VAGCOM

[blue02]

How involved is a VAGCOM scan or test or whatever it's called?

After getting the Beetle back from the AC service, the acceleration seemed sluggish. Then after about a week, the check engine light appeared and has not gone away. The stuff I've been reading leads me to think it's a faulty MAF. Will a VAGCOM detect this?

If a VAGCOM scan is a relatively easy thing to do, does anyone in the Ventura County area have one? And would they be willing to scan my Beetle? It's a 2002 GLS turbo beetle - the 150hp version. I'm willing to drive it there to meet you.

If it is the MAF, how difficult is it to remove and replace?


Bill

[BEARJAM]

The only person that I THINK had a Vag-Com was Dean, but he is pretty far away from you.

[Luke]

Bill:

I had a problem passing smog after the 7K Route 66 run and the CEL light would not go out. I purchased a $100 device that downloads engine codes from the cars computer. I looked up the code on the software provided and it made no sense. After a search for other similar problems/codes on forums, one person suggested a new MAF or clean the throttle body.

I changed out the MAF on my 2.0 L in less than 30 minutes plus Barber gave me a 10% discount on the new MAF ($137, I think it was).

I cleared tha code with my new machine and the CEL light returned. However, after running for a few more days, I cleared it again and that did the trick - no more CEL light ... AND it passed the smog test. It takes the bug a few days of driving to monitor all the systems and decide if they are fine .... or if the CEL light will be activated.

Not sure what your problem is, but on my engine it was no problem to swap out the MAF. If I understand one of the dealers I talked to along the Route 66 run, the sensor in the MAF does deteriote with time. When this happens the engine tries to accomodate the change electronically. Eventully, it cannot adjust electronically anymore and the CEL light appears. I assume that the computer is recording that the engine is running too lean (or too rich) on fuel.

Others may have different experiences.

- Luke

[SoCalTDIGirl]

:-D I have vag-com. I dont know how to use it other than scanning the codes. If that will help, I would be happy to scan it for you. I work in Oxnard. :-)

Shari & Buggy

[blue02]

WOW! A VAGCOM in Ventura County! In TO and Oxnard, no less!!

I've never used one, but if you know how to scan for codes, I'm up for it.

I work at Moorpark College, live in Ventura and can take the 101 through any town in between.

Email me at rtv.bgoodman@yahoo.com for a day/time that's good for you.

I want the Beetle to be fun to drive again. Thanks for your time!


Bill


:-D I have vag-com. I dont know how to use it other than scanning the codes. If that will help, I would be happy to scan it for you. I work in Oxnard. :-)

Shari & Buggy

[tdistickers]

I have a vag com too it helps in diags and also can do a few tweaking with things like the egr valve so the intake doesnt soot up so bad, have any of you seen a nasty egr valve on a diesel. By the way mine is a TDI Diesel :) I LOVE IT.... ok so also can change the idling rpms and also check timing after a timing belt change. ITS A MUST HAVE. any questions im free to help :)

[xracer33]

what is a vag-com ? is it like a code scanner only it does more? and where would one get one ? thanks.

[Beesel]

what is a vag-com ? is it like a code scanner only it does more? and where would one get one ? thanks.

VW / Audi / Seat / Skoda Windows based Diagnostic Software that runs on a PC and uses a special cable to interface to the vehicles computer though the OBDII port. Expect to pay about $229. There are CLONE cables out there but my experience is that they do not work. Spend your money on the REAL thing. http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/index.html

Ross-Tech is the company that wrote the software and provides the official cable. You can buy directly from Ross-Tech or many vendors. The vendors charge the same price and discounts have been unable to be found.

The Vag-Com should be able to do anything that VW dealer does except get your SKC needed to program your new transponder equipped key to work with your Imobolizer.

The software is actually free but without the cable, it most likely will not work with a 'cheap' eBay cable. It does not work with the CHEAP eBay cable that I purchased but it does work GREAT with the Ross-Tech purchased cable.

Things I have done with my Vag-Com:
Checked and fine tuned diesel injection timing.
Reprogrammed alarm. No more beep when turning on or off. Only lights flash.
Turning key in door unlocks all doors.
Adjusted idle up slightly.
Changed a few engine parameters for better economy.

[xracer33]

thanks for the info rv6-flyer . where are you in socal ? i have an engine light on maybe if your close enough you could hook me up ? thanks ..

[Beesel]

Torrance and Upland.

[xracer33]

im in riverside . do you ever fly to riverside ? i could go to upland or anywhere really . someone said the cheap code scanners dont always find all the problems , is that true ? thanks ..

[hyojun]

Yes, the cheap ones only read the engine codes. They only give the generic meaning of the code. Vag-com will read codes from all of the controllers, and give the proper translation into English. Vag-Com will also allow you to "test" functions through the output function.
Well worth the price.

[Beesel]

My hangar is at Cable Airport. I get to Riverside but not very often. My notebook is OLD so the batteries only last about 30 minutes. Best to have AC available. I need to remember to take the notebook from home to the hangar. I have the VAG-COM cable in my Beesel (Beesel = Beetle Diesel; IMHO Beesel sounds better than Dietle). It should work on any notebook that has a USB port and has had the Vag-Com software downloaded to the computer. I have a desktop machine at the hangar but do not have a USB extension that would reach from it to the vehicle. (maybe I will look on eBay to see if I can find one reasonable)

Send me a PM or email with your email and cell phone.
My email is Gary _AT_ RVdar.com (change _AT_ to @)

Maybe we can hook up this year. I have a bunch of flying friends heading to Laughlin New Years Day. IMHO, we are going to have Santa Ana condition with lots of turbulence and the trip is going to be canceled. I am still planning it and will not cancel till the last minute. If that trip falls though, maybe we can meet New Years day.

I can also bring the notebook on the Jan 5 cruise. I am planning on going on that GTG. We will only have about 30 minutes of use before the batteries go dead.

[xracer33]

cable airport is where ? i should be free all day new years day. we plan on going to jan 5 cruise also , but need to check the bug out before i go to make sure its ok ... this is my email xracer33atgmail.com ..

[xracer33]

i went to kragen they let you use an obd, heres the code i got po441 . a small leak in the evap system ... could be as simple as the gas cap ...