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Technical Reasonably priced + reliable OBD2 reader?

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Technical Reasonably priced + reliable OBD2 reader?

P

phelimgh

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So I'd like to buy an OBD2 reader (rather a standalone device than multiecuscan as I have a Mac); I've heard there are many Chinese knock offs that don't read correctly or have limited function. Does anyone know of a reader <£40 that will fulfill this function?

On a side note, the fault codes Kwik Fit gave me don't start with P. Is this because they're using an incompatible reader? (C1200, U0019).

Thanks in advance. Woody
 
Hi,
None of the cheap stand alone code readers will provide the functionality of MES and many will not even interpret the Fiat specific codes properly. There is a version available for iPhones and iPads but I've not tried it.
The PC version only need Win XP so an cheap secondhand laptop will do the job. Les of a problem if you drop it while working on the car.

Robert G8RPI.
 
phelimgh said:
So I'd like to buy an OBD2 reader (rather a standalone device than multiecuscan as I have a Mac); I've heard there are many Chinese knock offs that don't read correctly or have limited function. Does anyone know of a reader <£40 that will fulfill this function?

On a side note, the fault codes Kwik Fit gave me don't start with P. Is this because they're using an incompatible reader? (C1200, U0019).

Thanks in advance. Woody
Click to expand...

P are motor codes

U and C are non.motor ;)

For £40 you will be looking at motor only

I have a VS600.. DOWN TO @£25 NOW ON EBAY
 
How much for one that does all the systems then? Can you recommend one? seeing as I don't have a problem with my engine, only other systems, I'd like a more comprehensive one.

On a side note, is it possible for a complete noob to become capable of repairing auto electric faults, in general?
 
phelimgh said:
How much for one that does all the systems then? Can you recommend one? seeing as I don't have a problem with my engine, only other systems, I'd like a more comprehensive one.

On a side note, is it possible for a complete noob to become capable of repairing auto electric faults, in general?
Click to expand...

Multiecuscan is the best now dealer level diagnosis tool for fiat group car's
It's £50 for the software and around another £20 or so for the cables and various connectors

You won't find another else near Thas sort of price range that will connect to anything other then the engine ECU

For a system that will do everything you need to be looking at £350+ systems more ideally
 
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phelimgh said:
How much for one that does all the systems then? Can you recommend one? seeing as I don't have a problem with my engine, only other systems, I'd like a more comprehensive one.

On a side note, is it possible for a complete noob to become capable of repairing auto electric faults, in general?
Click to expand...

As Chris has said, MES really is the best solution for Fiats. Even if you have to buy a laptop it is still cost effective. I have used it on laptops from old Sony PCG-F304 (2000 vintage), Various Win XP and Win 7 Dells and a new Win 10 Toshiba. My main MES laptop is a panasonic CF19 Toughbook which is convertable to a tablet format with touch screen, waterproof and rugged. Mine runs Windows XP SP3 and is ideal for MES. Once very expensive they have come down in price e.g. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-Toughbook-Cf-19-Mk3-Win-7-Or-Win-10-Touchscreen-Diagnostics-Charger/163925409258?
I have not used this seller and have no idea if they are good or not.

Yes a complete Noob can learn to do electrical diagnosis. You will get lots of help on here especially if you are prepared to help yourself (crys of my XYZ is broke help are not much use).

Robert G8RPI.
 
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chris3234 said:
Multiecuscan is the best now dealer level diagnosis tool for fiat group car's
It's £50 for the software and around another £20 or so for the cables and various connectors

You won't find another else near Thas sort of price range that will connect to anything other then the engine ECU

For a system that will do everything you need to be looking at £350+ systems more ideally
Click to expand...

I'm looking at this myself at the moment. Unfortunately while it is cheaper all in than many proper systems it is more than this. A kit of licensed software and all leads is £120 then suitable non battered laptop around £50 on the bay. It adds up and isn't the best in portability. I too would be interested in cheap code readers to keep in the car that people can recommend. Now if the MES license covered the Windows & iOS versions that would do!
 
Maybemaybenot said:
I'm looking at this myself at the moment. Unfortunately while it is cheaper all in than many proper systems it is more than this. A kit of licensed software and all leads is £120 then suitable non battered laptop around £50 on the bay. It adds up and isn't the best in portability. I too would be interested in cheap code readers to keep in the car that people can recommend. Now if the MES license covered the Windows & iOS versions that would do!
Click to expand...
Depends where you buy it from you. An buy all the parts seperate for under £100
Ofc if you don't have a laptop you can use it get a lot more expensive
 
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Maybemaybenot said:
Perfect just what I need :) Thanks. Having looked at the MES vehicle table for my 2006 1.2 petrol Panda 4x4 I couldn't see why my car would need the KL cable one supplier insists I do?
Click to expand...

No you don't nee the KL for a '06 Panda. Only early cars with 3 pin diagnostics and the odd 16pin (Palio is one) have to use the KL.


You can check here

http://www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx
If it says KL and ELM after the module you can use either. If it only lit one you have to use that.


Robert G8RPI.
 
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
phelimgh said:
How much for one that does all the systems then? Can you recommend one? seeing as I don't have a problem with my engine, only other systems, I'd like a more comprehensive one.

On a side note, is it possible for a complete noob to become capable of repairing auto electric faults, in general?
Click to expand...

Hi again :)

People now seem to happily run MultiECUScan on a Mac..

So not too costly for you..

Its The best system for FIAT..without spending hundreds.

Charlie
 
varesecrazy said:
Hi again :)

People now seem to happily run MultiECUScan on a Mac..

So not too costly for you..

Its The best system for FIAT..without spending hundreds.

Charlie
Click to expand...

Well I’ll get a very cheap PC laptop that I don’t care about damage when one pops up but I’m very pleased I don’t have to worry in the meantime. For anyone reading this in the future I wouldn’t guarantee any cable other than the one above would work as this way of doing things can be flakey recognising USB devices. That said if it works it works.
 
Hi guys,

Thinking of getting MultiECUScan and cables primarily to reset the service mileage warning after an oil change (my garage doesn't have MES). My 500L is a TwinAir so it is quite important to tell the ECU that a new oil has been put in.

Can the free version of the MES (without buying the £50 licence) do the job?

Thanks,
Reggie
 
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