SoCalJ

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has VCDS in the Los Angeles / South Bay area that can scan my D3?

Thank you

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Do you really need to scan? Do you have a laptop, I can loan you mine - Just pay for the shipping - Don't break your car or VCDS :-) Ship back when you're done.

Cheers,
Louis

SoCalJ

Louis,

Thank you! Is the cable the only thing I need?....I know the software is necessary too. I hope it's not too difficult to use. I will PM you.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

If you've been driving the car w/o VCDS, then you shouldn't start. Use the old fashioned troubleshooting techniques, eyes, ears, and system knowledge, much better and more precise. Most people who need VCDS scan, ended replacing wrong parts or breaking the car by making mistakes. I've been fixing my car for many years now, 90% of the scanned data was worthless. If you described the problems and people ask for the scan, chances are they can't help you. People who actually fixed the same problems you have, they would know, IMHO.
I like Elon Musk when he asked his candidates, tell me how you solve a problem in details... something you actually did.
Cheers,
Louis

MP4.2+6.0

FWIW, I don't really agree at all with the opinions about VCDS. Nor in my opinion do most others with experience on the board. To me, that tool and simply removing the belly pans underneath for good look see are probably the two most important diagnostics on an Audi. I grew up with Audis in the 70's and 80's when you had to throw parts at the early electronics the there were no decent electronic diagnostics tools beyond voltmeter type stuff. Or, you owned a second Audi of the same model to swap parts. Also owning a Toyota (which break too) with no broad scan tool and a Mini where the BMW scan tools are like stone age by comparison, it was difficult and frustrating to diagnose various things with a high degree of certainty. For mods of course, almost nothing like VCDS and other brand owners just wish they had something more like it.

Sure, you need to come up a learning curve with it, though it is fairly easy given the codes it outputs have decent descriptions. By contrast, OBDII generic tools are of lesser value for the motor area, and worthless for rest of car electronics.

Louis' offer is of course very kind, and he should be commended for that as well as the spirit of helping out.