Ventoux Posted August 4, 2003 Report Posted August 4, 2003 Hi all, is someone using engine diagnostic software VAG-COM? As I understood it exists as shareware too. Any experience? V. Quote
Guest reefer Posted August 4, 2003 Report Posted August 4, 2003 I have downloaded the shareware version from ross-tech in the states. But I have to source an interface cable yet. A bit expensive so I'll keep looking around on ebay.As I understand it this shareware version is pretty basic, fault codes etc. You cannot alter any parameters in the PCM like with the full version. probably OK for us DIY mechanics for fault finding when the glow plug light is flashing. Saves Quote
Guest SA Intruder Posted August 4, 2003 Report Posted August 4, 2003 I have the full version. To recoup my investment, I sometimes hire it out. At the moment it is in Crete with my old man (Passat), due back next week. Quote
Ventoux Posted August 4, 2003 Author Report Posted August 4, 2003 I would be satisfied just by basic version. Only for engine monitoring (checking error flags). I will have a look at cables. It should be USB/something, in fact not so difficult interface.Something else is needed? SA, you have been playing with engine parameters (as objector of tunning??) V. Quote
Ivor_E_Tower Posted August 4, 2003 Report Posted August 4, 2003 Many a true word spoken in jest!!! Objector of tuning probably sums SA Intruder up, with regards to the TDI engine! Quote
Guest SA Intruder Posted August 4, 2003 Report Posted August 4, 2003 I may have closed the EGR valve down....or not. It was interesting driving the vehicle and watching the parameters change..... I changed the language on the trip computer too....he he. And looked at km/litre instead of mpg....and then changed them back. I have used it in anger on other VWs for its real purpose. Very useful, but only if you're going to use it regularly. And rather dangerous to play with without due caution. Tuning is not something that is easy to do without screwing yourself, and relies heavily on kidology. The most effective way of getting more power (genuinely) from a pumper (PD) is to increase the injector size. But you will get knock-on effects, and will cost you Quote
Ventoux Posted August 4, 2003 Author Report Posted August 4, 2003 By the way, SA you can also change the tachometer, number of miles? It should not be so difficult... May we, second hand owners, be sure with the displayed value? Quote
Ventoux Posted August 5, 2003 Author Report Posted August 5, 2003 http://www.pc-autodiagnostika.cz/kabel_KCOM_m.jpg about 90,-EUR Quote
Guest JonathanK Posted August 5, 2003 Report Posted August 5, 2003 The OBD connector is just a serial cable with a special plug fitting on one end. There is a pin to pin diagram available on the net for the cable so if anyone can find the connector, making a lead is simple and should be cheap as chips. 90 Euros for a made up cable is taking the p**s when you can buy a 5m serial lead for about Quote
Ventoux Posted August 5, 2003 Author Report Posted August 5, 2003 just found OBD connector (J1962) about 35Eur, perhaps still very high price... the price of 90Eur was for the cable with "data convertor built in the OBD connector" (taken from seller web page),I do not know if really needed, pehaps yes because the com protocol is rather different, is not? However, they say "the shareware is demoversion=useless" you can read error messages but you will see only first one (two?, not all) Does anyone has more experience? Quote
Guest JonathanK Posted August 5, 2003 Report Posted August 5, 2003 Ventoux That's a more realistic price. Where did you see it? Data convertor is BS to boost the price methinks. JK Quote
Guest SA Intruder Posted August 5, 2003 Report Posted August 5, 2003 Be careful...the correct lead has opto-isolation in it. Mine has and provides electrical isolation between the laptop and the vehicle. Mine also has activity indicators on it (LEDs). You can try a straight serial lead if you want..... Quote
Eddie Posted August 5, 2003 Report Posted August 5, 2003 Could you post the link for the pin diagram? Does this work for the Ford, or just VW?Eddie Quote
Ventoux Posted August 5, 2003 Author Report Posted August 5, 2003 In case of Galaxy Ford=VW, quite identical diagnostic. I think the cable is not a question now, if demo is useless.More info at http://www.ross-tech.com/ the prices (for me) are at http://www.pc-autodiagnostika.cz/ and then click at "cenik" and then divide by 46 to get price in GBP. Have a fun! Quote
Sher Posted August 5, 2003 Report Posted August 5, 2003 The ross-tech pages also has French and German pages and as usual the Prices for the complete Package are cheaper than that quoted in dollars. Even though it only comes in an English Version! Quote
Guest JonathanK Posted August 6, 2003 Report Posted August 6, 2003 There are a number of sites that sell just the connector. Omnitec.co.uk is one. But also check out the following: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/scantool/cables.html http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/obdii_hardware.htm This is a pin to pin connection diagram http://www.avt-hq.com/obd_02.pdf or http://www.valuecan.com/vcanobd.htm Cheers JK Quote
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