Fault code readers

[dave j]

I am looking at getting a fault code reader as i hate not being able to do things myself on cars! I have seen some really cheap ones on ebay but are they any good? Does anyone have any reccomendations? My brother 2000 Beetle has about 5 warning lights on it and i usually fix his cars for him but cant help with this one at the moment!

[dieselnutjob]

The cheap ones will only read codes in the engine management ECU. If you have airbag, ABS or anything else faults it won't help. For VWs the VCDS scanner is very, very good but not cheap.

[Skizzer]

What DNJ said. I recently bought an OBD2 code reader and found that either it needs an adapter (which may or may not exist, notably for my Triumph bike) or it doesn't tell me what I need to know, such as which of the Rover's ABS sensors has packed in. The basic OBD2 codes mainly cover 'check engine light' type faults - see the list at http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ for what they cover.

 

If I'd spent a lot I'd be disappointed, but as you say they're cheap and it'll probably be useful for something one day.

[cobblers]

On VWs you're best getting a VAG COM lead. Cheaper than the usual OBD2 scanners and you can piss around with more stuff.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160754560763? ... 161wt_1163

 

It does the trick, used it for all sorts including working out why airbag lights are on and suchlike

[dave j]

Thanks for the replies. Seeing as I seem to always own VW's will have to take a look at VAGCOM. MY neighbour is an RAC patrol man and he has a code reader in his kit but i dont always want to keep bothering him!