Fault codes can be a wealth of information!
.. and we sometimes overlooked this. Here is a basic guide to understand some of the components of the fault code.
We can break down the fault code into the following parts:
- The fault code numbers
- The fault code description
- The freeze frame data
Fault code number-
When using the Ross-Tech tool, the fault code number displayed will have a unique Manufacturer (VAG) number and sometimes a SAE-(Society of Automotive Engineers) number. SAE numbers are standardized , they are not unique to the manufacturer and will share the same ‘standardized’ meaning whether it is read from a controller on a domestic or an import vehicle.
The manufacturer specific fault code will not have an SAE number equivalent and are found mostly in controllers other than the Engine or Transmission, such as HVAC or VAG specific controllers.
Fault code description-
One of the most overlooked part of the fault code is the description. We, at Ross-Tech Technical support receive a lot of questions about fault codes, from 'what does the fault mean?' to 'I can not find it the Ross-Tech wiki page', note: Not ALL fault codes are listed on the wiki pages, we are working on it,
The code below is an example and I explain the definition in some detail.
P1527 - Bank1; camshaft adjustment -N205: Short circuit to ground
The fault above tells us the ECM has detected the N205 'circuit' (on bank 1) has been or is shorted to 'ground'.
- Okay some folks are saying this is obvious, how do I fix this? This is the part where most people get a bit confused and need help.
Diagnoses will require an understanding of the N205 function and circuit and the way it is connected to the ECM. We will not get into too much detail here, this is not a repair manual.
- You will want to take a look at a wiring diagram, there you will see the N205 has battery voltage to it on one side with the key on(15-power) and the ECM is the source of the ground when the N205 is activated.
- The ECM is actually monitoring this circuit(when the N205 is not active) for the battery voltage that will travel through the N205 and if there is no detected voltage, rather a grounded circuit, this fault code will set.
- So you will need to check for the following:
1) Fuse/power
2) wiring/connections
3) failed N205
4) failed ECM
Freeze frame data-
- Fault Status = The binary value indicating the state at the time the fault was recorded
- Fault Priority = A numerical classification of the importance of a fault code
- Mileage/time/date = Some controllers have no idea what the true date/time is, this data maybe wrong.
- Fault frequency = How many times the fault occurred.
- RPM, Load, Temp, Absolute Press, Voltage = Misc info
- - - Final notes - - -
- Freeze frame data is very useful when attempting to isolate the particulars of a fault code that may only happen in a small window of conditions.
- Reading fault codes, understanding them and knowing how the systems function is crucial if you are to successfully diagnoses and repair Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Bentley vehicles.
- Repair information can be found here:
Official Factory Repair Information
.. and we sometimes overlooked this. Here is a basic guide to understand some of the components of the fault code.
We can break down the fault code into the following parts:
- The fault code numbers
- The fault code description
- The freeze frame data
Fault code number-
When using the Ross-Tech tool, the fault code number displayed will have a unique Manufacturer (VAG) number and sometimes a SAE-(Society of Automotive Engineers) number. SAE numbers are standardized , they are not unique to the manufacturer and will share the same ‘standardized’ meaning whether it is read from a controller on a domestic or an import vehicle.
The manufacturer specific fault code will not have an SAE number equivalent and are found mostly in controllers other than the Engine or Transmission, such as HVAC or VAG specific controllers.
Fault code description-
One of the most overlooked part of the fault code is the description. We, at Ross-Tech Technical support receive a lot of questions about fault codes, from 'what does the fault mean?' to 'I can not find it the Ross-Tech wiki page', note: Not ALL fault codes are listed on the wiki pages, we are working on it,
The code below is an example and I explain the definition in some detail.
P1527 - Bank1; camshaft adjustment -N205: Short circuit to ground
The fault above tells us the ECM has detected the N205 'circuit' (on bank 1) has been or is shorted to 'ground'.
- Okay some folks are saying this is obvious, how do I fix this? This is the part where most people get a bit confused and need help.
Diagnoses will require an understanding of the N205 function and circuit and the way it is connected to the ECM. We will not get into too much detail here, this is not a repair manual.
- You will want to take a look at a wiring diagram, there you will see the N205 has battery voltage to it on one side with the key on(15-power) and the ECM is the source of the ground when the N205 is activated.
- The ECM is actually monitoring this circuit(when the N205 is not active) for the battery voltage that will travel through the N205 and if there is no detected voltage, rather a grounded circuit, this fault code will set.
- So you will need to check for the following:
1) Fuse/power
2) wiring/connections
3) failed N205
4) failed ECM
Freeze frame data-
- Fault Status = The binary value indicating the state at the time the fault was recorded
- Fault Priority = A numerical classification of the importance of a fault code
- Mileage/time/date = Some controllers have no idea what the true date/time is, this data maybe wrong.
- Fault frequency = How many times the fault occurred.
- RPM, Load, Temp, Absolute Press, Voltage = Misc info
- - - Final notes - - -
- Freeze frame data is very useful when attempting to isolate the particulars of a fault code that may only happen in a small window of conditions.
- Reading fault codes, understanding them and knowing how the systems function is crucial if you are to successfully diagnoses and repair Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Bentley vehicles.
- Repair information can be found here:
Official Factory Repair Information
Last edited:
Miss Manners says you should instead state you have a P0300 fault code. 
