Should I use VAG-COM for servicing

[alanfoster3]

I recently bought a Leon 02 1.8T 20v and am giving it a service. In the service information it recommends checking for faults with the diagnostic tool.

As far as I can tell the car is fine and I have no faults shown on my dashboard. Is it still worth having a diagnostic done. I have seen the ebay VAG-COM software and lead and wondered whether it is worth purchasing this to allow me to service my car. If so, is the OBD-2 the correct one to get.

Thanks

Alan

 

[MJ]

get a genuine one from ilexa on board diagnostics or directly from ross-tech, no point p1ssing about with cheap crap thats gonna cause more harm than good, the genuine leads are about £150 but all the software is free and can be downloaded from the internet.

 

[BeartheBruce]

....... all the software is free and can be downloaded from the internet.

That's not quite true. When buying a full system from Ross-Tech, the cost of the software license is included in the price. The license is built into the interface so that you can download the software to as many computers as you choose to. The interface will unlock the software.

If you should choose the eBay route, then you can have full performance software for that wire by going to the Ross-Tech web site and purchasing a full license for $99 USD. Ross-Tech will send you a file to put into your computer to run VAG-COM. Keep in mind, this license is only good for that computer and should the computer crash, you may have to buy another license for the new computer.

So one advantage of the dongle style interfaces directly from Ross-Tech or our distributors is that you do not have the fuss of dealing with a license on only one computer. There are many other advantages to our interfaces. Read the forums as many opinions exist about which is best.

 

[MJ]

i was getting at the fact that genuine ones are alot better than the junk thats on ebay.
i paid £350 for mine but it was well worth it

 

[Andrewcupra TDI]

its wether u will see the 150 benifit ,
i personally bought the ebay one . as its simply to check and slear codes , ive done the odd adjustment i,e beep on lock/unlock and one or 2 other thinks but thats it , i paid - under £15 and its served its purpose , as people charge £25 plus to diagnose your car , now i can check , and instruct people what is needed

 

[alanfoster3]

Thanks for all your advice.

I went the ebay route as I only wished to have the simple function of checking for faults and cannot yet afford to buy the full version. I had some problem getting it working but the ebay seller was very helpful and replied very quickly, even on Christmas day.

I have found a few simple faults, central locking and radio aerial. I intend to try and reset them and see if they go away.