I look after both my sons' Fabias, a 2001 and a 2006. My own is a Fabia 2, 2007. Can anyone advise of which scanner, lead or software to get to check fault codes and rectify problems on all 3 cars when necessary as the orange 'engine' light is on 2006 model and I think this refers to an emission control fault. Could it be the charcoal canister and how do I put it out when fault is rectified? It has been a bit low on coolant (since fixed) - could this have triggered the light? As a former trained apprentice I have good mechanical knowledge but the computer electronics is a bit of a Black Art!

I don't need an all singing £300+ piece of kit - just something under £50.

Hi,

If you have a laptop, vcds lite is a free download from Ross Tech, A interface lead from Gendan is £20 p&p included. Stay clear of the cheap e bay leads.With this you can read all error codes on all modules and much more.You can update the free software for approx. £64 (99$ us) for more functions.This tool would cover all three cars for you.

There are various other scanners on the market but from expeirence they all fall way short of vcds.

Regards

Tony

If you don't have a laptop, Gendan also sell scanners - a basic VAG-specific one is £40 (it'll only output the code numbers, so you'll have to look them up on Ross-Tech's site, or similar), or one that scans more systems and outputs the code definitions is about £80. Both should be able to clear the fault codes & turn the lights off.

If you don't have a laptop, Gendan also sell scanners - a basic VAG-specific one is £40 (it'll only output the code numbers, so you'll have to look them up on Ross-Tech's site, or similar), or one that scans more systems and outputs the code definitions is about £80. Both should be able to clear the fault codes & turn the lights off.

Thanks, both - I'll make progress now. Any other suggestions welcome.

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GDVAGPRO.html

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GDVAG.html

Hi,

If you have a laptop, vcds lite is a free download from Ross Tech, A interface lead from Gendan is £20 p&p included.

Tony

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VAGUSB.html

Thanks for your replies. Bought the £60 Gendan VAGPRO which read the codes and fixed in minutes, they were very helpful in prompt reply to e.mail enquiring about tools and delivered in 3 days.

Keep noticing that Mark 1 Fabia has several improvements over Mark 2, like real chrome door pulls, red warning lights in doors, dimming dash lights, under bonnet seal to limit noise in car etc, etc. We now have 2 Mark 2s and 3 Mark 1s in our family. One of the Mark 1s, a 1.2 HTP, has just done 100,000 miles and it's only a '56 plate! They are so good, comfortable and reliable.

Can anyone make an objective comparison between VCDS Lite, GDVAG and GDVAGPRO? I'm having trouble understanding some of the terminology properly to be able to understand what does what.

I realise not understanding might be dangerous!

Can anyone make an objective comparison between VCDS Lite, GDVAG and GDVAGPRO? I'm having trouble understanding some of the terminology properly to be able to understand what does what.

I realise not understanding might be dangerous!

VCDS Lite is very useful in pulling the codes and resetting codes and also providing information from the ECU such as intake temp, actual & requested boost, water temp, fuel temp etc. Can also do data logging. Downside is that you need a laptop.

The professional fault code reader is quite expensive and a bit limited, but saves having to have a laptop and it obviously portable.

If you have an android phone, go for the Torque app and OBD bluetooth dongle. Cheap and portable Downside - you need an android phone!

So. . . if I buy that cable for £20, then use the free version of VCDS I can read the codes of VAG cars, can get readings off my MAF/boost pressure etc, but can't aim my xenons properly etc?

I'm assuming I can use it on any compatible VAG car, but not, say, my sisters Corsa?

Edit - Opps, just read the cable link properly - but it seems my assumptions are all correct?

Edited 4 January, 201214 yr by TriggerFish

VCDS full version FTW, it's nearly £300 but worth every penny.

If you have an android phone, go for the Torque app and OBD bluetooth dongle. Cheap and portable Downside - you need an android phone!

+1, can be used on all makes aswell rather tn just vag.

VCDS full version FTW, it's nearly £300 but worth every penny.

Have to say I'm very happy with mine, but just for your own car it's a bit expensive. Fine if you know many people with VAG cars though.

VCDS full version FTW, it's nearly £300 but worth every penny.

+ (another) 1

Have to say I'm very happy with mine, but just for your own car it's a bit expensive. Fine if you know many people with VAG cars though.

After a trip to the stealer and £115 lighter in my wallet for them to tell me that the door microswitch was broken (which I already knew) I bought one for our two Skoda's and it is great. I'm about to service SWMBO Fabia and wil be able to reset the service light on that without going anywhere near the stealer or my wallet (apart from parts).

Have to say I'm very happy with mine, but just for your own car it's a bit expensive. Fine if you know many people with VAG cars though.

I got mine for my own car, but I use it on others - probably mostly my Dad's mk2 TT, as local service chap to my Dad can't even reset the service light with his "all singing, all dancing" snap-on gear....