A VW OBD2 scanner can be your greatest friend if you own a Volkswagen or work on VAG vehicles like Audi, Skoda, and Seat on a regular basis.
It aids in preventive maintenance and enables you to keep track of engine issues before they cause any permanent harm.
OBD2 codes P1155, P1157, and P1160 are several that are unique to VW vehicles. You might get a general message if you’re using an OBD2 scanner that isn’t designed to diagnose VW or VAG vehicles.
Based on performance, compatibility, and price, we analyzed a range of market options and hand-picked the top OBD2 scanners.
In This Article...
Do all cars support scan tools?
While the two instruments are frequently mixed up. Compared to code readers, scan tools offer far more data and information. You receive the fundamental code from code readers, but nothing extra.
On the other hand, scan tools offer a variety of features. They give you the code, explain what it means, give you actual data streams, and frequently explain what the most typical cause of the code is and how to solve it.
A code reader can be all you need if you’re an experienced mechanic and know how to diagnose various codes. However, a scan tool expedites the process and guarantees that even the most experienced technician will replace or repair the proper item the first time.
Why Do Automotive Scan Tool Prices Vary So Much?
Automotive scan tool prices vary widely for three primary reasons: the brand of the scan tool, the number of vehicles it can work on, and the scan tool’s feature set.
One of the key elements affecting a scan tool’s pricing is its manufacturer. Because of this, Snap-On scan tools can cost close to $10,000, despite the fact that they are no more feature-rich or compatible with more automobiles than the majority of scan tools that cost $1,000. Some products are simply more expensive.
While some Snap-On tools might be worthwhile investing in, we’ve discovered that several pro diagnostic tools (namely Autel and Launch) are on par with or even better.
Many scan tools only function on a limited selection of automobiles after then. They are frequently less expensive than those that only work on more recent vehicles if they don’t work on pre-OBD2 automobiles.
Numerous scan tools also include technical diagnostics, wifi functions, Blake breed assistance, and many other features. The price of a scan tool increases with the number of features it has.
Are Car Diagnostic Scanners Universal?
No and yes. Even if any OBD2 scanner can read engine codes on a car with OBD2, that is the extent of its universality. Even though a vehicle has OBD2, the diagnostic guidance, maintenance functions, and everything else only apply to certain automobiles depending on the tool.
Does Vagcom function with Audi?
Okay, let’s start by defining VAG-COM and VCDS.
A cable interface called VAG-COM is plugged into the car’s OBD port. And RossTech’s Windows-based VCDS software leverages this Interface to log into the vehicle’s ECU diagnostics computer.
As a result, it is a diagnostic program that can identify cars with VAG engines, which means that practically all models of Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda are covered. It also functions on non-VAG vehicles, but only with the standard OBD2 Engine and Transmission systems.
Since the 1990s, VAG vehicles have been able to be scanned (first with OBD1). So, if your VW or Audi was built between 1990 and the present, you can use the VAGCOM-VCDS diagnostic tool right away and in a secure manner.
The VCDS system can be used by a car owner or mechanic for nearly all of the tasks that the dealer diagnostic tools are capable of.
Prior to the introduction of VAG-COM, car owners had no choice but to drive their vehicles to a dealer for diagnostic testing. However, now that this is no longer necessary thanks to onboard computer technology, smaller independent workshops and do-it-yourselfers may conduct important tasks.
The variety of diagnostic procedures available includes coding a new electronic control unit to fixing engine-related issues like diesel ignition timing (ECU).
If the car is a Volkswagen or an Audi, the VCDS diagnostic system employs more specific manufacturer protocol commands and enables access to all equipped diagnostics.
VW uses what OBD 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.
Does investing in an auto diagnostic tool make sense?
However, it’s important to note that these tools aren’t just useful for mechanics. In fact, even for people with little to no skill in auto mechanics, they’re a remarkably valuable tool for the average car owner.
OBD2 scanners enable virtually anyone to diagnose their car’s issues in a matter of minutes, in large part because of the internet and the virtually infinite quantity of information available. They are a necessary tool for any car owner as a result. Giving you the knowledge to take to a mechanic will not only save you a ton of time and money, but in some circumstances, for those with competence in car mechanics, they will even allow many to solve the problem themselves.
Do all vehicles have OBD scanners?
OBD-II, a universal system for these diagnostic codes that required all vehicles to have a common connector to access vehicle information, was put into place by the auto industry in 1996.
Using an OBD2 scanner, is your car susceptible to damage?
Sorry to hear that your car is having problems! While driving, leaving an OBD2 scanning tool connected in is quite safe. In order to prevent harming the scanning software, it is crucial to have your automobile running while diagnosing an engine code.
Concerned about the life of your car’s batteries? Unless you leave your OBD2 scanner plugged in and don’t drive your car for several days, driving while it’s connected does not considerably drain the batteries. Unplug the scanner if you know you won’t be driving for more than a few days.
OBD2 scanners are getting more advanced because they include Bluetooth technology. However, just as with the older generations, you must be very careful when plugging and unplugging the scanner during operation.
The 16 pins on the plug allow the scanner to connect to the OBD2 port on your car. You should be careful not to bend or shatter the pins while installing the scanner because they are quite delicate. Do not insert a pin into the OBD2 port if it seems to be ragged or bent.
Simply download the app, respond to a few short questions, and you may browse the most affordable rates from more than 50 reputable insurance providers in under a minute. Jerry users save $887 annually on car insurance on average!
Could you program an Audi?
You can use Carly to efficiently code your BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, or Mini to suit your needs. Describe coding. There are features in contemporary vehicles that the manufacturer has not turned on. Coding is the process of altering these parameters.
Is VCDS exclusive to VW?
OBD-II is a diagnostic process that is required by law and is mostly used to identify issues with emissions. OBD-II a
The scan tool is compatible with many different car brands. VW’s exclusive diagnostic process is used by VCDS, which is only created and supported by VW.
to be used in VW/Audi automobiles. Even if a VW or Audi that is OBD-II compatible (1996 or newer) can use an OBD-II Scan Tool,
The many other “intelligent” systems in a car cannot be spoken with by an OBD-II Scan Tool; it can only speak to the engine.
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 utilizing the Generic OBD-II capability in VCDS, please see our OBD-II Page.
Want to know why you should use VCDS over a standard OBD-II scan tool? See this comparison to the real world.