I have an Autel maxscan vag 405, which I know is a cheapo, however works on my MK1 Fabia. 

 

Just tried plugging it in to a MK3, and it wouldn’t connect apart from the obdii/eobd menu option.

 

this is the first time I’ve sat in a MK3; the scanner wants me to turn the ignition on, but not start the engine. Is this possible in the MK3? 

 

Apart from that I’m guessing either my cheapo scanner is no good for a newer model, or the data link connector on the MK3 was loose 

59 minutes ago, Wench said:

I have an Autel maxscan vag 405, which I know is a cheapo, however works on my MK1 Fabia. 

 

Just tried plugging it in to a MK3, and it wouldn’t connect apart from the obdii/eobd menu option.

 

this is the first time I’ve sat in a MK3; the scanner wants me to turn the ignition on, but not start the engine. Is this possible in the MK3? 

 

Apart from that I’m guessing either my cheapo scanner is no good for a newer model, or the data link connector on the MK3 was loose 

Just on the starting thing, if you have a push button start, you need to press the brake or clutch (dsg or manual) to start the engine. If you keep you feet off the pedals and just press the start button, the ignition will,come on but the engine won’t start. If you don’t turn the ignition on, the scanner can’t connect.

These scan tools were the cheaper tool of choice with earlier cars, but as you have discovered, they have run out of life on newer cars, I sold mine after we had sold on our 2000 VW Passat and 2002 VW Polo, now have a 2011 S4 and a 2015 Polo so needed to move on to something like Carista for carrying in the car.

2 hours ago, rum4mo said:

These scan tools were the cheaper tool of choice with earlier cars, but as you have discovered, they have run out of life on newer cars, I sold mine after we had sold on our 2000 VW Passat and 2002 VW Polo, now have a 2011 S4 and a 2015 Polo so needed to move on to something like Carista for carrying in the car.

 

It doesn’t really matter to me that it doesn’t work on a mk3, as it’s a friends car. Might just give it another go with the ignition button as above and see if it works