All Things Mk5 > Mk5 General Area

EML after long drives/Fault code reader recommendations

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JoshB:
If you get an OBD Bluetooth adapter, then there’s a ton of apps out there.
I use CarScanner. Free it does enough but if you do want the “pro” version (allows you to record more than 2 things) then it’s £5.99

pudding:
There aren't many things that throw the EML, usually just the emissions related ones mandated by law..... so could just be O2 or cat related moaning.

OBD11 seems fairly decent but their pricing tiers and 'credits' are bloody annoying and unnecessary, which might explain the marmite reviews. 

I don't know why people are so reluctant to spend 20 sheets on VCDS, but will happily spunk £350 on a crappy intake, or £1K+ on an exhaust  :stupid:

I would say a good 30-40% of the topics on here are related to diagnosing fault codes and running problems, and yet no one is willing to invest in the one thing that will help them out, double  :stupid: :stupid:

Clarky:
Well despite my initial reservations I think OBDeleven Pro is where my money is gonna go. Still not convinced by the credit system, but I can use it on the golf, the A5 and maybe in the future the i3 too. I really appreciate the advise all...now to save up for the intake and exhaust eh @Pudding ?! Lol

rich83:

--- Quote from: Pudding on June 07, 2022, 09:37:39 am ---There aren't many things that throw the EML, usually just the emissions related ones mandated by law..... so could just be O2 or cat related moaning.

OBD11 seems fairly decent but their pricing tiers and 'credits' are bloody annoying and unnecessary, which might explain the marmite reviews. 

I don't know why people are so reluctant to spend 20 sheets on VCDS, but will happily spunk £350 on a crappy intake, or £1K+ on an exhaust  :stupid:

I would say a good 30-40% of the topics on here are related to diagnosing fault codes and running problems, and yet no one is willing to invest in the one thing that will help them out, double  :stupid: :stupid:

--- End quote ---

Which is exactly why I'm gonna spunk 400quid on VCDS  NET  over summer. I know it will pay for itself over the next 2 years and maintain high resale value should I want to sell it.

pudding:
I bought the Hex-Net (the WiFi one for those unfamiliar) 5-6 years ago, but had the USB cable version before that.

Personally I don't think HEX-NET is worth the extra over the cabled one, for the following reasons:

- The VCDS Mobile 'app' (it's far from an app, it just opens a browser  :grin: ) is utterly abysmal, buggy, slow and pretty much useless.

- Updating the Hex-Net's firmware can be a pain in the backside.

- Some of the Hex-Net's functions are cloud based, so you'll need 4G and Wi-fi at the same time.  Some phones can be faffy to enable that. 

- Standard Hex-Net has a 10 VIN limit. You'll need to pay an extra $100 for unlimited VINs.  Most enthusiasts will only need 10 though.

- Data speeds from the Hex-Net over wi-fi aren't as fast as USB (but it does also have a USB port).

If you want a polished app for phone or tablet, I would get OBD11 because VCDSs mobile 'app' has been sh1t for years and they seem to have zero interest in updating it to compete with OBD11.  Typical American complacency.

That said, you could just run the full Windows VCDS on a Surface Pro or clone Windows tablet, wire free.

But if like me, you're old school and prefer good old fashioned, honest god, corn fed laptop goodness.......then VCDS is the king of kings.  Nothing comes close.

So in summary:

Laptop/Tablet (with usb) - Get the regular cabled VCDS.

Phone/tablet only and wireless - Get OBD11, but suffer their stupid pricing. I think they are also moving to a subscription service like everyone else, so double annoying.

I would say VCDS is the best for data logging and also fault code translation.  All fault codes have to be OBD compliant, i.e. P0112 etc, but each manufacturer translates those Pxxxx codes slightly differently.  VCDS gets the VAG (and German!) translations spot on for quicker diagnosis.

Neither tool is perfect, but VCDS is probably the more reliable and trustworthy one, and it's a one off purchase with no hidden or 'in app' fees.

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