Engine Check Light - Diagnostic

[jcutner]

The Engine Check light came on, on my A4 a few days ago. It's on solid, not flashing.

Canadian Tire quoted $108 to pull the code.
What alternates do I have?

It appears I could buy an OBD2 (I think) Diagnostic Tool for roughly the same price, but how does this differ from a "VAG-COM"?

Additionally, from what I've been reading it seems possible to purchase a cable, hook it up to my laptop, and diagnose the car via the laptop?

[evilgabbie]

check with independant tuning if you are in toronto
it won't cost $108 and they can fix ur problem as well

[zrowcool]

the obd2 is a code reader for any car that is obd2 compliant 1996+. It will give you a code that you can lookup and see. Vag-com is connected to a computer and although it can be more pricey than an obd2, it can be used to record logs, recode certain channels of your ecu, as well as check codes and clear them. only thing is its tailored to vag vehicles where the obd2 is universal.

[jcutner]

check with independant tuning if you are in toronto
it won't cost $108 and they can fix ur problem as well

I'm just outside Oshawa.