What do I need to get started?

[mlr55]

Hello everyone.

I have recently bought a 55reg Golf Gti DSG Mk5 and I was wondering what I need to get to set myself up to read the various error codes that crop up, this is all completely new to me so go easy!!

Is it down to having the correct leads/software? And how much do these things cost because it might be worth me getting set up due to atleast 7 people I know having VW's?

Thankyou for any advice you can give me.

Martin

[PetrolDave]

IIRC the Golf Mk 5 uses CAN bus diagnostics (same as the Audi 8P A3) so you'll need a CAN lead, one of the cheap K-line or dual K-line only eBay ones will be no good to you.

IMHO the best bet is a HEX-USB+CAN lead - that has CAN and dual K-line (so it will work with any existing and mostly future cars) and being USB will work with old and new laptops and netbooks (I use mine with an Acer Aspire One).

It won't be cheap, but at £100 saved each time you solve a fault yourself rather than paying a dealer it will soon pay for itself.

[shark_90]

The cheapest "full-fat" lead I found when I was looking to replace my serial lead was from Marshalls Industrial, around £235 IIRC. For a Mk5 Golf you definitely need a CAN lead, so you can either get the MicroCAN which is cheaper and you'll be limited to which cars you can do, or get the proper job and then you're safe no matter what car it is.

[Paul]

I am with Dave, another vote for HEX-USB+CAN lead.

Its a good all rounder coping with past and present. If some other data-bus system comes out in future, its more than likely you will be able to part ex it back to Ross-tech for a newer version. they certainly have offered this service previously for genuine owners.

[mlr55]

Thanks alot for all your useful information guys, all taken on board!