(T) JTD Code Reader Info Required

Hi all

I have a 1.9 JTD mw, registerd Jan 2004 so presume built in 2003 and although have seared through posts here am still at a loss on a suitable basic home use code reader for the JTD
From what I have read gather the elm systems are causing problems with users is that correct??
Would the basic orange colour type code readers that you see on fleabay work ok for me just so I could see the code fault

The car is running fine but would like to have one in the tool box should a problem occur to speed up hunting down any issues..

many thanks for advice required
Mhowse

Mines an 04 JTD and I use this e-bay jobbie.

Thanks Bozzy

Thats the type I have seen, does it work ok for you and clear codes also if you have had the need to use it..

mhowse

Works a treat and has helped me on a few occasions. Correctly diagnosed a split intercooler hose recently. Yes it clears faults too so for £15 it's well worth the money.

That will do for me then, with luck I won't need to use it for sometime but never know as the car has done 85k with full service and cambelt change, I like to do as much of the mechanical tasks myself as reasonably possible, so something like that will be a great help..

mhowse

I'd make sure you choose a supplier that provides a 7 day return - just to be sure if using eBay.

Aye will do Argonought....I was reading your post early and the problems of getting the elm to recognise in your jtd motor , I would of preferd something along the lines of the elm system on the laptop but least if I can just get to read any codes should they pop up it would be a step forward .
Still be very interesting on the outcome of you getting any laptop software to work correctly, would then have a crack at that option at a later date..hope an answer is found for that problem

mhowse

Code readers & OBD2 interface are synonymous as far as I can gather. If one works then so will the other.

You could always buy an ELM interface on the same basis (7 day return) and try it as it will provide a lot more options.

Bozzy's motor (2004) is OBD2 compliant but it would seem mine (2002) isn't. What's a little odd is that both of our engines have been remapped and that's done by the same interface so clearly some equipment (apart from just Fiat Examiner) is able to talk to both cars



This is OK but at something like £1,500 I think I'll give it a miss

I bought a simple ELM USB device from eBay last year, it works fine on my 04 JTD using various freeware programmes (DigiMoto Lite, Scanmaster Free, Scantool etc).

Same seller still doing them for £27 delivered (eBay # 150236161022). Absolutely indispensable at that price, IMHO.

You say this works on your jtd? What can u actually do with the interface?

Argo, if u remember my jtd is 05 and it wouldnt work either. I know for a fact that the snap-on ethos works but is £1600.

For now I have orderd one on the basic code readers like Bozzy uses and see how I get along with that.
Is very handy to know that if one works then the elm will work also as Argonought said, so will just have to wait see
Will post an update when it arrives wether or not it connects ok to the jtd.

thanks all for advice so far

mhowse

ok so just to give others an idea the U380 code reader like Bozzy put a picture of has arrived

As far as I can tell it works on my Jan 04 JTD mw..connected it up switched on the ignition without starting the engine and it searched and connected to KWP2000, and displayed 'no codes' which is a good thing as the car is running great with a full service record, and just to put my mind at rest concerning the connection I tried connecting again but this time with ignition 'off' and it displayed 'Link Error' so gather from that it connects fine and keep the fingers crossed that I will not have a need for it for some time yet.

Now that I know it has no connection issues with a code reader will now look into the Elm setup as Aronought was good enough to let me know that if one connects then the other should also..

Many thanks to all for their input

mhowse

i wouldnt be too sure it is working correctly just yet. as the problem with the ones that dont work is that they display 'no codes' when there are some.

just 2 days ago i tried one that said 'no codes' but there were some stored. (i know this as a garage cleared them for me)

why not try disconnecting a sensor like the maf sensor just so you know there should be a code to read.

Frank's made a very valid point there.

Disconnecting the MAF sensor will NOT generate any warnings on the dash but it WILL store a fault code.

If this code can be read then of course it also follows you can reset it.

If you can't then that's bad news as you'll eventually have to pay to have it reset with Examiner.

On the other hand, at least you'll be able to return the reader for a refund

I suspect it will work fine.

Oooh umm should of thought of that !!!

Right just been out disconnected maf fired up got and engine fault on display with MIL illuminated ,,switched off plugged in the reader and got the P0101 code showing on the code reader which scouring through the handbook related to a MAF issue and shows on the code reader that the MIL is ON , right gulp erase time and yes Phew!! it does erase also I did this after plugging the MAF connector back on , and it also clears the MIL light on dash at same time so conclusion is that it does work and am now back to a fault free motor...
I take it that so long as the fault is fixed and the code erased then the MIL light will automatically go back to the Off setting??? as all I did was plug the maf back in and erase the code.

Cheers again..getting the hang on things slowely

mhowse