http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-VAG-Diagnostic-Fault-Code-Reader-CAN-OBD2-/150667799048?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2314802a08

My wife's A3 1.8T Sport (same engine as the Tavia mk1. vRS but de-tuned, smaller turbo etc.) keeps popping on it's check engine light. Awesome GTi have replaced one bit but it's still coming on every 2-3 weeks. No loss in power, no loss in mpg. The car is 10 years old and I really do not want to throw more money at it, merely check the code and turn the light off so it is not hiding an other fault.

So, is this device any good?

Ta in advance!

Steve

I bought the slightly cheaper one the U280 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scanner-Reader-SKODA-diagnostic-Fault/dp/B001KSZQNM

great tool! Easy to use, I did notice the codes I had come up weren't in the book, but most you can search for on here (mines got 17705 and 17705 - new temp sender ordered) you can clear the codes too - MUCH better than paying £40 + VAT the two times my EML came on and I didn't have a reader

I'd recommend, few others on here have one too

Ta.

Might get that one.

Steve

I bought the slightly cheaper one the U280 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scanner-Reader-SKODA-diagnostic-Fault/dp/B001KSZQNM

great tool! Easy to use, I did notice the codes I had come up weren't in the book, but most you can search for on here (mines got 17705 and 17705 - new temp sender ordered) you can clear the codes too - MUCH better than paying £40 + VAT the two times my EML came on and I didn't have a reader

I'd recommend, few others on here have one too

17705 is nothing to do with the temp sensor. It's a boost/vacuum prob. 17705 is pressure drop between turbo & throttle. Can be an absolute nightmare to cure :(

Code readers are a waste of time as there are many codes they don't see. If you have a laptop buy an obd2 cable on ebay they normally come with VAGCOM or you get VCDS free from Ross tech.

Yeah I got mixed up - I meant to type I have 17705 and 17704 - already found a split in the 'y' pipe, and the hose from intercooler to turbo wasn't attached properly (apparently the can go in on themselves, the olders ones) - last resort I'm thinking N75 valve, it's seemed to have a lack of low down power for a while - pressure drop

17704 IS cooland temp sensor (temp gauge reading extra low)

My code reader has been a god send of late

Edited 8 December, 201114 yr by Zoe

I just got a fault saying coolant circuit malfunction idle is very poor and temp guage is at just below 80 when warm. Is this the same thing?

Could be a CTS failure....

CTS is where I would start.

Are they cheap its nearly Xmas :/

I use the android app torque. Which is amazingly helpful. I just got p1296 from mine

Are they cheap its nearly Xmas :/

You can get cheap ones, but a proper part is only about £24 from a dealer (and much less likely to give you any hassle in the long run). Get a new o-ring too. New ones should be green, the older ones were black.

Fitting it easy on a diesel, can't remember for the 1.8T though - sorry!

I use the android app torque. Which is amazingly helpful. I just got p1296 from mine

Just got this myself with a Bluetooth OBDII module. Very trick, I think I might go for the full version for all the toys :p

Genuine VAG CTS is a must. Very easy job to do, 10 mins max.

Just changed the CTS on mine, darn thing is still running low temps and showing 17704, new thermostat I feel, joy!