just bought a diagnostic tool from canadian tire. it was recommended.
I bought the Can0BD2 which can be found on Can0bd2.com - code reader Resources and Information.
it was on sale for 89.00 vs 199 regular
you just plug it in and it will work.

Anyone know anything about these tools? do they work?

i just realized that it will tell me the code, but i have to go online to find out what the code means. Also they charge extra for this.

I figured it would save me the cost of paying a mechanic each time to find the codes

love to hear any comments

Thanks

 

Good, as long as you get the correct "audi" code then you can just browse it on here or through google and it will tell you what it is. But if it is a special reader/manufacturer code then that sucks, because you will have to subscribe to their service.

 

Hey audigemini,
A year ago, I had an MIL for check engine.
With much apprehension, I booked into the stealership.
They had my baby for a day and for $100, they rest an engine code!
I hope I am not stating the obvious here.
I bought a CanOBD2 myself 3 months ago from Princess Auto (on sale for $49).
It has already paid for itself over and over again.
When you get an MIL (malfunction indicator light, amber or red), as you have already done so, connect your CanOBD2. It scans and identifies the MIL as a P code.
Take note of the P code. Look up the code in the AUDI only code list.
Then reset the MIL.
Depending on the code, you can discuss with your local repair shop (or some just need a reset).
For example, I had an CEL or MIL for check engine.
Trying not to panick (thinking of hefty repair bills) I looked up the code which was an O2 sensor fault.
I reset the MIL (without being irresponsible in resetting any MIL, everytime I do so saves me $100 at the stealership repair dept).
I added a fuel system treatment to my tank.
Never seen the MIL since.
I also had an air bag P code, which I reset, and have not seen it recur since.
Talk about value for money!
I hope this helps?
If you need any further help, please let me know.

 

audigemini,
Fogot to mention, but part of your purchase, you should have an Autel DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Library software disk.
I installed it on my desktop, ready for code lookup.

 

Hi guys,
interesting forum post. Have any of you heard of guys using the Chinese VAG-COM modules?

 

Not heard of any Chinese VAG-COM 'til you mentioned them.
No pun intended, lol, but can I assume the readout is in English!

 

Its the cheap ebay cable, some work some dont, but it is not as versatile as the Original one

 

Hey 1move,
"Caveat Emptor" lol, Let the Buyer beware!

 

Hi John, that is interesting. Thanks for your information.
This has actually inspired me to keep my car a bit longer.
I have 247,000 kms and if I add up the number of times I have paid a mechanic to do diagnostics, it would be probably 500++ in total.

Right now my engine light is on, and the code reader is telling me that the cat. converter is below threshold. However I did pass the emissions test , quite easily, so I was planning on leaving it as is.
Is there a way I can check further to see if one of my sensors are faulty?

I am getting a bit less than 500kms per tank of premium gas with city winter driving . 11.8/100 km.....Was getting more than that in the summer

Thanks
Dave

 

oh man, my gas consumption per tank is a meekly 400. I have to look into this next weekend. Audigemini, is yours a 2.8 as well?