I am sure this has been covered before but I can't seem to find an answer. I am looking for an inexpensive diagnostics scanner for a 2003 2.3 JTD van. I am having a problem with the engine mgmt light coming on when the van is under load, usually while up shifting. After lots of reading I think I have ruled out the van having an EGR so It has been suggested that it is probably a crank sensor.
(although I could be wrong about it not having an EGR)

As this sounds like something I can replace myself I would like to just check for ecu engine error codes before buying a new one.

There are a plethora of scanners out there and determining which one is compatible with a 2003 Ducato is turning into a headache.

I just need something cheap without having to spend £50 on software or £75 on a scanner.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It's coming up for an MOT soon and I think the rules changed on MOT's this year that it won't pass if there is an Engine Mgt light on the dash. Thanks

hi, have a read of this ( found using the forums SEARCH tool)

https://www.fiatforum.com/newbie-central/309877-air-bag-warning-light-blues.html

if you've got a laptop then MultiECUScan is a great thing to have for the cost of a £15 ELM cable,
charlie - Oxford

Thanks Charlie. Yes I have a laptop and actually bought an Op Con diagnostic scanner for my wife's Vauxhall Zafira. It works great.

I though buying a similar scanner for my van would be easy, but there seem to be hundreds of listings on ebay and other sites with all variations and cables and I can't tell which one will work on my van because it is pre-2006.

I emailed someone from the GENDAN website and they said I need to buy a £75 kit and purchase a £50 license for Muliecuscan. I am just not convinced that this is the only one that will work on a 2003 Ducato.

Have you had any experience with one of these £20 ELM cables on a pre 2006 van?

Thanks

Obray Lyman

I did a bit of research before I got a code reader for our 2005 2.8 JTD and tried using a VAG one which gave very mixed results!
It seems the problem is that whilst all diesel cars after 2001/2 had be OBD2 compliant, because the Ducato is classed as commercial they didn't have to comply until much later.
I got the package from Gendan and the technical guy was very helpful. I use it on a netbook PC running windows 7 and it works fine. Not all of the live functions for testing the sensors work (oil pressure) but having asked the guy on the Multieuscan forum apparently this is common.
It reads all the codes and tells you what they mean as well and the option to clear etc and graph live data. It comes with extra leads for doing ABS etc.
At least if you buy from a UK supplier you can always speak to them if you have any problems. You can always get the free MEUS version but it doesn't have the bells and whistles.
I think the MEUS is a derivative of the original Fiateuscan software.
Hope this of some help.

I was told Diesel engined vehicles wer'nt generally OBD2 until 2004,

i've no direct experience.. however what Gendan have told you is accurate,

THEIR kit costs £75 , and a MES licence = @£50.

or alternatively you can buy a BASIC cable ( for engine ECU = £10)

and use the unregistered "free" version of MES,
that's what i'm currently using.., ( on Petrol fiat cars)

YES - it has limitations,
but once I'm more "au-fait" with the MES .. I may pay the cheaper 50 Euro rate for full accessibility,

I hope that helps,
Charlie

varesecrazy said:

or alternatively you can buy a BASIC cable ( for engine ECU = £10)

Click to expand...

Thanks Chaps, at the moment I just want to read the ECU codes to see what is triggering the EML to come on. Where can I get one of these £10 cables and which one? There are so many to choose from: VAG CAN OBDBII KP, sounds like some sort of STD

Thanks

omlyman said:

Thanks Chaps, at the moment I just want to read the ECU codes to see what is triggering the EML to come on. Where can I get one of these £10 cables and which one? There are so many to choose from: VAG CAN OBDBII KP, sounds like some sort of STD

Thanks

Click to expand...

no problem,
you'll want either;

VAG com KKL

or

ELM 327

look on the MES site to see which does MOST things on YOUR vehicle,

EBAY is easiest.. for these basic cables.