Background
Ross-Tech HEX-V2 ODB2-USB interface
The New Beetle’s CAN-Bus diagnostic system outputs generic codes for engine ECU operations, but proprietary VW codes for many ancillary systems like airbags and ABS braking. A special code reader like the Ross-Tech VCDS HEX-V2 is required to go beyond engine-specific information. Volkswagen dealers have a dedicated VAS diagnostic tester that is even more detailed than the handheld Ross-Tech products.
Unless codes are scanned with proprietary equipment, the results will come back “clean” and that’s exactly what our used car dealer reported (he was honest by the way). This means the engine is operating to specification, but other possible issues may exist.
We duplicated the dealer’s “clean” report with our own generic ODB2 reader.
