VAG COM Adapter Problem: Troubleshooting Guide

Hello diesel enthusiasts,

I bought an adapter on eBay to read the error codes from my car's computer.
The adapter is from "ProChip" (Interface 9141) and is designed for OBD II and ISO standards.
During the first attempt to read the vehicle's memory using a shareware version of the program...
However, I had no success with VAGCOM version 302.2. The only component that seemed to work was the ABS brake control unit, which was recognized. All other functions yielded no results.
The following message appeared during the test under "Options":

Com Port Status: OK.
Interface Status 0 - Found OK.
Fast Sync compatible: no.

Otherwise, the following error message appeared:

"Unable to synchronize baud rate."
or
"Control unit not responding."

We then tried adjusting the values "Blk Int", "Char Int", and "KW2" (as described under "Adapter" in the diesel community), but it didn't achieve anything.
However, I have no knowledge of electronics. If anyone has a tip in that area, please describe it in a way that even a beginner can understand.

About the vehicle:
Audi 80 1.9 TDI, manufactured in December 1993.
Engine 1Z.
2 x 2 connector.

Should I use an older version of VAGCOM, or is the problem located elsewhere?
Where can I download a suitable version?

I would be very grateful for any advice that helps to solve the problem.

Best regards, Hans.

Hans Baldauf wrote:

Otherwise, the following error message appeared: "Unable to synchronize baud rate." or "Control is not responding"

Hi Hans,

You've probably encountered one of the issues described in the adapter article under "VAGCOM Bugs...".
A more precise remote diagnosis is (at least to me) not possible.

Hello Hans,

We then tried to manipulate the values 'Blk Int', 'Char Int', and 'KW2' (as described under 'Adapter' in the diesel community), but it didn't work.

'It didn't work for me either. Try entering 'VAG-COM 240' as the initial baud rate in the settings. That was the solution for me. At first, I could only access my ABS control unit and had the same error message, which at least proves that the adapter is working. I'm using a *DIY product*, but in our case, the problem seems to be more likely with the control unit itself.'

Regards,
Michael.

What kind of hardware (desktop computer, laptop) do you use? Which operating system are you running, and what background programs might be running?

'Your problems sound familiar to me! My 1Z also wouldn't connect. Then, ULF's and MAIK's adapters made the breakthrough. The problem is the engine control unit (ECU). It doesn't adhere to the protocol in terms of baud rate. Due to unfavorable timings within the adapter itself and signal distortion from the adapter, VAG-COM can't synchronize properly and then spits out errors! It's a known issue with the 1Z. Try one of the adapters mentioned; it should help!'

Hello Joergs,

My laptop:
Gericom PII 333, 256 MB RAM, Windows 98, no background programs running, multiple versions of VAG-COM installed, including the latest version.

Adapters used:

http://www.dieselschrauber.de/Adapter%20Standard.png

(operates at 240 baud, but can only access measurement block 000).

http://www.dieselschrauber.de/Adapter%20trimmbar.png

(It only works for me with ABS control, but it works very well on my father's A4. The potentiometers have been adjusted according to the instructions.)

I've already posted about this before, and several Audi 80 1Z owners reported similar problems with other adapters (e.g., Maiks MAX 232 variant). Therefore, I probably won't build any more. Maybe I should include the 240 baud tip that I found in an old post in the technical article.

Regards,
Michael.

hi,

'Too bad! It seems like you have one of those cases that can't be diagnosed with VCDS! It probably isn't a problem with the laptop or the adapter! I wish I could have helped you more, but it seems like this is a case similar to the ones described on the Ross-Tech website!'

Hello.

I also have a question. I built an adapter based on Mecki's FAQ, and it works great! However, I can't read any blink codes (L-line) from older VWs with it. Should I build a new one? But according to which instructions? It would be great if it were a KKL adapter!

Best regards, Michael.

Adapters that actually work can be found in our online shop.