Can anyone recommend a Scanner Code reader?

[ernestolopez]

Looking for a reputable,non Ross tech,Engine light reset,code reader.Any thoughts?or Links to purchase one.Thanks

[zulujams]

My opinion--you bought a premium car (Audi), so buy the Ross Tech cable. It's a fantastic tool to have on-hand. With it you can read and clear fault codes, make adjustments, and help out a friend in need at times. If cost is a problem, split it with a buddy. I know you asked for a non-Ross Tech product, but I couldn't help but stress the usefulness of their cable/software. I don't know of a cheaper product that will do what you need, and I've read mixed reviews on ebay knock-offs. Maybe other members can recommend an alternative though. I hesitated to pay $350 plus shipping at first but went with Ross Tech as recommended by other members here and am completely satisfied. Hope this helps a bit.

[ernestolopez]

Originally Posted by zulujams

My opinion--you bought a premium car (Audi), so buy the Ross Tech cable. It's a fantastic tool to have on-hand. With it you can read and clear fault codes, make adjustments, and help out a friend in need at times. If cost is a problem, split it with a buddy. I know you asked for a non-Ross Tech product, but I couldn't help but stress the usefulness of their cable/software. I don't know of a cheaper product that will do what you need, and I've read mixed reviews on ebay knock-offs. Maybe other members can recommend an alternative though. I hesitated to pay $350 plus shipping at first but went with Ross Tech as recommended by other members here and am completely satisfied. Hope this helps a bit.

Thank you for your advice.

[gunsmoker]

I came across an item on ebay a couple of weeks ago. It was from a UK seller that could ship internationally. It was $99 and he claimed it was new with licensed software capable of reading and setting stuff, including the parking brake service job. I can't find this on ebay anymore. Should have bought it when I could!

[zulujams]

Originally Posted by ernestolopez

Thank you for your advice.

Something else to consider is the frequency of use. For some, they only need to scan for errors or make one or two setting changes one time. The cost of the cable is high for that. I've used my Ross Tech cable a number of times to try out different settings and check for issues. I've also helped a handful of Audi owners make some quick changes, and I helped a co-worker clear the dash alarms on a VW for a gas cap issue (alarm has not returned in over a week; saved him a trip to the dealer). Cars break. With my VWs in the past, I had to decide whether to risk driving the them or getting them towed for a few issues since I didn't have the cable. With the cable, I'll have better info on what is going on before I decide to drive an hour to the dealer or pay for a tow. Have someone local to you demo the cable for you then you can decide ;-)

[jupiter17vn]

I found this cable is cheaper in website http://www.xcar360.com/vag-com-11-11...cds-11-11.html
Anybody try this????

[a4-bob]

I went with ross-tech and advise the same. I considered it overpriced at first but am very satisfied with it having found many more uses for it over time.

those links are bootleg versions of the ross-tech. i'm all for bootleg music and movies, where there's a massive industry raping consumers and artists but this is different. Here you have a small company making a living off of this product. They've invested their time into R&D and regularly update the software. If you rip them off, they go out of business and the bootlegs dry up too - you're left with no worthwhile product.

Further, do you want to change sensitive settings of your $30k-$45k car with a pirated product? Many of these require you to do weird things to make the cable/software work (ie: bypass copy-protection), like setting your system clock back in time.