Fault Code Software

["Scott M." <scottmo@teleport.com>]

Steve,

Well, I saw the CarComp software being used on a 1991 200TQ
20V turbo ECU. This ECU has self diagnostic capabilities
that allows you to do the following:  Check control unit
versions, check fault (codes) memory, output check
diagnosis, Basic settings to be read (Coolant temp, Engine
speed, Lambda Control, and Ignition firing point etc), and
Erase the Fault code memory. 

The three connectors used on the 91 200TQ for connecting
the VAG1551 or the CarComp harness are labeled in the Audi
Service literature (dated 4/90) as 1. Voltage Supply, 2.
"Fast Data Transfer", 3. Flash code

The 89-90 200T/Q's with the MAC14 ECU have the same three
connectors  above and the same capabilities as listed above
but the "Basic Settings" feature  that I accessed are not
documented by Audi anywhere in their service literature.
Using the VAG 1551 I have read the manifold pressure values
along with some other un-identified values by accessing
this Basic setting feature even though none of the Audi
literature indicates it can be done. 

I even checked with the local Audi factory Training
instructor who was unaware that these values could be read
using the VAG 1551. I'd bet the CarComp would read the
fault codes etc. out of these 89-91 200T/Q's cars as well.

I guess I need to contact  the people at Car Comp and ask
them why their software works on the earlier 91 200TQ Audis
and possibly on the 89-90 200T/Q's........It could be the
Turbo Audis have the rapid data transfer but not the N/A
engines of the same years. I'll let ya know what I find
out.

The earlier Audis with the fault code and output test
system that flashes the "check Engine Light" seems to work
fine as it is, I can't imagine the need for using a lap top
PC and software for this basic operation. Seems like
overkill to me, IMHO.

Happy code reading
Scott M.
 
Steve added:
> Hmmm....but the CarComp tool only works on '92-up Audi's;
not much good for
> me or many others on the list.  See note below......it
was a response I got
> from John Grable at CarComp when I asked about using his
stuff on Audi's.
> If Ned or CarComp has something new that works with the
pre-'92 Audi's then
> that would be interesting.......SLM
> 
John Grable from CarComp wrote:
> At 11:10 PM 6/26/97 -0500, you wrote:
> >Steve,
> >Audi's did not use the "Rapid data mode" of the VAG1551
until 92 for the
> >engine controller (even then you could only read the
DTC's - no realtime
> >data). VWtool uses the "Rapid data mode". Check the
factory manuals for
> >reference to using the rapid data mode for your cars.
The connectors are
> >the same as used by VWtool.