Unfortunately, I had the opportunity to possess a VW Touareg from the first generation. Actually, I didn’t buy it because my father acquired it from our neighbor. The VW Touareg is a very capable SUV, but it had a variety of troubles, particularly with the check engine light.
The issues were so severe that I ended up inheriting the vehicle and all of its issues. Before deciding to sell my SUV, I decided to examine the check engine lights.
You know, diagnosing a European vehicle is pretty challenging. You need an OBD2 scanner designed expressly for a Volkswagen since German automobiles have more CPUs to control the engine, transmission, airbags, ABS or anti-lock brakes, and other electronic devices.
And for that, we are here. The new Beetle, Jetta, Golf, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg are among the vehicles for which the top 5 Volkswagen OBD2 scanners are listed.
In This Article...
VW uses what OBD2 protocol?
OBD-II is a diagnostic process that is required by law and is mostly used to identify issues with emissions. Many different automobile brands can use an OBD-II scan instrument. Only VW/Audi vehicles can use VAG-COM, which employs a proprietary diagnostic protocol developed by VW. An OBD-II Scan Tool can be used in an OBD-II compliant VW or Audi (1996 or newer), but it can only communicate with the engine and cannot access any of the other various “intelligent” systems in the vehicle. Want to reprogramme your radio or your central locks? Diagnose an issue with your automatic transmission, airbags, or ABS? After switching ECUs, should you realign your immobilizer? Your service reminder indicators should be reset. Can I communicate with a pre-1996 vehicle that isn’t OBD-II compliant? None of these tasks can be completed by an OBD-II scan tool. For details on using third-party generic OBD-II software through our Interface, please see our OBD-II Page. Want to know why you should use VAG-COM over a standard OBD-II scan tool? See this comparison to the real world.
Generic OBD-II functionality has been added to our most recent version of VAG-COM; check the Download Page for details.
Any OBD2 scanner will it operate on my car?
Options abound, and models of Bluetooth OBD2 scanners are among them. The scanners link through bluetooth or plug into the vehicle to display the diagnostic codes on the screen. This makes it simple to identify any issues or determine what kind of maintenance the vehicle need.
An OBD2 scanner is compatible with vehicles produced in 1996 and later. An OBD1 scanner might function if the automobile is older than 1996, however they are more model-specific.
Do all automobiles have OBD readers?
The majority of OBD2 scanners and auto code readers don’t function on every car. Before purchasing an OBD2 scanner or car code reader, be sure it is compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.
What years are covered by OBD2?
All vehicles and light trucks with a model year (MY) of 1996 or later are required by US law to be OBD2 compliant. The website of the EPA has more details.
What is Volkswagen VCDS?
The diagnostic software Vagcom (VCDS) provides access to the various electronic modules in VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat vehicles. It can scan error codes and adjust the car’s settings. Most people who own one use it to read trouble codes and modify convenience features. It should only be used by extremely knowledgeable people to change any powertrain-related parameters. It is available here (click me), but it is not inexpensive. I am aware that some of the other people here have code readers that they purchased elsewhere, but all that they are is a code reader.
VCDS is it free?
Reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling, changing, and using something as a model to create something similar
Without the author’s prior written approval, functionality and redistribution in any form are banned.
VCDS-Lite’s unregistered shareware version is available for free for non-commercial usage, but there is no support of any form.
What distinguishes OBD from OBD2?
Let’s first go over the definition of OBD in greater detail. The term “OBD” stands for “on-board diagnostics.” The second iteration of the onboard diagnostic system is known as OBD2.
The system in an automobile known as OBD, or onboard diagnostics, is responsible for monitoring and controlling all significant control devices while providing data access with the proper hardware and software.
The capacity of OBD to alert the reader to any fault codes or unusual actions with their car is an essential component. Diagnostic issue codes or fault codes are the names for these mistakes.
Normally, when a system error is discovered, it records the necessary error code in its memory and displays a warning light on the dashboard of the vehicle. This is what typically occurs when the bothersome check engine light comes on.
OBD 1The Predecessor
OBD1 was developed in the USA as a response to initiatives to lessen air pollution brought on by a rise in the number of cars in major cities. With the introduction of tighter pollution standards for gasoline-powered automobiles by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 1988, California took the lead in the effort to “keep the air clean.” Compliance was necessary for the duration of the vehicle, not simply while it was brand-new.
It was necessary to create an electronic self-monitoring system to enable compliance checks at any time, which led to the development of OBD1. The user was informed of an abnormal situation via a signal light.
It was adopted in 1994 by other states. However, OBD1’s largest flaw was non-standardization, as automakers developed and used their own methods, necessitating the need of numerous scanners to read various systems.
OBD2The Current Standard
The newly created OBD2 system was required to be installed in all new automobiles beginning in 1996 by CARB legislation, which was established in 1994. By using a common interface, this would enable the usage of a single OBD scanner across many automakers.
By doing this, it would be possible to monitor not only emissions regulations but also the entire exhaust-influencing system, which includes all of the many operations in a vehicle. The standardization produced a simpler trouble code reading process.
Via the year 2000, OBD2 had arrived in Europe, mandating that any emissions violations be notified by a dashboard warning light and error codes stored by the car.
Since 2001, all automobiles with Otto engines (petrol/gas engines) are required to have the OBD2 interface. Beginning in 2004, diesel automobiles were subject to these requirements.
Both auto repair shops and automobile aficionados found the new standard to be quite helpful. OBD scans can be expensive in terms of both time and money.
However, most individuals aren’t aware that OBD2 scanners are available for personal use, giving them complete control over their vehicle and repair costs.
Is OBD2 available everywhere?
A universal interface in automobiles known as an OBD2 port is often located directly below the steering column. Anyone can use a specific cable to connect a computer to an OBD2 port so they can read and examine information about the vehicle. That facilitates a vehicle’s maintenance and reinstatement into service for mechanics and others. Customers can also purchase OBD2 scanners and perform their own self-diagnostics.
How can I tell if my automobile complies with OBD2 standards?
After January 1, 1996, OBD II was a requirement for all new vehicles and light trucks sold in the US. In principle, this means that every automobile and light truck constructed in late 1995, including those for the 1996 model year, is compliant.
After January 1, 2001, all gasoline vehicles produced in Europe had to comply with OBD II standards. OBD II compliance for diesel vehicles was not mandated until January 1, 2004.
After January 1, 2006, all automobiles produced in Australia and New Zealand were to be OBD II compliant. OBD II compliance varies widely across manufacturers and models, but some vehicles made before this date are.
Your car’s compliance with OBD II can be determined by two things:
2. “OBD II compliant” or “OBD II Certified” will be noted on a sticker or nameplate beneath the hood.
What distinguishes my car between OBD1 and OBD2?
Your car may only have a limited amount of information if it eventually has OBD1. Additionally, because different car brands did not use the same communication protocol, you will need a distinct tool for each brand. Please refer to this post to learn more about the OBD1 scan tools we have.
There are two (2) questions you should ask to determine whether a car is OBD2-compliant so you may quickly access vehicle data using a typical scan tool:
- Was your vehicle built prior to 1995? If so, your vehicle will have OBD1.
- Does the OBD plug on your car resemble the one below? If so, your vehicle is OBD2 If the plug looks different, it was produced before 1995 and is OBD1.
(However, some vehicles made between 1995 and 2005 may have a plug similar to the one shown above but that plug cannot be easily accessed because those vehicles did not have the whole OBD2 protocol.)
Australia imports the majority of its automobiles from Europe, Japan, or, in the case of specific models, Australia.
Is OBD the same for all vehicles?
Prior to OBD-I, every manufacturer had their own set of OBD standards, necessitating the purchase of pricey scan gear by mechanics for every type of plug. Onboard diagnostics began to be standardized with the introduction of OBD-I in 1987. It was equipped with sensors that reduced emissions through emissions-controlling valves. But it has a lot of flaws and issues.
As a result, automakers began adding OBD-II ports to vehicles and trucks in 1996. All systems are essentially the same, with a few minor exceptions. These are referred to as protocols and are unique to automakers.
Five fundamental signal protocols exist:
- Controller Area Network, or ISO 15765, is a technology found on all automobiles produced after 2008.
- Variable Pulse Width (VPW) SAE J1850: Used in General Motors vehicles
- All Chrysler automobiles and a number of vehicles from Europe or Asia use ISO9141-2.
- Keyword Protocol, also known as ISO14230-4 (KWP2000), is used by many American, European, and Japanese companies including Honda, Jeep, Land Rover, Subaru, Mazda, and others.
- Ford cars use SAE J1850 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
All protocols use pins 4 and 5 for connections to the earth, and pin 16 is used for power from the vehicle’s battery.
The Check Engine light will turn on as soon as the computer detects an issue with the engine or any other part of the vehicle it is watching.