[s-cars] reading codes- VAG-COM vs climate control

[Steve Eiche]

I don't know of a single mechanic that would rely, or even start to diagnose a problem using the climate control diagnostics, except if they don't have their tool handy and the problem is with the climate control system.  That is all it is designed for, and it can't tell you if something is wrong with the engine, or let you know that the clock spring wires for the airbag is broken.

On the S car, the diagnostic tools give much more information than the blink codes.  For example, while the blink code can you you that you have a problem with the engine speed sensor, the diagnostic device will also tell you if it thinks the sensor is shorted to B+ or open, shorted to ground and also whether the fault is sporatic or a hard failure.  You can also monitor the various adaptation values, such as fuel and idle control trim values, intake air temp, ignition timing, injector duration, engine load, etc.  The S6s also have diagnostics in the instrument cluster, and the diagnostic tools can be used to reset the service interval indicators.  My partner in Shade Tree Software, Mike Durian, went to great pains to make sure that ProDiag is compatible with the S4/S6 cars, as he has a '95.5 S6 Avant.  The instrument clusters in these cars are some of the most difficult modules to communicate with, as their communications interface is pretty poor.

With the newer cars, you can monitor just about anything that you can think of.  These cars also have diagnostics for just about every electronic module in the car that is more complex than a simple relay.

Do you need one?  Well, if you work on your own car like to know what is happening with the electronics systems, you can't do without one, especially on a late model car.  Our customers like compact size of ProDiag and ease of use.  Many keep the cable and PDA in the glove compartment or briefcase so it is always ready.  Personally, I have a PalmOne Treo 600 phone with ProDiag loaded up, so it is always on my hip ready to diagnose a car, or to do a demo.  

If you have any questions on ProDiag or diagnostics, don't hesitate to email or call.  As for group buys, generally we do any group buys through our distributors, as undercutting them would not be good business.  If there is interest, I am sure that we could work out something with one of our distributors for full packages with the OBDII to 2x2 adapters along with the software and OBDII adapter if we do a quantity of 10+.

Steve Eiche
Shade Tree Software, LLC
shadetreesoftware.com
seiche at shadetreesoftware.com
303.940.2468

Bob,

I've had VAG-COM for about 4 years.  Before I got it, I too was on the fence
about spending the money.  My wife, tired or listening to me pontificate on
the subject, bought it as a birthday gift to end the debate.  It has proven
to be one of best tools in my box.  It has paid for itself in airbag light
resets alone.  And if you think it does cool stuff with the OBD I cars, you
ain't seen nothing yet.

The climate control does provide diagnostic codes...for the climate control
system.  I won't help with a CEL or airbag light.

Buy it, or buy Prodiag, the palm tool.

Tom