TDIGraph - TDI Timing Checker

TDI Timing Checker
Open-Source / Freeware
Graphing "Plug-In" for VCDS / activated VCDS-Lite
(TDI Graph is included when you download VCDS or VCDS-Lite)

Note: This ONLY applies to VE Engines and DOES NOT
apply to PD (unit injectors) or CR (common Rail) engines

VCDS TDIGraph Screenshot

This plug-in allows you to check the injection timing setting on a VE TDI engine (NOT PD or CR varieties). This needs to be done after you change the timing belt and should be done every once in a while to keep tabs on belt stretch and pump/pulley misalignment. The standard procedure for this is to have the engine idling at operating temperature (coolant temp >85*C), go to measuring block 000 for the engine, switch to basic settings and report fields #2 (injection timing) and #9 (fuel temperature) on a special graph.

The history of the last 100 samples is displayed as a "cloud" of points. From the size and shape of this "cloud" you can see how much "jumping around" your engine is doing, and your average timing is probably right in the middle of the cloud.

This plug-in reports the timing on the graph in real-time, so you don't need to have your manual sitting on your lap at the same time. The application also gives you a comment in the "result" field, that will tell you if all the conditions are fulfilled to check the timing (some people don't realize you need to have the engine running, for instance...) and if your timing is within spec or not.

Step by step:

Make sure you are using thecurrent version of VCDS or a fully registered version of VCDS-Lite)
Start your engine and make sure the coolant is up to normal running temp. TDI engines may take a long time to warm up at idle.
Start VCDS or VCDS-Lite
Click [Select]
Click [01-Engine]
Click [Meas. Blocks - 08]
Go to group 000 (Group 004 for V6 TDI - VCDS-Lite does NOT support this)
Click [Switch to Basic Settings]
Click [TDI Timing]
Select your engine code from the drop-down menu

It is normal for the glowplug light to flash and for the engine sound to change slightly while using this function. This thread may be helpful as well: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=163435

The TDI Timing checker does not work in Shareware Mode since Basic Settings is not available. When using VCDS-Lite, only ECU's that have timing checked in Basic Settings group 000 will show the TDI Timing button. For V6 TDI ECU's that use Basic Setting in group 004, refer to the factory repair manual for specs.

The TDI Timing Checker works only as a �plug-in�. You must start it using the [TDI Timing] button in VCDS/VCDS-Lite. Starting it any other way will result in error messages and it won�t work.

Note to PD (pumpe duese aka unit injectors) and CR (common rail) owners: The timing in PD and CR engines is determined electronically by the ECU. There is neither a need nor an ability to check timing on the PD or CR engines using a scan tool. There are no graphs published for the simple reason that the timing is set using a dedicated VAG locking tool when changing the timing belt :-)