Code readers

[Blueboy]

Hi to all    I'm  looking at basic diagnostic code readers,  but they all seem to say diesels from 2004 onwards
mine is a alhambra 1.9 2001  but it has the 16 pin port   wondered if anyone knows would they work on my vehicle
The one I'm looking at is the Autel Maxiscan 309 OBD11/Can  I know the vag com would be a better unit but we have various cars in the household and the Autel covers all of them.
some expert knowledge would be appreciated.

[johnnyroper]

I have an autel vag one that reads most control units on a 2002 galaxy no problem.
But I also have registered copy of vcds lite and to be honest you would be better spending a bit more on that. Get a copy and lead off eBay cheap then register it with Ross tech for Ã,£75.

[johnnyroper]

Should also add a generic will scan engines only,a vag scanner will only do vag cars. All depends what cars are in family and if you want to do more than just engine controllers?

[Blueboy]

Hi Would someone know if my Seat Alhambra  2001  1.9 td diagnostic socket has the 3 wire or 4 wire connections
below is the listing for a scan tool
Vehicle Coverage: Works for any VW- Audi - Seat- Skoda has 16 pin "OBD2 style" Data Link Connector (DLC) ,For old-style 2x2 connector (DTC) , depends on whether there are 4 or 3 wires connecting to the pins. if there are 4 wires, each connecting a pin,then it will work. if there are only 3 wires, leaving one pin disconnected, then it will not work.

Work with many Volkswagen and Audi (Audi/Seat/Skoda/Jetta/Golf/Beetle/Touareg/GTI/Passat and more) sold worldwide since 1990

Read and erase Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) of engine, ABS, airbag, transmission, radio, climate control(A/C), cent., elect., steering wheel,instruments, immobilizer, etc. (18 Systems)

Read and clear generic trouble codes of cars using ISO 9141-2 (CARB), ISO 14230 (KWP-2000) and ISO-15765 (CAN) protocols

CAN (Controller Area Network) capability

Turn off MILs of engine, airbag, ABS , A/T and most other systems Reset oil service light Retrieve vehicle information (VIN) Display I/M Readiness Status Display DTC definitions on unit screen System upgradeable via the internet as and when manufacturer releases updates Easy to use with friendly interface Safely communicates with the on-board computers.

Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD One-year warranty against defects.

PLEASE NOTE: This scanner will work on most VW / VAG vehicles but exactly which control modules can be accessed or changed will be dependent on the actual vehicle and will vary between vehicle model and vehicle spec.

[Chrispb]

All the Galaxy Sharan Alhambra vehicles use the 16 pin OBD2 socket

[Blueboy]

Thanks for the info.   One other point   I read somewhere that after market radios can damage these scanners.
anyone had any problems.