Best simple OBDII reader?
08-24-2008, 12:04 PM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best simple OBDII reader?
I'm shopping for a code reader and noticed that the old VAG-COM doesn't seem to get much mention any more. Which unit is considered the best buy for an '01 A6 now? Laptop accessory? My driveway mechanic days are over, but would like to be able to ID and correct simple problems.<ul><li><a href="http://www.diydiagnostics.com/">Any comments on these</a></li></ul>
08-24-2008, 12:41 PM
#2
VAG-COM is the best by far if you have a laptop. For the money the features are excellent. I have
an Actron code reader that I got for like $100 because I have a Honda as well as 2 VAG vehicles. Cable + software for VAG-COM were just under $200, but it is worth like 10 times the price due to the ability to log real time data (like misfires) and change the remote/autolock functions, etc.
If all you want is the cheapest way to read a code, then buy one of these but in my experience many issues require more data that a simple code and the VAG-COM fills that need. Mine paid for itself the first time I used it. Having it makes me wish something similar existed for every vehicle make on the road. You get professional service technician capability at bargain basement prices.
If all you want is the cheapest way to read a code, then buy one of these but in my experience many issues require more data that a simple code and the VAG-COM fills that need. Mine paid for itself the first time I used it. Having it makes me wish something similar existed for every vehicle make on the road. You get professional service technician capability at bargain basement prices.
08-24-2008, 05:11 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A few thoughts...
I looked at the link for which you requested feedback, so here's my opinion...
Your car is an Audi, and it's a '01. That means you probably have a CAN-BUS and require support for it. There is a reader on that page that sells for $150 that has the required features for your car. You might even get away with the CAN-BUS-capable device for $65.99... But I would not risk it. VAG-COM is great, because it is a hardware license for the VAG-COM software. That means you can install the software on any computer you like, as long as you use a Ross-Tech VAG-COM with it. On this forum, VAG-COM is tried and true, and even has its own discussion area. You can ask a question and get a Ross-Tech dev to answer it. You can't beat that level of answerability and explanation, especially when you consider the cost. If you really wanted to, you could also recover some of the cost by renting it out. Since it is a hardware license, you would have no legal issues surrounding the software, and we know it won't short out your ECU or any other part of your bus. It's worth the extra cash, and this is coming from a VAG-COM owner who's had very little reason or opportunity to use it
Your car is an Audi, and it's a '01. That means you probably have a CAN-BUS and require support for it. There is a reader on that page that sells for $150 that has the required features for your car. You might even get away with the CAN-BUS-capable device for $65.99... But I would not risk it. VAG-COM is great, because it is a hardware license for the VAG-COM software. That means you can install the software on any computer you like, as long as you use a Ross-Tech VAG-COM with it. On this forum, VAG-COM is tried and true, and even has its own discussion area. You can ask a question and get a Ross-Tech dev to answer it. You can't beat that level of answerability and explanation, especially when you consider the cost. If you really wanted to, you could also recover some of the cost by renting it out. Since it is a hardware license, you would have no legal issues surrounding the software, and we know it won't short out your ECU or any other part of your bus. It's worth the extra cash, and this is coming from a VAG-COM owner who's had very little reason or opportunity to use it
08-25-2008, 03:36 AM
#5
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VAD Mobile is a good alternative as well...
<a href="http://www.vadmobile.com">klik me</a>
I've been using their software for years. Great form factor as you don't need to drag around a laptop in the car. I leave the palm in the glove-box and grab when I need to clear codes or help a friend (for beers).
I've been using their software for years. Great form factor as you don't need to drag around a laptop in the car. I leave the palm in the glove-box and grab when I need to clear codes or help a friend (for beers).
08-25-2008, 06:13 AM
#6
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is what I did with an ebay cable..... Works Great for non CAN cars
Yours is a non CAN car just like mine.. Email me if you need more details..<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/799446.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/799446.phtml</a</li></ul>
Trending Topics
08-28-2008, 08:34 AM
#8
AudiWorld Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An 01 A6 does not require CAN-Bus support...
If DWC is looking for a simple device, why not consider one that is portable and convenient.
VAD Mobile has its own discussion area in which you can ask questions. It also produces the same Audi specific fault codes and coding options.
And you can keep it in the glove box when you're not using it...
Just a thought...<ul><li><a href="http://www.vadmobile.com">http://www.vadmobile.com</a</li></ul>
VAD Mobile has its own discussion area in which you can ask questions. It also produces the same Audi specific fault codes and coding options.
And you can keep it in the glove box when you're not using it...
Just a thought...<ul><li><a href="http://www.vadmobile.com">http://www.vadmobile.com</a</li></ul>
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
