VAG-Com: Can't Access MSG with Engine Running?

Hello,

'I'm having this problem: once I start the engine, I can no longer access the MSG module via diagnostic tool 01. It tries to establish a connection, but after 3-4 attempts, it says 'MSG not found.' However, I *can* access the instrument cluster (KI) while the engine is running.'

'When the engine is off, I can access the MSG without any problems.'

What could it be? I'm using an OBD-serial adapter I bought on eBay, and I have a laptop with a PIII 800 processor, 256MB of RAM, and Windows XP.

Regards,
Jackson.

We just dealt with something similar recently with those... well, those *ahem* things.

I would strongly recommend the Super Adapter.

'Could you please also tell us what type of vehicle it is and what the engine code is?'

Please contact the provider for support.

Is the Audi on the left side of the picture a 1.9L, 81kW TDI model from 1998 with engine code AFN?

Okay, then it's probably that adapter. Try to get rid of that thing and buy a decent one from the webmaster here in the shop. First, they actually work, and second, you'll get competent support.

If it had been a 1z, I would have had doubts.

I just checked my records, and I bought the adapter in May 2002 for 119 euros. Unfortunately, the warranty has expired .

Is there anything else you can adjust with VAG-Com? If the adapter wasn't working, that would explain it, but I'm kind of surprised it's happening.

Take a look at the 'diagnostic adapter' articles. I posted something there before.
I also remember that Maik, or maybe it was Palmstrollo, posted something about settings.
'However, such problems should be atypical for an AFN (presumably referring to a specific device or system), your hardware, and reasonable adapters!'

Since the warranty had already expired, I opened the adapter and cleaned the guide plate. Now it works even with the engine running!

Jackson wrote:

Since the warranty had already expired, I opened the adapter and cleaned the circuit board. Now it works even with the engine running!

If there was solder paste or solder balls present, that might explain it.

Otherwise, you might have simply closed a circuit or altered some stray capacitances (perhaps due to a metal enclosure?), and just managed to bring the adapter's timing into the acceptable range.

On this occasion, I would definitely take the opportunity to re-solder everything as a preventative measure.