Posted by Matthew Yu on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 03:38 PM
When it comes to VW and Audi vehicles measuring value blocks is equivalent to other models datastream monitoring. Measuring value blocks are real-time reportings of an ECU's current state. The values update continuously and you can monitor the behavior of your ECU while it operates. The data blocks are used to report information from factory sensors and other interpreted data. These data blocks can be accessed and logged. From the data gathered, graphs can be made and compared. This is very useful to track the progress of performance modifications to your car, or to help diagnose problems that may arise.
Each ECU reports one to ten values per data block and each ECU has one or more different blocks. Older vehicles might have only a few data blocks, but newer vehicles typically have tens, if not hundreds, of data blocks. Each data block is identified by a number between 0 and 255 inclusive. Some common blocks are:
- Basic Functions: Channel 000 to 009
- Ignition System: Channel 010 to 029
- Oxygen Sensor: Channel 030 to 049
- Speed Regulation: Channel 050 to 069
- Emission Reduction: Channel 070 to 079
- Readiness Code: Channel 086 to 089
You can access your measuring blocks using a diagnostic scan tool. Simply log the blocks that you are interested in, and start making graphs and comparisons. Below are the steps on how to measure your value blocks with screenshots from the AUTOBOSS V30 / PC Max:
1) Select "01-Engine"
2) Then choose "08-Read Measuring Value Block"
3) Then input the Channel you would like to measure and click "OK"
4) Then the values will show up and you can process and evaluate the work that you need to.
Whether you just need to scan for occasional codes, modify your long coding, or want to track performance and modifications being able to read these values makes performing your job that much easier!
Posted by Matthew Yu on Thu, Mar 04, 2010 @ 05:40 PM
All vehicles are equipped with an anti-lock brake (ABS) systems that prevents the wheels on a motor vehicle from locking up while braking. An ABS is composed of a electronic control unit (ECU), four wheel speed sensors, and two or more hydraulic valves within the brake hydraulics. The ECU monitors the speed of each wheel and when it detects a wheel rotating slower than the others it then actuates the valves to reduce hydraulic pressure to the brake at the affected wheel which then reduces the braking force on that wheel. It works in the opposite manner for a wheel that turns faster than the others. This process is repeated continuously and can be detected by the driver through the brake pedal pulsation.
You should have your brakes bled when your brake system is opened to replace components such as calipers, wheel cylinders, the master cylinder, brake lines or hoses. Manufacturers usually specify that brakes should be bled every two years, starting from the date the vehicle was built. The most common bleeding procedure is to bleed the brake furthest from the master cylinder first, then bleed the other brake that shares the same hydraulic circuit. After these have been bled, you then bleed the other brake circuit starting with the furthest brake from the master cylinder. Typically, this would mean RR, LR, RF, then LF. However, it doesn't really matter if you start with the front or rear wheels, since they are on separate brake circuits on modern cars with ABS and/or dynamic stability control systems. However, you should start with the passenger side wheel and then do the driver's side.
Why must this procedure be done and how does it benefit you the driver?
- Fresh brake fluid has a significantly higher boiling point than old fluid, allowing harder braking without fade.
- That same moisture promotes corrosion. Frequent bleeding with fresh fluid allows brake components to last longer.
- A well maintained brake system could help you avoid ever having to replace calipers, master cylinder or an expensive ABS control unit.
- The bleeding process, done properly, removes air bubbles from the hydraulic system resulting in better brake pedal feel and more responsive braking performance.
- Too much air in the system can be dangerous and result in the pedal sinking all the way to the floor. Air is compressible while brake fluid is not.
Volkswagen has made it even simpler for you by providing this procedure to been carried our by a diagnostic scan tool! Below you will find the instructions on how to process the ABS Brake Bleeding with screenshots from the AUTOBOSS PC Max scan tool:
1) Select "03 - ABS Brakes"
2) Then "Introduction to Basic Settings - 04"
3) Enter Group 001 (Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Audi TT) or 002 (Passat and Audi A4/S4, A6/S6, and A8/S8)
4) Click "Go"
This will trigger the ABS pump to turn on for about 10 seconds. You should hear the fairly loud pump clicking during this time.
Click the "Done or Go Back" button and you're all set!
Posted by Matthew Yu on Thu, Feb 18, 2010 @ 03:56 PM
Most vehicles use standard halogen light bulbs compared to some VW / Audi cars which are equipped with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights; commonly called 'xenon headlamps'; which unlike Halogen or Incandescent bulbs, HID bulbs do NOT have filaments. HID is not just a new type of bulb. It is a whole new lighting system.
HID headlamps are more cost effective over time. Even with the initial price of HID headlamps costing significantly more than halogen the substantially lower energy consumption and lower lamp replacement and maintenance expenses make HID the best economic choice. Many have noted that the almost complete darkness on isolated highways as a reason for why HID lighting is becoming popular. They also promote safety by providing a better overall view of the roadway by the lights rotating with the steering direction.
When it comes to replacing the HID headlamps a calibration is needed to align with the steering using a scan tool. This procedure cycles the motorized headlamp adjusters to their center position so that the beams can be adjusted. This does NOT align the headlamps by itself. You still need to manually adjust the headlamps via the adjusting screws as referenced against a suitable aiming target. Below you will find step by step porcedures on how to calibrate your light using the AUTOBOSS V30 / PC Max scan tool:
1) There are certain test conditions that must be met before doing this procedure:
- Vehicle must be parked on level ground and "settled" on its suspension
- Parking brake should be OFF
- Ignition should be in the "On" position
- Headlamps should be "Off"
2) Enter VW or Audi software and select "With CANbus" or Without CANbus" depending on your vehicle make
3) Select "Common"
4) Then choose "55- Xenon Range"
5) After choose "04 - Introduction to Basic Setting"
6) Enter Channel No. 001 and click "GO"
7) Wait at least 20 seconds for the headlamp motors to move. The headlamps are now in their adjustment position. Turn on headlights. Adjust them via their manual adjusting screws as referenced against a suitable aiming target.
8) Scroll up to Group 002
9) Click the "Done or Back" button
If this procedure is only partially performed, there may be a DTC stored in the Xenon Range memory indicating "Headlights not adjusted". To clear this, you need to complete the entire procedure.
Posted by Matthew Yu on Thu, Jan 21, 2010 @ 06:52 PM
Typically in the past when you needed an extra copy of your vehicle's key you would go to any hardware store and have them cut a copy for you. Yet just having the regular key entry into your vehicle did nothing to protect your vehicle from theft. Older theft deterrent systems such as car alarms are installed in your vehicles to attempt to discourage theft of the vehicle itself, the property inside, or both. As criminals become more advanced in car theft so did the automakers in developing the immobilizer. An immobilizer is located in the instrument cluster using a chip in your key with an antenna. If the immobilizer system is faulty or not programmed the car will shut off after two seconds, the anti-theft light on the dashboard will flash, or some later generations may also have a beeping noise paired with the anti-theft light flashing.
In VW, when buying or programming a new key, you must use a key that corresponds to the same immobilizer generation and keyless entry type and sync it to the immobilizer. The key has three separate parts that are included in one which are the keyless entry remote, the metal flip key, and the immobilizer chip. Each key must be correct to the car for the remote to work properly. You not only need to program the keyless entry you also have to program the immobilizer or else the immobilizer will shut off the engine. The immobilizer only allows your programmed key to lets the engine start it has nothing to do with unlocking the doors, the alarm, or the starter itself. If your key and immobilizer are programmed correctly and your car is not functioning in the manner it should then you must troubleshoot other reasons why the car won't start.
Before you can programming a new key you must first identify which generation of immobilizer has been installed in your vehicle. Depending on the variation in build dates and remote compatibility VW has four generations immobilizers to distinguish from:
- Immo 1: no immobilizer,vehicles before 1999 were not equipped on cars sold in the US; you can swap keys, ECU's, and instrument clusters without any special programming.
- Immo 2: found on mk4 (Generation 4) cars, you need Secret Key Code (SKC) to use a new key or instrument cluster, but you can still swap ECU's. There is an emergency drive function that will let you drive to the dealership or mechanic for them to fix but you must know the SKC code. You can buy a used key and it will work if you reprogram the immobilizer chip using the SKC.
- Immo 3: found on mk4 cars, you need SKC to use a new key, instrument cluster, or ECU. You cannot use used keys from another car since the immobilizer chip can only be set once per car.
- Immo 4: found on mk5 (Generation 5) cars, you need SKC to use a new key, instrument cluster, or ECU. You cannot use used keys from another car since the immobilizer chip can only be set once per car.
Once you have identified which generation of immobilizer your vehicle has then you can purchase the correct key to be programmed. This procedure which only factory level scan tools could previously do has been developed for the AUTOBOSS V30 / PC Max. Below are the instructions with screenshots from the AUTOBOSS scan tool:
1) Go to your VW software and select "Expert Functions"
2) Select "Read PIN (III IMMO from Engine)"; once the code is displayed remember to write it down for reference
3) Then go back to your main menu and select "Common"
4) Choose "25-Immobilizer" and select "11-Login Procedure"
5) Enter in the code we previously retrieved and it will unlock your module for your to process factory level changes in your vehicle"
6) Now we can begin programming the new keys. Gather ALL the remotes you would like to match. Insert one key in the ignition and turn it ON.
7) Select "46 - Cent. Conv." or "35 - Cent. Locking" (whichever is applicable to the car, as found here)
8) Then "Adaptation - 10" and enter channel "01" (May be channel "21" in some Audi models).
9) Read or OK ;This will display the number of currently stored remotes in "Stored Value".
10) Enter your total number of keys up to a maximum of 4(including any existing keys) in "New Value"
11) Select "Test" and verify that the number in "Test Value" is correct.
12) Save; then press and hold (for at least one second) the UNLOCK button on the fob, at which time it will be learned. If you're programming more than one fob press and hold the UNLOCK button on the second fob for one second, press and hold the UNLOCK button on the third fob for one second, etc. You have a total of 15 seconds to do them all.
The car may give you some sort of acknowledgement as each key is learned (lights flash, horn beep, etc.) and you have completed programming of a new key!
Posted by Matthew Yu on Thu, Dec 31, 2009 @ 11:57 AM
Your driving your car and stop at a red light but you noticed that slowing down was a little rough than usual or that there's a noise coming from your brakes. That is a definite sign that you need to get your brakes maintenanced. In most older cars we have the traditional hand brakes that is used to keep the car stationary. Since 2004, VW / Audi has implemented their newer models with Electronic Parking Brakes (EPB). EPB was introduce for a few reasons:
- Mostly all functions in cars these days are controlled by electronics
- Can be used together with other systems; like stability control without involving hydraulics
- Less space needed in the interior for a brake pedal or a handle
- Lowering cost; Uses existing CAN controlled systems to control EPB
EPB allows you to engage and disengage your brakes at the touch of a button on your console but many EPB systems are programmed to self-release with a simply switch in your gears from the park position. Yet replacing your brakes which used to be a simple task has now become more complicated since VW / Audi implemented Electronics Parking Brakes. Processing any repairs on your brakes require a factory level scan tool to open and close your brake calipers.
Below are the instructions to open your rear calipers with screeshots from the AUTOBOSS V30 / PC Max scan tool:
1) Select "Diagnose" and choose with or without CANbus
2) Then Chassis
3) Select "53 - Parking Brakes"
4) Then choose "04 - Introduction to Basic Setting"
5) Enter Channel No. 007 and click "GO"
6) Listen carefully as you will hear the EPB open wide
Below are the instructions to close your rear calipers:
1) Select "Diagnose" and choose with or without CANbus
2) Then Chassis
3) Select "53 - Parking Brakes"
4) Then choose "04 - Introduction to Basic Setting"
5) Enter Channel No. 006 and click "GO"
6) Listen carefully as you will hear the EPB closing
7) Enter Channel No. 010 to perform a function test on the EPB which will cycle s number of times
8) Click "BACK" and then select "02 - Interrogate Fault Memory"
If "No Fault codes found" then you have completed your tasks!