Newbie to Coding - Which tool ?

[Michael_B]

OK, so starting to learn more re the OBD apps available, long coding etc etc, but still a lot to learn.

Having an engineering background and being a 'fiddler' with cars, will always look at doing something.

Having learnt the hard way on the brake swap on my 2024 Cupra Leon V (Spanish Golf Mk 8 version), it seems that the OBDeleven Pro Pack or the VCDS from Ross-Tech are the way to go.

OBD have a special on the Pro Pack for $199 until Monday 7th Oct (normally $219) whilst the VCDS is $199 - $299 (either 3 VIN's or 10 VIN's).

Given I've only got one VAG car and unlikely to have many more, which $199 option is recommended ?

Cheers

Michael

[DV52]

Michael: I keep reading about the progress through your learning curve with both interest and admiration - keep-up the good work!!

In respect of your specific question - I thought that we had already discussed this matter HERE. In fact, I had understood that you had purchased a Carista tool - which from @Lucus_R reply a few posts down from my link above is compatible with your MY24 Cupra.

Anyhow, there's nothing wrong with owning multiple diagnostic devices (I have a few different types - and I have a love/hate relationship with ALL of them)!

So, for what it's worth - I suggest that before you make a decision, you first find-out which form of SFD protection your Cupra uses.

If the answer is SFD (version 1) - then I personally would NOT opt for any of the Ross-Tech products because as I say in my link - at this present time VCDS does NOT support SFD protected vehicles for enthusiast market users. Of course you could buy a HEX-V2 in the hope that an integrated SFD solution for VCDS will be announced soon - but I suggest that might be overly hopeful given the deafening silence from Ross-Tech!

If the answer is SFD2, then not even OBD11 has a complete solution for the very latest protection protocol! Again, as I say in my link - ain't any diagnostic device able to provide problem-free access to SFD2 encrusted modules - not even the dealer tool ODIS (as I understand). So, your decision about which tool to buy in the case that this car has SFD2 is really a guess about which manufacturer is likely to be first. Obviously this guess is a prediction - but again, given that Ross-Tech hasn't even gotten to first-base with SFD (version 1) - I seriously doubt that VCDS is a serious contender to win the SFD2 race!!

Don

[Michael_B]

Hi Don,

I like learning, and whilst it does get me int0 trouble (already had the raised eyebrows from the missus), but as it's "my car", it's "my responsibility"

Yes, I have the Carista, but EPB Service is not yet supported, and they don't do the SFD unlock. So it has limited use, but hopefully my problems will be solved with some hard labour this weekend.

I've had some good back & forth with some members on SeatCupra.net, and it appears my car is SFD only, not SFD2, but no detail was provided (yet) on how this is proven.

It appears that maybe it is date related and Brand/model ? My thoughts are that it may be that the higher value cars get the latest tech and the sub models (Cupra & Skoda maybe) get the latest stuff further down the track.

So sounds like if anything, it's the OBDeleven Pro.

Also still waiting on response from the two Adelaide based VCDS peeps (Transporter and tigger73) if they can assist, but may need to PM them

Cheers

[petemac110]

I've mentioned the carscanner elm pro app in your other threads, but it doesn't seem to be getting any airtime.

It's super-capable - full service support functionality, 'one click' style apps if so desired, long coding, full back-ups of data, sensor monitoring and whatnot. It doesn't have a sexy interface but it just WORKS.

Given you already have a bluetooth OBD2 dongle, buying the app (I think I paid $8-10 for the pro version, no further payments required) is a no-brainer to see if it works for you.

I've used OBDEleven and Carista and I wouldn't go back to either of them. Aside from looking nice, they offer no additional functionality that I can see.

Now, I have no way of testing the SFD functionality as I don't need it for my car, but there's a LOT of SFD options in the relevant menu.

Home screen





Main coding screen







SFD options - top of screen - there are many SFD items listed within this menu





SFD options relating to the park brake only - unsure if relevant to what you're trying to achieve as I cannot test it on my car





Park brake service menu

[Michael_B]

I've mentioned the carscanner elm pro app in your other threads, but it doesn't seem to be getting any airtime.

It's super-capable - full service support functionality, 'one click' style apps if so desired, long coding, full back-ups of data, sensor monitoring and whatnot. It doesn't have a sexy interface but it just WORKS.

...

I did see it mentioned and had a quick look, but when searching, it comes up with multiple different 'apps', and none of the screen shots look like the ones you posted, as they typically .

I'll shoot you a PM with my mobile number and you can then message me and 'share' the app, so I can download the same one and look at it.

Cheers

[Michael_B]

I've mentioned the carscanner elm pro app in your other threads, but it doesn't seem to be getting any airtime.

It's super-capable - full service support functionality, 'one click' style apps if so desired, long coding, full back-ups of data, sensor monitoring and whatnot. It doesn't have a sexy interface but it just WORKS.

...

I did see it mentioned and had a quick look, but when searching, it comes up with multiple different 'apps', and none of the screen shots look like the ones you posted, as they typically .

I'll shoot you a PM with my mobile number and you can then message me and 'share' the app, so I can download the same one and look at it.

Cheers

[lloydus67]

As you mentioned previously the biggest issue I see with vids is the vin limit, I’m on my second Amarok, the wife has a Jetta. That would already have used the 3 vins, we are seriously considering a cupra Formentor.
I like ODBeleven, not tied to a number of Vin’s or even a particular brand.


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[Sharkie]

As you mentioned previously the biggest issue I see with vids is the vin limit, I’m on my second Amarok, the wife has a Jetta. That would already have used the 3 vins, we are seriously considering a cupra Formentor.
I like ODBeleven, not tied to a number of Vin’s or even a particular brand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All VCDS cables sold through Harding Performance are unlimited # VIN.

[petemac110]

I did see it mentioned and had a quick look, but when searching, it comes up with multiple different 'apps', and none of the screen shots look like the ones you posted, as they typically .

I'll shoot you a PM with my mobile number and you can then message me and 'share' the app, so I can download the same one and look at it.

Cheers

Thanks Michael - message sent!

For future reference:

main app page:

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 – The best car OBD2 diagnostic solution for iOS and Android in your pocket!

Links to purchase:

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 on the App Store (apple.com)

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 - Apps on Google Play

It's also worth noting that most of the OBDII bluetooth dongle/adaptors are largely interchangeable, provided the specs are correct. As an example, you should be able to use a OBD eleven dongle, Carista dongle, Carly dongle, and other dongles like the Veepeak BLE and BLE+, OBDLink MX+ etc interchangeably between most software packages.

I use the Veepeak BLE+ interchangeably across different software on VW and BMW platforms and it performs flawlessly.

[Michael_B]

Thanks Michael - message sent!

For future reference:

main app page:

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 – The best car OBD2 diagnostic solution for iOS and Android in your pocket!

Links to purchase:

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 on the App Store (apple.com)

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 - Apps on Google Play

Cheers.

Downloaded and ready to have a crack over the weekend

Cheers Pete !