Car diagnostic computer to diagnose warning lights

waterwatereverywhere

Hi,

We have had a problem with an engine warning light coming on intermittently. We are in the process of trying to get it investigated and whatever the underlying problem is fixed.

Meanwhile, we wondered if we can buy our own computer to be able to diagnose/view/reset the codes ourselves if and when they appear as VW charges £70 a time to do this.

Can anyone recommend a diagnostic computer and will any one work on a VW or do you have to have a VW specific one?

Many thx in advance.

motorguy

Cheapest one i have used is this one..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/U380-OBD2-LCD-Car-Diagnostic-Scanner-Fault-Code-Reader-/251173194823?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3a7b16cc47

Just gives you the code and you have to then look it up online or in a book to understand what it means.

I would probably go for this one if i was buying another - its by autel who are a decent brand and it gives you the code description

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Autel-MaxiScan-MS309-Car-Diagnostic-Code-Reader-tool-OBDII-EOBD-Scanner-/370772461781?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item5653c2c8d5

Personally, i've this one..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Autel-MaxiScan-Ms509-OBD-II-EOBD-Scanner-OBD2-Car-Diagnostic-Code-Reader-/281079475733?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item4171a46e15

kevin_M

I Have a skoda and get the odd error code as well.

I bought a bluetooth reader and downloaded torque free to read and reset my error codes

(if you have a android phone ofc)

forgotmyname

There is a VAGCOM or something its supposed to be very good, Program all sorts of bits and prices in your car.

You dont say what car you have though and what engine and what year. So the reader suggested above may not work on your car.

spacey2012

The vagcom reader will give both sets of codes, OBDii and vag specific codes

dodders

Try joining ukmkivs.net,they have a VCDS(Vag com) owners all round the country and should be able to find someone near you to scan your VW and find the error codes.
Especially if greased with a few beer tokens.
http://uk-mkivs.net/files/folders/vag_com_user_locations/entry2816952.aspx
If you're in Wiltshire,I can help.

motorguy

forgotmyname wrote: »

There is a VAGCOM or something its supposed to be very good, Program all sorts of bits and prices in your car.

You dont say what car you have though and what engine and what year. So the reader suggested above may not work on your car.

VAGCOM is the 'official' software used by VW / Audi. Usually its a copy people run, moreso than buying the original.

The car would need to be very old to not use OBD2. My sister in laws Beetle is a 2000 model and a cheap reader connects to it no problem.

Amaretti_2

Find a garage that does diagnostic tests for free like I just did. If you live in London I can give you the number of the garage I used.

A minor problem costing £20 but I gave him £30 for being so reasonable with me.

motorguy

forgotmyname wrote: »

There is a VAGCOM or something its supposed to be very good, Program all sorts of bits and prices in your car.

You dont say what car you have though and what engine and what year. So the reader suggested above may not work on your car.

VAGCOM is the 'official' software used by VW / Audi. Usually its a copy people run, moreso than buying the original.

The car would need to be very old to not use OBD2. My sister in laws Beetle is a 2000 model and a cheap reader connects to it no problem.

Mankysteve

kevin_M wrote: »

I Have a skoda and get the odd error code as well.

I bought a bluetooth reader and downloaded torque free to read and reset my error codes

(if you have a android phone ofc)

I would second that it amazing.

forgotmyname

motorguy wrote: »

The car would need to be very old to not use OBD2. My sister in laws Beetle is a 2000 model and a cheap reader connects to it no problem.

1996/1997 onwards for most petrol cars, But 2004 onwards for diesels.
Cheap OBDII reader wont work on an older diesel.

Hence the asking what car and its age.

Specific boxes can work on older diesels.