Polo daytime running lights

Was asked to look at a VW Polo with drls and asked to turn them off! Found this info but decided not to try it as they are on for a reason. To turn them off, switch them off as follows on a Polo. Insert key in ignition, but don't turn it. Turn the headlight switch to the "0" position. Move the indicator stalk to the left position and pull towards you, as though you were flashing a warning at another car. Turn the ignition on, but not the engine. Wait at least four seconds and you should hear three bleeps to indicate that the DRLs have been deactivated."

Audi A4 Noisy Driver's Window Glass

I was asked to have a look at an Audi A4 with a noisy driver's window recently, the window emitted a metallic grinding sound when opened and closed.  From other reports on the Internet it appeared that a replacement drive mechanism was the cure. This involved a complete strip down of the drivers door.

The cable driven mechanism was replaced with a new Audi part, see below, and the door reassembled.

Total time for the job was two hours and after reinitialising the one shot we now have a smooth, quiet driver's window.  Investigation of the old winding mechanism revealed the source of the noise; the cable inside the spool had a kink which was fouling the rest of the cable as it wound up and down. It was also wearing the nylon outer spool.

ELM327 Bluetooth Vehicle Interface

Just tested my new interface connected to my Golf MkIV.  Works fine with my new Samsung netbook running easyOBDII software.

No DTCs were available to read but I'll update when I use it for real!

VW Polo Brake Light Switch

I was asked to investigate a problem on a 2003 VW Polo with a EPC warning light permanently on. On investigation the brake lights did not operate either. There was 12V from the brake light switch with no load but not when the lamps were connected.  The switch was replaced and after a couple of brake pedal actuations and ignition cycles the lamp went out without need for the diagnostic kit.

The old switch was examined and the contacts were pitted and well worn!

Fiat Diagnostics

I was asked to look at a Fiat the other day and I found this web site which contains lots of useful data for connecting to Fiat CMs.

http://www.fiatecuscan.net/ 

Volkswagen Key Disassembly

In order to replace the battery on a Volkswagen Key you first need to disassemble your key. This takes a bit more force than most people are willing to do, for fear of breaking it.
Here is how to replace the battery and how to replace the metal bit that attaches to your keychain.

http://www.riskin.org/vwkey/ 

VW Key Remote Programming

Found this useful site with details of Remote key programming for VW family cars. This will only program the key for remote operation of locks and alarm, it does not align the key with the immobiliser!
There is also info for resetting the service lamp on various models. This will not reset the "long life" service warning.
A useful site anyway http://vwdiesel.com/

Ubuntu

I use Ubuntu on my laptop and have just found a couple of useful utility programs. I was able to tweak settings on a dual boot system I have just set up.

• startupmanager - sets the default screen resolution for the "grub" menu
• grubcustomizer - edits "grub" options, add, delete and swap position

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters) Warning

Posted this from this weeks Auto Express.

Look after your DPF!

VW Service - warning reset

Thought I would "blog" this info for future use!

Position of diagnostic connector on Golf Mk4

Vehicles with Flexible service interval from MY 1999/2000:

Golf IV Passat B5 New Beetle Bora Sharan Transporter T4 and identically constructed models

[Select]
[17 - Instruments]
[Adaptation - 10]
Enter the correct channel from the chart below in "Channel Number"
[Read]The "Stored Value" is the current value for that channel.
Enter the "New" value of from the chart below.
[Test]
[Save]
 

The Flexible Service Interval Considers:	The Fixed Service Interval Considers:
Condition of the Oil
Time	Time
Distance	Distance
Driving Style

Channel	Indicated as "Stored Value"	"New" Adaptation value to reset
02	00001 = Service Due	00000
	00000 = Service Done

Auxiliary work with Long Life service:
Resetting the value in channel 2 will automatically reset fixed service intervals (15000/30000/12 months)
If conventional engine oil was used, then this is all that needs to be done.
If Long Life oil is used, then adaptation must be done the vehicle according to following table with respect to the oil quality:

Channel	Meaning	Contents	"New" Adaptation value to reset
			Golf	Passat B5	New Beetle	Bora	Sharan	Transporter T4
45	Used oil quality	Long Life service Diesel engines Oil per VOLKSWAGEN specification 506.00(TDI) or 506.01(PD)	00004	00004	00004	00004	00004	00004
		Long Life service Gasoline engines Oil per VOLKSWAGEN specification 503.00	00002	00002	00002	00002	00002	00002
		Not Long Life	00001	00001	00001	00001	00001	00001
43	Maximum Distance to the next Oil Service	Long Life service Diesel engines	00050	00050	00050	00050	00050	00050
		Long Life service Gasoline engines	00030	00030	00030	00030	00030	00030
		Not Long Life	00015	00015	00015	00015	00015	00015
44	Time	Not Long Life 12 months	00360	00365	00360	00360	00365	00360
		Long Life 24 Months	00720	00730	00720	00720	00730	00720

Note: Oil Quality is in arbitrary units. Distance is in 1000's of km. Time is in days.

Blast from the Past!

I was surfing the web the other day and came across a picture of one of the first "diagnostic" tools which I designed and built the prototype for the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Micro Air Con. CM.  It looks like the boxes are still in use 30 years on!

The box can control all outputs and monitor all inputs enabling a check of the car before the control module is connected.

VW Diagnostics

I have a working version of VAGCOM and can carry out fault code reading and fault diagnostics on VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda and some Bentley cars.
I have just serviced a VW Golf and am able to reset the "longlife" service warning parameters.

Welcome

Hi, I have just changed ISP to Plusnet and have now lost the web space I had with Tiscali :-( This seems like a good alternative!