Which is a better tool to reset crash data or clone VW Golf II airbag SPC560 inside module? CG100 or Xhorse Multi-Prog?
Model: VW Golf 7 2015
Airbag part number: Siemens 5WK44884 VW 5Q0959655D
Processor: SPC560P50L3
Let’s explore the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, and see which one came out on top in this specific task.
The Scenario: Cloning a Water-Damaged Airbag ECU
The car in question, a Volkswagen Golf 7, had been flooded, resulting in significant water damage to several ECUs, including the airbag module. The owner reported that the diagnostic tool could no longer connect to the original airbag ECU, likely due to the water damage. The goal was to clone the data from the original, non-functional airbag ECU to a replacement module.
The Challenge: Cloning vs. Reprogramming
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the challenges of cloning an airbag ECU. In most cases, simply replacing the ECU with a used one isn’t straightforward. The ECU is often tied to the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and if the replacement ECU has been previously programmed for another vehicle, the car’s system will reject it. The ideal solution is to clone the original ECU’s data onto the replacement module, but this isn’t always easy, especially if the car has received factory updates that may have altered the hardware or software of the ECU.
The Tools: CG100 vs. VVDI MultiProg
For this task, we used two popular programmers: the CG100 and the VVDI MultiProg. Both tools are well-regarded in the automotive diagnostics community, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
CGDI CG100: The All-Rounder
The CG100 is known for its versatility and ease of use. It’s capable of reading and writing data from a wide range of ECUs, and it has a reputation for being able to repair airbag ECUs by clearing crash data. In this case, the CG100 was able to read the original ECU’s data quickly and even detected that the car had been involved in an accident (based on the crash data stored in the D Flash).
One of the standout features of the CG100 is its ability to automatically repair airbag ECUs by clearing crash data. This is a huge advantage if you’re dealing with a module that has been involved in an accident. However, when it comes to cloning, the CG100 has some limitations. While it can read and write the D Flash and P Flash, it doesn’t have access to certain configuration data (like Shadow and Test data), which are crucial for a complete clone.
Using the CG100, we were able to quickly read the D Flash and P Flash, but we noticed that the tool couldn’t access the Shadow and Test data. This meant that while we could repair the ECU and clear the crash data, we couldn’t perform a complete clone.
Xhorse Multi Prog: The Specialist
The VVDI MultiProg, on the other hand, is a more specialized tool. It’s designed for advanced users who need to work with a wide range of ECUs and microcontrollers. In this case, the VVDI MultiProg was able to read additional data from the ECU, including the Shadow and Test data, which the CG100 couldn’t access.
However, the VVDI MultiProg has its own limitations. While it can read more data than the CG100, it doesn’t have the same automatic repair capabilities. This means that if you’re dealing with a crashed airbag ECU, you’ll need to manually clear the crash data, which can be a more time-consuming process.
We were able to extract the Shadow and Test data, which gave us a more complete backup of the ECU’s data. However, the VVDI MultiProg couldn’t automatically repair the ECU, so we had to rely on the CG100 for that part of the process.
The Verdict: Which Programmer is Better?
In this specific scenario, both the CG100 and the VVDI MultiProg had their strengths and weaknesses. The CG100 was faster and more user-friendly, with the added benefit of being able to automatically repair airbag ECUs by clearing crash data. However, it fell short when it came to accessing certain configuration data, which is crucial for a complete clone.
The VVDI MultiProg, on the other hand, was able to read more data, including the Shadow and Test data, but it lacked the automatic repair capabilities of the CG100. This made it a better choice for advanced users who need to perform a complete clone, but it required more manual intervention.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
Ultimately, the choice between the CG100 and the VVDI MultiProg depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a tool that can quickly repair airbag ECUs and handle most common tasks, the CG100 is an excellent choice. However, if you need to perform a complete clone and are comfortable with a more advanced tool, the VVDI Multi Prog is the better option.
In this case, we can use both tools to achieve our goal. We use the CG100 to repair the ECU and clear the crash data, or use OBDSTAR P50 airbag reset tool. It will also repair this SRS and crash crash data. And then used the VVDI MultiProg to perform a complete clone. This combination allowed us to get the best of both worlds and successfully clone the airbag ECU.
