Technical Engine light on / check engine message and eBay car diagnostic kits

[fantasticdave]

Yesterday my engine light came on and when I start the car I get a “check engine” message.

I have a multi-jet version and looking in the car manual, it states that this will be caused by an “Inject System Failure” which could cause high emissions at the exhaust, possible lack of performance, poor handling and high consumption levels.

I haven’t noticed any difference in the car’s handling or performing and I have topped up the coolant levels just in case it was that.

I know if I take it to a garage they will firstly charge me £75 for connecting it up to a laptop and running a diagnostic so I am considering buying an ODB2 ELM 327 USB1.4a diagnostic kit of eBay.

What I need to know is …

Does anyone have experience of this warning light and what was the cause?
Does it need sorted out immediately?
Has anyone bought one if these diagnostic kits and were they any good?

 

[Andy Monty]

i have one its a good bit of kit although you will need software with it unless it comes with a selection of cracked software (not exactly legal but it works)

it can also be had from here
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/elm327-usb-vehicle-obd-2-scanner-tool-28528
but can take a month or so to come

 

[steedy27]

i have one its a good bit of kit although you will need software with it unless it comes with a selection of cracked software (not exactly legal but it works)

it can also be had from here
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/elm327-usb-vehicle-obd-2-scanner-tool-28528
but can take a month or so to come

Thats a bargain - Did you get that from that website?

 

[Andy Monty]

i have the same unit i got mine from ebay they didnt list it at the time i have ordered no end of things from them with only one package that didnt turn up a quick e-mail and it was sorted so can't complain


just remember that if the package has a change of getting snagged by customs and import duty imposed but i have not had any issue yet. as the items are cheap customs do not look at them

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...MCE_CL_000014&propertyType=document#P124_9119


this combined with fiatecuscan can be a good bit of kit

 

[steedy27]

i have the same unit i got mine from ebay they didnt list it at the time i have ordered no end of things from them with only one package that didnt turn up a quick e-mail and it was sorted so can't complain


just remember that if the package has a change of getting snagged by customs and import duty imposed but i have not had any issue yet. as the items are cheap customs do not look at them

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...MCE_CL_000014&propertyType=document#P124_9119


this combined with fiatecuscan can be a good bit of kit

Cheers - Just ordered mine

 

[fantasticdave]

Thanks for the feedback.

I bought one of ebay yesterday, but I am not allowed to post links yet


Should be able to get the software that people are using ok. I was thinking about getting PCMScan. Does anyone have any experiences of using?

 

[fantasticdave]

Mine arrived yesterday and I plugged it in and found that my engine light is on because -

P0401 - Exhaust gas recirculation flow insufficient detected.

Which either meens that the sensor is faulty, the valve needs cleaned or the it needs replaced.

 

[Andy Monty]

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/178715-cleaning-egr-valve.html

 

[fantasticdave]

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/178715-cleaning-egr-valve.html

Cheers.

I had a go at it yesterday, but snapped two hex keys trying to get the valve itself off.

I am going to have a look around for some hardened hex keys and give it another go.