The Best OBD Scanners For Volkswagen
If you own a Volkswagen and you are sick and tired of always paying a ton of money each and every time your vehicle experiences a little problem, then it's time for you to consider purchasing a diagnostic tool.
In this article, we have listed a number of the most powerful and efficient scanning tools in the market. All the tools mentioned will help you quickly find out the problem your car is facing as well as reveal a number of options that you can try if you would like to fix the problem on your own.
Picture this scenario, you are peacefully cruising along the highway in your Volkswagen car, and then suddenly, you begin to feel some heavy shakes and hard bumps.
Additionally, your Check Engine Light (CEL) suddenly lights up indicating that your engine is experiencing some issues. Unfortunately, you cannot tell what the problem is. Even worse is when your engine begins to produce roaring sounds, as you push on the accelerator, and the car completely refuses to speed up.
A number of drivers today have experienced this unfortunate scenario. The experience can really be so terrifying, and many drivers quickly take a trip to the mechanic as soon as they can.
However, the experience gets quite frustrating when you visit the car shop only to discover that the only issue you had was with your loose gas cap. The mechanic quickly tightens it and your good to go. What a complete waste of your time and money.
In a Hurry? Our Top Choices of “THE” Most Popular OBD Scanners
Every driver has experienced their own fair share of car troubles. Vehicle systems are actually quite similar to the human system as vehicles can also be slowed down by a number of different issues and hiccups.
However, wouldn’t it be great to own a device that can scan through your vehicle’s system and troubleshoot the problem right from the comfort of your own garage, instead of constantly taking trips to the auto dealer shop.
This means that vehicles must also go through a number of checkups to ensure that after every problem experienced, it can get back on track and the car is able to maintain its pristine condition.
This is where the most ideal OBD2 scanners in the market come in handy. The scanners can help solve simple issues such as a loose gas cap or a faulty exhaust pipe as well as diagnose crucial issues with your engine and emission system.
A Volkswagen scanning tool helps users manage their cars perfectly with the VAG-COM diagnostic system that is installed in the car system. Using a VW scanner will allow you to institute a diagnosis ensuring the best performance for your vehicle.
If you would like to save money as well as your time, the best thing to do would be to purchase an OBD2 scanner. The scanner is ideal allowing you to stay on top of any kind of issues with your engine before they accumulate and cause long-lasting damage.
Today’s market is saturated with a ton of scanners and as a car owner, you must ensure that you are going to make use of the best scanner for your Volkswagen. To make the task of finding the most ideal scan tool possible, we have taken some time to list the best OBD2 scanners for your Volkswagen.
In this review, we focus on the main features of the scanners as well as the advantages. The guide will give you a glimpse of what you should expect from your scanning tool. Additionally, we have broken down some of the major factors that you should consider when purchasing your scanner.
You may be browsing through the market looking for the best scanner for your Volkswagen. This review will definitely help you make the right decision.
Here are the best OBD2 scanner for Volkswagen
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The ANCEL VD500 OBD2 Volkswagen Scanning Tool
This diagnostic tool is one of the most straightforward, easy to use diagnostic tools in the market. It is designed with a backlit screen and it is very easy to use and navigate through the menu. The scanner only has four buttons. One is used to choose an option and the other one is used to exit. The other two buttons are used to scroll up and down.
Once the scanner is connected to the vehicle, it will guide you to the main menu. From the main menu, you can choose the option that allows your scanner to perform a full diagnostic check on your car.
The ANCEL VD500 scanner is quite ideal at diagnosing Volkswagen vehicles. The diagnostic tool can read and clear the fault codes on your engine as well as perform oil service reset, Throttle Position Adaptation, EPB reset and also all systems diagnostics. This allows you to read and clear the engine codes, SRS, ABS, transmission, ESP, SAS, IMMO and TPMS codes.
The tool enables users to pull up emission-related codes, that will determine whether or not your vehicle will pass a smog test. By reading and erasing these codes, you will be able to turn off the Check Engine Light (CEL) as well as other warning lights.
A great advantage of using this scanner is that it can also read the vehicle information for non-Volkswagen vehicles. The scanner works well with vehicle models that were manufactured in 1996 and later.
Pros
- The scanner is simple and straightforward.
- The scanner supports free updates for a lifetime
- Users are guaranteed a warranty of up to 1-year.
Cons
- When resetting the codes, the screen could freeze
- Users have complained about the LCD screen because the manufacturer would have designed it to look even better.
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The Carista OBD2 Bluetooth VW Scanner
The Carista OBD2 scanner connects directly to your phone or your tablet. Once connected it will display all of the codes and other information on your screen. The Carista scanner makes use of an app that is very clear and easy to use. This will allow you to avoid any kind of problems that could arise when reading and interpreting the results.
The Carista scanner completely supports the OBD2 concord. This means that the tool will read the trouble codes that are present in your car, as well as reset the codes irrespective of the design, make or model of your car.
The scanning tool allows you to clear the check engine light in your car. It is also quite efficient at diagnosing oil lights, airbag lights as well as other dashboard signals.
The Carista manufacturer advises users to make use of their official app that is paired to the scanning tool. There are two versions of the app. The free version allows you to read all the information presented but does not allow you to clear codes or reset the dashboard lights of your vehicle. Then there is the paid version that gives you the chance to clear codes and also turn off the dashboard lights.
The adapter, as well as the Carista software, allows you to make use of your vehicle’s OBD2 port. This means that you will be able to change the settings of your car to your most preferable setting.
Pros
- The scanner offers users a number of customization options
- It is quite ideal as it supports OBD Fusion and other third-party apps
- It can read and reset all error codes and users get to utilize a 1-month free trial. This trial gives you access to all the advanced features on the app.
Cons
- The scanner does not work with TPMS in your Volkswagen car
- The app must be bought after one month of using the free version. It costs $40 per year or only $10 per month.
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The XTOOL VAG401 Live Data OBD2 VAG Scanner
The XTOOL VAG401 scanner is a handheld diagnostic tool that is designed with a 160 x 160 backlit LCD screen. It is one of the best scanners for visibility. That means when conducting the diagnostic scan, you do not need to use a computer or a laptop. The scanner works quite quickly and effectively reading all of the codes and displaying all of the errors that your vehicle showcases. Additionally, the scanner allows you to control the engine light and check on your vehicle for other additional errors.
The scanner works well with vehicles manufactured from the year 1996-2016. It also supports each and every function of your car and it will also code and adapt to the features in your vehicle. Additionally, this scanner has the ability to recover and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) helping you in your endeavors.
The scanner also makes use of a website that uses a ton of languages helping a lot of people from all over the world with all the questions that they may have. This makes the scanning process and troubleshooting quick and effective. The Xtool scanner is also quite effective at reading and erasing any unclear error codes. The scanner will reveal the error that you are experiencing then give you all the possible solutions that you should try to help you solve the issue.
One unique feature of the Xtool Vag is its ability to automatically come on. The scanner will turn on very quickly just as long as you connect it properly. The scanner is quite fast at troubleshooting and it quickly provides you with very effective solutions.
Pros
- It is very easy to use and operate this scanner
- It has a very nice and ideal LCD screen that is easy to operate
- Offers users a one-click option on oil and VAG
Cons
- The scanner has a very slow internal processor
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OBDeleven Pro: Bluetooth OBD2 VAG Scan Tool
The OBDeleven scan tool is one of the most ideal scanners designed specifically for your Volkswagen vehicle. This diagnostic tool is like an adapter that automatically connects to your car’s OBD2 port. Once connected the tool begins to scan your vehicle’s system. It performs alongside a number of diagnostic apps and computer devices. This scanner is small and compatible and it is not an expensive tool to purchase. It works well with your Android smartphone or tablet.
The OBDeleven scanner works well with a ton of several diagnostic features and functions. This allows you to perform long coding actions, read live data, do adaptations as well as a number of other service functions. The OBDeleven scanning tool supports what is known as One-Click App. This app is used to perform functions such as new battery registration, BEM reset, service due reset, EPB release, oil pressure monitoring, run signals and also comfort windows.
The One-Click App basically allows users to put in add-ons onto the app as well as execute advanced diagnostic functions. Another great feature is that you are able to read the programming history. This allows users to use this history to program their vehicles.
Just like other diagnostic tool, the OBD2 code reader reads the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and also clears these errors. The system can pull up error codes from your system and also erase these codes. This includes the engine, airbag, ABS, air conditioning and also multimedia. Clearing the engine codes automatically adjusts the Check Engine Light.
The OBDeleven Pro acts just like an adapter. This means that to perform a scan, you will have to connect the scanning tool to a smartphone, or a tablet. Additionally, you will have to install the OBDeleven onto your device. The adapter and the app can only work well with devices that operate on Android version 4.1 or any later versions.
Pros
- Users are guaranteed free updates
- The scanner’s interface is easy to understand and use.
- The trouble codes can be shared via email
Cons
- To use the One-Click Diagnostic feature you must pay.
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Factors That You Must Consider When Purchasing an OBD Scanner for Your Volkswagen
Each and every diagnostic tool in the market has a number of different features and functions that make the scanner quite unique. The most ideal diagnostic tools, however, have common features. If you are out looking for the best scanner for your vehicle, it is important to find out the similar features and functions that the most ideal scanners share. This will increase your chances of purchasing a nice and fully functional OBD2 scanner.
The Software Compatibility of your Scanner
All OBD2 scanning tools require a software application. These apps allow the scanner to run smoothly and effectively. Before you purchase the OBD scanner that you like, it is important to ensure that your scanner gives you the proper kind of software compatibility. This is a very vital step because if you do not ensure the right kind of software compatibility, you could end up purchasing an electronic device that you will not end up using.
Your Scanner’s Compatibility Options
It is also very important that you take some time to consider the options that you are offered when it comes to the compatibility of your scanner. Different scanners offer users different compatibility options. Some scanners need to be connected to a laptop in order for them to function, while other scanners require to be connected to handheld devices such as a smartphone or a tablet for them to function. These kinds of scanners automatically connect to handheld devices using Bluetooth.
Users will need to choose a scanner that suits them in terms of the compatibility options that are available to them. If you have a laptop and you would like to use it while scanning your vehicle then, you can purchase a scanner that requires a laptop, however, if you would prefer to use a handheld device, then a scanner that connects to your phone using Bluetooth is just what you need. That is why you need to take some time to consider your requirements and make the most appropriate choice.
The After-Sale Support
It is really frustrating when you invest your money into purchasing a certain product and after that, you fail to get the proper kind of technical support. With an OBD2 scanner, a point may come where you may require some kind of technical support. That is why users are advised to purchase an OBD2 scanner that is manufactured by a company that provides a lot of technical support when it is necessary. Customer service and support are very important and users do not have to get through an unfavorable situation on their own.
The Available Updates
OBD scanners operate just like your phone, tablet or your computer. That means, to ensure that these diagnostic tools continue to operate well throughout the years, they must undergo regular updates that will equip them with necessary information. This information will help them properly deal with and eliminate new threats that your vehicle could face. Before you purchase a scanner, it is important that you take some time to ensure that your scanner accepts the updates that are still been released from the manufacturing company.
The Price of the Scanner
Before you purchase your scanner, it is very important that you create a budget and ensure that you stick to it. It is also important that you do some research on the scanner that you would wish to purchase. Make sure that you have also found out the average price of your scanner so that you are not coerced into spending more money than you should. Ensuring that you check on the price range of different models and different scanners is very important. This will allow you to easily compare the most ideal options in the market and then finally choose the most appropriate diagnostic tool for your Volkswagen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does your Volkswagen need an OBD2 Scanner?
An OBD2 scanner can be described as an interpreter that has been designed to understand the codes and signals that are generated by your vehicle’s system. This will allow you to identify the point that is facing issues and the OBD2 scanner will let you know exactly what problem it is. Using an OBD2 scanner will allow you to put a stop to the occurrence of any damage to your engine system. This will also help avert any accident that could occur.
What kind of errors can your OBD2 Scanner detect?
Your OBD2 scanner can detect a number of problems, however, it usually depends on the kind of scanner that you are using. The errors can include the Check Engine Light, the smog tests and emissions. Scanners can also detect so many other errors and it can also show the Diagnostic Trouble Codes. That means that the user can find out the main issue and if they would like the user can also try and fix the problem.
Is my car compatible with an OBD2 scanner?
In 1996. It was made mandatory that all of the cars and light trucks that are manufactured in the United States of America must have an OBD2 system. Similarly, in 2001 the EU made it mandatory for Diesel cars and light trucks to be manufactured with OBD2 systems. In 2005 and 2010 all medium-duty and heavy-duty cars produced had to be compatible with an OBD2 scanner. That means, if your Volkswagen has been manufactured within the time period of the mentioned years, then it is definitely compatible with an OBD2 scanner.
How many types of OBD2 scanners are there?
There are actually three major types of OBD2 scanners. There are Bluetooth scanners. These scanners use third-party applications as well as other devices and this helps with the diagnosis of the vehicle. There are the pc scanners, that help you with the diagnostics by connecting the scanner to a computer. The most ideal and professional scanners are the hand-held units. These scanners are designed with in-built screens and they have a wired connection with the vehicle.
Conclusion
OBD2 scanners are a one-time investment that really helps you save a lot of time and money over the years. Every driver is encouraged to keep one of these compact and handy diagnostic tools close by and ensure that they make good use of it.
In this guide, we have listed a number of amazing OBD2 scanning tools for Volkswagen. In our opinion, the Carista OBD2 Bluetooth VW Scan Tool is the most ideal scanner. The scanner can easily read and reset error codes. It also has customization options and it supports third-party apps such as the OBD Fusion. It is the best for Volkswagen drivers of all skill levels.
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