The Perils of the DIY Mechanic - to VCDS or to not VCDS

[the_clive]

Hi all,

Relatively new round here but on VWVortex but prefer to get some local opinions.

Before everyone starts flaming me for the above, I am not questioning the value of VCDS.

HOWEVER, for someone like me who is weekend/DIY mechanic and just likes solving problems under the bonnet as they crop up, I feel that VCDS would be a bit of an overkill for what I actually need it for ie: diagnosing faults, researching the fault and then being able to determine whether I can fix it myself or if i'm better suited to take it to a professional at least armed with some knowledge of the problem... Any sort of tuning etc i'll gladly take to a professional also.

The second problem I have is that I am a Mac user (as is the rest of my house) and have no interest in buying a version of windows to bootcamp for the sole purpose of VCDS if I can avoid it at all possible so really need a stand alone unit that will do the above.

Checking out Super Cheap Auto and they have an Actron Scanner which claims to work with my 2002 Golf GTi.

From an Australian and unbiased point of view, will this be enough and will it do what I want it to do?

[h100vw]

Hi all,

Relatively new round here but on VWVortex but prefer to get some local opinions.

Before everyone starts flaming me for the above, I am not questioning the value of VCDS.

HOWEVER, for someone like me who is weekend/DIY mechanic and just likes solving problems under the bonnet as they crop up, I feel that VCDS would be a bit of an overkill for what I actually need it for ie: diagnosing faults, researching the fault and then being able to determine whether I can fix it myself or if i'm better suited to take it to a professional at least armed with some knowledge of the problem... Any sort of tuning etc i'll gladly take to a professional also.

The second problem I have is that I am a Mac user (as is the rest of my house) and have no interest in buying a version of windows to bootcamp for the sole purpose of VCDS if I can avoid it at all possible so really need a stand alone unit that will do the above.

Checking out Super Cheap Auto and they have an Actron Scanner which claims to work with my 2002 Golf GTi.

From an Australian and unbiased point of view, will this be enough and will it do what I want it to do?

I have VCDS and to be honest, I don't think anything else compares. So I'd encourage you to go to a specialist or buy your own lead.

Gavin

[LeStig]

Going through the same thoughts myself .... I have plenty of windows desktops but the laptops are Macs ... I'd be willing to share ownership of the software and the associated costs ... But still need a laptop !!

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Maybe just borrow one. Plenty of people around with a VCDS willing to help out. Check out the thread under vcds technical resources. Other than that i got mine for $200 which is pittance compared to how much i've spent on the car.

[the_clive]

So after internet perusing for a couple of hours, I've ended up parting with $70 for this.

The same item sells at SCA for $169 and the online reviews are relatively positive, I figured it solves my issue of not needing a computer (iPhone/iPad app, connects via bluetooth) and plus does what i need it too and more.

Once it arrives next week, I'll post a review about it.

Yes I understand its not VCDS but my question was can I get by with basic DIY stuff without VCDS for now when all I want to do is scan codes - this fits my needs and states it works with my model so fingers crossed!

[leighaus]

I bought a bt dongle, by all accounts it as a bit cheaper.....

But it still didn't work. Keen to hear how you go.

If you have Ann android device, I'd recommend you get an app called "torque"... Not sure if it's on Apple devices.

[the_clive]

Maybe just borrow one. Plenty of people around with a VCDS willing to help out. Check out the thread under vcds technical resources. Other than that i got mine for $200 which is pittance compared to how much i've spent on the car.

Where did you purchase for $200?

[the_clive]

I bought a bt dongle, by all accounts it as a bit cheaper.....

But it still didn't work. Keen to hear how you go.

If you have Ann android device, I'd recommend you get an app called "torque"... Not sure if it's on Apple devices.

I have the same concern but I figured buying from a somewhat reputable brand as opposed to some cheap adaptor off ebay will help me win - buying a product that SCA stocks gives me a little bit more buying confidence.

I've downloaded the U-Scan app and i like the user interface. You do need to make additional IAP to unlock content thats specific to your Make but to get what you need would probably be $20 max if you're just using it for one vehicle.

I also contemplated this - Lemur BlueDriver - which has some pretty good reviews as well, but it wasn't clear that they supported cars in Australia, hence why i opted for the Actron U-Scan.

[RubAVeeDubDub]

I'll be very keen to hear how this actron scanner goes for myself as well.

I accidentally tore the ABS wiring to my passenger side hub and, as expected, the ABS & ESP light has come on. As far as I know, I need VCDS to clear the error/warning light.

Does VCDS reveal any errors even if there is no CEL ?

[h100vw]

I'll be very keen to hear how this actron scanner goes for myself as well.

I accidentally tore the ABS wiring to my passenger side hub and, as expected, the ABS & ESP light has come on. As far as I know, I need VCDS to clear the error/warning light.

Does VCDS reveal any errors even if there is no CEL ?

VCDS can see everything. if you have fixed your wiring you need it to clear the fault. Torque only works in the engine ECU, to the best of my knowledge.

Gavin