OBD Scanner for Volkswagen Passat

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  [Deactivated] on 16/04/2015 - 16:42

  http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=ob…

  Get the 1 dollar el cheapo OBD II bluetooth reader.

  Looking at those two you have short listed, it seems that the things you could possibly be wary applies to any reader in this class. In my opinion its the software that is the most important when it comes to scanning codes. I have the dollar el cheapo and downloaded a free app from android (quite a popular one). It seems to work for me, same code appeared with two mechanics.

  If you want to be sure and have nothing to be wary about, go for the professional ones that cost >100 with its own UI and display. Or the ones that connect to your computer with special software (might be the same as the phone one in the end).

  Its only going to cost you 1 dollar to try.

  • 

    battler on 16/04/2015 - 17:23

    +2

    think you'll find they are more than $1 once chosen.
    $1 is for the USB ciggie plug.

    EDIT: I got this exact item (same seller) for $13 about 18 months ago. Chose local seller as i needed it in days, not weeks/months. Current price $11:
    www.ebay.com.au/itm/400775051498

    combined it with Torque Pro app for android.

    used it to diagnose an engine management warning light, sourced part from Amazon for $170ish, fitted myself.
    Local auto shop wanted $500 for the part & labour.

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    rushil01 on 16/04/2015 - 17:25

    I checked out those $1 on ebay and that price only appears to be for a car charger. As soon as I click on any of the OBD readers, they jump up to like $8 or $9 dollars which again puts me in the position that I don't know how good they are. Do you reckon either of the ones I posted would be pretty safe?

    I was going to use Torque Pro as the software as I have a fair bit of google play credit stocked up from the surveys.

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  pjetson on 16/04/2015 - 16:48

  At that price level, the only way you can go wrong is that the unit may turn up DOA. Just do it!

  • 

    rushil01 on 16/04/2015 - 17:26

    Yeah I think I will. I'm going to use it with Torque Pro since I got a fair bit of google play credit stored up.

    • 

      CurlCurl on 16/04/2023 - 18:43

      Yeah I think I will. I'm going to use it with Torque Pro

      Torque Pro is a great app. As for the Dongle. The cheap E bay type can be hit and miss. I use a Jaycar dongle. Not cheap.

      https://www.jaycar.com.au/obd-ii-engine-code-reader-with-blu…

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  [Deactivated] on 16/04/2015 - 22:30

  Apologies. I just did a quick search. I don't remember paying so much though. I remember paying about 3-4 bucks. (edit : about a couple years ago)

  I am still running the free version of torque pro. Works just fine.

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  jimmej on 29/04/2015 - 12:00

  I think you will find like me that although VW uses the ODBII standard it also uses a CAN bus which as far as I have researched is not supported properly by the cheap elm327's

  http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCuCAN.html

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    jimmej on 29/04/2015 - 13:07

    I think the elm327 and other can bus only replicate this device

    http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/kii-usb.html

    It shows which cars it supports - yours is not included.

    • 

      rushil01 on 29/04/2015 - 15:53

      Hmmm not really interested in spending $250. Do you think either of the two I posted would work?

      • 

        jimmej on 29/04/2015 - 15:56

        Maybe - I have an ELM327 that I played with in torque.

        Worked in my old 06 Jetta fine enough until the car got written off :). Doesn't work in my 07 Passat or my replacement 07 Jetta.

        I am by no means an expert though.

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  doctordv8 on 02/05/2015 - 11:32

  With these scanner or code readers, the most important aspect is applicable software to match your EXACT vehicle. If it is designed/sold primarily for the European market, do not expect it to work correctly on American or Australian delivered vehicles. Technical EFI stuff is very different in these markets. Ask the seller directly with your exact location and vehicle details, VIN etc, not just Blue VW, and ask for reviews from customers with same vehicle in Australia. So many things are ringing warning bells with a product that says what they can do for a few $$ when in the repair industry, we spend thousands on very reliable and up to date diagnostic equipment. You might be lucky and if seller does assure you of compatibility, I hope it works. If you are a wanna be home mechanic, great, but spend a few dollars on decent equipment, that is UPGRADEABLE.
  Or, join a car club for your vehicle. Many clubs have advise and equipment stores for just that benefit. Cheers.

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  Hellcat on 16/04/2023 - 12:38

  I just got the OBD 11 scanner for my volkswagen and it worked perfectly to cahge some settings of my car.