[BiturboS4] Diagnostic software

[Al Adler]

Hi,
    I've been using a vag-com with the hex-com serial cable from
rosstech for several months with no complaints. The cable and the
activatation on the software is a couple of hundred $ but worth it
considering a good torque wrench is a $100. I've been able to get all
the info out of my S4 and A4 that I've needed with no problems to speak
of. If you're actually trying to fix your car I would consider it
essential - right now I'm getting CELs, and the codes coming out of my
2000 S4 are pointing to a bad MAF but I haven't had the time to do
further diagnosis yet. I'd have no idea whats going on without it unless
I visit my much more expensive dealter. Its also useful as a boost gauge
if you don't have one.
    I haven't used any of the competitors to vag-com but I've seen
comments from professional VAG mechanics that would seem to say its the
best of the bunch. As for building your own cable it sounds hit or miss
and you won't get the activated version of the software without almost
paying for the cable anyway. It seems that many homebuilt cables don't
work due to poor quality components or  calibration problems and that no
one will support you either. I guess the bottom line is if you can
afford the S4 to begin with I'd say the cable is a good investment. Just
my $.02.
Al




Single Malt wrote:

>Hello all!
>
>What is the best VAG diag software?  I've looked into Ross Tech, and have tried
>to search the list archives for previous discussions about this.  The archives
>aren't much help as many are not accessible currently.
>
>Best to buy an interface cable, or are they reliably build-able?
>
>I would like to be able to use it with my '01 S4 (01.5? ... how would I know),
>my '03 A4 and my mother's '02 VW Passat.
>
>Any help/input would be appreciated. TIA.
>
>
>=====
>##########################################################
>Single Malt
>Stock 2001 Laser Red S4 - 44,000 miles
>Stock 2003 Silver A4 3.0 - 10,000 miles
>Stock 1970 Chevy K10 pickup truck <grin>
>Denver, CO
>
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