Recommend OBD scanner around €100 budget

MrCostington

I think I have posted several times with ongoing problems with my '02 A4, and on Audi Sport forum too. Basically bad starting when cold. I have changed a few parts as recommended but no fix. There is no check engine light and using my cheapo scanner, linked below, no error codes, so am at a loss where to look for the problem.

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/multimeters-and-electronic-tools/products/3383940/obdii-car-diagnostic-tool-with-large-display-and-code-explanation-multi-lingual

I understand the gold standard for VAG is VCDS, but a) it seems confusing as what is needed to get up and running, b) seems expensive, c) locked into VAG cars, d) needs a laptop to run, mine only works of the mains.

Is there anything out there that will be a lot better than what I already have for about the 100 quid ish price bracket. Lots of youtube videos detail thinks like activating air pumps, reading O2 sensors etc from the scanner, so I think I need to be able to do that. I don't want to remap the engine or modify anything, just diagnose.

Thanks!

You can buy even 10k scanner, you get exactly the same problem. The problem is not the scanner, even 5eur one does some kind of job. The scanner gives to you only the guide but it can show to you completely wrong direction if you start following only the single DTC. You need to have garage service manuals and full wiring diagrams. This is the part where most of the people starts the parts cannon and make only swapnostics. On that forum many members paid hundreds or even thousand(s) of euros thanks for swapnostics and the real problem never solved. Always ask 2nd opinion if estimated price looks too high. You may waste extra money but there is always possibility the initial diagnose was made without real diagnostic (only DTC reading). Everyone can read DTC but not everyone can make the real diagnostics. Sure, I struggle too but I am not blind. You must love oscilloscope, mulimeter, test light etc (not love love, just love. tool love :P). Tell me what you to do if there is network down? No any scanner works if network is down.

Basically you can buy any scanner what can read the live data, because that part is useful.

MrCostington

Thanks. I'm not sure if one of us is on the wrong page, re your mention of getting a 2nd quote, I want to try to fix this myself if possible. As you say, I have left it in before (for something else) ended up spending on parts without a fix, and only recently diagnosed the problem myself.

Are you saying to get a scanner that can read live data?

LOL as it happens I do have a 'scope:)

May be wrong page, book is still the same (or at least the same book shelf / library). I am glad to see how you develop advance level DIY car repair. Generic OBD2 live data may not very accurate but try too look cheap scanner what can read specific manufacturer live data, it can be much more accurate. Still processed data...

MrCostington

Well, I'm trying! I used to be a pretty good DIYer but that was before cars had so much electronics, so just getting back into it now. The 'scope is for other work :)

I just seen there is a stick thread about scanners that I somehow missed. I've not read it all yet, but come across this which says it is brand specific and does live data:

https://www.mycarly.com/plan/?c=IE&b=vag&n=Audi

No mention of the ability to switch things on/off though.

You already know nuts and bolts, only need to learn and figure out bling-bling part on the cars (entertainment - useless extras). Nothing impossible because the exact same basic rules works by modern cars and 100 years old car too. Only big difference is more accurate electronic control.