Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST), connecting, selecting functions and checking control module versions
Prerequisites:
- All fuses OK according to wiring diagram.
- Battery (B+) voltage at least 9 Volts.
- VAG 1552 Scan Tool (ST) may be used instead of the VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST), however a print-out is not possible.
- The following procedure and display references pertain only to VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).
Connecting
With ignition switched off, connect VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) with adapter cable VAG 1551/3 to the Data Link Connector (DLC) as follows:
- Remove cover for Data Link Connector (DLC) under left instrument panel.
- Connect Scan Tool using adapter cable VAG 1551/3.
| On Board Diagnostic (OBD) HELP 1 - Rapid data transfer* 2 - Flash code output* |
Indicated on display:
* Is displayed alternately
Functions, selecting
- If the display remains blank check Scan Tool (ST) voltage supply according to wiring diagram, refer to Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting and Component Locations binder.
- Additional operating instructions can be called up by pressing the HELP button.
- The → button is used to advance through the program sequence.
- In operating mode 1 "Rapid data transfer," function 00 "Automatic test sequence" can be carried out. The DTC memory of all control modules with OBD capability are checked automatically.
- Switch on ignition.
- Switch on printer with the Print button (indicator lamp in button lights up).
- Press button 1 for "Rapid data transfer" mode.
| Rapid data transfer HELP Input address word XX |
Indicated on display:
- Press buttons -1- and -6- to enter "Steering wheel electronics" address word16.
| Rapid data transfer Q 16 Steering Wheel Electronics |
Indicated on display:
- Confirm entry with Q button.
| Rapid data transfer Q Tester sends address word 16 |
Indicated on display:
Check Control Module Versions
| 1J0907487 Steering wheel electron.x28 → Coding 00008 WSC 00000 |
Indicated on display (example only):
Readout, top line
- 1JO 907 487 = Control module part number
- Steering wheel electron. = System designation
- x28 = Software version
Readout, bottom line
- Coding 00008 = coding number (dependent on control module part number. Refer to Code Control Module (function 07) ).
- WSC 00000 = Workshop code
Part numbers are for reference only. Always check with your Parts Department for the latest parts information.
- Press → button.
| Rapid data transfer HELP Control module does not answer! |
- Press the HELP button to print out a list of possible malfunction causes.
- After correcting malfunctions, re-enter address word 16 for Steering wheel electronics and press -Q- button to confirm input.
| 1JO035152 Radio 0001 → Coding 04403 WSC 00000 |
Indicated on display:
- Press → button.
| Rapid data transfer HELP Select function XX |
Indicated on display (select function):
List of available functions
| Function | Reference | |
| 01 - | Check Control Module Versions | VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST), connecting, selecting functions and checking control module versions |
| 02 - | Check DTC Memory | Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory, checking (function 02) |
| 03 - | Output Diagnostic Test Mode (DTM) | Output Diagnostic Test Mode (DTM) (function 03) |
| 05 - | Erase DTC Memory | Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory, erasing (function 05) |
| 06 - | End Output | End Output (function 06) |
| 07 - | Code Control Module | Code Control Module (function 07) |
| 08 - | Read Measuring Value Block | Read Measuring Value Block (function 08) |
- Press the HELP button to print out a complete list of available functions. This list indicates the function capability of the VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) only, and does not necessarily reflect the function capability of vehicle systems equipped with OBD. For "Steering wheel electronics" address word 16, do not attempt to select functions other than those listed above.
- After the function is completed and forwarded with the → button, the VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) returns to the following start position:
| Rapid data transfer HELP Select function XX |
Indicated on display (select function):
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.