General Which Diagnostics

murfman53 · Nov 23, 2015

Hi to all,

First thing to say is I'm totally new to this field, and although I could bring it to be diagnosed whenever a fault might occur, I'm the sort that likes to do things myself and in the process learn more about the technology involved.

Like many no doubt, I've spent hours looking on the internet in order to get a handle on diagnostics. I've come to the conclusion that its down to applying the right tool to the vehicle in question. There's alot of devices out there and with matching prices to suit, so making the choice of which one will do the job the best is the next step.

A popular choice seems to be the multiecescan. From what I can make out, correct me if I'm wrong, this choice can cover alot of parameters of all the ecu's which are installed on your vehicle. I also see that different ecu's are accessed by different interfaces. Now it starts to get technical, but understanding of it is, an interface is no more than an interpreter. I hope I'm right in making this comparison.

Carrying on from this point as I understand it, to accomplish these differences, cables of differing colours ( each with a different interface or interpreter ) will read the information from the appropiate ecu. There is a device that can switch from one interface to another without the need of seperate cables.

Which leads me to the next I need help with. I have a laptop, which is not connected to the internet in anyway. If I was to download the free version of multiecuscan (which version would suit 2007 fiat panda 1.2 skydome), to my desktop pc and it runs windows xp, could I then copy the download to my laptop(runs wlndows xp) without any issues.

This is my first step into the world of diagnostics, so no doubt there's are alot more issues that I haven't mentioned at all.................but I'm only starting out.

Any help will be very much welcomed, and please correct any points I have raised,
I prefer to be put straight on matters, rather than follow the wrong road from the start.

Thanks a million for looking.

John.

varesecrazy · Nov 23, 2015

murfman53 said:
Hi to all,

First thing to say is I'm totally new to this field, and although I could bring it to be diagnosed whenever a fault might occur, I'm the sort that likes to do things myself and in the process learn more about the technology involved.

Like many no doubt, I've spent hours looking on the internet in order to get a handle on diagnostics. I've come to the conclusion that its down to applying the right tool to the vehicle in question. There's alot of devices out there and with matching prices to suit, so making the choice of which one will do the job the best is the next step.

A popular choice seems to be the multiecescan. From what I can make out, correct me if I'm wrong, this choice can cover alot of parameters of all the ecu's which are installed on your vehicle. I also see that different ecu's are accessed by different interfaces. Now it starts to get technical, but understanding of it is, an interface is no more than an interpreter. I hope I'm right in making this comparison.

Carrying on from this point as I understand it, to accomplish these differences, cables of differing colours ( each with a different interface or interpreter ) will read the information from the appropiate ecu. There is a device that can switch from one interface to another without the need of seperate cables.

Which leads me to the next I need help with. I have a laptop, which is not connected to the internet in anyway. If I was to download the free version of multiecuscan (which version would suit 2007 fiat panda 1.2 skydome), to my desktop pc and it runs windows xp, could I then copy the download to my laptop(runs wlndows xp) without any issues.

This is my first step into the world of diagnostics, so no doubt there's are alot more issues that I haven't mentioned at all.................but I'm only starting out.

Any help will be very much welcomed, and please correct any points I have raised,
I prefer to be put straight on matters, rather than follow the wrong road from the start.

Thanks a million for looking.

John.

Mes is great..but youll only get the freebie limited version..does only basic things.

The 50 EURO full licence would be on your PC not the laptop..

Charlie . Oxford

murfman53 · Nov 23, 2015

Hi charlie,
Thanks for the info. I thought I mightn't be as lucky to switch it over to my laptop. Can I pick your and other brains if I may, I take it that the multiecuscan download is supplying the processor information, and that the cables are no more than the physical connections between the pc and the car?
Getting my head around which device and cables are actually doing what.
Hand held scanners have the built in processor to read, extract the information.............through to your pc. Am I right .....................or am I off the wall?
Ignorance is bliss.....................so I've been told..............but willing to learn.
I suppose the best and easiest thing to do is get my pc connected to the internet and then download the multiecuscan progam from my laptop.
I see on their site that they have many versions to choose from. I have a 2007 Fiat Panda 1.2 petrol, and another member of the family has a 2005 Fiat Doblo 1.3 multijet 7 seater. Does one size fit all, or would I have to download the proper version for each vehicle?
Thanks for help charlie............more to come I think.

John.

varesecrazy · Nov 23, 2015

Hi,
you should be fine with the current FREE version of MultiECUScan - from their site,

you are correct - the "adaptor cables" just simplify the wiring process.

my advice would be to buy good quality ELM 327 AND VAGCOM cables,

these are crucial for reliable communication,
the coloured cables seem to be less of a gamble..,

Gendan are a reputable specialist supplier..,but EBAY , etc is far cheaper..,

Charlie

g8rpi · Nov 23, 2015

murfman53 said:
Hi to all,

First thing to say is I'm totally new to this field, and although I could bring it to be diagnosed whenever a fault might occur, I'm the sort that likes to do things myself and in the process learn more about the technology involved.

Like many no doubt, I've spent hours looking on the internet in order to get a handle on diagnostics. I've come to the conclusion that its down to applying the right tool to the vehicle in question. There's alot of devices out there and with matching prices to suit, so making the choice of which one will do the job the best is the next step.

A popular choice seems to be the multiecescan. From what I can make out, correct me if I'm wrong, this choice can cover alot of parameters of all the ecu's which are installed on your vehicle. I also see that different ecu's are accessed by different interfaces. Now it starts to get technical, but understanding of it is, an interface is no more than an interpreter. I hope I'm right in making this comparison.

Carrying on from this point as I understand it, to accomplish these differences, cables of differing colours ( each with a different interface or interpreter ) will read the information from the appropiate ecu. There is a device that can switch from one interface to another without the need of seperate cables.

Which leads me to the next I need help with. I have a laptop, which is not connected to the internet in anyway. If I was to download the free version of multiecuscan (which version would suit 2007 fiat panda 1.2 skydome), to my desktop pc and it runs windows xp, could I then copy the download to my laptop(runs wlndows xp) without any issues.

This is my first step into the world of diagnostics, so no doubt there's are alot more issues that I haven't mentioned at all.................but I'm only starting out.

Any help will be very much welcomed, and please correct any points I have raised,
I prefer to be put straight on matters, rather than follow the wrong road from the start.

Thanks a million for looking.

John.

Hi,
I also recommend MES. You can get a licence key for a non-internet connected PC. Copy the install files onto a USB stick or CD-ROM and install on the laptop. Rune the program, makesure you can connect to the car etc. When you are happy, click on the register button. and make a note of the hardware key in the box. Enter this at the MES website and note the key they give you when you pay. You then type that key into the laptop.
You don't need all the interfaces and leads unless you want to do lots of different cars. For any Fiat after 2006 an ELM327 will be OK, The Vag-Com / KKL interface is only needed for early cars with a 3 pin daignostic socket and some modules on some pre 2006 cars. The MES site has a compatability list, but it takes a bit of decoding, if you tell us what car(s) and engine(s) you want to work with, we can tell you what you need.

Robert G8RPI.

murfman53 · Nov 23, 2015

Hi charlie,

Thanks for the additional information....................I seem to have some sort of handle on it. Would you believe I got a present of a ELM 327 (interface???), this evening. Somebody up there luvs me??? He told me he paid 30 euros for it, and still in its bag.............new.
I don't know anything about it, until I put in the cd. So I have the first item done. Tomorrow evening I'll see whats on it, and let ye know whats on it.
I seen the Gendan website earlier this evening and looks very professional.
Thanks charlie for the thumps up.
John.

murfman53 · Nov 23, 2015

Hi gr8pi,

Thanks for replying to the thread.
Just to take your info step by step, if you don't mind. I take it your talking about starting with the free version first, and if happy then go and get the Hardware key via the register button. I think I understand what you're saying (Registered License for 50euros). Then transfer the key number they supply you with then type it onto my laptop. As you can see, I'm alittle slow on the uptake, the old grey cells you know, not as many as there used to be.
The cars I have to consider is the 2007 panda 1.2 petrol, and the 2005 Doblo 1.3 multijet 7 seater.
I hope this enough info to decide what I need. As I mentioned in my previous post, I got a present of a ELM 327 with cd, but I haven't looked at it yet. Plenty for me to do tomorrow I think.

Thanks a million Robert for the additional info, very grateful and much appreciated.............as is all the help I'm receiving so quickly on this great site.

John.

g8rpi · Nov 24, 2015

Hi @murfman53

The ELM327 will do most modules on the Doblo and Panda other than Airbag and ABS modules. For those you need to add a KL interface and adaptor leads. Ebay item 271508845753 is an example. The adaptor leads also work with the ELM 327 lead. MES will tell you what adaptor to use when you select the module. With the licence, the important point is to get the hardware number (by clicking register) on the laptop you are going to use, not the internet connected computer.
Note that you can install MES on your indoor computer, without the lead, and play with it by clicking the simulate button rather than the connect button.

HTH,
RObert G8RPI.

murfman53 · Nov 24, 2015

Hi Robert,

Just got in, I looked at the ebay item you mentioned....looks very comprehensive, and the lead for the electric hood will come in handy for my panda if ever needed.
I downloaded the current version of multiecuscan on my pc, then I stuck in the USB stick and cut the download from my pc onto the USB stick. Put the USB stick into the laptop, then opened up the multiecuscan progam and set about installing it. Got a window opened up saying that I require the .NET Framework 2.0SP1or higher. It looks as though I need to bring my laptop up to speed before I can move any further. I'll try and get this sorted out first and then move on from there.
I opened up the ELM 329 onto the laptop, and it is ScanTool.net for Windows v1.13.
Thats the latest,
Thanks Robert for the information, the grey matter is beginning to take it in.......I think!!!

John.

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