Piston Slap: The Affordable VAG-COM Dongle Tool?

Sajeev Mehta
by Sajeev Mehta

Dan writes:

Dear Sajeev,

I’m looking for some advice on a reliable, yet affordable OBD-II scanner to look up and clear the check engine light (CEL) on my 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI. While a dedicated Ross-Tech VCDS would be ideal, the price and future ownership of this (or any other VAG) vehicle is not.

Emissions issue aside, the Golf has been reliable except for having to replace several tires (and one wheel) over the years due to pothole-riddled roads. Besides regular maintenance, I’ve replaced a glow plug ($120) and the CEL has recently returned yet again. I suspect another glow plug is to blame.

Onto my question: What do you think of one of these wireless/Bluetooth dongles that work with a smartphone app? I’m leaning towards one of these as they seem to offer more options than the traditional cabled versions. Can you or the readership recommend a good iOS/Android app?

Sajeev answers:

The VAG-COM is not a system for casual wrenchers with a “normal” OBD-II scanning budget. Even older VWs have trouble with cheap ( $50-ish) and really cheap ( under $20) code scanners. If there’s a decent 2010 VW code scanner or dongle and software package for under $150-ish, my Google-fu ain’t savvy enough to find it.

Ross-tech is your best bet, but not the free software for older models. I wouldn’t even trust a generic dongle unless you’re computer savvy enough to find the right (laptop) drivers. Perhaps consider the Ross-tech cables too. Unless you read otherwise about a fantastically magical generic VAG-COM dongle and/or software on the TDI forum, of course!

Or just have the person at Autozone scan it for you. You can probably convince ’em to clear the codes if you come back later and say, “I fixed it, can you clear it for me?” Whether or not you actually fixed the problem is a whole ‘nother story.

Or don’t listen to me, because following up with Dan yielded this:

I did go with a wireless OBD-II scanner. I tried a few of the free apps and settled on OBDCarDoctor (iOS). The CEL turned out to be a faulty exhaust valve flap covered under extended warranty.

While I will take the deal from VW to sell back the car, I’m in no rush to do so. It’ll be bittersweet to let this car go.

[Image: Shutterstock user Zeynep Demir ]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.

Sajeev Mehta
Sajeev Mehta

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  • Hybridkiller Hybridkiller on Jul 06, 2016

    Xtool VAG401 - $58 on Amazon. Can't do everything that VCDS can do, but does most of the essential stuff.

  • Incautious Incautious on Jul 07, 2016

    Autel VAG505 around $150 Is a scanner plus is will do stuff like reset the Audi 10,000 mile service reminder and the EPB rear parking brake retraction so that you can change the rear brake pads.

  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • Ravenuer The rear view of the Eldo coupe makes it look fat!
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
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