Diagnostic code scanners and elec parking brake tool

[bodhi808]

I'm interested to hear feedback from people about engine code scanners that they have and the functionality. Also possibly pc software alternatives.

I recently got stung with one of the cheapo fake autel maxiscan things which are available on ebay and amazon in huge quantities. It looked the part and partially worked once long enough to diagnose and clear one fault, but a month later and it would no longer connect to any vehicle. A common tale with this unit I have come to realise.
You get what you pay for as the saying goes! Although I did get my money back fortunately.

Both my wife and I have audis and mine has one of the awful electronic hand brake things which makes me think it would be worth getting a tool which will wind the callipers back as well as scan engine codes.
I've found this, which certainly looks to fit the bill.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Foxwell-NT500-VAG-Scanne...
While we have only VAG cars its not an issue but are there any others out there at a not too dissimilar price point which do the same for a wider range of vehicles?

[DuraAce]

I'd buy VCDS of you both have VW group cars. It's more expensive than the other thing you linked to but is very good.

Mine has paid for itself many times over.

[devnull]

Yep, VCDS if you have VAG cars. It will also do basic OBD/OBD2 for other cars.

Don't bother with fakes, when you buy a genuine VCDS, you get updates for life.

[Ozzie Osmond]

bodhi808 said:

mine has one of the awful electronic hand brake things which makes me think it would be worth getting a tool which will wind the callipers back

I too have a ghastly electronic handbrake.

What would be achieved with an electronic tool to "wind the callipers back"?

[bodhi808]

Thanks for the info on the VCDS. I had heard about the it, but wasn't sure if it was worth the extra cash. Interesting to hear that it will read basic OBD II data from other cars too. Am I correct in thinking that the software is built into the cable on the genuine versions?
I guess my thoughts towards a handheld unit is the convenience and portability of them although the functionality may be a huge trade off by the sound of it.

Ozzie Osmond said:

I too have a ghastly electronic handbrake.

What would be achieved with an electronic tool to "wind the callipers back"?

I love the rest of the car, but the hand brake is such an unnecessary and problem prone feature. My thinking behind the ability to wind back the callipers is that you can't manually release them to change brake discs and pads. The only way to do this (I believe) is to have a tool like this which can actuate the system and reset the positions after new, thicker components have been fitted. I also gather that if there is a malfunction at the control end of the hand brake, that you could be stuck with the hand brake on. The wind back facility on these tools can bypass the control unit and actuate the callipers directly, allowing you to move the car. I remember seeing a recovery truck dragging an A6 onto the flatbed with the rear wheels locked up which I'm guessing was a similar problem.