Are 'more expensive' VCDS cables any good?

[Chris Berry]

Ok, I've got a VERY old VAG-Com cable that I purchased on ebay some 15 years ago. Its one of those really cheap blue ones. It still works, but it only clears engine fault codes - it cannot detect any other modules in on my car (or my wifes VW Golf for that matter)

 

So, what I want is a VCDS cable that can clear fault codes from other modules - not just the engine one. For example, I had to remove my wifes glove box from her 2005 VW Golf Plus. This meant I had to disconnect the airbag on/off key switch, this in turn has thrown an airbag light issue on the dash, which I cannot remove with my current VAG-Com lead.

 

There are more expensive (and better quality) ones on eBay & from Amazon - can anyone recommend a particular one? All I want is the ability to read & clear faults, don't care about the other options you get.

 

 

[Breezy_Pete]

The shareware (free to download) version of VCDS, VCDS-Lite does this with any functional third-party cable according to this chart from Ross-tech: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Functions  See "05 Clear Fault Codes".

 

I use a Gendan cable that's not pricey: https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VAGUSB.html

 

Some folk will find perfectly functional cheaper alternative cables, I'm sure. 

[Chris Berry]

Thanks. That's perfect. 

 

I'm using Vcds Lite, that should scan other modules besides just the engine one shouldn't it. 

[Breezy_Pete]

Yes.

I don't think autoscan is available without registering, but you should be able to pick individual modules and scan them.

[Chris Berry]

hhmm, I now a bit unsure about this.

The one that is in the link seems no different to the one I've already got. It also looks a lot like ones that are £5 on eBay & I do dislike paying 'over the odds' for the same thing that’s 1/4 of the price elsewhere.

 

Another thing that caught my eye was that on that site, it says that its compatible with cars from 1996 to 2003. My wifes car is a Golf Plus Mk5 2005. I didn’t know if this going to be an issue. Additionally, when looking through eBay, a lot of them state that they are NOT compatible with Golf Plus Mk5.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auto-Diagnostic-Tool-USB-Cable-KKL-VCDS-lite-409-1-OBD-fits-Audi-Seat-Skoda/273779399535

So if anyone can other further advice, it would be appreciated.

Ta

[Breezy_Pete]

Ah, sorry, I missed the bit about it not being a Mk1 Fabia. All of those (mk1 Fabs) will talk via that cable but a mk5 Golf may* be CAN comms only for the diagnostic socket instead of KKL, which that cable won't handle.

 

* I'll see if I have a relevant wiring diagram to check.

[StevesTruck]

That cable is exceptionally good value considering it's from a reputable source, not a random chinese ebayer. I've never used VCDS-Lite, but I've had mk5 Golfs and 2k Caddys hooked up to my copy cable using an older version of VCDS and it's worked fine. 

[Breezy_Pete]

Well there does seem to be a K-line connection to the diagnostic skt on the mk5 diagram I've just looked at, but it may only connect to engine and gearbox ECUs, do you recall connecting to anything other than those with your cable on mk5s?  Haven't studied it thoroughly as it's a pdf running to nearly 1700 pages.

 

Edited 15 January, 2020 by Wino

[StevesTruck]

I can't remember on the Golfs, it's been all over the caddy though and that's pretty much the same thing?

[Chris Berry]

Thanks for the help Wino, Im really greatful.

My old (current) cable has never worked for anything but reading engine faults. I've used it on a VW Passat 2003, Skoda Fabia Mk1 2003 & my Wifes Golf Plus Mk5 2005. I always put the issue down to the cable being a bit kak (cheap!)

 

[sepulchrave]

5 minutes ago, StevesTruck said:

I can't remember on the Golfs, it's been all over the caddy though and that's pretty much the same thing?

 

Caddy is always one generation behind.

[Chris Berry]

What about something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/THZY-reader-Reader-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B0788KYY4Q/ref=sr_1_9?crid=BUYRXY4PJGKY&keywords=vcds+volkswagen&qid=1579119126&sprefix=vcds%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-9

 

For the price that seems too good to be true (or work!)

[Breezy_Pete]

"Supported Protocols: J1859-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230), and CAN (Control Area Network ISO 11898), --- For AUDI /VW /SKODA /SEAT, NI100 can support them from 2006;, --- For Ssangyong, NI100 can support it from 2008;, --- For Some models of Renault / Peugeot / Citroen, NI100 can support them from 2005;, --- Some models of Renault / Peugeot / Citroen are not standard OBD2 protocols, NI100 can support them from 2006, Please check with us before you buy, we will give you a solid anwser within 12 hours., --- NI100can only work on 12V Gasoline or Diesel Car, SUV, Mini Van, Light Duty Vehicles;, --- NI100 is OBD2 diagnostic scanner, which can only work on engine system, NOT airbag, ABS/SRS or other systems;, For European Cars, NI100 could support it from 2002 manufacturing year on. But for VW / AUDI /SEAT / SKODA and French car like PEUGEOT / CITROEN / RENAULT, only support them from 2006 manufacturing year on., THZY NI100 is OBD2 code reader, only can work on ENGINE system, NOT support ABS / SRS airbag or other systems."

[Breezy_Pete]

Is there no-one near you with real VCDS?

[Chris Berry]

Maybe - I might see if Tech1e is in a good mood!!

[nige8021]

On the Polo range from the 6N2 (1999 +) the airbag ecu was only accessable via the CANbus connections on the diagnostic connector, so most likely the same on the Fabia  

[Chris Berry]

Hi Guys.

Just a quick update to say I manage to get hold of a friends Ancel device & it cleared the code straight off.

Was one of the cheap versions that they dont make any more but was very easy to use.

 

Might spend the £45 & get the VD500 as I think they work very well.

[mpm222]

Have a look on the Banggood website (sounds like, but isn't a porn site!).

Practically everything you require including parts. Lead i purchased on eBay, was a quarter of the price on Banggood. Purchased several items over the years with no problems. Only downside is Chinese and can take upto six weeks for delivery.