How do I go about reading engine codes

[biggee30 0]

Hi

Can anyone give me advice and what equipment to get and how to read fault codes ,it is something I have wanted to do for a while ESPICALLY AFTER TODAY.

My 97 VR6 Highline lost power with my wife driving to work and then would not start. Her story of what happened is abit sketchy at the mo but the car started first time after letting it sit for 10mins.

I am starting to systematically check for anything obvious and one of the first things that I need to do is find out if there are any faults in the cars ECU.

thanks

[thegoth 5]

Either have a nice word with somebody on this list who's lcoal to you. http://www.vr6oc.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?146266

Or buy a VAG-Com cable from Ebay if you happen to have a lap top else a stand alone code reader: http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&catref=C12&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=%2Bvag+%2Bcode&sacat=9800%26catref%3DC6&a6=-24&a39=-24&a39702=-24&a10244=-24&alist=a6%2Ca42078%2Ca39%2Ca41%2Ca39702%2Ca10244&pfmode=1&reqtype=1&gcs=2390&pfid=3528&pf_query=%2Bvag+%2Bcode&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D3&sadis=200&fpos=SG8+6EN&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ga10244=10425&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&fgtp=

Was the car up to temp when it cut out, or had your missus only just started her journey?

TG

[biggee30 0]

Either have a nice word with somebody on this list who's lcoal to you. http://www.vr6oc.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?146266

Or buy a VAG-Com cable from Ebay if you happen to have a lap top else a stand alone code reader: http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&catref=C12&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=%2Bvag+%2Bcode&sacat=9800%26catref%3DC6&a6=-24&a39=-24&a39702=-24&a10244=-24&alist=a6%2Ca42078%2Ca39%2Ca41%2Ca39702%2Ca10244&pfmode=1&reqtype=1&gcs=2390&pfid=3528&pf_query=%2Bvag+%2Bcode&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D3&sadis=200&fpos=SG8+6EN&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ga10244=10425&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&fgtp=

Was the car up to temp when it cut out' date=' or had your missus only just started her journey?

TG

[/quote']

TG thanks for the quick reply

Reading the engine codes is something I would like to do myself as I have a laptop.

How do I know what cable to get and what is the best one

What software will I need for the laptop?

As far as I know when the car broke down today it had sat idle warming up for 3-5mins outside the house then broke down 5 mins into journey(not far from home lickily)

cheers

[thegoth 5]

All I know is that there is some shareware software which does most of what you need to do. But as I went for the easy reader option I'll have to pass on further advice. No doubt someone else will be along soon.

These two threads might be of help in the mean time:

http://www.vr6oc.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?214753

http://www.vr6oc.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?185177

[Phat VR6 3]

while on this subject ive got the VAG.com software for my laptop but im yet to use it,

My car doesn't have its battery/ engine in it? Do you need the engine running or can i just conect up anyway? Thanks Tom

[Karr-Man 0]

while on this subject ive got the VAG.com software for my laptop but im yet to use it' date='

My car doesn't have its battery/ engine in it? Do you need the engine running or can i just conect up anyway? Thanks Tom

[/quote']

im still waiting for my cable to arrive via ebay but from what ive read on the software download site u dont need the engine running but u need the ignition switched on.

[thegoth 5]

My car doesn't have its battery/ engine in it? Do you need the engine running or can i just conect up anyway? Thanks Tom

The ECU needs to have power and if it's OBD2 the immobiliser has to be deactivated. SO I think you chances of getting anything meaning full out are slim.

[Phat VR6 3]

Yep its OBD2, Thanks for the help, Think il wait till its back together then, Cheers Tom

[biggee30 0]

while on this subject ive got the VAG.com software for my laptop but im yet to use it' date='

My car doesn't have its battery/ engine in it? Do you need the engine running or can i just conect up anyway? Thanks Tom

[/quote']

Phat VR6 Can I ask where you got the software from and what cable did you get

[LarkinBoy 0]

try one of them scan guages they are guna do a review in pvw i think

[Phat VR6 3]

Got it from ebay mate, Just serch VAG.com on there. Only £10

It came with the CD and cable, Don't think its the full vertion but will read fault codes ect, All I know is the cable is for OBD2 and will plug into my VR, Any of them that says there for VWs or OBD2/ vag.com should work. Hope this helps Tom