What type of ENGINE CODE SCANNER should I buy for B7 Audi A4? Engine sputtering

[Jmanrueng]

Hi All,

I've heard different terms/names thrown out for engine code scanners - VAGCOM, OBDIII, etc - and I'm wondering what exactly to buy in order to read fault codes.

My car is presently sputtering in mid to low RMP when full acceleration is applied in gears 3-6. Not sure what the cause could be - I have 123,000 miles. Thinking of changing the spark plugs and coil packs. Upgraded APR Stage 1 with new Diverter Valve are the only mods I've done.

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

The hex can is hands down our biggest seller... does everything you would need. It will scan the car, tell you what code, and also tell you what needs to be done to get rid of the CEL. You can do tons of mods such as unlocking settings that are only available in other parts of the world etc... hands down the best "scanner" money can buy.



If you own an Audi or VW you need a powerful tool that will help keep your vehicle on the road. Ross-Tech's VCDS helps diagnose real problems instead of swapping out costly parts. With features found only on dealer level factory tools, VCDS surpasses the performance of aftermarket diagnostic tools and rivals factory tools for a fraction of the cost. Always know exactly how your vehicle is running instead of paying someone else to diagnose the problems, usually leaving you with a huge repair bill.

With Ross-Tech's VCDS you can:

• Gain full access to all systems in cars from 1990 through the current model year
• Scan for and clear DTC's with 13,000 fault codes decoded into plain text
• Alter settings normally accessible only to dealerships
• Code replacement modules and select options
• View and log live date and much more!

EuropaParts.com is an official distributor of Ross-Tech's VAG-COM Diagnostic Systems for Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda vehicles. We ship worldwide!


We have all Ross-Tech products in stock... CLICK HERE to view our entire Ross-Tech catalog which includes;

• Diagnostic Tools
• Professional Kits
• Extension Cables
• Adapters

VAG-COM Diagnostic Tool with HEX-USB+CAN Interface

Essential for any Audi / Volkswagen owner, this VAG-COM cable and software will allow you to perform the same advanced computer diagnostics as your Authorized dealer. In addition, you will be able to perform various country-specific modifications to your car (removing seat belt chime, enabling gauge test/needle sweep, enabling lap timer, operating windows and sunroof with remote, and much more).

• Works with all diagnostic-capable Audi / Volkswagen cars from 1990 through the current model year.
• Acts as a "dongle" - activation for the full-function version of VCDS software is built-in!
• Use VCDS software on any suitable PC with an available USB port - no activation codes required.
• Bi-Color (red/green) status/activity LED.
• 12-month guarantee against defects.
• Visit Ross-Tech's HEX-USB+CAN technical page for more information.

FREE insured ground shipping within the 48 contiguous United States. Inexpensive next day and international shipping is available at checkout.

Turn your PC into a powerful diagnostic tool!

VAG-COM Diagnostic Tool with Micro-CAN Interface

This Micro-CAN cable is a low-cost interface is compatible only with the Audi A3 (8P chassis), Audi TT MK2 (8J chassis), and VW Golf MkV-based cars sold in the North American market. See Ross-Tech's Micro-CAN technical page for a list of compatible models.

• Acts as a "dongle". No "Software Activation" required! When used with this interface, VAG-COM is always fully-functional on any PC that meets our requirements.
• USB connector plugs into most modern laptops! (USB 1.1 or 2.0)
• Bi-Color (red/green) status/activity LED
• 12 month guarantee against defects
• For more details and a list of supported models, see Ross-Tech's Micro-CAN technical page.

VAG-COM Mods

Your Audi has a few secrets that can be activated with this tool. For example,

• Removing Seatbelt Chime
• Enabling Gauge Test/Needle Sweep
• Enabling Lap Timer
• Operating Windows and Sunroof with Remote
• And much more...

VAG-COM Diagnostic System (Professional Kit, USB Interface)

Everything a busy shop needs to turn a PC into powerful diagnostic tools for VW, Audi, Seat, or Skoda automobiles. This VAG-COM Professional Kit gives the technician a handy carrying case with all the items needed including:

• One (1) x HEX-USB+CAN Professional Interfaces
• One (1) x Extension cables
• VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars
• VCDS Software on CD-ROM
• A Full Color Printed Manual
• Live Telephone Technical Support for One Year!

VAG-COM Diagnostic System (2-Tech Professional Kit, USB Interface)

Everything a busy shop needs to turn two PC's into powerful diagnostic tools for VW, Audi, Seat, or Skoda automobiles. This 2-Tech Professional Kit gives the technician a handy carrying case with all the items needed including:

• Two (2) x HEX-USB+CAN Professional Interfaces
• Two (2) x Extension cables
• VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars
• VCDS Software on CD-ROM
• A Full Color Printed Manual
• Live Telephone Technical Support for One Year!

For the shop that specializes in VW/Audi work, this Pro kit equips 2 techs and 2 computers!

VAG-COM Diagnostic System (Ultra Professional Kit, USB Interface)

This VCDS Ultra Professional Kit is a turn-key factory-level diagnostic system for cars made by the VW/Audi group. VCDS software running on the included Netbook PC provides full support for vehicles from 1990 through the current model year. VCDS will access all diagnostic capable control modules with the ability to read and clear fault codes, adapt modules, perform basic settings, and read/log/graph live data.

Ross-Tech offers these small powerful, full featured Netbook computers with a 10 inch LCD display, a 160Gbyte or larger rotating hard disk drive, and wireless connectivity for 802.11b/g/n networks.

Free updates of the VCDS software are available via the Internet to keep the tool current.

The VCDS Ultra Pro-Kit gives independent shops the ability to perform diagnostics at a level comparable to factory equipped dealerships at a price/performance ratio unmatched by any other product on the market. Let VCDS help put money in your pocket!

Ross-Tech will provide a Netbook PC from a major manufacturer such as ASUS, Dell or Samsung. The exact model of PC will be dependent upon availability at the time of order.

• Netbook PC running Windows 7
• VCDS pre-installed, ready to run
• OpenOffice Spreadsheet by Sun pre-installed
• Recovery flash drive
• HEX-USB+CAN Professional Interface
• VAS 5051 2x2 adapter for pre-1995 model years
• 16' USB extension cable
• VCDS manual
• Netbook PC manuals
• Power adapter for the Netbook PC
• Full manufacturer's warranty for the Netbook PC
• Carrying/Storage case
• Live Telephone Technical Support for One Year!

VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars

This adapter connects between the 2x2 port in older vehicles (pre-OBDII; pre-1996) to the OBDII connector used for current generation diagnostic tools. Use this adapter in conjunction with the VAG-COM cable to run diagnostics on older Audi and VW's.

VAG-COM USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable (16 feet, 5 meters)


This VAG-COM USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable is used to extend the reach of a Ross-Tech USB Interface from the computer to the vehicle. It connects between the USB port on the computer to the USB plug on the interface. The length of this cable is 16 feet or 5 meters.

It is constructed of high quality signal cable and active repeater electronics which boost the USB signal for maximum reliability and performance over extended distances.

Up to two (2) of these cables can be plugged together to extend the reach of a Ross-Tech interface to a maximum of 38 feet (12m). Ross-Tech has tested and certified this length of extension. Lengths beyond 38 feet on the USB cables are neither recommended nor supported.

Please Note: these are the only USB extension cables Ross-Tech will support at this time. They have tested them extensively and found them to perform to their standards.

[WalkerT]

I have and use a generic over the counter OBD2 scan tool. Read codes on all my cars (BMW/Audi) so it is more useful to buy one that you can use on several different models. If you want to change you coding in the ECU for different functions then buy the Ross tech or ebay cable.

[aluthman]

I have a craftsman scanner that will scan and clear codes. It was about $100 IIRC. I also have the ross-tech cable and it is infinitely more useful on my car though. Apparently, I will also be able to read and clear codes with Maestro when that gets delivered.

[Jay-Bee]

Android phone users have the benefit of a 20$ ELM327 OBD bluetooth module.. i've used it dozens of times... and can display gauges if you mount a phone/tablet in the car. the Torque app is only 5 bucks... best 25$ you can spend on a car.

There's a whole thread about it.

[Jmdavis13]

Android phone users have the benefit of a 20$ ELM327 OBD bluetooth module.. i've used it dozens of times... and can display gauges if you mount a phone/tablet in the car. the Torque app is only 5 bucks... best 25$ you can spend on a car.

There's a whole thread about it.

Any tech savy guys think you could use this with a jail broken iPhone?

[Jmdavis13]

Or has anyone tried the "Plx kiwi 2 wifi"
Says it does everything for the iPhone

[IKE20VA4]

Vag Com is all I have ever needed for my VAG cars... Has paid for itself a few times over...

[jsandor91]

Or has anyone tried the "Plx kiwi 2 wifi"
Says it does everything for the iPhone

you can probably buy a cheap android tablet torque and the Bluetooth scanner for less then the cost of that.

easiest thing you could do is buy a 1-2 year old used android phone and just use it for that.

[wildcat333]

this thread inspired me to finally get something!
rebooted my old Droid phone and downloaded the Torque app over wifi, and bought an ELM blutooth OBD2 port dongle thing on Amazon. Should be good.

[jsandor91]

this thread inspired me to finally get something!
rebooted my old Droid phone and downloaded the Torque app over wifi, and bought an ELM blutooth OBD2 port dongle thing on Amazon. Should be good.

when i tell people i can clear check engine lights with my phone.... they're like are you a hacker or something haha

[wildcat333]

when i tell people i can clear check engine lights with my phone.... they're like are you a hacker or something haha

Ya! Can't wait. I also cannot believe my Droid Incredible ( original) from 2010 actually works properly still.

[Toasted Coastie]

I use it with my Nexus 7. Comes in handy, but DOES NOT show hidden or stored codes that VAGCOM will. For instance, my car had 2 stored codes that the Tourque app never caught that my tuner did catch with the cable.... There was a misfire code as well as a "low fuel level" code.

I thought it was because my plugs were gapped wrong, so I changed them out with plugs properly, and I still get an occasional misfire. I probably will have to change out injectors, and I need to find a shop local to me that will do a carbon cleaning (by hand, no BG this time)

[wildcat333]

I use it with my Nexus 7. Comes in handy, but DOES NOT show hidden or stored codes that VAGCOM will. For instance, my car had 2 stored codes that the Tourque app never caught that my tuner did catch with the cable.... There was a misfire code as well as a "low fuel level" code.

I thought it was because my plugs were gapped wrong, so I changed them out with plugs properly, and I still get an occasional misfire. I probably will have to change out injectors, and I need to find a shop local to me that will do a carbon cleaning (by hand, no BG this time)

East Coast European in Greenland, NH does carbon cleanings.

[Jay-Bee]

Any tech savy guys think you could use this with a jail broken iPhone?

Nope, it has something to do with the way the bluetooth drivers run on iOS. That kiwi thing is expensive and the only app on the apple store I know of costs a decent amount too... I know some one on here runs it (Operator maybe?)

[Jmanrueng]

I purchased a Ross-Tech cable per the forums recommendation and I really love the device! I'm now trying to learn how to best log data now to determine if I'm loosing any performance/not getting the appropriate amount of boost from the turbo. Thanks!

[Obsidian]

Just an FYI...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...95#post8823595

[gdlkn84as]

Dual welding Ross-tech and Torque!!!! My Bluetooth stays plugged in to show it off and vagcom has been so useful with everything else!!!

I recommend everybody get both!!!!

[Jmdavis13]

Nope, it has something to do with the way the bluetooth drivers run on iOS. That kiwi thing is expensive and the only app on the apple store I know of costs a decent amount too... I know some one on here runs it (Operator maybe?)

But you can change most of that with jail breaking. I usto have it so I could stream Bluetooth music like a call was going through the car. Kindof bad quality though

[kloeb2]

I'm rockin vagcom, torque, maestro, and a cheapo obd2 scanner for codes/logging. I'm pretty well equipped :)

Sent from my HTC Hero S using Tapatalk 2

[Operator]

Nope, it has something to do with the way the bluetooth drivers run on iOS. That kiwi thing is expensive and the only app on the apple store I know of costs a decent amount too... I know some one on here runs it (Operator maybe?)

I use Logworks OT-2 wifi and their free Logworks app (plus their PC software). You can find the OT-2 cable on ebay for less than MSRP. I also have Torque. Both a fine apps, but Torque is really slow when it comes to scanning for codes. Intermittent codes will be gone before Torque picks them up, while Logworks is almost instant. Really about the only difference. Torque does also seem to have more parameters to monitor though.

[Operator]

Also: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...grams-software

[Jay-Bee]

But you can change most of that with jail breaking. I usto have it so I could stream Bluetooth music like a call was going through the car. Kindof bad quality though

Streaming is a bit different than creating a 2 way data connection, but maybe there is a fix out there, but the iOS apps that are made for this don't have BT support only wifi, and good luck porting android apps to ios.

Not trying to make it difficult just stating what i know.

Also... this is why torque rocks, I don't have the tablet anymore but have a pretty big phone.