Hands-on with VW’s DataPlug and new app – Here's how it works

[Hanno Labuschagne]

Hands-on with VW’s DataPlug and new app – Here's how it works

Volkswagen South Africa recently launched its WeConnect Go app and DataPlug – an add-on device which relays vehicle information from your car to your smartphone.

The app and plug were previously available with the T-Cross but now come standard with new VW models from the Polo Comfortline and above.

It can also be fitted as an optional add-on for most older VW models from 2008 onwards, with the exception of Vivo vehicles.

 

[RandomGeek]

" The data plug was priced at R915.40, with no charges accrued for labour. "
Volkswagen not charging for labour - I had to read that bit twice, didn't believe it at first

 

[krono9]

" The data plug was priced at R915.40, with no charges accrued for labour. "
Volkswagen not charging for labour - I had to read that bit twice, didn't believe it at first

Billing system couldn't accommodate the 40 seconds it takes to plug it in the port. Similar bluetooth scanners anyway cost half the price, so enough profit on the adapter itself.

 

[RandomGeek]

Billing system couldn't accommodate the 40 seconds it takes to plug it in the port. Similar bluetooth scanners anyway cost half the price, so enough profit on the adapter itself.

Yes, if it gave more technical parameters such as engine statistics, errors etc. the price would be more market-related in my mind

 

[magneto]

Yes, if it gave more technical parameters such as engine statistics, errors etc. the price would be more market-related in my mind

few things left out.

trips stats - also calculates Fuel travel cost after you done first refuel with App/dataplug in.
the app does pickup errors from the ECU and display them, but doesn't give the error code
can enable automatic service appointments requests apart from just the manual option for Service inspection , oil service or both
App updates dataplug firmware/database

VW used to have app in the appstore call Drive & Track which give your more stats like Accelerator Pressure % , Brake Pressure Bar, G-force, RPM(which see on the dash) and PSI Bar.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

Why can't something like this work on simpler cars?
Like your vivio's?

Surely they use the same computer as the more expensive vw's? Just removed some equipment.

Or even going way back to your Citi Velocity days.
Surely it should still work on those, still has an ecu and an obd port.

Or is this just something to fool people who have used the millions of aftermarket OBD scanners and tools for every car since 1996.

 

[genetic]

Why can't something like this work on simpler cars?
Like your vivio's?

Surely they use the same computer as the more expensive vw's? Just removed some equipment.

Or even going way back to your Citi Velocity days.
Surely it should still work on those, still has an ecu and an obd port.

Or is this just something to fool people who have used the millions of aftermarket OBD scanners and tools for every car since 1996.

They have far less sophisticated electronics and engines, so need very basic ECU's.

You won't get the same data.

 

[killerbyte]

Basically R1000 for a Bluetooth OBD reader... Since this is a VW you can buy a R250 unit and use many of the free apps.

 

[PhireSide]

Why can't something like this work on simpler cars?
Like your vivio's?

Surely they use the same computer as the more expensive vw's? Just removed some equipment.

Or even going way back to your Citi Velocity days.
Surely it should still work on those, still has an ecu and an obd port.

Or is this just something to fool people who have used the millions of aftermarket OBD scanners and tools for every car since 1996.

If you're too cheap for a proper Polo you'll be too cheap to pay for this R900-odd device

 

[Neuk_]

Basically R1000 for a Bluetooth OBD reader... Since this is a VW you can buy a R250 unit and use many of the free apps.

This is what I was thinking, I have two OBD dongles, shitty Chinese ones so I can only use basic versions of VAGCom. If I need something done properly I have some friends who have proper Hex or Ross Tech cables and full versions of VAGCom.

 

[qscwbt]

cheap version ELM 327 at most flea markets .
Then install the app called Torque.

 

[Compton_effect]

I've seen a demo of some custom software they are writing to run on that telemetry. Its amazing what the car can log nowadays. It was almost as thorough as the dedicated hardware in Mining Trucks.

 

[hashbrown99]

Got mine for free so I'm happy

 

[karnuffel]

I wonder if I can get one for my UP!

 

[genetic]

cheap version ELM 327 at most flea markets .
Then install the app called Torque.

Where can I get a BT OBD reader in CPT?

 

[genetic]

Where can I get a BT OBD reader in CPT?

Ordered one off takealot for R238.

 

[PsYTraNc3]

cheap version ELM 327 at most flea markets .
Then install the app called Torque.

The free version of torque is very limited and the interface sucks.

 

[genetic]

The free version of torque is very limited and the interface sucks.

Just buy the app. It's only R50. Gives you all the info you need.

 

[genetic]

So that cheap ELM327 clone off Takealot won't connect to my car. Fails to connect to the ECU or any other modules no matter whether I use my phone or laptop.

Also throws weird error messages on the dash when I try connect... airbag warning, ABS warning, car intrusion warnings etc...

Upon further digging, it seems Alfa's are picky with their OBD scanners, and cheap clones usually don't work.

Seems I have to hunt for another one.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

If you're too cheap for a proper Polo you'll be too cheap to pay for this R900-odd device

Too true, honestly don't see the point of something like this.

I mean you don't even get remote start or something that could potentially save you big bucks.

Like oil life or gearbox oil life.
Or something like remote unlock or valet/ teenager mode.

Can set your car to limit it's speed/stereo volume when you lend it to your teenager.

Out of interest, why can't we get something like OnStar locally?
Wouldn't that be more useful here?