Car Diagnostic Check

BM-AK

Agree need more information.

Why do you suspect its the CAT convertor? Is the car running ok or lumpy?

anewman

Depending on the exact year, you could use something called VCDS-lite, you just need a cable to use with a laptop, e.g. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-409-1-KKL-VAG-COM-OBD-2-II-VW-AUDI-SKODA-SEAT-Cable-/190483230402?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2c59af6ec2 and the software. The VCDS-lite shareware is somewhat restricted but a Google can provide work arounds If it is a newer model with can-bus the cable above won't work. If it is pre OBD2 this will either need an adapter or earlier models will not work at all.

TiTheRev

...or just take it to VW?

anewman

TiTheRev wrote: »

...or just take it to VW?

Or an independent VAG specialist (there's plenty of them) who will charge less and sometimes have a better clue what the code might mean in practice. Some codes can often relate to another fault entirely that is not immediately obvious, that may be common to the car - meaning they can go directly to the fault and replace the smallest amount of parts possible. However, a VW dealer might go by the service manual and replace a number of large expensive parts at your expense until the code vanishes. I am sure there are some good VW dealers who get it right, but I suspect the percentage of good ones is less than those of the independents.

You can sometimes be lucky and find someone with a clue what they're doing on owners forums near you to code scan your car for beer tokens, but they will need to know the exact model and year etc before they know if they can do it or not.

TiTheRev

Or a decent VW dealer (there's plenty of them) who will not charge as much as people think and know EXACTLY what the fault relates to, rather than trying to read a code that might relate to 2/3 things. Some codes can often relate to another fault entirely that is not immediately obvious, that a VW technician will know to be common to the car - meaning they can go directly to the fault and replace the smallest amount of parts possible. However, a VAG specialist might go by the haynes manual and guess at a number of large expensive parts at your expense until the code vanishes. I am sure there are some good VAG specialists who get it right, but I suspect the large percentage of good ones is less than those of the dealers.

You can rarely be lucky and find someone with a clue what they're doing on owners forums near you to code scan your car for beer tokens, but they will need to know the exact model and year etc before they know if they can do it or not.

dodders

Ideally you need someone with the full version of VCDS(Vag-Com) preferably Hex-Usb-can interface this will do Mk3's to Mk6 golfs,(and all V.A.G cars from Skoda's to Bently's)
Have a look on this site

Uk-mkivs.net

They have various members dotted around the country with the various diagnostic equipment and usually help out for a beer token or two and offer great advice when problem diagnosed
google Uk-mkivs.net

TiTheRev

We get the UKMkIV crew in where I work, and its usually a mess of bad advice and bodges.

dodders

^^ Undoubtdley there are, but that goes in every walk of life ,the stories you get about stealers would make your toes curl.
The knowledge I've gained from that forum has been invaluable and gives you the confidence not to get ripped off by stealers or any other garage.Knowledge is king.

Anyway back on topic to the OP,even if you just get a diagnostic print out you can then take it to your chosen garage and that gives them the first step in rectifying any problem.

Foxy-Stoat_3

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ you are about 3 months late, and the OP wanted a FREE test as they have no money to check/service or repair their car.....which we still dont know the year of !