Which VAG COM Cable To Purchase For Diagnostics?

[Studio54]

I have a 51 plate Passat. 1.9 TDI PD.
My pink diagnostic socket is under the rubber strip beneath the handbrake.

I am looking to purchase a VAG COM cable from ebay but I am not sure which one to purchase.
I have seen some for between £9 and £15 and was wondering if these will do the job with the VAG COM software.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?sofocus=so&sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=vag-com&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&floc=1&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D1&sadis=200&fpos=Postcode&ga10244=10425&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

It doesn’t matter if it’s a USB or a serial cable connector (RS232).

Although not a mechanic, I would simply be using it every odd month to run a quick diagnostics ensuring everything with the car is working as it should be.
Or at the first moment something doesn’t feel right with it.

This way, I can inform my mechanic of the error code, let him verify the code and let him get on with any repairs.

Thanks.

[adamss24]

Hi, if you get one , make shure its the one with the serial conector rs232 as they often better at comunicating with the different controllers. Also i would make shure there are no optocouplers inside and supports vag-com 409. All you need is a cheap laptop with a battery that will hold charge and you are almost set. Search www.rosstech.com for data port location for your car/model and also read the FAQ. Then just get the software instaled on the laptop and you almost set. Also get a good workshop repair manual and read it thoroughlly. You can do irreparable damage to your car if you mess with it. Also see www.openobd.com for more info about your car and the cool staff you could do to it. Good luck. Also avoid chinese rubbish and get one from a reputable vendor from germany or europe. Ussualy you get better gear/for good money.

[Studio54]

Not sure what you mean by 'optocouplers' but I reckon this is the cable I require judging by your reply, can you please confirm:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAG-COM-KKL-409-1-COMPATIBLE-OBD-2-II-CABLE-OBD2-O4_W0QQitemZ230037999229QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30921QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have a Haynes manual but I have no intention of messing with the mechanincs should a code fault arise.

[Boardboy]

There is a bit about opto-couplers here: http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/old-interfaces/discontinued_interfaces.html

Ross-tech has a fare bit of info and a pretty good Frequently asked questions page here : http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-com-faq.html

I have not used VAG COM myself yet, but have just brought a cable for my A3.
Waiting on the postman
Boardboy

[adamss24]

That cable looks ok, it says that it doesnt have optocouplers and its full dual k lines, so it should work with most vag cars up to 2004. Read the description properly as its a bit confusing. Also looks/its a bit cheap to me and i do not trust cheap stuff. I have paid 70 pounds on mine but that was 1 year ago. Most of the cheap interfaces of ebay are not ross tech design and are not fast sync compatible. That means that they cannot comunicate reliably with somme controlers in the car. Only way to check if its fast sync its to check with vag com scaning a car. Mind you 8 pound is not that much and its worth the risk. Your call. I am actually selling my interface with my diagnostic laptop on ebay complete with software on cd and dvd and you can search: acer travelmate 313/audi diagnostic or you could search in ebay comunity for adamss24 and click on view seller other items. Hope this helps you making your mind.