[Diy_efi] Scan Tools

Fri Jun 1 21:40:24 UTC 2007

Some modern Audi and VW use both the CAN bus and the older ISO 9141 
interface for diagnostics. Both of them are connected to their pins in 
the OBD connector. Some of the car's ECUs use CAN while others use ISO 
9141. The problem with some scan tools is that if they find a CAN bus, 
then they don't even try to do any connection attempts on ISO 9141. A 
possible way (not tested) would be to isolate the CAN pins if you see 
strange results.
It is also said (but not affirmed) that certain Audi use a non-standard 
baudrate on ISO 9141. This is said to in particular be true for some 
turbo diesel models.

Best regards

Torbj?rn Forsman

Bill Shaw wrote:
> Speaking of scan tools,  anyone know of one that will hook up to a '99  
> Audi A6QA (besides VAG-COM)? The normal tools don't seem to work.
> 
> Bill
> 
> CARL-OTTO RUSTAD wrote:
> 
>> Logan!
>>
>> I bought the Harrison R&D last year, 28 Sept.
>> This is a copy of my question "E-mail",
>> and the answer i received almost instantly.
>>  
>>
>>> Can the following equipment: USB OBDScan+CANtm
>>> do some datalogging, reset fault codes, and
>>> troubleshoot: Dodge 2005-model (gas-fuelinjected)
>>> Ram 1500 4x4 with 5.7cid magnum engine?
>>>     
>>
>>
>>  
>>
>>> Yes, and this Unit will work for all Vehicles from 96 to 2007 and 
>>> beyond.
>>>     
>>
>>
>> The Dodge Ram was a project car, wreck from an accident,
>> body off the frame, broken axle, and wiring partially
>> disconnected etc.
>> The tool was needed to get it all back together,
>> with no trouble codes.
>> Easy to use and cheap.
>> It was even hooked up to a Jeep Wrangler 1996 a while
>> back and works great.
>> Test driving with a cheap laptop connected with USB
>> interface, excellent to use.
>>
>> Take a look at:
>> http://www.obdscan.net/
>> I quess mine is similar to this
>> upgraded version that sells for $139.99
>> http://www.obdscan.net/scantools.htm
>>
>> This is a link to a cheap ALDL interface cable
>> for older vehicles.
>> http://www.enghmotors.com/cable/default.aspx
>> Said to work with many free programs or
>> at least very cheap.
>> I have not tried the cable myself.
>>
>> I'm a newbie on this things, I thought I
>> should give you my experience anyway because
>> I have the same opinion when it comes to people
>> selling stuff, just to tell you later on that you
>> have to pay another bill, and upgrade it to make it work.
>>
>> Regards Carl.
>>
>> ------ Original Message ------
>> Received: Tue, 29 May 2007 04:15:01 AM CEST
>> From: Logan Lingle <llingle at seidata.com>
>> To: diy_efi at diy-efi.org
>> Subject: [Diy_efi] Scan Tools
>>
>> Hi.
>>
>> I've been using a Mac Mentor (Actually a re-branded OTC Genisys, sold 
>> under the Mac Tools Name) for some time and recently went to install 
>> my "Free" upgrade only to find out that it's not "Free" They are 
>> trying to hold me up for more money in the form of a "Smart Insert" 
>> they never told me I needed when I bought it.
>>
>> (Much like they never informed me that the "Free" "Imports" upgrade 
>> doesn't cover "Asian Imports" It's only good for imports from Finland 
>> or New Guinea or something, I suppose. But, I digress.)
>>
>> THEN they tell me the tool is just soooo damned old and for the low, 
>> low price of only $2100.00 and my current scanner,  they'll make me a 
>> deal and replace my archaic, 3  year old,  piece of Aztec, sun dial 
>> crap with their brand new version! Oh boy! OH BOY!
>>
>> I was about to write out the check when a friend of mine told me to 
>> look into a PC or palm based solution. He suggested the following 
>> products and said he had heard good things about them. He's a Service 
>> manager for Ford, and he uses PC based software there. He showed it to 
>> me and it's way cool,  but it's a proprietary Ford product and I need 
>> something universal for both work and experimentation.
>>
>> The products he recommended:
>>
>> http://autoenginuity.com/
>>
>> http://autotap.com/
>>
>> (The autoenginuity product looks particularly appealing.. and it's 
>> priced right.)
>>
>> I added it up and, do you know I could have an Alienware laptop and 
>> either software package for the price of a Mentor new?  So naturally, 
>> I'm interested..  But I was hoping someone here was familiar with 
>> these products and could either offer their opinion on them or 
>> recommend a viable competitor.
>>
>> Besides, I'm sick to death of tossing hardware based scan tools. It 
>> just seems so senseless. I'm not unhappy with the Mentor, it's a good 
>> tool. I just need an upgrade for newer vehicles. Ya know, it seems 
>> silly to keep trashing these things at a thousand or two grand a pop 
>> when I can just download an update and/or buy a new cable and be ready 
>> to go.
>>
>> Your thoughts are appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks and regards.
>>
>> Logan
>>
>>   
> 
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