just chose him because of price. I also considered building one from a kit as I found someone that would supply the bits - but in the end I decided it was easier just to buy a pre-made one.

 

I cant say about your version of VAG-COM but the cable I've got works with version 311.2-N with no problems. I would guess if your software license is contained within the software and does not require a the ross-tech cable to authenticate it, it should work.. what does the software docs say?

 

Gordon.

[jvernon]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

MM - I had thought about buying a cable from VAG-COM themselves but there were so many to chose from I just didn't know which one I needed. Also the price put me off. I won't be too gutted if I loose

[_dg]

I was not aware of the V6 being a VW engine, I thought it was just the diesels.

 

I would get the lead from www.skpang.co.uk

 

I got mine from them and it was the best price at the time - better than ebay and import. He seems to know waht he is on about too