# OBD scanner **Source:** https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/obd-scanner.59354/ **Posts:** 15 --- ### I — 2025-08-07T18:38:20+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) Hi, can anyone recommend an OBD scanner that has worked on their T7 California TDi? I'm having trouble with one I purchased from Amazon. Thanks in advance! --- ### — 2025-08-07T18:50:27+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) I don’t have a T7 but a T5, so I can’t say if it will work but check out [mycarly.com](http://mycarly.com). It’s a yearly subscription and prices depend on how many different vehicles you want to check. I use(d) it on my T5.2 (2013), my (now sold) Toyota Landcruiser V8 (2008), my (now sold) BMW Z4 (2007) and Porsche 718 Cayman (2022). Works/worked fine on all of them. --- ### — 2025-08-07T18:51:25+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) Forgot to mention, it’s a Germany company and German cars are better supported. --- ### — 2025-08-07T19:03:27+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) I use and highly rate OBDeleven - it's primarily for VAG group vehicles. --- ### I — 2025-08-07T19:32:58+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) > [Jerry999 said:](/goto/post?id=756285) > > I use and highly rate OBDeleven - it's primarily for VAG group vehicles. > > > Click to expand... Thanks I will give that a try but if anyone has actually used an OBD scanner on the T7 it would be great to hear from you. --- ### — 2025-08-07T20:01:46+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) I did read on the Ross Tech (VCDS) website that the new Ford based VW trannys are not supported. I don’t know if this is similar across other scanners? Bit early in the T7 life to dicking around with faults? --- ### I — 2025-08-07T20:08:09+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) > [sidepod said:](/goto/post?id=756291) > > I did read on the Ross Tech (VCDS) website that the new Ford based VW trannys are not supported. > I don’t know if this is similar across other scanners? > > Bit early in the T7 life to dicking around with faults? > > Click to expand... I'm not actually looking for faults. My tracker/immobilizer seems to be blocking OBD port access even when set to service mode. VW couldn't access it to do the software update so I'm working with Meta Track to resolve the issue but need an OBD scanner so they can troubleshoot the problem. --- ### — 2025-08-07T21:15:21+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) > [Ian in Leicester said:](/goto/post?id=756289) > > Thanks I will give that a try but if anyone has actually used an OBD scanner on the T7 it would be great to hear from you. > > Click to expand... Carista, the latest version Dongle, works perfectly on my T7 Hybrid Multivan but VW have introduced a new security function which you have to register for via the Carista app that gives you a one off security PIN to make alterations of functions. --- ### C — 2025-08-07T22:57:50+0200 (Aug 7, 2025) I thought the latest VAG vehicles were protected by SFD2 which renders all the dongles useless with no prospect of any change. Even VW dealers can't code the latest vehicles, I believe. --- ### — 2025-08-08T08:25:34+0200 (Aug 8, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=756303) > > I thought the latest VAG vehicles were protected by SFD2 which renders all the dongles useless with no prospect of any change. > > Even VW dealers can't code the latest vehicles, I believe. > > Click to expand... Well the latest Carista dongle works on my Multivan which has the SFD security system. You just have to register to unlock . --- ### C — 2025-08-08T08:36:12+0200 (Aug 8, 2025) > [WelshGas said:](/goto/post?id=756319) > > Well the latest Carista dongle works on my Multivan which has the SFD security system. You just have to register to unlock . > > Click to expand... The Carista website says it supports the T7 2022 - 2023 which makes sense because the encrypted SFD2 was introduced on VAG vehicles staggered during 2023. There may still be some vehicles not yet moved over but very few. There's a big difference between SFD and SFD2. I don't think you'll find it works on later vehicles I'm afraid. --- ### I — 2025-08-08T09:30:37+0200 (Aug 8, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=756320) > > The Carista website says it supports the T7 2022 - 2023 which makes sense because the encrypted SFD2 was introduced on VAG vehicles staggered during 2023. There may still be some vehicles not yet moved over but very few. > > There's a big difference between SFD and SFD2. > > I don't think you'll find it works on later vehicles I'm afraid. > > Click to expand... Presumably it will still be able to read the OBD but just not do any coding or clearing etc ..? --- ### C — 2025-08-08T14:20:56+0200 (Aug 8, 2025) > [Ian in Leicester said:](/goto/post?id=756325) > > Presumably it will still be able to read the OBD but just not do any coding or clearing etc ..? > > Click to expand... I'm not sure. The firmware is all encrypted on most modules so I suspect you can read very little and modify nothing. --- ### I — 2025-08-08T15:17:01+0200 (Aug 8, 2025) > [CaliforniaCylus said:](/goto/post?id=756366) > > I'm not sure. > > The firmware is all encrypted on most modules so I suspect you can read very little and modify nothing. > > Click to expand... The basic Carista B25 did connect and run diagnostics after Meta Trak made some changes. However, I didn't pay for the subscription as I didn't want to change anything. Seems like car manufacturers are making it impossible to DIY anymore - not that I need to for 5 years! --- ### S — 2025-08-10T11:43:44+0200 (Aug 10, 2025) I have an Icarsoft CR Pro, good for anything supposedly, just downloaded latest software, no T7 to try it on yet ---