[Vwdiesel] VAG-COM woes

[paulr]

Shalyn,

First, check that the "comm port" settings on your computer are "9600 - N-8-1".
Look in Windows "control panel -> system -> settings advanced -> comm port<n>"
( <n> is the number of the commport you are using. )  Working from memory here..

Second, VW has a recall campaign "Emission Service Action VS". It is described
as "Reprogram Instrument Cluster Relay Switching Software".  Campaign VS applies
to "some model 2000 year [...] TDI vehicles".

The bulletin says "a random data communication problem may exist in certain
vehicles ... cause[ing] communication with the scan tool to be interrupted".
They're fixing it by reprogramming the instrument cluster.

2000 German Golf TDI here works, but I get more link retries and errors than I
should.  Will be getting the service soon.  I'll check if the data link works
better.

Don't know about the lock-ups.  Haven't seen them here. Might want to run a virus
checker.  Might try "AdAware" to see if any spyware is running on your computer.
A "tip of the hat" to Loren for telling me about that one!

Uwe's reply follows. The first two paragraphs explain better than I can.


Paul

[ Reply from Ross-Tech ]

> Uwe Ross wrote:
> 
>> Paul,
>>
>> No, I don't think VW is trying to lock us out.   Remember, 3rd party tools HAVE to work --
>> it's required by the OBD-II regulations.
>>
>> My guess is they have a problem where generic OBD-II tools (which are used in the emissions
>> inspection process in many places) are not working correctly sometimes and they have to fix
>> this.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> -Uwe-
>>
>>
>>> Subject: HEADS-UP -- Recall Campaign? Vag-Com lock out?
>>> From: paulr <reichp at earthlink.net>
>>> Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 18:09:04 -0600
>>> To: Support at ross-tech.com
>>>
>>> Got a recall notice from VWoA Wednesday.  It's for a campaign
>>> called "Emission Service Action VS".  It's described as "Reprogram
>>> Instrument Cluster Relay Switching Software".
>>>
>>> The recall letter states that
>>>
>>>    'Volkswagen has found that the instrument cluster
>>>     switching relay software in the affected vehicles
>>>     may require reprogramming (reflashing). A random
>>>     data communication problem may exist in certain
>>>     vehicles.  If this occurs, it could cause communication
>>>     with the diagnostic scan tool to be interrupted'
>>>
>>> and further that
>>>
>>>     'In order to correct this condition, we will electronically
>>>      update the instrument cluster relay switching software.'

[ ... ]


Regards,

Paul


Shalyn Shourds wrote:
> Thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas.  I broke down and bought the 
> VAG-COM software/cable because I need to time the TDI.  Problem is, I 
> can't make it work.  The connection doesn't seem to be consistant or 
> something.  The program locks up all the time.  I've tried re-installing 
> it, re-downloading and re-installing it, running serial port 
> diagnostics, and doing all the stuff in the VAG-COM FAQ.  When it's 
> running best, the red and green LED's will flicker before locking up in 
> a red, usually.  Sometimes, when I'm really lucky, it'll get far enough 
> to return a "Controller not Found" error.  When I try it again, it locks 
> up.  Anyone had any similar experiences?  I got ahold of Uwe, who is, as 
> I understand, the designer.  Found him on the TDIclub page, but all he 
> has suggested is sending out a new cable which is good of him, but I 
> need to get this thing on the road fairly soon....  If I can get this 
> thing to run with the unit I have on hand that would be ideal.   I think 
> UPS is starting to slow down under the Xmas load.
> I'm so tempted to get this thing running and sell it at this point.  
> Every time I try to drive it, something really really bad happens.  I 
> don't think our mojos are compatible.
> -Shalyn
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Vwdiesel mailing list
> Vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/vwdiesel
> 

-- 
*********************************************
Paul Reich                Electrical Engineer

       Support the Freedom To Innovate
*********************************************