Went for a wee stroll around Halfords yesterday looking for some odds 'n' sods. Happened across a VW / Audi diagnostics tool that connects via the OBDII port and runs a full check. Any fault codes are displayed which you can look up in the enclosed instructions to find out what they refer to.

Admittedly it's a world apart from VAG-COM as it's only a read only device but at only

Jimmy

The complete VAG-COM Package (Cable + Software) will cost you

Thanks Manny, That's not a bad price. I thought it was about the

Jimmy, have a look in the Self Diagnostics section of our web links here.

Jon, like the idea of using the shareware version of VAG-COM as a diagnostic facility. I've just downloaded but any advice on where to look for a suitable serial cable - bearing in mind I'm a bit of a techno numpty... Thanks. [/b]

Anyone got any ideas where I can get hold of a 'cheap' serial cable? I've just spent the last few hours trawling the web but all involve shelling out loads of cash to get the full package which is not what I'm after.

Also had a look for a wiring diagram to throw one together myself - well with a bit of help from a friendly IT chappie but these seem to be a closely guarded secret... Mmmm anyone prepared to shed any light.

Me too :wave:

Not sure where to buy this, or a plug for it, but this site might shed some light on how to wire one up...

Rob.

recon rs or maplins would have them... or cpc?

Did a search on Maplins website, was quite surprised they didn't seem to have any...

Rob.

sorry.:(

Don't know how their stocks compare to their website though!

Rob.

Is it just a stock serial null modem cable though? I though it was more complex than that?

Originally posted by Quinten in this post

Is it just a stock serial null modem cable though? I though it was more complex than that?

Q, Dunno really just that on a previous thread Jon mentioned that you can knock one up from scratch. I assume that all you need to do is get a standard serial cable and buy the right plug to connect to the OBD2 port. Then solder the correct wires to the pins (hence the need for a wiring diagram) then this should enable you to run ok with the freeware VAG-COM s/ware.

Or am I missing the point totally....

Sounds right to me Jimmy. Only hassle might be getting hold of the OBD2 plug.

Is this the item you seek ?

http://www.skpang.co.uk/obdii_hardware.htm

Originally posted by MonkeyHanger in this post

Is this the item you seek ?

http://www.skpang.co.uk/obdii_hardware.htm

Geoff, Yep think that's the fella but look at the price!!

The the cable comes with a warning: Not to be used with 2002 onward model year A4 & A8. I wonder if that has implications for some of the more recent Skodas?

I'm pretty sure I have seen other sources for the cable, including detailed instructions for wiring one up. I will try and track the details down when I have time.

No its not a simple wire connection, needs opto isolation and level conversion

from the PC serial port.

This is even cheaper if you want to make your own pcb:

http://www.planetfall.com/~jeff/obdii/

Swedish site:

http://home.swipnet.se/fredde-b/

Originally posted by Eric_R in this post

No its not a simple wire connection, needs opto isolation and level conversion

from the PC serial port.

This is even cheaper if you want to make your own pcb:

http://www.planetfall.com/~jeff/obdii/

Swedish site:

http://home.swipnet.se/fredde-b/

Bang goes that idea then. Can't be bothered if it's that complicated. Now to find somewhere that will sell me one cheaply....

Hey here's an idea. Buy the one from Halfords and chop the end off it. With a big hammer maybe...

Originally posted by DGW in this post

The the cable comes with a warning: Not to be used with 2002 onward model year A4 & A8. I wonder if that has implications for some of the more recent Skodas?

Denis, Apparently some 2002 and later Audis require "Dual K Lines" to communicate with all onboard controllers. Hence a newer version is required with this functionality. The version 2 as supplied by OBD Tool is the one to go for in this case.

Originally posted by Jimmy in this post

Hey here's an idea. Buy the one from Halfords and chop the end off it. With a big hammer maybe...

Big K - is your hammer available for weekend jobs?

I have a cable that I "knocked together"

I'll bring it on Sunday for you to look at.

It cost me about

Originally posted by panrix2002 in this post

I have a cable that I "knocked together"

I'll bring it on Sunday for you to look at.

It cost me about

Jimmy,

If you have a laptop and can get the Vag-Com software on it (or I could bring on CD) then we could probably have a look using the cable. I haven't used it much as I was going to add Cruise Control but haven't had the time :(

See you Sunday

Mark,

I will bring my laptop with VAG-COM already downloaded onto it. I'll also bring along a digi stills camera and DV camcorder to capture some action. Now just to fab a dashboard mount for the video camera. Mmmm..