recommend OBD II or VAG-COM scan tool?

bkreigsr · 11-02-2007, 03:04 AM

I'm in the market for a stand-alone (no PC involved) scan unit that will read codes and cancel check engine light for my 2 VW Jetta's (Jetti ?). One is a tdi the other a 2.0 L.
Also, I would like to stay below $300.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Bill K

osidak · 11-02-2007, 04:21 AM

For VW Vag-Com is the only way to go. It emulates the factory tools perfectly allowing you to do anything a dealer can.

masraum · 11-02-2007, 05:35 AM

I'll defer to Osidak that the Vag-Com tool is perfect for VWs.

I really like the scangauge, www.scangauge.com. It's a code reader (including the data from when the code was set), as well as being a digital gauge and a great trip meter. So for the price of lots of other scan tools you get 2 extra tools as well as a scan tool.

bkreigsr · 11-02-2007, 05:52 AM

thank you both
where's a good source for a vag-com scan tool?
I guess I'm going to have to get a pc system involved after all?

Bill K

NICKG · 11-02-2007, 06:03 AM

get the can bus version of vag com..it is very versitile and does the newere cars and the oplder ones, allowing recoding as well

peppy · 11-02-2007, 06:20 AM

I also have the vag com software on my lap top. I do not really use most of it, got it to check timing on my tdi.

Tim Hancock · 11-02-2007, 06:56 AM

I also have Vag-com on my lap top for working on my Audi. IIRC, it was around $200. I do not know of any other systems available to home mechanics.

ValveFloat · ValveFloat's Garage

There is also http://www.vadmobile.com/, you need a Palm instead of a laptop.

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Not to hijack but I'm looking for one (still!) for the 4.7 V8 in my '02 Dodge Ram Quadcab 4x4. Looked at the link on this Scantool and it doesn't say it resets "Check Engine Lights". Anyone know if it DOES do that? Other recommendations for my truck? I['d also prefer something that is a stand alone and doesn't require a laptop interface.

bkreigsr · 11-02-2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Not to hijack but I'm looking for one (still!) for the 4.7 V8 in my '02 Dodge Ram Quadcab 4x4. Looked at the link on this Scantool and it doesn't say it resets "Check Engine Lights". Anyone know if it DOES do that? Other recommendations for my truck? I['d also prefer something that is a stand alone and doesn't require a laptop interface.

Dan, its all the way down the right side of the page under the 'scan tool' heading... "turns off check engine light"..

masraum · 11-02-2007, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Not to hijack but I'm looking for one (still!) for the 4.7 V8 in my '02 Dodge Ram Quadcab 4x4. Looked at the link on this Scantool and it doesn't say it resets "Check Engine Lights". Anyone know if it DOES do that? Other recommendations for my truck? I['d also prefer something that is a stand alone and doesn't require a laptop interface.

www.scangauge.com.

osidak · 11-02-2007, 08:27 AM

vag-com can be purchased from ross-tech.com

uwe is a bit of an arse but he does know his stuff so I tend to over look his flaws. Scangauge is really rather cool but it will just give you the generic obdII codes and not the factory specific codes

Also vag will allow you to recode modules where as any other tool is mainly a scan and clear.

If you have a 2004 or newer car you need to go with the cables that support CAN for total functionality - if you have older and you want to save some money then get a HexKey or USBKey cable. Of course if you upgrade to another Audi or VW then you will need to upgrade the cable as well.

Another suggestion is get on TDIClub and see if someone local to you have a cable. Most people that do are happy to allow you to borrow or let you come over and use it