Interface questions

[strokendiesel002]

I tried a search and emailed support, but figured I'd see if anyone on here has some answers.

I have a 2003 VW Passat and I want to find out why my CEL is illuminated. Ross-Tech gives the option to download their Lite version, which is supposed to be able be used with "3rd party" interfaces. anyone had any success with this? I tried using the HP Scanner, but it says that it can't find the PCM

Jimmy

[planethax]

The HPT interface will not work, non supported protocol
With Ross Tech you will need a different interface.

[Bill@HPTuners]

We do not support any VW applications, try scanning a vehicle that is supported.

[strokendiesel002]

planethax - thank-you.
@ Bill... I hope you're not being condescending with the later part of your answer... I have scanned my Chevy and a Dodge and it worked just fine... my intent was not to complain in any way about the performance of your product in it's intended, or unintended functions. I was simply asking if there was a way to utilize the hardware differently, and have found that when a little more detail is included with a question, answers are generally better.

[Bill@HPTuners]

Our hardware is ONLY compatible with our software and cannot be used as a passthrough device ie you cannot use someone elses software & our hardware.

[strokendiesel002]

OK, thank you sir, and as previously stated, I am not displeased in the slightest with what I've been able to do with it on my vehicle that it supports.

[Xjas]

Have you tried to connect using the HPT scanner, I have been able to pull fault codes from a non supported ECU using the scanner as OBD2 is an industy standard required by law in the US, I found I was able to use it as a basic scanner and read SAE values as well as fault codes (athough you have to check the code as the HPT description may not be 100% correct for your vehicle).

[planethax]

VW uses a protocol that is not supported by the HPT interface.

[strokendiesel002]

I appreciate the tip Xjas, and I too have been able to pull codes (like on my brothers '01 Ram 5.2). However, when connected to the VW, it says "no ecu found". My assumption is Planethax has researched this in the past and has educated himself enough to confidently state (twice now ) that it won't because of unsupported protocol (I, being uneducated in this manner don't really know what he means, other than "It won't work"). I'm gonna trust both he and Bill.

Maybe sometime in the future