VAG-COM Virgin. Error help req'd

[S-Express]

Plugged in my laptop to my ABY for the first time, installed the software as described, changed the com port to 2 and did all the other bits necessary.
Started by testing the comms and got this succesful screen:

Problem is, when I then go to the engine page and expect it to recognise the ecu etc (as described on S2Central) it come up with a controller not found error.
I plugged the plugs into the black socket and white socket - I guess this is right?
I tried engine off/on rebooted vag com software (release 409-1) but to no avail.

I then took the pc over to my B4 passat and plugged it in (it uses the bigger, more modern socket so I took the black and white plug adaptor off) and the vagcom worked fine.
Anyone any ideas? Surely I'm not the only one to have this problem.

cheers

[S-Express]

...........

[S-Express]

Also mad me think - surely its possible to get the bigger/more modern socket as found on my passat and fit that into the S2 cabin somewhere and wire it up to the black and white connectors - that would save having the bonnet open and give easier/quicker access.
surely someone's tried this????

[Acidburn]

Could be interesting, i'm sorting out the stuff to use vag-com on my car and iirc the 3b's have there connections inside under the steering wheel compartment but would have to check to be 100%

[A80Avant]

the 409 version with a chinise usb cable i had found,only worked a couple of times with mine(surely being some kind of com error)but i got impatient and used an old serial cable and an older vagcom version (311) along with an older laptop which i now keep in the trunk.works nice!

if you have the means to change to serial port it is easier

[S-Express]

use a serial to usb cable do you mean?

[Bram]

I have exactly the same problem. USB Vag-Com is recognised, but no data from ECU is read.....

[S-Express]

Have you got the lead from alpha-bid?

[A80Avant]

actually chinese cables dont always work properly.Getting a serial to usb cable wont solve the problem as there is always the communication problem.This is why ross cables are so expensive.If your laptop has a serial port,then get a serial cable that can connecto to it all the way.If not then best luck is to get a cable from ross technic.

[S-Express]

It must be working though because it connects to my passat - maybe its the adaptor cable?
I'll try it in my mates a4 see what happens!

[Bram]

Have you got the lead from alpha-bid?

Yes indeed. Their Ebay shop

[Bram]

It must be working though because it connects to my passat - maybe its the adaptor cable?
I'll try it in my mates a4 see what happens!

Did you manage to check it with the A4?

I got from the Ebay store the following reply on my problem description:




You can get the USB instructions and download files using the following link: http://www.alpha-bid.com/media/Produ...structions.pdf

As an alternative some find this driver works as well:
http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Please make sure ignition key is 'On' and cable connected to car for power.

Most of the time it is just a matter of getting the 'TEST' to show 'OK' by setting the COM Port in the device manager to 1,2,3 or 4. Be sure to load the driver from our store page here:
http://stores.ebay.com/alpha-bid/Man...Downloads.html.

Then perform the 'TEST' in the Vag-Com Software trying Com Port 1 to 4, until the test says 'OK'. Be certain that the cable is plugged into the car with the ignition on. You can also make sure that the cable is occupying COM port 1, 2, 3 or 4 by changing the setting in Windows Device Manager.

If your getting an error 'No response from controller', try lowering the 'Baud Rate' in the software. Also make sure the controller you are trying to access exists on the vehicle.

We can always accept a return for replacement a refund in full. Let me know what I can do.

Thank you,
Yvonne
yvonne@alpha-bid.com
Website: www.alpha-bid.com
eBay store: www.stores.ebay.com/alpha-bid

[S-Express]

Hi Bram, I got the test OK message but couldn't get any info from the ecu re engine (or any other system for that matter). I also tried lowering the baud rate right down to slowest.
I haven't tried the A4 yet and probably wont until next week - but as it worked on my passat - I'm thinking it will work on the A4. I suspect it is the lead that goes from the big plug into the black+white sockets that go into the fuse box thats the problem?
I'll let you know the outcome - we'll get there!

[shark_90]

All I can say is buy a proper cable...

[S-Express]

A proper cable?! But that costs money - money better spent on fixing knackered exhausts, turbo's, front shocks, fuel lines, lambda sensors, engine mountings, etc etc