reading codes with Creader code reader

[donaldd34]

The check engine light is on in my 2000 V6 Passat. I am pretty sure there are misfire and secondary air pump codes stored. I bought an inexpensive Creader code reader since the car is OBDII Certified and pluggged it in. The code reader displays "LAUNCH - - -" which is what it should display if there are no code to retrieve. Yet as I said engine light is on so there must (should) be codes. So is this code reader defective or has VW does some odd ball thing and I need a more expensive code reader. I thought all cars sold in US after 1996 had to be OBDII compliant and a OBDII code reader should work in them all?

[boschmann]

Alot of inexpensive code readers only will pick up standardized OBD-II codes. Most vehicles will store many other codes as well as OBD-II ones.

[sdomschine]

I went up t o the manufacturers web site, www.launchtech.co.uk, and
found out what your problem is. You say you purchased the Creader for
OBDII? Well you have the wrong one, they make one just for VW & Audi.
The OEM number for it is '20AP003B For VW/Audi models'. I hope this helps.

Steve D.