Experience with Xtool VAG401 scanner on 2005 Passat TDI

I received my Xtool VAG401 scanner recently around $ with DHL shipment to my place. Tried it out straightly in my 2005 Passat and found it quite easy-to-use. If you have used VCDs-cable, you can probably figure out how to use this without reading the manual!

They include a MicroSD card reader used for the updates. They also include a USB cable. The only use I has seen for the cable are to power up the unit from a USB port instead of your car. It came with a in * * * * LCD screen, and therefore no need to use a laptop or computer when diagnosing.

The OBDII cable that hooks between the VAG401 Scan Tool and the car are a straight thru cable. There is no components in the back shell of the the OBDII connector. The other end has a and a PIN male D-sub connector.

I was able to use mine to read the key code from the dash. I verified that it is the same as one I Hadd gotten previously from Vag-tacho. This is on my Passat TDI.

It reads error codes just like VCDs, although there are no AutoScan function to scan all modules that I can find. It has successfully found all installed features on both my Passat and my friends Allroad. Both of my cars is dual K not CANbus. I have no tried it on CANbus car yet.

The best-I can describe the interface to the modules are the older VCDs Lite interface. The original modulemenus were almost a copy of VCDs, although the latest update simplified them somewhat.

It supposedly can match keys to the Dash/immobilizer, although I has not tried it. It has a few other functions that VCDs does not having, such as mileage changes, etc. It can code modules, do adaptations, etc.

Looking at Xtools website, they had 3 or 4 software updates for the VAG401 last year, the latest in Nov 2014. The descriptions of the updates is hard to find, and the release Notes is cryptic and in Chinglish. However, they seem to be actively updating it.

I figured out to update mine. Download the update application from the Xtools website, and use the VAG401 serial number as the user name, and the PASSWO Rd from the password. You don't need to register.

I downloaded the updates, and it said the update was successful. When I started the diagnosis, it loaded a new bin file. Menus changed somewhat, and new options were added.

I got it in a couple of days. If you travel a IoT, you can keep it in the car. Need a computer or power supply to use it, the which is great. It has a lot of capability for the money, and is very convenient. However, user support are nonexistent, so being previously familiar with VCDs is a definite plus. I can not speak for how well it works on the current model cars.

Experience with Xtool VAG401 scanner on 2005 Passat TDI