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jmj120

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've got an '05 Touareg V6.
I'm wanting to get a code reader, got a CEL.
Any advice. Certainly don't want to break the bank, but I'd like to clear these lights without giving the dealer 95 bucks.
 
#3 ·
Usually, you local auto parts store can read codes, some will clear as well as long as it's not a emission related code. What warning lights/messages are you getting?
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
I had the thought about the local Auto Zone at 2AM this morning :)
anyway, I took it up there and the guy read the code in about 10 seconds.
"emission leak, very small" He said it could be a lose gas cap. So.......called the wife (it's her Treg) and told her. She says: "oh yeah, Saturday when I went to my moms, I noticed I had left the gas cap off"...........Problem solved. We cleared the code and hopefully am good to go. I've got the air bag light, but she took it to the dealer and they told her it was the connection under the drivers seat. I'm going to try to tackle that myself. Dealer got 95 dollars to tell her what I had already learned here.
Thanks for all the input. This is a helpful forum.
 
#5 ·
old thread I know but same topic. I was about to buy the Ross-tech VCDS reader but realized it's a lot of money if I want the mobile app version. The PC version is reasonably priced but the idea of lugging a laptop to read codes is a pain. Anyone know of a good vendor for mobile app VAG code reading?
 
#6 ·
joelevy1 said:
old thread I know but same topic. I was about to buy the Ross-tech VCDS reader but realized it's a lot of money if I want the mobile app version. The PC version is reasonably priced but the idea of lugging a laptop to read codes is a pain. Anyone know of a good vendor for mobile app VAG code reading?
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Well there's always OBDeleven. It's not speceific to VAG cars but it's supposedly good too but I haven't used it so I really don't know. I do know that it has a much better interface than VCDS, though. And they have a PRO option for VAG cars that does advanced functions like coding and stuff like that.
 
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#8 ·
A simple reader is not the same as a bi-directional tool.... make sure you understand what you're buying, and what it can be used for.... along with where\how you plan on getting support for using it.... or documentation on it, etc.
 
#10 ·
joelevy1 said:
I think this one is bi-directional and seems to fully support VAG? ANCEL VD500. Seems cheaper and easier than the ross VCDS one. What's the difference?
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From the description it seems to only do basic functions, unlike VCDS, which goes deep into each module and lets you do coding and other advanced functions. The Ancel would be perfectly fine IMHO if all you want is a basic fault code reader and to be able to clear said fault codes.
 
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#11 ·
rgh0 said:
buy yourself a cheap new or used Windows tablet
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Agreed.
This is what I did and it's a tablet with attached keyboard that is dedicated only for use with my VCDS cable. I think I paid like $100 for it.
 
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#12 ·
Most "code readers" only support accessing standard OBD data storage which is defined by regulation in most countries now. VCDS understands all the non standard VW specific data storage for all the VW chassis types and thus enables a much greater degree of interrogaton to understand the cause be it electrical or mechanical and for correction of the issues. It is atleast as good as the VW dealer tools if not better. OBD11 appears to do similalr functions but I dont know how comprehensive its data analysis is compared to VCDS. However its interface is simplified for the Phone App generation which makes complex analysis much harder
 
#15 ·
If you plan on keeping the Treg, you'll most likely end up with VCDS. Then you will have spent $270 rather than just $200. Watch a few videos by Ross-Tech or the Humble Mechanic to see what you can do. I use the Torque app for quick reading of codes and monitoring things but for real-deal, dealer-level capability (dare I say "power"?), VCDS is the go-to. I have no experience with OBD11, but it seems to be pretty capable as well, moreso than most other "cheap" readers. The Ancel you linked seems pretty good, but you can do all that and more with VCDS.

None of us get paid by Ross-Tech but those of us that have it won't use anything else. Look in the pinned threads in the Vag-Com section about mods and tweaks you can do with it. I have done several things with my 2010 - changed my backup cam to stay on for 10 secs after switching out of reverse, changing my lane change blink from 3 to 4, gave myself control of my DRLs in the MFD menu. Lots of things like that in those lists.
 
#16 ·
joelevy1 said:
ok. will do. Yea - it's still not clear to me the exact things I get with VCDS on top of ANCEL VD500. For example, what do folks mean by advanced programming? Can I adjust random settings like lights and warnings?
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Let me ask you something....

Why are you on a Touareg forum? Why not just join\post on a generic car forum instead?
I'd guess it's because you want to benefit from the collective knowledge of its members, and the things they've specifically learned\figured out\fixed on the same vehicle you own.

So, if that's the case, what benefit do you see (other that lower cost) in getting a different tool than everyone else is using to use as your diagnostic method? Who will you ask for help when you don't know how to do something with it? Who will be able to relate to whatever you're experiencing if they have different tools than you do?

Does Ancel have a youtube channel showing how to do all sorts of procedures with it?
Do they have manuals for you to download and study to figure out how to use the tool?
Do they have support numbers you can call for technical support\advice?
Do they have a support forum?
Do they have a comprehensive wiki that guides you through many different codings\routines\procedures?
How many other Ancel users are you in contact with who you can request support from?

Having a tool is one thing.... knowing how to use it, or being able to access information to learn how to make use of it is another.

Getting a deal on a diagnostic tool that you don't know how to use won't gain you much.
 
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