XTOOL V401, Ancel VD500 and Autophix V007, any different

XTOOL V401,Ancel VD500, and  Autophix V007, these 3 entry-level diagnostic scan tool that’s primarily designed for the VAG (Volkswagen Auto Group) brand of cars. It’s perfect for any VAG owner. Before you buy it, take a look at the chart below to see how good it is compared to the competitors.

Product name	Xtool V401 (VAG401)	Ancel VD500	Autophix V007
IMG
Amazon price	$51.90	$54.99	$48.99
Full OBDII Functions	Yes	Yes	Yes
Full System Diagnosis	Yes	Yes	Yes
View live data	Yes	No	No
Actuation test	Yes	No	No
Adaptation	Yes	No	No
Coding	Yes	No	No
I/M Readiness	Yes	No	No
OIL RESET	Yes	Yes	Yes
SRS REST	Yes	No	No
TP position check	Yes	Yes	Yes
Brake pad reset	No	Yes	Yes
COMPATIBLE VEHICLES	Works with Volkswagen and Audi (Audi/ Seat/ Skoda/ Jetta/ Golf / Beetle/ Touareg/ GTI/ Passat and more) since 1990	for diagnosing most 12V 16-Pin Volkswagen/Audi/Skoda/SEAT V/A Series vehicles, but it also has the ability to work on 12V cars and light trucks (non-electric) manufactured in 1996 or later that are OBD II-compliant with 16-Pin OBD II protocols (J1850 VPM, J1850PWM, ISO9141, KWP 2000 and CAN).	Works for Seat / Skoda / Jetta / Golf / Beetle / Touareg / GTI / Passat, etc; works on all after 1996 OBD II compliant US, European and Asian vehicles. Supports all V/A Diagnositc protocols (KWP1281\ KWP 2000\ TP-CANBUS \ NEW UDS) and ALL OBD II protocols (CAN, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, ISO9141 and KWP 2000)
Language	English, German, Spanish	English and German	English and German
Software	Free update online (Website:www.xtooltech.com)	Provides life-time free software updates to fix the latest bugs or add new parameters (Download from  official website)	Free update online (only supported by Windows 7/8/10)
PROS	1.Very affordable; great value for money; 2.Memory card for updating software and saving reports; 3.Portable, handheld device; 4.Adapt and code system performance; 5.Can retrieve immobilizer PIN codes; 6.Perform actuation tests and stream live data	1.Compatible with every OBD2-compliant VW and Audi vehicles; 2.Very affordable for its range of functions; 3.English and German menu language options; 4.Complete OBD2 system diagnostics; 5.Offers VW and Audi specific functions	1.Compact, portable handheld; 2.Compatible with all OBD2-compliant Audi and VW vehicles; 3.Full OBD2 functionality; 4.2.8-inch clear display with an easy to use interface; 5.Standalone device
CONS	1.No built-in battery； 2.No freeze frame data	1.Compatibility issues with some older models 2.No live data or freeze frame data support	1.Low in data relay 2.Slow in pulling out data 3.No live data 4.No freeze frame data
Who is it for?	For Audi enthusiast and small garage owners.	For anyone with a VW vehicle including both DIYers and enthusiasts.	For auto mechanics from the novice all the way to the professional. DIY Audi lovers would love it as well.

Here is some real users’ feedback: Feedback 1: I have an Xtool 401, can’t comment on the others. Works well, picks up all the same codes that VCDS does, will clear the codes and do the Service/Oil resets. It is capable of some coding/adaptation, but it’s pretty clunky in operation so it’s a slow process. It will give a basic read of all OBD2 cars, and I have also used it on an Octavia VRS a golf V6 so it seems to be quite capable across all VAG cars. For a £50 device it’s pretty good, but it’s not really a patch on VCDS for ease of use.   Feedback 2: I also have a Xtool 401 but can't comment on the others. I view the 401 as an emergency tool that can be left in the car. It doesn't require batteries, a laptop, cell phone or internet access to use and it can be had fairly cheap.   Say you find yourself on the road and your car goes into 'limp-mode'. You have an easy way to check codes and /or reset the problem then and there. Maybe help you get back home without drama.   Now if you plan on doing a lot of tweaks / adaptations, I think VCDS or OBDEleven are better choices. Ideally, you'd have both. An Xtool for the car, and some iteration of VagCom for the garage.   The Xtool can do any adaptions that VCDS can do, but there are no pre-programmed routines. You basically need to use RossTech's website to figure out what you want coded, what bits need changing and then enter that data manually. Screw up here and there is no easy way to recover.   In conclusion: Which VW scan tool is best for you depending on what function you want to do. The XTool code reader is perfect for both professional mechanics and enthusiasts alike. It is ideal for Audi and Volkswagen owners to stay informed about any adaptations to their vehicle’s coding. If you are interested in XTOOL VAG401 diagnostic tool, you can purchase it at xtool.co.uk at the best price from UK/EU/US ship No Tax: https://www.xtool.co.uk/wholesale/xtool-v401-vwaudiseatskoda-professional-tool.html   http://blog.xtool.co.uk/

How to Replace EPB 2010 Audi A5 with Xtool V401

Today, Xtool.co.uk recommended a cheap vag OBD tool that can support EPB reset for you — XTOOL V401 (Xtool VAG401)

 

Purpose: Replace parking brake (EPB)

Why replace the Old brake pad?
Unlike mechanical issues that can arise out of nowhere, your brake pads will usually signal when their time is up.
But ignoring the screeching noises when you hit the brakes can affect not only safety — but also your pocketbook.
Car model:  2010 Audi A5
Symptom: Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Tool Option:XTOOL V401
What I Did to Do:
Putting the electronic rear parking brake into service mode using an Xtool VAG401. Total time from start to finish was about 1 hour which includes jacking the car up and removing the rear wheels.

Procedures:
Connect a battery charger to the car. Turn the ignition on but don't start the car. Plug the Xtool into the OBDII slot and select Diagnose.

Select Special Function

Scroll down until you see Brake Pad Replacement. Select Brake Pad Replacement.

I have a 2010 Audi A5 so I selected Other Models.

Select Replacement of Brake Pads

At this point you want to press the parking brake button down to release the rear brakes. Then press enter.

You will start to hear the electronic parking brake motor start to back out.

The light on the parking brake button will slowly flash, and the "brake" light on the cluster will slowly flash as well. Now you're ready to replace your brake pads!

I wedged a flathead screw driver in between the brake piston and the old brake pad and leveraged the piston back into the caliper.

I used a 13mm socket for the back bolt, and a 15mm box wrench to hold the nut down.


Replace the old brake pads with the new ones.

Reverse the steps that you took to remove the pads and reinstall the caliper. Check everything and put the wheels back on.

Now go back to the Xtool. The screen is still displaying the old message of replace the rear the pads for the two rear wheels. Just hit enter on the Xtool. The electronic brake is moving back into position.

When the electronic brake stops, the Xtool will say "Replace brake pad success". The brakes are still not applied. The motorized piston just pushes back out until it reaches the new pads.

I turned the ignition off, then back on/started the car. I exited all menus on the Xtool, then I lifted the parking brake button to activate the electronic rear parking brake. Success!

BTW, Here you are 6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Brake Pads 

1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes
If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you’ll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes. Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn down pads. Once you’ve worn down your pads enough you’ll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you’ll also begin to damage your rotors, making the cost of repair even more expensive.

2. Grinding Sound When Braking
Like we stated above, if you’re experiencing a grinding noise while you’re applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP. Some brake pads have built in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it’s time to replace the pads. If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you’re opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

3. Vibration When Braking
Vibration, when you apply the brakes, is another sign that your vehicle’s braking system is in need of professional help. Chances are that your rotors are warped and created uneven brake pad wear at the same time.

4. Taking Longer To Stop
Another major sign that your brakes need to be checked out is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you’re experiencing less than ideal stoppage times while applying your brakes, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak). For a true understanding of what’s going on with your brakes, you’ll want to get to a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you don’t lose all braking abilities.

5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On
Most modern vehicles come with brake warning lights that appear on your dash. One is your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light and the other is your brake system warning light. Your brake light won’t always come on when there is an issue — it’s also the light that appears on your dash when your parking brake is engaged. But if you’re seeing a brake warning light and your parking brake isn’t engaged, it’s time to have a brake expert take a look at your system to diagnose your issues.

6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin
One way to easily check on your brake pads is to visually inspect them for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of your wheels and locate your brake pad. If it appears to be less than a ¼ inch thick, you’re probably due for a set of new brake pads.

http://blog.xtool.co.uk/xtool-v401-epb-reset-on-2010-audi-a5/