The VAG COM system, a powerful tool for diagnosing and modifying Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, and Škoda vehicles, offers extensive capabilities beyond standard car diagnostics. One crucial aspect is its OBD2 functionality, allowing users to access generic On-Board Diagnostics II data. This feature has become increasingly vital, especially with modern vehicle repair manuals shifting towards generic scan tool information.
Generic OBD-II functionality in VAG COM mirrors the “OBD” or Address Word 33 on tools like VAS 5051/5052, providing essential diagnostic data. For users familiar with older diagnostic methods, this corresponds to the 1551/1552 Address Word 33.
This generic OBD-II capability is particularly useful because recent factory repair manuals from Volkswagen Group increasingly rely on “Generic Scan Tool” data instead of traditional, brand-specific On-Board Diagnostic information. This shift makes understanding and utilizing OBD2 within VAG COM more important than ever for comprehensive vehicle maintenance and repair.
VAG-Scope Integration for OBD2 Data Graphing
Users of VAG COM version 1.8 and newer benefit from enhanced data visualization through VAG-Scope. This feature allows for graphing generic OBD-2 Mode 1 data, providing a dynamic and intuitive way to monitor vehicle parameters in real-time. This graphical representation is invaluable for diagnosing intermittent issues and understanding sensor behavior over time.
Visualization of OBD2 Mode 1 data being graphed in VAG-Scope.
Vehicle Compatibility and Protocol Support
It’s important to note that generic OBD-II functionality within VAG COM is officially supported for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles. While it may function with other car brands, compatibility is not guaranteed. Feedback on compatibility with other makes and models is welcomed, though support for non-VAG brands is not obligated.
OBD2 protocol support in VAG COM is limited to vehicles utilizing ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”), ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”), and ISO-15765 (“CAN”) protocols. VAG COM interfaces do not support SAE J1850-VPW and J1850-PWM protocols, commonly found in US-market GM and Ford vehicles. Therefore, generic OBD-II functionality will not work on these cars.
Most European and Asian vehicles, and many Chrysler models (especially older ones from 1996-2000), typically use ISO protocols and are generally compatible. However, newer Chrysler vehicles may use SAE-J1850 and thus be incompatible with VAG COM‘s generic OBD2 functions.
Generic OBD-II compatibility became mandatory in the US from model year 1996, in Canada from 1998, and in the European market from 2001 (gasoline) and 2004 (diesel).
Interface Compatibility with OBD2 Protocols
Different VAG COM interfaces offer varying levels of OBD2 protocol support:
- HEX+CAN interfaces: Support all three protocols: ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”), ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”), and ISO-15765 (“CAN”).
- Non-CAN HEX-, KEY-, and KII- series interfaces: Support ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”) and ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”) but not ISO-15765 (“CAN”).
- Micro-CAN interface: Supports ISO-15765 (“CAN”) but not ISO 9141-2 (“CARB”) or ISO 14230 (“KWP-2000”) for generic OBD-II.
The ISO-15765 (“CAN”) protocol became increasingly common from 2004 onwards and was universally mandated in the US market for model year 2008. Choosing the right VAG COM interface depends on the vehicle’s communication protocol and the desired diagnostic capabilities.
Limitations and Further Information
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between VAG COM‘s proprietary VAG diagnostics and its generic OBD-II functionality. For a detailed comparison, refer to the FAQ: What’s the difference between VAG-COM and an OBD-II Scan-Tool?.
Finally, the generic OBD-II functionality within VAG COM is not available in the shareware version, requiring a licensed version for access.
By understanding the capabilities and limitations of OBD2 within VAG COM, users can effectively utilize this feature for broader vehicle diagnostics, especially in conjunction with modern repair information systems.
