Xtool VAG401 (inexpensive VCDS/VAG-COM replacement)

[Tomskullz]

Hi everyone can you activate paddle shifters on a steering wheel swap on A4 b8 with this device. Thanks

[kt883]

I don't get how to set the oil service reminder to 7000 km anyone have any pointers for a b7 a4? I played around with the menus a bit but cant find one that works. Should be the same as the C6 A6

[Grainreaper]

I'm quite happy I bought this tool, fits in my toolbox, I can bring it along on a test drive, and the ability to access all the modules makes my life soo of much easier when working on the few audits and VWs that roll through the shop for used car inspections, I'm making more money by cutting out the guesswork when repairing one with a basic OBDII scanner

Not to mention I love it for tinkering with my own car!

[igorski_89]

old thread but hoping someone could help. I am trying to clear an airbag code and the only 3 options are VW 3 ,5, 6. I tried all 3 and all say failed to connect. Anybody have any ideas?

[txhustler]

After reading this thread I ordered the XTool VAG/V401. 5 minutes out of the box it was able to clear my fault code off the basic diagnostics screen! Great advice! I have paid $100+ twice for diagnostics on this fuel senor issue. Not doing that again.

[stoked_S4]

Has anyone tried or does anyone know if this tool would be able to disable "Driver Steering Recommendation - DSR"? I know with VCDS, it is just a simple unchecking of a box. Not sure how that option would appear on the XTool.

Thanks.

I know this is 3 years old but did you find out if this tool can disable DSR?

[Stazi]

I've had this tool for a while and it has worked well for checking and clearing codes and allowing me to do the retract the rear pistons to replace brakes etc.

I just downloaded the upgrade tool, and updated the file, and went to ross-tech.com and downloaded the VCDS software, but this is where I run into a problem. When I run the VCDS software it first wants me to check the connection with either USB or a COM port. I have tried connecting the VAG401 into the computer and also just the SD card with the adapter into my computer and when I hit the test button is gives me an error.

Is there something I am missing? Can you not use this tool as the interface from the car to the VCDS software?

[chris86vw]

Is there something I am missing? Can you not use this tool as the interface from the car to the VCDS software?

Haven't read the whole thread, haven't tried to use this tool.

I don't believe that was ever a function of this tool, but could be mistaken.


This thread is mostly about using VCDS label files to find information and to navigate with this tool.

[Stazi]

Ah ok, gotcha.


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[Stazi]

Next question...probably not possible, but is there a VCDS code that tells the ECU ignore the secondary O2 sensor so if you’re catless, the CEL doesn’t come on?


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[chris86vw]

Next question...probably not possible, but is there a VCDS code that tells the ECU ignore the secondary O2 sensor so if you’re catless, the CEL doesn’t come on?

That would need to be done via tuning.

It isn't telling the car to ignore the second o2 sensor.

[Stazi]

Yeah, that’s what I figured.


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[ramack]

Has anyone used the VAG401 for programming/syncing remotes and immobilizers? It appears to have these capabilities, waiting for feedback from the mfgr.

[arjun90]

I haven't tried yet, but the its been almost 4 years now and the LCD display is flickering really badly; also I only seem to get an intermittent connection now. I strongly recommend spending the premium on Ross-Tech's VAGCOM VCDS harness

Has anyone used the VAG401 for programming/syncing remotes and immobilizers? It appears to have these capabilities, waiting for feedback from the mfgr.

[ramack]

The main reason I'm looking at the VAG401 is to read the PIN from the ECU or dash cluster of my [daughter's] 2007 A3. VCDS can't read the PIN, but once the PIN is known, VCDS can be used to program the remote/immobilizer.

For the $ I would be spending for someone to purchase, cut and program key and remote, I can spend less on buying remotes/keys, having them cut, then buying VAG-COM/VCDS to program. The pinch point right now, is reading the PIN with some scanning tool, hence the XTool. Another possibility for reading the PIN is a VAG-KEY.

[AudiAR01]

Has anyone bought any of the new stools scanners they have the H6 and H6pro

2001 Audi Allroad 2.7T Auto (Silver)

2006 Audi A3 2.0T 6spd (Red)

2003 Audi A6 2.7T Stage 1 (Silver)

[ramack]

Has anyone bought any of the new stools scanners they have the H6 and H6pro

2001 Audi Allroad 2.7T Auto (Silver)

2006 Audi A3 2.0T 6spd (Red)

2003 Audi A6 2.7T Stage 1 (Silver)

I bought the XTool VAG-401, which cannot read the SKC/PIN. Not sure about the other functions.
2007 A3

[AudiAR01]

I bought the XTool VAG-401, which cannot read the SKC/PIN. Not sure about the other functions.

Yeah I'm having an o2 problem causing it to not boost right. I believe the readiness for both upstream and downstream o2s arent matching. It doesnt do it all the time. But it has a stage 1+ tune. And boost at almost 20psi but when the o2s are not reading right. It cuts boost to like 7psi. Which I think may be an egt problem actually. All o2s are good and reading within parameters.

2001 Audi Allroad 2.7T Auto (Silver)

2006 Audi A3 2.0T 6spd (Red)

2003 Audi A6 2.7T Stage 1 (Silver)

[AudiAR01]

And was wondering if this would be better than vcds

2001 Audi Allroad 2.7T Auto (Silver)

2006 Audi A3 2.0T 6spd (Red)

2003 Audi A6 2.7T Stage 1 (Silver)

[Grainreaper]

My VAG401 seems to have crapped the bed, CEL popped on last night, I plugged in the tool and got "system loading" then screen went blank with two thin lines at the top. I looked for any updates I could try but it seems to be missing from the website list of available updates. Sigh.. 😔

[arjun90]

This scanner "sucks"

Worked for a few years and no longer connects successfully

My VAG401 seems to have crapped the bed, CEL popped on last night, I plugged in the tool and got "system loading" then screen went blank with two thin lines at the top. I looked for any updates I could try but it seems to be missing from the website list of available updates. Sigh.. 😔

[TSYAM]

This scanner "sucks"

Worked for a few years and no longer connects successfully

Sorry to revive an old thread - but I am beginning to agree. Just bought this thing as I watched African DYIer post with him using it. After receiving it, I tried to update but all links to the update are gone :(

Anyone have the xtooltech_upgradetool_v2.0.57_setup_en.exe to share?

Thanks,
Timo

[TSYAM]

Sorry to revive an old thread - but I am beginning to agree. Just bought this thing as I watched African DYIer post with him using it. After receiving it, I tried to update but all links to the update are gone :(

Anyone have the xtooltech_upgradetool_v2.0.57_setup_en.exe to share?

Thanks,
Timo

Vendor reached out to me - they moved it (why they do not update their support website is beyond me):

English:
http://down.xtooltech.com/misc/xtool...7_setup_en.exe

Chinese:
http://down.xtooltech.com/misc/xtool...7_setup_cn.exe

[CR125Honda]

For all that may have been searching to see if their VAG401 was using the latest update in 2023....
Last update as far as I know was 10 years ago in 2013
Just used my Upgrade tool Login v2.0.57.00 to check for updates

My screen is now showing -
Hardware version: 5.3
Software version 7.1 (was showing 7.0 prior to update)
Release Date 02/19/2013

Enjoyed the tool before they stopped supporting it