Service Indicator Resets??

[HBarlow]

I recently had the 5k service done on my Audi. I didn't see a service required light in the instrument panel but knew it should be done so took it to a European car specialty shop to have it done. The car may have had the 5k service done early by the selling dealer. Don't know.

There is no Audi dealer nearby.

I have two questions:

1. Should a service required indicator light in the instrument panel normally light for required preventive maintenance?

2. Can an owner reset the service indicator himself?

Years ago I owned a new BMW 325. I recall that the quarterly BMW magazine which I subscribed to at the time published a handy tip explaining how to build a simple service reset device using a basic Radio Shack plastic box, an instant ON push button, and a couple of wires. That was before the days of the internet and before computers were replacing people.

Will appreciate your good advice.

[riceboy22]

There is a service due indicator. It should show up in your dash center display. It should come on every 10k miles or 12 months.

And to reset the service due indicator you need an OBD2 scan tool of some sort. The cheapest way is probably just to find another nearby owner who has a VAGCOM and buy him/her a beer.

[VroomVroom]

FWIW, this is one of those areas where the Ross-Tech cable & software prove so valuable. Time and time again, it's proven to be the best "mod" money I've spent.

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/cat/IC.html

[TJay74]

Cheaper alternative is to get the Carista Bluetooth dongle and d/l the Carista app. You can reset the service reminders with their program now.

[riceboy22]

FWIW, this is one of those areas where the Ross-Tech cable & software prove so valuable. Time and time again, it's proven to be the best "mod" money I've spent.

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/cat/IC.html

+1. Fault code scans, performance logging (a must if you tune), and do-your-own customizations.

Cheaper alternative is to get the Carista Bluetooth dongle and d/l the Carista app. You can reset the service reminders with their program now.

FYI it's not nearly as cheap as it used to be. They only offer either a one week $10 pass or a $40 annual subscription if you weren't grandfathered in.

[HBarlow]

Thanks for your suggestions.

I could talk myself into buying this one:

VCDS License with KII-USB Unlimited VIN (VW to ~'05; Audi to ~'03) $249.00 In Stock plus tax and shipping but the product description says it's only applicable for Audi to 2003.

I don't know if I could talk myself into the $450 item. I would only use it once a year or at 10k service intervals.

Please tell me more about the Carista dongle.

I have to confess . . . you young men are speaking a language I'm not familiar with. I'm old, old fashioned, and low tech. My wife has an I-phone, I-pad, and laptop and has tried for years to persuade me to buy an I-phone. I've resisted. Technology has not only passed me by but has left me in the dust.

I think an OBD2 is my best solution. Please point me in the right direction. What do you recommend?

[riceboy22]

You're not missing out on that much without an iPhone lol. I'd say 90% of my time on it could be better spent doing something else. If you get the VAGCOM you only need the $349 one and a laptop. Carista is cheaper, but it's a subscription service and also requires a $40 adapter and a smartphone. Here's the link to their adapter on Amazon: Carista Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter, Scanner and App for iPhone/iPad and Android.

If you're only planning to reset the service indicator, your independent European shop should have a tool to do that.

[Shaggymatt]

I've got an ObdEleven I'll part with.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[HBarlow]

I've got an ObdEleven I'll part with. . . .

Will your OBD11 reset my service indicator? What do you want for it?

[Shaggymatt]

http://obdeleven.proboards.com/thread/34/

Yes it will. $40 shipped.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Shaggymatt]

You do need an Android phone or tablet, it does not work with iOS. But you can get these for cheap/free pretty easily. An old Android phone without cell service, but Wi-Fi would work.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[HBarlow]

http://obdeleven.proboards.com/thread/34/

Yes it will. $40 shipped.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

The link you provided was broken. It took me to an unknown discussion thread but no information about the OBD11 device.

[HBarlow]

I don't have an old android phone or tablet.

Perhaps I would be better off to bite the bullet and pay the price of an entry level OBDII device. I googled the term and looked at the manufacturers website. It appears that their product is compatible with my Audi but their compatible listing didn't go beyond MY2012.

I emailed the company to ask if their product will work with my car.

Does anyone have a specific recommendation for a stand alone handheld OBD device product and source?

I think I prefer to buy a device I can plug into the under dash connector annually to reset the indicator? I don't really need any additional capabilities - at least none I am aware of now.

[BarryT82]

Buy a used hex+can USB cable. If you watch the classifieds on TDIClub you can find one for $200-225.

[HBarlow]

I googled the term OBDII scan gauge and found several relatively inexpensive tools - even on Wal-Mart's website or Amazon.

Does anyone know if something like this would perform the simple task of resetting service indicator?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Innova-30...&veh=sem#about

[goblues38]

I googled the term OBDII scan gauge and found several relatively inexpensive tools - even on Wal-Mart's website or Amazon.

Does anyone know if something like this would perform the simple task of resetting service indicator?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Innova-30...&veh=sem#about

no. the barista app in its most basic form is just an OBDII scanner. Not until they do the extra software do you get the reset functions.

[SQive]

Just bite the bullet and get the RossTech cable. Their software upgrades are free.
Let others buy you the beer!

[HBarlow]

I spent some time on the Ross-Tech website and called and spoke to a sales rep. The bottom line will be $349 probably plus tax and plus shipping.

I guess that's what I'll have to do. I won't need the cable for probably a year so I can procrastinate for awhile before I pull out the plastic and go to their website.

Thanks for the advice and assistance.

[SQive]

Anytime, squid.
--Wingnut