I received my Xtool VAG401 scan tool recently around €50.99 with DHL shipment to my place. Tried it out straightly on my 2005 Passat and found it quite easy to use. If you have used VCDS VAG COM 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 have seen for the cable is to power up the unit from a USB port instead of your car. It came with a 160 * 160 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 is a straight thru cable. There are no components in the back shell of the OBDII connector. The other end has a 15 pin male d-sub connector.
I was able to use mine to read out the key code from the dash. I verified that it was 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 is 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 are dual k not CANbus. I have not tried it on CANbus car yet.
The best way I can describe the interface to the modules is 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 have not tried it. It has a few other functions that VCDS does not have, 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 are hard to find, and the release notes are 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 password from the about screen as the password. You do not 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 lot, you can keep it in the car. You do not need a computer or power supply to use it, which is great. It has a lot of capability for the money , and is very convenient. However, user support is nonexistent, so being previously familiar with VCDS is a definite plus. I can not speak for how well it works on current model cars.
Xtool VAG401 for VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda Questions:
Folks,
I received the Xtool vag401 a year or so ago that I ordered from eobdtool.co.uk for euro 55 including shipping. The scan tool doesn’t require a computer to run. 99% of the time, you won’t even need VCDS if you have this handy little scanner.
It reads error codes just like VCDS (VAG-COM). I was able to use mine to read out the key code from the dash. I verified that it was the same as one I’d gotten previously from VAG- Tacho. This is on my 2005 Passat TDI. It helped
1) Scan VW specific codes along with OBD codes
2) Show specific measuring blocks including DSG Temperature
3) Activate the fuel pump
For less than 60 euro, its a great thing to throw in your tool box when you don’t want to break out your laptop. Highly recommended.
I have read thousand of posts in forums and I would like to answer/deal with some most concerned and frequently asked questions about the Xtool VAG401 scanner.
1. How to I know it is a real Xtool tool?
XTool Tech makes a variety of scanners, and appears to have been around awhile. The main thing I’d be sure of is to ensure you get the genuine article, as software updates require the serial number of the unit, and a password on the screen listing version numbers to access the updates.
2. What software version is on the VAG 401 scanner?
This question is similar to update. An upgrade will always let us know its version. I will explain later.
3. Fail to update on official website/ Can’t access the updates at Xtool’s website?
The X-tool VAG401 scan tool comes with a MicroSD card reader used for the updates. I figured out to update mine. Download the update application from the xtool’s website: http://www.xtooltech.com/ (change the web language first), and use the VAG401 serial number as the user name, and the password from the about screen as the password. You do not 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. The latest update was 2/5/15, V8.28, I think it adds air-bag stuff from the previous. They have been activating updating it. And if you buy the VAG401 professional tool from good dealer, you just need to provide your device ID and they will send the update file via Email. My seller does but I do not need.
4. What’s good comparing with VCDS?
VCDS, I love VCDS however I need a computer independent scan tool that would not require me to drag out my laptop. Xtool is the stand-alone tool. It has a few other functions that VCDS doesn’t have, such as mileage changes, etc. It can code modules, do adaptations, etc. For less then 100 bucks it’s a cool robust useful device that offers portability that VCDS does not.
5. Where can I found the user manual?
The scanner is easy to use by simple press the operation buttons. If you still need menu, here is the one I found on google.
http://www.obdiag4u.com/download/vag401-vw-audi-seat-skoda-professional-tool-manual-english.pdf
6. “Function not supported on this vehicle” error
I tried to test readiness in Passat using the VAG401 scanner and disable the hill hold function in the ABS controller. The VAG401 scanner displays “Function not supported on this vehicle” error. I got the scanner firmware updated, so I was cable to flip bit 0 of byte 16 in the coding block.
So mu suggestion sia that you check the VAG401 function list first, if your option is not included in the list, give it up. If it does, get the firmware updated and try again.
7. What the USB dongle is for?
You need to remove the MicroSD card, place it in a card reader in the PC, and note the drive letter. Change settings in the updater to update directly so SD card. Pick the drive letter when updating, and it will send the files to the SD card, without some other steps… Then pull the card and put it back into the too。
8. I tried to program a remote key with it but no luck.
Xtool VAG401 is only a scan tool, cannot program remote or program ECU.
9. Way over priced being it is a generic scanner.
No, it is not a generic scanner. It is Volkswagen VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat specific, can scan all of the systems on my Passat and VW, do adaptations, etc. If you understand VCDS, this tool is very similar in abilities.
This is from obd tool website Auto Code Scanner technical support: Xtool VAG401 scan tool review
