Do I really need a diagnostic tool?

Oscar4x4 · 27-02-2008, 10:43

Never had a car that needed plugged into before, so forgive my naivity.
Always done my own servicing and rebuilds on bikes and cars.
Intend to do same with this one.

Tried searching for a link but my ignorance of this type of techy stuff means I still don't know even what to ask

.

Can work a computer(just) and resent having to for out for dealer priced servicing

. Most comfortable with a torque wrench tho'.

What do I need that will offer best value over the long term?

ap0gee · 27-02-2008, 10:46

Do a search on here and/or Google for VAG-COM.

(Stop s******ing at the back!

)

Oscar4x4 · 27-02-2008, 10:50

Do I become assimilated by the Borg?

ap0gee · 27-02-2008, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscar4x4

Do I become assimilated by the Borg?

Only if you forget where the 'off' button is!

Gizmo68 · 27-02-2008, 10:52

No you don't NEED one, but they can be really useful at times.
Have a look at the vag-com owners map there should be someone local to you, this is a list of people on here that have Vag-Com and are willing to help others out.

ScoobyChris · 27-02-2008, 11:05

They are useful for you to know if your dealer/garage is trying it on (not that they ever would, of course

), but remember that you ideally need a laptop to use VAG-COM, which can push the price up.

As Gizmo says, it might be more economical to invest in some beer tokens and find a local tame VAG-COMer

Chris

WW_VRS · 27-02-2008, 11:08

I'm in Abingdon, work in Bracknell, and I tend to have the cable with my laptop 'in the bag' mostly

edwardob · 27-02-2008, 12:42

you won't realise how useful it is till you need one!
the dreaded light came one day..and i had a choice...go to the dealer or get the wrenches out.
only thing is i did'nt know what was wrong?what did warning light mean?
i bought cheapo ebay version and got it working....hey presto the two glow plugs where gone and temp sender was dodgy.......two weeks later reversing sensor not working....the bell chime was earthing....yes vag com is useful....new set plugs and temp sender..plus bell chime...all for less 70 euro..plus my own wrench work.....how much would that cost in dealer.???........
..i have original vag com now..since ebay version does'nt really do a thorough job...
even if you bought a cheapo laptop[second hand] and you plan to keep car it's worth it.
i'll be shoot for saying this but try ebay version..[less than 30 euro]...once you get taste you'll want more.....and probably by original!

there's an idea for vag com guys listening...why don't you sell cheapo version as a taster....instead of those ebayers taking your dineros

bearthebruce · 27-02-2008, 13:22

Why do you think the shareware versions are available on our website? We don't object to the legal and real aftermarket inexpensive cables.

We object to the ones that steal our dongle style product - those are outright rip offs and theft of our work. They are illegal.

There are known issues with the quality of the aftermarket cables provided on ebay. Would you buy a "cheap" cable from Ross-Tech? We doubt it. The majority would buy the lowest priced product and we frankly do not want to compete at that quality level.

Make sense?

edwardob · 27-02-2008, 15:08

i'm` only speaking as a joe bloggs whose interested in fixing his car....vag com is very useful product..no mistake....

i was only winding you guys up a bit......
after all i'm a customer anyway

ultra_joel88 · 27-02-2008, 15:19

my mate over in hereford has a golf mk4.

he got a cheap vag com off ebay and wishes he'd bought the real thing!!

ScoobyChris · 27-02-2008, 15:27

You might not want to advertise that fact, mate

Chris

fordfan · 27-02-2008, 19:41

A diagnostic tool will not always tell you what is wrong, what it will give you are the symptoms of the cause of the fault. This is where Ross Tech come into their own, as they don't just put the cables together they develop the software which gives them (in my opinion) an unrivalled knowledge of VW vehicle sytems. With a genuine dongle cable or the registered software you get access to this. In the scheme of things the £400 or so for a cable and lap top will be more than saved in years to come - if you plan on running VW vehicles, if you don't, there is still the OBDII functionality for compatible non VW vehicles. A HEX + CAN USB cable will be future proof and is backwards compatible with K line diagnostics.

edwardob · 27-02-2008, 20:45

once we go to modern cars..i'm afraid we're stuck with electronics.for the most part we're replacing broken bits....and not fixing them like old days...with blood and sweat...........
so a tool like vag com becomes part of your tool kit
does not a good set quality tools not also cost a lot of money.
as for working a computer well that's another thing!!!!
although if you can use a mobile phone's software............the baics in vag com will be easy...all you have to do is turn computer on..and click on your vag software and your away......with a small learning curve[at least for the basics]

i'd say to Oscar4x4 to go for it...you'll find it a big plus to your normal servicing and fixing......saving a few bob along the way..long term

WW_VRS · 27-02-2008, 22:06

I paid for the full job a couple of years ago, straight from the ross-tech site, no discount at the time. I have saved the money back already.

Oscar4x4 · 28-02-2008, 10:05

Thanks chaps...I'm almost convinced. Do we get a Ross Tech discount? Or are they just a front for the Borg? I have an old pc running windowsXP- i can put in the garage- would that be ok instead of a lapdancer, sorry, that was last night, laptop?

edwardob · 28-02-2008, 11:41

windows xp is fine....a pc should do....the only thing is you might need a longer usb cable to reach your car...or put it on a trolly.....
it is possible to buy longer cable or usb hub anyway....although ross tech i think have one with longer cable...which is more expensive i think

if your experimenting with ebay version ..you'll need to buy longer cable or hub

ScoobyChris · 28-02-2008, 12:24

If you're looking to use the free older version of VAG-COM and you're PC is sufficiently old, you'd be better off with a serial cable, IMHE. They're also cheaper to make if you're that way inclined.

Chris

RichB86 · 03-03-2008, 16:47

how much is just the cable from ross tech to cover a mk1 vrs? (confussled with all the cables there are)

fordfan · 03-03-2008, 19:46

This will do the MKI:

Ross-Tech: KEY-USB Interface

27-02-2008, 10:43	#1
Oscar4x4 Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Shropshre Wales border Posts: 14 Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Do I really need a diagnostic tool? Never had a car that needed plugged into before, so forgive my naivity. Always done my own servicing and rebuilds on bikes and cars. Intend to do same with this one. Tried searching for a link but my ignorance of this type of techy stuff means I still don't know even what to ask. Can work a computer(just) and resent having to for out for dealer priced servicing. Most comfortable with a torque wrench tho'. What do I need that will offer best value over the long term?

27-02-2008, 10:46	#2
ap0gee ASZ Eternal Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Leafy Chesh-shire Posts: 6,516 Thanks: 322 Thanked 315 Times in 271 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? Do a search on here and/or Google for VAG-COM. (Stop s******ing at the back! ) __________________

27-02-2008, 10:50	#3
Oscar4x4 Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Shropshre Wales border Posts: 14 Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? Do I become assimilated by the Borg?

27-02-2008, 10:52	#5
Gizmo68 Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hawkinge Kent Posts: 1,223 Thanks: 12 Thanked 67 Times in 64 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? No you don't NEED one, but they can be really useful at times. Have a look at the vag-com owners map there should be someone local to you, this is a list of people on here that have Vag-Com and are willing to help others out.

27-02-2008, 11:05	#6
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,126 Thanks: 15 Thanked 327 Times in 285 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? They are useful for you to know if your dealer/garage is trying it on (not that they ever would, of course ), but remember that you ideally need a laptop to use VAG-COM, which can push the price up. As Gizmo says, it might be more economical to invest in some beer tokens and find a local tame VAG-COMer Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

27-02-2008, 11:08	#7
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,738 Thanks: 44 Thanked 70 Times in 61 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? I'm in Abingdon, work in Bracknell, and I tend to have the cable with my laptop 'in the bag' mostly __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

27-02-2008, 12:42	#8
edwardob Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: ireland Posts: 119 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? you won't realise how useful it is till you need one! the dreaded light came one day..and i had a choice...go to the dealer or get the wrenches out. only thing is i did'nt know what was wrong?what did warning light mean? i bought cheapo ebay version and got it working....hey presto the two glow plugs where gone and temp sender was dodgy.......two weeks later reversing sensor not working....the bell chime was earthing....yes vag com is useful....new set plugs and temp sender..plus bell chime...all for less 70 euro..plus my own wrench work.....how much would that cost in dealer.???........ ..i have original vag com now..since ebay version does'nt really do a thorough job... even if you bought a cheapo laptop[second hand] and you plan to keep car it's worth it. i'll be shoot for saying this but try ebay version..[less than 30 euro]...once you get taste you'll want more.....and probably by original! there's an idea for vag com guys listening...why don't you sell cheapo version as a taster....instead of those ebayers taking your dineros

27-02-2008, 13:22	#9
bearthebruce Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 54 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? Why do you think the shareware versions are available on our website? We don't object to the legal and real aftermarket inexpensive cables. We object to the ones that steal our dongle style product - those are outright rip offs and theft of our work. They are illegal. There are known issues with the quality of the aftermarket cables provided on ebay. Would you buy a "cheap" cable from Ross-Tech? We doubt it. The majority would buy the lowest priced product and we frankly do not want to compete at that quality level. Make sense? __________________ -Bruce- Ross-Tech, LLC bruce@Ross-Tech.com

27-02-2008, 15:08	#10
edwardob Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: ireland Posts: 119 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? i'm` only speaking as a joe bloggs whose interested in fixing his car....vag com is very useful product..no mistake.... i was only winding you guys up a bit...... after all i'm a customer anyway

27-02-2008, 15:19	#11
ultra_joel88 Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Brecon/ Cardiff Posts: 2,275 Thanks: 21 Thanked 82 Times in 80 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? my mate over in hereford has a golf mk4. he got a cheap vag com off ebay and wishes he'd bought the real thing!! __________________ '04 Fabia VRS - 312mm Brakes, Whiteline RARB, SEAT Sport Strut Brace, Pipercross Panel Filter & PD160 Intake, Pioneer and Infinity ICE, Custom exhaust system w/ de-cat, CCV Bypass w/ Catch Can, Boost + Volt Gauge, Window Tints Last edited by VRStu; 27-02-2008 at 16:34. Reason: I think you know why

27-02-2008, 15:27	#12
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,126 Thanks: 15 Thanked 327 Times in 285 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? You might not want to advertise that fact, mate Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

27-02-2008, 19:41	#13
fordfan ECUless Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,957 Thanks: 30 Thanked 225 Times in 196 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? A diagnostic tool will not always tell you what is wrong, what it will give you are the symptoms of the cause of the fault. This is where Ross Tech come into their own, as they don't just put the cables together they develop the software which gives them (in my opinion) an unrivalled knowledge of VW vehicle sytems. With a genuine dongle cable or the registered software you get access to this. In the scheme of things the £400 or so for a cable and lap top will be more than saved in years to come - if you plan on running VW vehicles, if you don't, there is still the OBDII functionality for compatible non VW vehicles. A HEX + CAN USB cable will be future proof and is backwards compatible with K line diagnostics.

27-02-2008, 20:45	#14
edwardob Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: ireland Posts: 119 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? once we go to modern cars..i'm afraid we're stuck with electronics.for the most part we're replacing broken bits....and not fixing them like old days...with blood and sweat........... so a tool like vag com becomes part of your tool kit does not a good set quality tools not also cost a lot of money. as for working a computer well that's another thing!!!! although if you can use a mobile phone's software............the baics in vag com will be easy...all you have to do is turn computer on..and click on your vag software and your away......with a small learning curve[at least for the basics] i'd say to Oscar4x4 to go for it...you'll find it a big plus to your normal servicing and fixing......saving a few bob along the way..long term

27-02-2008, 22:06	#15
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,738 Thanks: 44 Thanked 70 Times in 61 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? I paid for the full job a couple of years ago, straight from the ross-tech site, no discount at the time. I have saved the money back already. __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

28-02-2008, 10:05	#16
Oscar4x4 Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Shropshre Wales border Posts: 14 Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? Thanks chaps...I'm almost convinced. Do we get a Ross Tech discount? Or are they just a front for the Borg? I have an old pc running windowsXP- i can put in the garage- would that be ok instead of a lapdancer, sorry, that was last night, laptop?

28-02-2008, 11:41	#17
edwardob Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: ireland Posts: 119 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? windows xp is fine....a pc should do....the only thing is you might need a longer usb cable to reach your car...or put it on a trolly..... it is possible to buy longer cable or usb hub anyway....although ross tech i think have one with longer cable...which is more expensive i think if your experimenting with ebay version ..you'll need to buy longer cable or hub

28-02-2008, 12:24	#18
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,126 Thanks: 15 Thanked 327 Times in 285 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? If you're looking to use the free older version of VAG-COM and you're PC is sufficiently old, you'd be better off with a serial cable, IMHE. They're also cheaper to make if you're that way inclined. Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

03-03-2008, 16:47	#19
RichB86 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 831 Thanks: 37 Thanked 31 Times in 30 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? how much is just the cable from ross tech to cover a mk1 vrs? (confussled with all the cables there are) __________________ Must Go Faster

03-03-2008, 19:46	#20
fordfan ECUless Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,957 Thanks: 30 Thanked 225 Times in 196 Posts	Re: Do I really need a diagnostic tool? This will do the MKI: Ross-Tech: KEY-USB Interface

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