A few days ago, I swapped the standard Fiat Non-DAB radio in my 2014 500L for the same model radio with DAB, all working fine, as is everything else on the car, but then I've noticed that the total mileage recorder is flashing on and off, and I don't recall that it was before. It's not the 'Trip A' or 'Trip B', just the total mileage indication that's flashing. I've trawled through the 'Telephone Directory' sized handbook, but can't seem to find anything relevant, and it appears that everything on the car is working fine as before, so presently not concerned unduly, but it has me wondering (A)Why, and (B)How to reset if it's needed, or if not, what, if anything, is being indicated? Any idea's anyone???

Hi,
You need a "proxi alignment" This is done via the EOBD diagnostic port by a Fiat dealer or with PC software, multiecuscan www.multiecuscan.net, and an ELM327 USB EOBD lead .like ebay item 271275445368. Total cost about £50 (you need a laptop, an old Windows XP one is fine, I got one on freecycle for free

Robert G8RPI.
Or if you are near Cambridge, I can do it for you.

I have a 'Memoscan' U581 Can OBD2 scanner which I've previously used to check earlier cars we've owned (Hyundai i10/Citroen C3 Picasso/Discovery) so is it likely that I could use this to check/reset as needed? I've not yet looked for the OBD2 plug on my 500L, but guess it'll be somewhere near the drivers knee area in the car, hopefully it'll be the standard type, as opposed to the VW/Audi/BMW/ Mercedes versions! Afraid I'm a fair way from your area, but thanks for the offer anyway. What exactly would I be looking for on the scanner screen to effect a reset? (Assuming my scanner will do this)?

Goinker said:

I have a 'Memoscan' U581 Can OBD2 scanner which I've previously used to check earlier cars we've owned (Hyundai i10/Citroen C3 Picasso/Discovery) so is it likely that I could use this to check/reset as needed? I've not yet looked for the OBD2 plug on my 500L, but guess it'll be somewhere near the drivers knee area in the car, hopefully it'll be the standard type, as opposed to the VW/Audi/BMW/ Mercedes versions! Afraid I'm a fair way from your area, but thanks for the offer anyway. What exactly would I be looking for on the scanner screen to effect a reset? (Assuming my scanner will do this)?

Click to expand...

Hi,
A simple code scanner won't work. Proxi alignment is Fiat specific and gets the system to look for and register all "nodes" on the CAN databus. It's more than just a fault code reset. Your DAB radio has a different CAN "ID" to the old one so the system is flashing the mileage to tell you there is something wrong.
It's Multiecuscan (MES), Alfaobd or a garage.
MES is a great tool and does far more than your simple code reader. To do a proxi alignment on a 500L you will need the registered (paid €50) version of MES the ELM 327 interface and an adaptor lead No.3 (yellow) like ebay item 301231120324 (set of leads for £10 from seller I've used, single leads cost £5 to £15 from other suppliers).
HTH,
Robert G8RPI.

Seems like it might be a good investment as I'll likely keep the car around 4 years. I gather the system is Windows based (we use Macs), though I do have my Wifes 3 year old laptop which runs Windows 10 but will the MES software run on this, and could you suggest a link where I could buy this software please. (As you may imagine, I'm not exactly a PC expert at 68, though I'm not afraid of vehicle electrics as I'm a retired Electrician). On a completely different tack, going by your G8RPI tag, are you by any chance also a radio ham Robert???
Keith.

Hi Keith,
You buy the software online directly from the writer http://www.multiecuscan.net/Default.aspx You should download the software first and make sure it works. Basic fuctions work without registration. They only list compatibility up to Windows 8, but you can try it on the XYL's Win 10 laptop. When you run the software there is a "connect" button and a "simulate" button if you click simulate you can try it out without connecting to the car or even having an interface. I don't know of a Mac based program. I just use an old Sony Windows XP laptop that I got on freecycle, just about anything will do the job.
Yes I'm a radio amateur and professional engineer (avionics), not very active on the air these days, I've a dualbander for my Croma but haven't fitted it yet.

Robert G8RPI.

Hello Robert.
I've ordered the sets of leads you suggested and downloaded the Multiecuscan software to my Wife's old laptop. Had a play with the 'simulate' button and all seems ok, so when the leads arrive, I'll try connecting to the car with the 'free' version first, just to make sure all is ok on Windows 10 before I pay the licence fee and have a play 'for real'! (It does now say on the website that the software will run ok on Windows 10). I'm considering fitting a set of front foglamps in the near future as winters on the way, would likely have to do a 'Proxi-alignment after that anyway, so it'll be money well spent. My nearest dealer is 10 miles away, has 8 car and 3 motorcycle franchises in their "Service Centre" and a Proxi-alignment with them would likely be as costly as the outlay on this setup! Many thanks for your help, and I'll report back in due course on how things have gone with the 'alignment'.
Cheers,
Keith.

Hello,

which type of radio was it that you replaced ?

On my radio I also have all the settings for the car, so I guess it wouldn't be a good idea for me to replace the radio by some aftermarket system

Brandy

Hello.
It was the Original Equipment Fiat radio non-DAB type that I replaced with the same type but with DAB included. Just fitted a 'stick-to-the-glass' type aerial, an SMB to Fakra aerial lead converter, then a straight swap like for like, took me around half an hour. (Your previous post with photo's was a great help when it came to pulling out the dash panels). I was fortunate in getting hold of the DAB included model on that certain auction site for a mere £50, including a full almost new genuine Fiat carpet set, leather steering wheel, the under radio switch panel, the steering column switches and most of the dash upholstery panels, all with VERY slight damage to them (Guy had a brick thrown through his windscreen, insurance replaced all the above parts and gave him back the replaced parts- £3000 worth, I gather!)). You'd have to look very carefully to see the mark on the radio, and I'm well pleased with the results, wouldn't anyone?
Cheers,
Keith.