Snap-On Solus Pro?

[criley2145]

I tried doing a search to see if this has been covered already, but came up empty handed. I'm new to the forum so forgive me if I missed something.

I have an '03 A4 1.8t. The ESP light on dash comes on occasionally while I'm driving, and the only remedy is to turn the ignition off and back on. I assume this stores a code. I have an appointment scheduled at the mechanic but...

I have access to a Snap-On Solus Pro. I will try hooking it up later this weekend, but I was wondering if anyone knew if this machine works with European cars. I've hooked it up to a few American and Japanese cars but I've never tried an Audi.

Thanks.

[Johnny1.8T]

Any of the Snap- On scan tools should work with an Audi. They are meant for Independent shops and individuals who want to spend the money on one. Theres actually a lot of cool things you can do to help diagnose cars rather than just read codes. You can scope sensors to see if they are working properly and stuff and many more things. I just graduated from UTI (go ahead and give me crap for it) last week and we used all Snap- On scan tools such as the Modis, Solus, and the Ethos and they can all perform generic functions like reading codes and erasing them. I dont think you should have any problem reading the code(s) your car may have stored

[Kittrell]

I just graduated from UTI (go ahead and give me crap for it)

Hey, thanks guy. So does it hurt when you pee?

[Johnny1.8T]

Hey, thanks guy. So does it hurt when you pee?

It hurts to piss away all the money involved in that damn school

[Rausch]

It will work if you have the vw/ Audi add on package. Otherwise you will be using generic obd2. Which isn't as powerful as manufacturer specific.

[Scotts Elle]

I have a Solus Pro. You really have to know how to use it. Its not as simple as plug and play... You have to have the European package, proper connector keys and the connector (about $1500 upgrade if I recall correctly). You can also screw up your car with it so be careful. I can read everything that VAGCOM can read and more. Its an advanced diagnostic tool, not a code reader. For example: I was able to test the comfort control module through the Solus by setting the alarm, rolling up and down the windows, lock and unlocking, etc.... all from the Solus. I was also able to test the coolant temp gauge by sending fake readings and move the gauge without the engine running. Being able to test each system independently cuts your day in garage by hours. This list of things you can do with it is pretty extensive. Here is just a portion of screen shots of the menus and the individual modules I can communicate with and some I can even program.

[criley2145]

Thanks for the info. The solus is a mechanics' that I know, but he's not around to show me exactly how to use it. I plugged it in this morning and found he doesn't have the European software. No go. I guess I'm stuck taking it into the shop...

[old guy]

Before you take it to the shop try cleaning your MAF sensor and drive it for a few days.

[Outerfroggy1]

Im not a huge fan of the solus, I've used it a few times in the past but much prefer the OTC scan tools, such as the genesys.

No keys to break or lose, scans pretty much everything from hondas to kenworths.

[criley2145]

old guy -

to clean the MAF i take the sensor out and soak it in maf cleaner? never done this before. i got it out and have new screws to replace the "tamper proof" audi screws. the sensor its self doesn't look dirty at all... would it be visibly dirty if it's causing my esp light to come on?

thanks.

[old guy]

You don't need to soak it. Just spray it down with some MAF cleaner. It won't necessarily be visibly dirty. all it takes is a slight film on the sensor. Once it dries just put it back in and see if it makes a difference. MAF cleaner evaporates very quickly so it will take less than a minute to dry.

[criley2145]

Thank you so much. I cleaned the MAF and then drove around for over an hour and no ESP light!! Now I just need to figure out why my headlight is dipping. It's happening more and more frequently, mostly when I brake, and not very hard either...