First time usage of VAGCOM

[DolphiN_Tech]

I'll be ordering up the HEX USB VAGCOM for the impending RS4 B5 purchase, but was giving consideration to first time usage.

Assuming the seller will allow, my intention was to do a check on the car I choose to try and get a more complete picture before purchase (and more bargaining power on any issues that turn up).

Is it as easy as I'm led to believe - install software on laptop, connect dongle lead, switch on car and do an autoscan? I don't want to be flailing around like a numpty during a prospective deal.

Sadly the only suitable car I know of to experiment on was sold by my friend a couple of months ago for a 350Z

[GrahamS4]

I am sure you will be up to it.

Wise choice by the way, having vagcom from the outset makes the most sense. Things we are used to on the Mercs like auto locking doors ~10mph and selecting drivers door unlock or all doors unclock via the keyfob are all coding only options on VAG.

Quite a few here use vagcom when viewing prospective purchases, CliveH, shineydave and ChirsS2 all spring to mind and may have more tips.

From memory: Software installed, plug lead in (might need to point softwre to driver on first use), ignition on, launch software, select chassis type I think.

Then you can autoscan to check for faults. You'll just get a log file you can copy paste. Faults clearly highlighted. SHould you and the seller wish you can then clear some codes to see if they return.

You might like to be familiar of some faults which are frequent (dont recall it but a code is thrown if the spare key hasn't been used in ages etc or if they battery has been disconnected).

Other than that, a drive logging block 003 and 115 would be a good plan. If you can get WOT through the revs in a few gears you will get a peak MAF reading which will give you a rough idea of power and perhaps how healthy the MAF is, if it is remapped etc. You should go knowing what a healthy MAF reading is for a stock and mapped RS4. You will also see if actual boost tracks requested boost suitably. You really need to study a few logs (plenty posted here) to se how they look in general. You know doubt have read all the buyers guides and threads twice and know how important it is to ensure there are no boost leaks and dv's etc are all functioning correctly.

[DolphiN_Tech]

Well, I fly a computer all day, so you would think I should be able to work it out, but forewarned is forearmed, hence wanting to run the checks before buying. It does seem as simple as I was hoping, and the error messages seem reasonably self-explanatory.

I've inwardly digested the buyers guide in addition to existing knowledge (my old C250 used to like blowing off turbo pipes) but may need to search for the MAF values unless a kind soul can provide, and check into some of the logging tracks. Fortunately I have a little time to play with while my friend sorts the finances to buy the DC5.

Has anyone been refused a diagnostics run by a seller? Personally I'd view that as having something to hide, especially given the enthusiast nature of these cars.

[derdle]

Personally I'd view that as having something to hide, especially given the enthusiast nature of these cars.

Unless the seller had never heard of vagcom and was dubious about your intentions? Seller may doubt your abilities and may think that you'd accidentally cause some form of damage?

Paul

[DolphiN_Tech]

That thought had crossed my mind...in some ways you would expect owners of a car such as the RS4 to know about vagcom, but equally not all RS4's are enthusiast owned...but that then opens the possibility of "Would you want to buy it if it's not been cherished?"...the argument could roll on for ever.

In the end I decided I'd rather send it on a expenses paid holiday to Banbury for a pre-purchase inspection, especially as I doubt the kit would arrive in time, and I don't think Doug's abilities are in question!

[Love_iTT]

I know your intentions are purely to see if the car is genuinely OK but to be honest I don't think that I would be too happy about some stranger knocking at the door and wanting to plug his laptop into my car before buying. Try and see it from the sellers point of view - he's never met you, doesn't know where your laptop has been or what is on it. Never mind what you might be doing or transferring to MY car!

Sorry, but for me I would say no, not because I'm would be afraid of what the car is hiding but rather what you might be doing. I would rather loose the sale.

Graham