VAGCOM /OBD reader ... Someone point me in the right direction

[kassim]

Hi guys after previously owning a few Leon's and now owning another one I have decided to invest in a Vagcom/ OBDreader .....

I obviously don't want a genuine one as I don't wana pay £200+

Can anyone send me a link to what they recommend ?? Cheers

 

[RaviR50]

+1 to this, i want one too do you need extra software for it? also where the hell is the OBD port anyway??!!

 

[anoyceperson]

RaviR50 If this is a MK1 Leon they are in the well under the radio.

I am also interested to know what the best value setup would be for this.

 

[RaviR50]

RaviR50 If this is a MK1 Leon they are in the well under the radio.

I am also interested to know what the best value setup would be for this.

do you mean where the gear knob is?? in the same hole??

 

[anoyceperson]

(Let me try and describe it!!)

On mine (2004 model) it is directly underneath the stereo in that storage well. So in front of the gear stick.

 

[anoyceperson]

Underneath the ash tray bit, I think that it might possibly have some kind of cover over it normally

 

[JDUB 20V]

Lmao

 

[8bit]

Go on ebay and look for "U281 vag code reader". I've got that one (orange one), cost about £20, reads ECU, ABS and SRS modules. Very handy, mine's in the glovebox at all times.

Or if you have an Android phone or tablet, go get an OBD Bluetooth adaptor and get the Torque app. Adaptor is about £20 I think also from eBay, the full Torque app is a couple of quid on the Android market.

 

[anoyceperson]

Go on ebay and look for "U281 vag code reader". I've got that one (orange one), cost about £20, reads ECU, ABS and SRS modules. Very handy, mine's in the glovebox at all times.

Or if you have an Android phone or tablet, go get an OBD Bluetooth adaptor and get the Torque app. Adaptor is about £20 I think also from eBay, the full Torque app is a couple of quid on the Android market.

The bluetooth adapter you are referring to, I dont suppose you happen to have a link to that do you?

 

[Chris4877]

Ive got the U281 code reader as well, very good bit of kit for around 15-20 quid, I now have my liquid gauge which tells me but keeping this just in case.

 

[useyourname]

This: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200821924243?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Got it delivered the other day. Read codes no problem.

 

[Chris4877]

This: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200821924243?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Got it delivered the other day. Read codes no problem.

This is what ive got, paid £12 in used condition, I feel so used haha

 

[anoyceperson]

What would the Torque applicaton and the bluetooth adapter give you in addition to the simple hand held reader above?

 

[8bit]

The bluetooth adapter you are referring to, I dont suppose you happen to have a link to that do you?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Android-T...iagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item27cba1ad01

One like that should do you. Torque can read various sensors in the car in real time (boost, coolant temp, intake air temp, air/fuel ratio, bunch of other stuff), you can set these up in little dials on the screen. I occasionally use mine in a generic Halfords phone windscreen/dash mount thing to keep an eye on boost and such like. You can also do basic logging with it, a bit like in VAGCOM but you don't get nearly as much stuff (yet).

Also, those adapters and Torque app should work on any OBD-II equipped car, the U281 I suggested earlier will only work on mk4 Golf era stuff like mk1 Leons, mk1 A3/S3 etc. but they're good for what they do too.

 

[anoyceperson]

8Bit.. thanks for the link. And that definitely works on a MK1 (1M) Leon? The only reason I am asking is that there is a list of compatable cars and there are no Seats on that list at all.

Edit: Sorry just noticed your last line... from that I am assuming the answer is yes

 

[8bit]

Mine looks very slightly different but it is an ELM327 based one same as that and it works fine. If you want one with better features etc. then have a look at the wiki on http://torque-bhp.com as there is a list of known working adaptors on there. The better ones cost more obviously, but that basic one should be OK for basic use.

Torque can actually read the VAG extended info now like VAGCOM does but you need a different adaptor for that. If you want that functionality (VAGCOM-style fault codes instead of standard OBD ones, proper VAGCOM measuring blocks etc) then you should do some research on the Torque website and choose an adaptor that works with it - these cheap ELM327 ones won't.

 

[anoyceperson]

Thanks... just ordered one of the ELM327. For a tenner delivered cant really go too far wrong.

 

[kassim]

Alright guys .... Ordered my u281 vag code reader ..... I have a flashing glow plug light that needs to be switched off ..... Someone know if it can take it off ???

It's the orange and black coloured one

Ps what other things can it do ?? Cheers guys

 

[akchappers]

Go on amazon! I have a vgate vs450! It's a rebranded sealey unit and mine cost £42 posted! Sealey is £300+!
Mine does pretty much everything from abs, crash sensors, engine and airbag lights , interior sensors, and loads more!
And it does other cars apart from VAG cars! Did an engine light on a focus the other day, and a Chevrolet lacetti!
Saved me an absolute fortune! And it's fast too!
Ak

 

[kassim]

Cheers mate but iv already bought my u281

Anyone have any decent feedback from these on a MK1 Leon

Also will it reset my glow plug light which is flashing