Diagnostics/scanning tools - what/how/which

tossy wrote: »

No internet connection lol Ross tech update VCDS at least once a month so it would be quickly out of date. I know they are more expensive but it's worth trying to get a new or second hand one with unlimited VINS as they will hold value pretty well.

If only DIY use do it really matter about update if you can get one for less than 50 euros

Most brands going that way with coding and option changes - have to be connected to mothership with factory or high end box. Diagnostic codes / functions only via stand alone aftermarket scanners. Subscription model will soon take over where you pay per month to have certain options turned on.

As per title – can someone recommend me a good OBD2 app?

I have just replaced the multifunction buttons the steering wheel of my 2014 Octavia vrs after the scroll wheels (on both sides) fell apart. To do so, I needed to disconnect the battery….. and knew this would then cause error messages after I reconnected it. I’m now getting auto start stop / tyre pressure moinitor etc not working.

However, the OBD2 app I have is called ‘OBD2 car doctor’ and it’s not picking up any errors when I connected to it. I’ve also tried ‘scan master’ without any joy either.

Both of these are on an android tablet – as my iOS devices fail to connect to the (Bluetooth) OBD2 device??

Willing to buy a 'pro' version of the right app if needed.
Or do I need to get to a mechanic with proper software tools?




In case anyone else needs to do it also - I followed this tutorial. It’s for a Golf Mk7 but all the key stuff is identical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H-LwAcgn9c

Ive used Torque for years, its great for the live data but doesn't always read all the fault codes in my experience. It picks up some of them.

I got the carly adapter and this seems to be much better at reading and clearing faults, but its quite expensive, €60 euro a year subscription, and about €60 for the adapter.

https://app.mycarly.com/en/result/?c=IE&b=vag&n=Skoda

Whocare wrote: »

I would think you would need a proper diagnosis clear those codes open them modules.but you could put roughly were you are in country and someone with vcds might help could ask as well on autostadt on Facebook

Reply as above most of them obd app only read engine faults in order to read and check the fault codes you have u need a actual deadicated diagnostic machine that will read the different systems on the car. Like the abs the transmission and the Tpms system.

To follow up on this, I left the car overnight and then took a short drive. At first the warning lights came on, but after stopping at the shop for 5 or so mins everything has reset itself ?!?

Bmw123d wrote: »

If your having trouble and your stuck il give ya a dig out it’s a long weekend and if you need help just ask il offer my services

Nice one - thanks for input and offer (unfortunately I’m ~17,000km away )

vectra wrote: »

+1 for OBD11
Brilliant piece of kit.

Used Torque for a long time and now use OBD11.
Lots of nice features and has saved me a good chunk of change already

xFROSTY Gx wrote: »

@OP you should check out Carista. It's mainly aimed at VAG cars and scans general faults as well as more specific ones.

I had Carista.
Not a patch on OBD11

vectra wrote: »

I had Carista.
Not a patch on OBD11

VCDS for vag cars, unbeatable.

Wetbench4 wrote: »

Ive used Torque for years, its great for the live data but doesn't always read all the fault codes in my experience. It picks up some of them.

I got the carly adapter and this seems to be much better at reading and clearing faults, but its quite expensive, €60 euro a year subscription, and about €60 for the adapter.

https://app.mycarly.com/en/result/?c=IE&b=vag&n=Skoda

I'd give up the netflix subscription to fund it, looks like it does more than enough for a diy'er but seems to cater much more for the German brands exclusively

kincaid wrote: »

I was looking for a scanner or software to reset airbags on old 2002 mondeos and transits so any help appreciated

Google Forscan. You can download it for free. All you need is an ELM cable

What's the best diagnostics app and bluetooth adapter to use??

Anyone any experience of Ancel scanners? Am looking at the X6 which appears to have a very impressive specification indeed

Any recommendations for Mercedes (S213 2017).

Nothing wrong but handy to have.

Have used torque in the past with a cheap Bluetooth dingle.

OBD11 definitely has its faults but you only pay for coding in one click apps, a feature rosstech doesn't even offer to be fair. You can still do the coding manually as you would with vcds, the apps just make it one click rather than flipping bits in long coding.

Vcds and obd eleven are capable of the same basic things, obd eleven is a little more capable as it offers all vcds can do and eeprom editing and the one click apps that aren't possible with vcds.

The main advantages of vcds are:

Less bugs, you can be pretty sure whatever you have to do will work.

Better labels for live data, although this is improving with obd eleven.

Logins for security access, both have helpers to give you the login codes you need but vcds has way more of them at this point.

Hi Folks,

Anybody on here familiar with iCarsoft VAWS V.3 - it's a multisystem reset & coding tool for Vag cars. I'm fairly new to all this so would like to get a half decent one for occasional use only.

I didn't look too deep into it but it looks like with Carista, you have to pay extra for the "Advanced" features like resetting service.... Resetting service isn't an advanced feature IMHO.

If you're looking for something long term then go with Autel. Buy cheap, buy twice.