ECU Fault Code Readers!

[16vmk3ash]

I have a ocassional starting problem with my 95' mk3 16v and was gona get the ecu read for fault codes.
This was gona cost me ?25, but i have seen a fault code reader in Halfords for ?18 which is suitable for my car.
What i would like to know is how do you connect this up to the ecu? as i am sure i read some where on this site that you connect them via a connector under the dash, if so where exactly under the dash should i be looking?

Thanks

[Overseer]

on my car you do the following to get to the socket...

1) pull the ashtray out as far as it'll go
2) find the extra button on the bottom of the ashtray at the middle that removes it totally
3) slide the piece of plastic next to the cigarette lighter over to the right until it comes off.. the socket is hidden behind this

[16vmk3ash]

Thanks Mate!

[UKflex]

Did you get any faults from the fault finder, how reliable do you find it.

Let us know, cuz im thinking of getting one

ukflex

[16vmk3ash]

Since my last post i have made 2 attempts to find the socket where you plug it in, but i couldent find it!

I have had the ash tray out but there was nothing behind that, removed the heater controls but nothing, removed all the gearleaver and handbrake suround but found only a sensor for my alarm and have had a look under both sides of the dash but couldent see anything.

Can any1 describe what the socket actually looks like? is it attached to a wire? if so does it run staright to the ECU? if it does does any1 know where the ECU is as i cant find it in my Haynes manual!

There is a wire running under the dash with a relay on it (drivers side) could it be on the end of that?

[margin-walker]

The ECU socket is to the left of the ashtray on my car, above the cigarette lighter. It's actually on the dashboard, not inside the ashtray hole. There should be a blank rectangular panel on the dashboard (to the left of the ashtray). Pull the ashtray out, and then slide this black panel over to the right - now  that you've taken the ashtray out it will slide over the hole and come out into your hand.

The ECU socket looks a bit like a serial port on a computer/printer. You can't mistake it for anything else!

[Wannabe024]

What year is your 16v. Mine is a 1995 with an OBD2 port (On Board Diagnostics I think). This looks a bit like a small scart plug. The code reader says that it works on up to 1996 Gti's, but this isn't true. I bought one and tried, it didn't work. The code reader from Halfords works with OBD1 cars, which is up to 1994. The OBD1 connection is three seperate 3-pinned connectors.

My port is to the left of the ashtray as most other people seem to say. I've heard it can also be in either one of the footwells.

If you've got a '95 you're best bet is to download VAG COM (free) and buy an OBD2 PC connector from Ebay. I got one for ?37, but there are cheaper ones.

Have a look here:

http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/VAGCOMbuy.htm

About half way down there is a picture of the OBD2 connection.

People, please feel free to correct me, because I've only learnt about this in the last week.

Kris

[Wannabe024]

Also found a great site for all things Mk3. It's American and lists loads of faults and fixes:

http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/

VAG COM and code readers are discussed on here.

Kris

[Wannabe024]

GolfVR6,

Loaded VAG COM onto my PC and code reader works fine. The connector lead is a normal PC connection lead with an interface designed to fit OBD2:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2456764375&category=30921

I have just tried it and my problem is the left front ABS sensor. It also told me about an intermittent fault with the immobiliser which cuts the engine out just after start. I think I've read that someone else has this problem.

Anyway, its a cool bit of kit. For a $60 registration fee you can use VAG COM to change some settings on your car (Initial download just to read codes is free). I think teh newer your car the more settings you can play with.

Kris

[golfvr6]

Nice one!  
Are you anywhere near the Woking area?