VAG n00b. Can I scan my Audi with any old OBD-II? Or only a VAG specific scanner?

[4A Play]

Just curious if I could scan my ECU with a regular OBD-II scan tool to pull codes and such or if I needed a VAG-Tool to access codes on my Audi.

Also, are there any real-time ECU monitors for our cars such as this one which is made for Hyundai?:

http://www.sharkracing.com/acecart/b...cate=011003000

Thanks guys!

[Seerlah]

You could pull (scan and clear) your codes with an ordinary OBD II Scanner, but it can not accomplish the things that can be done with a Vag Com. Like reading blocks or making adjustments to your ECU. Vag Com is specifically designed for the Audi/VW. A Vag Com can be put together at a fairly priced endevour. You could get a used Laptop off of ebay that meets the criterion for the Vag Com software [From ross-tech.com for laptop using a USB interface: We recommend at least a 500 MHz Pentium-3 (or AMD equivalent) with 64MB of RAM and Windows 98 or newer. USB interface work best with Windows XP or newer on a 1 GHz or faster PC, or on Vista on a machine robust enough to support that that operating system. USB interfaces will not work at all with Windows 95 or NT4.], an ebay Vag Com cable for maybe $10 (link), download the software (free/link), and get a license key for $100 (link). This is what I am lead to believe.

And as for real time diagnostic, the Vag Com should be able to perform that task. But I don't have one, so could not tell you. Maybe another could confirm. And FWIW, I have been procrastinating on getting one myself and the advice I just told you is the way I plan on aquiring mine.

[4A Play]

^Cool makes sense. But is there really a need for a entire Vag-com setup for a 2.8 Daily driver? I realize there is for stuff such as programing keys and such.

I think a $40 scan tool from Auto-zone should work for me. Happen to know where the plug in is on a 98?

Thanks!

[blmlozz]

^Cool makes sense. But is there really a need for a entire Vag-com setup for a 2.8 Daily driver? I realize there is for stuff such as programing keys and such.

I think a $40 scan tool from Auto-zone should work for me. Happen to know where the plug in is on a 98?

Thanks!

it's either in the ash-tray holder in the rear seats or under the dash near fuse panel.

[Seerlah]

I believe it is in the rear ashtray assembly. But if all you want to do is scan for codes, then you most definately could just attain the scanner. The problem is that once you pull the codes, you must determine what they mean. If you have a Bently Manual, the codes are listed in the back of the book (plus it is just a good book to have). Or you could look up the codes here. Problem is, it does not have the explanation for all the codes ,as you would need to purchase the full version for that service. But that link I just posted can help you with much, and if it is not on there just ask on a new thread and hopefully someone could look it up for you.

Edit: Mine is located under the steering column, but I assumed that your was not there and that was the reason you inquired. But as blmozz said, the port is located either under the steering column near the fuses or in the rear ashtray assembly.

[4A Play]

How about this question, can I montor the engine and ECU while driving the car? Or is that Scanner specific and not Audi?