Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSVOLKSWAGEN1999CABRIO (1V7) L4-2.0L (ABA)REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSRELAYS AND MODULES - COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSENGINE CONTROL MODULETESTING AND INSPECTIONCOMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICSENGINE OPERATION, CONTROL MODULE CHECKING
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio (1V7) L4-2.0L (ABA)
Engine Operation, Control Module Checking
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio (1V7) L4-2.0L (ABA)SECTION Engine Operation, Control Module Checking
Special Tools, Testers And Auxiliary Items
- VAG 1551/1552 Scan Tool With VAG 1551/3 Adapter Cable.
NOTE: The VAG 1552 scan tool can be used instead of the VAG 1551 scan tool, however a print-out is not possible.
TEST CONDITIONS
- Fuse 21 OK
- Battery voltage at least 11 volts
- Ground connections on engine and transmission OK.
Work Sequence

- Open ashtray and remove, then slide cover for diagnostic connections to left (arrow).
- Connect VAG 1551/1552 scan tool with VAG 1551/3 adapter cable.
Depending upon desired function:
- Switch ignition on or start Engine, Check Control Module functions.
NOTES:
- If the display does not show as indicated in the work sequence: See VAG 1551 scan tool operating instructions.
- If due to an input malfunction "Error in communication link" is displayed, disconnect wire from VAG 1551/1552 scan tool, reconnect and repeat work step.
Indicated On Display 1
V.A.G.- On Board Diagnostic (OBD) HELP
1-Rapid data transfer
2-Blink code output
- Operating modes 1 and 2 are displayed alternately.
Operate Vag 1551/1552 Scan Tool taking into account the information on the display:
- Press -1- button to select "Rapid data transfer" operating mode 1.
- Press buttons -0- and -1- to select "Engine Electronics" address word 01 and press -Q- button to confirm.
The VAG 1551 scan tool display will show the ECM identification, e.g.:
037 906 259B MOTRONIC M5.9 AT V02-->
Coding 0003 WSC xxxxx
- 037 906 259B = Part no. of the ECM (for latest control module version See parts catalog microfiche).
- MOTRONIC M5.9 = Injection and ignition system.
- AT V02 = Automatic transmission with Motronic system version 02.
- HS V02 = Manual transmission with Motronic system version 02.
- Coding 00003 = Coding variants
- WSC = Workshop code
CODING VARIANTS:
Coding Application
00000 Golf/Jetta with manual transmission
00001 Golf/Jetta with automatic transmission
00002 Cabrio with manual transmission
00003 Cabrio with automatic transmission
NOTE:
Correct control module number details and coding are only given at idle speed.
If the coding differs from the vehicle version, then:
- Check control module coding: Scan Tool Function 07.
- Press -> button.
Indicated on display
Rapid data transfer HELP
Select function XX
- For additional steps see repair procedures.
- VAG 1551/1552 Scan Tool With VAG 1551/3 Adapter Cable.
NOTE: The VAG 1552 scan tool can be used instead of the VAG 1551 scan tool, however a print-out is not possible.
TEST CONDITIONS
- Fuse 21 OK
- Battery voltage at least 11 volts
- Ground connections on engine and transmission OK.
Work Sequence
- Open ashtray and remove, then slide cover for diagnostic connections to left (arrow).
- Connect VAG 1551/1552 scan tool with VAG 1551/3 adapter cable.
Depending upon desired function:
- Switch ignition on or start Engine, Check Control Module functions.
NOTES:
- If the display does not show as indicated in the work sequence: See VAG 1551 scan tool operating instructions.
- If due to an input malfunction "Error in communication link" is displayed, disconnect wire from VAG 1551/1552 scan tool, reconnect and repeat work step.
Indicated On Display 1
V.A.G.- On Board Diagnostic (OBD) HELP
1-Rapid data transfer
2-Blink code output
- Operating modes 1 and 2 are displayed alternately.
Operate Vag 1551/1552 Scan Tool taking into account the information on the display:
- Press -1- button to select "Rapid data transfer" operating mode 1.
- Press buttons -0- and -1- to select "Engine Electronics" address word 01 and press -Q- button to confirm.
The VAG 1551 scan tool display will show the ECM identification, e.g.:
037 906 259B MOTRONIC M5.9 AT V02-->
Coding 0003 WSC xxxxx
- 037 906 259B = Part no. of the ECM (for latest control module version See parts catalog microfiche).
- MOTRONIC M5.9 = Injection and ignition system.
- AT V02 = Automatic transmission with Motronic system version 02.
- HS V02 = Manual transmission with Motronic system version 02.
- Coding 00003 = Coding variants
- WSC = Workshop code
CODING VARIANTS:
Coding Application
00000 Golf/Jetta with manual transmission
00001 Golf/Jetta with automatic transmission
00002 Cabrio with manual transmission
00003 Cabrio with automatic transmission
NOTE:
Correct control module number details and coding are only given at idle speed.
If the coding differs from the vehicle version, then:
- Check control module coding: Scan Tool Function 07.
- Press -> button.
Indicated on display
Rapid data transfer HELP
Select function XX
- For additional steps see repair procedures.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.