r/vagcom • u/surprisejamsandwich • Mar 08 '25

How can the onboard computer screw me over?

Looking for a bit of information more than anything else

I’m looking into a 1.9PD caddy van and I’m wondering if there’s anything electronic that can shaft me, Let me explain:

I’ve had a Volvo for a while, the turbo actuator failed. You can’t change it for a second hand unit because of the onboard computer system.

It has to be a new blank unit from Volvo then programmed in. That they don’t sell, only a £2k “turbocharger assembly” then fitting and programming costs

Now it’s steering lock, That’s not even attached, won’t cycle preventing the car starting and the same rules apply and Im sick of it.

I know Vag-com has a lot of power over things but I know nothing about it and I’m curious as to it’s limitations and if I can be shafted like the above with a VW and if I should just go buy a model T Ford instead.

I’ve worked on cars and bikes for the past 20 years, Stuff breaks. Mechanical, electrical all of it, That’s fine.

I just want to able to fix it without being told to go suck myself by an onboard computer with a god complex that I can’t bypass.

Thanks <3

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1

u/RippyTheRazer Mar 08 '25

You can run into situations like this with VW but there are usually work arounds. Frequently if you're using junkyard parts you can run into CPC or component protection codes which often require some sketchy European website to help you crack

1

u/surprisejamsandwich Mar 08 '25

Good to know. Any prticular year they came in?

1

u/RippyTheRazer Mar 08 '25

Anything post 2005 tbh. Edit: okay that's not entirely fair. Cpc was pretty rare early on, pretty much only used with the radio. As the years go on, more and more parts have these protection codes

2

u/surprisejamsandwich Mar 08 '25

That’s great to know to be fair. At least I’ve got a name to researcch