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Introduction | Installation | Land Mines | Operation | Capability | Engine OBD | ABS OBD An introduction to VAG-COM |
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| VAG-COM is
one of the most useful pieces of software that Audi owners can have on
their PC! Like the name suggests, it also works on Volkswagens, as well
as recent Seats and Skodas. It's purpose is to communicate with the many
electronic control units (ECUs) around the car as an on-board diagnostic
(OBD) aid with similar (and better) capabilities as the VAG computer system
used at your local dealership. All especially appealing with the price of
VAG-COM in mind! Jump to the
developers' web-site
for a complete description and pricing information. I'm not on commission
by the way - I just really like the product... |
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At the most basic level, VAG-COM can be used to read fault codes
from an engine's ECU. However, VAG-COM has much more intelligence than
simply interpreting fault codes. It has many more functional features
related to the central locking, immobiliser, airbags, ABS, instruments, air-con
and many other ECU sub-systems around the car. However, the actual functionality
of VAG-COM on any given car is predicated by the number of ECUs equipped
with the capability to communicate with the outside world. The most modern
VAG cars have much more electronic gadgetry that VAG-COM can talk to in
comparison with the relatively basic functionality of the early 90's vehicles.
Fortunately, the Bosch Motronic ECU fitted to the Audi S2 does have the necessary intelligence to link up with the diagnostic systems at Audi dealerships, and therefore works a treat with VAG-COM . Follow the Capability link to find out what else can be done with this software on the S2. Follow the Diagnostic links for descriptions of how VAG-COM can be used in anger on the S2.
By the way - If you don't have a PC at your disposal, there is another way to retrieve fault codes from the ECU of S2 engines. This generally involves counting the pulses from an LED hooked into the wiring loom. Click here for more info on these 'Blink Codes'. |
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Last Updated 18th September 2002