Plug-in check reveals car's ailments

By RICHARD WOOD

Owners of modern Volkswagen cars can tap into electronic servicing to diagnose problems and centrally maintain service records.

Ten of 13 Volkswagen dealers nationwide have gone live with a network which enables technicians to plug a cable into the vehicle's computer box and obtain electronic information which can also be looked at instantly by experts in Auckland, Singapore or the worldwide service centre in Germany.

Information on service work done at official dealers can also be obtained by entering the vehicle's VIN number.

European Motor Distributors after-sales manager Grant Doull said it all added up to a quicker service with less chance of things being missed.

Recent Volkswagens have a network of up to up to 40 control units, with 20 to 30 sensors in each, measuring aspects of the car's performance. and identifying faults.

The sensors monitor things such as fuel injection timing, exhaust oxygen levels, window switches, throttle position, air mass, cabin temperatures and vehicle load.

Doull said Volkswagen models from 1995 had some information that could be used, and cars from 2000 onwards had the full capability.

Eventually, Volkswagen will be able to identify a stolen car and immobilise it through the system.

European Motor Distributors is using Telecom's Private Office Network, which can also handle video links if required during servicing.