typecastboy said:

I get this virtually every time. I normally get the port settings up on screen, unplug the USB cable and then plug it back in. Close port settings and restart MES. Works for me every time.

Click to expand...

typecastboy Do you get the ELM327 < ECU failure message or a COM port message? In my experience the PC to ELM interface is working OK if you get the ECU connection message.

Robert G8RPI.

I got my original cable from these guys: http://www.scantool-direct.co.uk/multiecuscan-wifi-enabled-elm-diagnostic-interface.html
I had it several years, then it got trodden on. I'm sure I got the replacement from them too, but it is labelled as ELMscan5compact. Had it about three years now.
Can't remember where I got my three coloured adaptor leads from, almost certainly from a link posted on this forum.

I have a cheap generic USB cable and a Gendan OBDLink SX.
The cheap one sometimes does this, and requires removal of USB plug, and plugging in to a different port. Then restarting MES usually results in a connection. Strangely, this one doesn't work at all on my good laptop (high-end Windows 10 Samsung)
The Gendan cable always seems to work first time whatever car it is plugged in to, both on my good laptop and the obsolete Windows 7 Acer clunker I use when I have oily hands (although occasionally starting MES before or during plugging the lead in causes a problem on the clunker, presumably because the USB driver hadn't already loaded)

Not sure if this adds much to the sum of human knowledge, but it may help

Hi,
Can we please be specfic when describing faults? Most of the faults being described seem to be driver or port allocation issues. These affect PC to ELM communication. This is not what the OP is reporting. His PC is talking to the ELM OK but the ELM is not talking to the car.

Thanks,
Robert G8RPI.

Hi Robert
Yep, that is what I get. Probably should have quoted the relevant post to make it clearer.

Using the cheapo one, MES sees the ELM, but together they can't talk to the OBD. Looks like it should work (Port settings etc. all show as expected) but no communication with the car. It's very similar to what you get when you forget to turn the key on.
My Gendan ELM never has that problem except by ham-fisted USB plugging user error. (It could infer slightly dodgy USB drivers on the cheapo one, but more probably poor hardware implementation in the module itself)

Apologies for the lack of clarity...

irc said:

Hi Robert
Yep, that is what I get. Probably should have quoted the relevant post to make it clearer.

Using the cheapo one, MES sees the ELM, but together they can't talk to the OBD. Looks like it should work (Port settings etc. all show as expected) but no communication with the car. It's very similar to what you get when you forget to turn the key on.
My Gendan ELM never has that problem except by ham-fisted USB plugging user error. (It could infer slightly dodgy USB drivers on the cheapo one, but more probably poor hardware implementation in the module itself)

Apologies for the lack of clarity...

Click to expand...

So basically a better quality lead should solve my issues? Do you have a link to what your using or a pic for reference. Thanks

g8rpi said:

Hi,
Can we please be specfic when describing faults? Most of the faults being described seem to be driver or port allocation issues. These affect PC to ELM communication. This is not what the OP is reporting. His PC is talking to the ELM OK but the ELM is not talking to the car.

Thanks,
Robert G8RPI.

Click to expand...

No, its the same fault. The USB port which is linked to the Port settings on the PC doesn't recognise the ELM because of a port problem. It happens to me everytime. This is the sequence I use.

Launch MES - Get the message.
Open the control panel - open the port settings
Unplug the USB - plug it straight back in again - wait for it to bong and connect
The port settings window flashes a bit
Go back to MES, connect to the car and hey presto it works.

I get exactly the same message he is getting, this is the reason, it works for me every time by doing this.

I have the modified one. Apparently if you download the latest version of MES it doesn't happen but I am happy with the current version and don't want to pay for it again.

I've got a couple of days off during the week and I've just got a new project card, so I will plug it in and try to film it so you can see exactly what is happening.

A video of the procedure would be most appreciated.

Would the fact that I'm using the free software play a part in my issues?

Mark500 said:

A video of the procedure would be most appreciated.

Would the fact that I'm using the free software play a part in my issues?

Click to expand...

The free version should make no difference. Is it the latest version, 3.6?

I also look forwrd to a video from Typecastboy. I can't replicate the problem so it is very frustrating. If I force a com port error MES reports a pc to elm problem not a ELM to ECU problem. As the communication between the PC and ELM is just simple "AT" style commands, I can't see how the reported problem could happen unless it's somekind of set-up corruption.

Robert G8RPI.

Mark500 said:

Would the fact that I'm using the free software play a part in my issues?

Click to expand...

You can't connect with control modules that are red in MultiEcuScan. As far as I know, only control module "CAN Info" of system "Body" is blue in the free version. That is not the control module you need for resetting the service interval, but of course you can use it for testing the communcation of your ELM interface.

Here's what I think maybe your problem. I could be wrong, but this happens with me a lot as well as the other error which I have described. I've filmed that too, and will upload that tomorrow, but for the time being have a look at this.

[ame]https://youtu.be/-DR32F_kz48[/ame]

Hi guys

I usually take my car to be services with my trusted mechanic. This time, the car is displaying a message "Coupon Expired" when I switch it on. I couldn't find much information about how to dismiss this message. I tried the 3 pedal push thing but I guess that's just for oil.

Thanks in advance.

It just means it is overdue for a service.

Two options.
Have the message reset using MultiECUscan, or dealer software.
Ignore it. Other advice on here suggests it will eventually give up.

portland_bill said:

It just means it is overdue for a service.

Two options.
Have the message reset using MultiECUscan, or dealer software.
Ignore it. Other advice on here suggests it will eventually give up.

Click to expand...

Thanks

The coupon system is confusing. They count down every time the service reset is done from 9 if I remember. You can use Multiecuscan to restore the coupon value. If you reset the dpf oil degradation counter in the case of a dpf fitted diesel when you change the oil that is all that really matters.

andydiver said:

The coupon system is confusing. They count down every time the service reset is done from 9 if I remember. You can use Multiecuscan to restore the coupon value. If you reset the dpf oil degradation counter in the case of a dpf fitted diesel when you change the oil that is all that really matters.

Click to expand...

I'll need to investing how to use this system as I'm not familiar with what device I have to purchase for my Fiat

Indeed. If anyone here can explain the full use of the coupon system that would be great. They reside in the general service reset area of multiecuscan. The general service light comes on after a defined distance has been run since last service reset. This distance can also be edited. All that is separate from the engine ecu area where the diesel dpf oil degradation percentage is recorded and reset, if so fitted.

Is this something that will disappear if I just ignore? It's been a month already.