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Child Item

Cheap OBD2 tool to reset airbag system error

Escapees

Sorry not sure if this is the right place but can't find any car DIY thread...

When working on the car (VW 2007) I had to disconnect the passenger airbag disable switch, but made the mistake of starting the ignition at one point while it was disconnected... Now the airbag system fault indicator comes on every time the car is started!

So I need to check and clear the code via the OBD port. I took a punt on a cheapo bluetooth ELM327 v2.1 OBDII device, but it's only able to get limited info like engine temp etc. I know a bluetooth ELM327 v1.5 is the better bet, but it's hard to know for sure if you're really getting this (and not v2.1) when buying online. Plus I'm seeing some people say that these can't be used to read or clear airbag system errors???

Can a cheapo but genuine ELM327 v1.5 device do the job or do I need something better?

I've come across a self-contained scanner at Mick's Garage but it can't do airbag system stuff:

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

However these ANCEL scanners apparently can and are suited to VWs:

https://carradio.ie/product/ancel-vd500-vag-vw-audi-skoda-obd2-automotive-scanner-full-system-code-reader-airbag-epb-oil-reset-obd-car-diagnostic-tools/

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bladespin

Have used this a few times with no issues:

Forseal OBD2

Escapees

Thanks. I came across this already but it says that it "can not read and erase ABS, SRS(Airbag), and other systems fault codes."

Maybe this isn't quite true though?

User1998

Them small scanners can’t do airbag lights. You need to spend around €80+ to do airbags. Check out some of the Launch products and find the cheapest one that will clear airbag lights, or maybe ask a friendly mechanic to clear the light for you.

Whocare

Might be good idea to say we're about are you someone might help out

Escapees

Thanks for the input. I half like the idea of getting a scanner tool myself just in case, so will buy one alright.

I've seen cheap ones out there like OBDEleven and Carly that do airbags, but the whole subscription model sucks. Any bluetooth scanner in general with a specific app dependency is a bit worrying, as the app developer can pull the plug at any time and stop the app from running when it checks in.

The Launch scanners do look good but are probably out as I'm not willing to pay over a hundred bucks. So I'm leaning towards an ANCEL standalone scanner, once I confirm that it won't lock up after a year if I don't opt to pay for an update.

Luna84

Carly does airbags as I used it on my parents car with my old OBD II scanner. The subscription on Android is all done through Google and you can cancel right away. So pay for a month and cancel when finished.

As I said you give no details to Carly on Android it is all done through Google.

Luna84

….

Atlantic Dawn

I was in the market for a new scanner myself and spotted this Topdon Topscan that seemed to be the best move up from my €20 dongle I have now, it says in the specs it can reset airbags. It's about €75 when using the 15% off voucher...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOPDON-Bluetooth-Wireless-Diagnostic-Performance/dp/B0C99BL9LR

horse7

Looks like it will do the job at a great price, let's know if you get one and it works.

Luna84

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122742504#Comment_122742504

Waste of money. You already have a scanner all you need is one month of Carly and job done.

horse7

How much for a month of carley

Miscreant

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122743489#Comment_122743489

Car brand selection | Carly OBD | Carly OBD

JamBur

Where are you based. there might be someone nearby you that could help

Escapees

Update on this - decided to go with an OBDEleven NextGen Bluetooth device (for 60 quid including shipping) as it's tailored towards VAG and there's no BS with subscriptions after a year like with the Topdon equivalent and some of the other players (Carly, Carista). My runner up was the standalone ANCEL VD500 scanner.

Note that I tried the Carista app with my ELM327 as a one month subscription is only a tenner, but my device was not compatible as it's just a crappy Chinese clone.

horse7

Always good to hear an update, let's know how you get on

Esel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122749907#Comment_122749907

The OBDEleven requires further purchase/subscription(s) to use some/all of the features.

Escapees

That's true, but all the diagnostics and DTC reading/clearing functions can be used indefinitely without any subscription or credits. The latter are geared towards car enthusiasts and mainly for coding and customisation.

As for the Topdon Topscan device on the other hand, you lose all this functionality after a year and the annual subscription cost is then $49!