OBD scanner

It really does depend on what you want to do with it.
That will scan and clear codes and nothing else.
Carista will allow you to make coding changes to modules and adapt their operation

The only tool I would use is VCDS - it starts at £225 for a three-VIN version but for enthusiast level use there is nothing better IMO
 
I got a carista. Did all the tweaks in the first 30 days free subscription then cancelled subscription - it's always plugged in for quick connect engine stats and DPF readings

I think it's worth the money not including subs.

I have an obdr i bought from aldi 3yrs ago for a tenner that'll reset faults too
 
It really does depend on what you want to do with it.
That will scan and clear codes and nothing else.
Carista will allow you to make coding changes to modules and adapt their operation

The only tool I would use is VCDS - it starts at £225 for a three-VIN version but for enthusiast level use there is nothing better IMO
So by clearing the codes does that mean any warning lights that have come on on the dash would go off?
 
It should go off yes. For 24/48hrs but if it's a genuine fault it'll come back. I turned my headlight fault light off for my MOT hehe

Sometimes you get a fault light for anomolous reasons so turning a fault light off and not having it come back works for peace of mind and avoiding unnecessary work.

Not sure if it works for red lights but i wouldn't drive my van if that happened i dont think
 
So by clearing the codes does that mean any warning lights that have come on on the dash would go off?
Yes but as Badjamin says, if there is actually a fault present the light will come back on.
It won't take 24/48 hours either if it is a proper, live fault.
 
Anyone on the forum that has the Foxwell NT530 scanner with VAG software load?

I had the NT510 for my previous VAG (Audi Q3), with VAG software loaded, and did pretty much everything VCDS does. It became obsolete and couldn't be updated to the latest software, so not much cop on my 2022 Transporter.
 
FWIW, I use obdeleven pro. Been a great tool since 2017.
Can do adaptions long coding clear and read faults, and reading up on their site, they have paid vw audi etc for the passkey for the newer modules that are SFD locked by manufacturers.
 
Those are ENGINE ONLY fault code readers. Most likely limited to OBD2 standardised codes only = emission related codes.

Thus most likely nothing available for VW specific modules: ABS, Steering angle, AC, Parking sensors, Central electrics, Airbags, Dash, Radio, Battery management, etc.
Interesting, so is it something like Carista to read all codes then?
 
Carista will read the codes but mostly you have to look up to see what the problem is and sometimes the codes are quite vague or can mean a few different things. Not sure if that is the same with OBD/VCDS etc as not used them.
Someone will clarify that - hopefully.
 
Interesting, so is it something like Carista to read all codes then?
Yes. Carista is a user friendly gadget & software to read codes, needs a Bluetooth dongle in OBD2 post to connect with Android or iOS device. Carista's own dongle can be used also with other fault code apps.



Another popular Android/iOS app code reader is Car Scanner - it's an inexpensive one and performs quite well on T6. Actually even the free version performs quite well.

Just needs a generic OBD2 dongle for the connection. Carista dongle will do, but there other options as well. A couple of proven ones listed here:
Note: iOS users - double-check the dongle supports iOS



Worth noting that OBDeleven can be used without subscription to read&clear fault codes, to view live data, etc on all T6 controllers, etc. More detailed below
However, OBDeleven dongle doesn't work with anything else.



For serious fault finding and diagnosis of all control units of T6 - it would be VCDS. No subscription fees. Very well supported by the manufacturer, and by T6Forum, too ;).



What's your planned use?
 
Very helpful, thanks mmi. Planned use would just be knowing what the issue if any lights come on. I currently have an intermittent engine light which i think is linked to emissions related to the AdBlue injector. Unlikely I would actually fix much myself though.

So would if I buy a Carista dongle would it work with the car scanner app without the Carista subscription?
 
So would if I buy a Carista dongle would it work with the car scanner app without the Carista subscription?
Yes correct, no need for Carista subscription to use the dongle. The Carista dongle itself is just a generic OBD2 dongle.

However, IMO, for your planned use a better choice would be OBDeleven app + "Free plan" + their "NextGen OBDeleven device". Details below
 
Cheers for the info. What makes that a better option?

Also, do you know if I can use the same OBDeleven device/account for two other cars (Toyota Yaris and BMW 3 series?)
 
What makes that a better option?

I have a T6 2018, looking at getting an OBD scanner.
Planned use would just be knowing what the issue if any lights come on. ✔️

Car Scanner (Free and paid versions) vs. OBDeleven (Free Plan)

Car Scanner is a multibrand scanner so the results vary depending how enthuastic the developer has been

Fault codes ✔️

Both do read/clear the codes - also T6 specific ones (not just generic OBD2 codes).
1743018578572.png
1743017896648.png

Live data ➕

Both can read/record live data:
OBDeleven - 100% coverage of data and 100% of controllers covered
Car Scanner only partially (as far as developer has managed) - of course can be complemented by user, as e.g. below

Allows to build dashboards to visualise data
1743019181721.png
1743019260031.png

Output tests ➕

Car Scanner - AFAIK none
OBDeleven - 100% coverage in 100% of controllers
Note: Functionality "Basic Settings" has additional tests - not included in Free plan
1743020271297.png
Worth noting that OBDeleven can't record or show any data during tests - unlike VCDS.

Vehicle coding and adaptations​

None

Setting up ➕

OBDeleven works right off the box.
As Car Scanner is multibrand tool it needs some experimenting to make most of it.



Also, do you know if I can use the same OBDeleven device/account for two other cars (Toyota Yaris and BMW 3 series?)
Ahhh, the appetite grows.... :thumbsup:
No experience but I think the device is the same, the apps definitely separate ones... also Toyota and BMW are their new territory so probably still in early phase of development.

BMW​


Toyota​

 
Haha, yeah the appetite grows!😄 Cheers mmi, very thorough! I like the look of this one. Seems to tick all the boxes for me 👍
 
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