Folks

I already own an EOBDII scanner, which will give P0 codes etc, however, it is just a basic reader.
Are there any recommended interfaces which will give more diagnostic and reset control. I don't particularly need one at the moment, but you can guarantee the time I do, it'll be a bank holiday or something silly.

Get an ELM3.27 interface in combination with Multiecuscan.
Works like a charm.

Is the free version of Multiecuscan any good, or is it crippled.

On the Grande Punto the free version of MultiECUScan won't really give you anything.

On the vehicles list, the modules in black work with the free version, the ones in red need a license:
http://www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx

So on lots of earlier vehicles you get quite a bit of coverage for nothing.
On recent models like the GP and 500 you would only get CAN info - not really useful for much.

I sort of figured.
I'm not sure i'm prepared to pay 50 euros for something i might only use once or twice, then having said all that, today it would have been handy.
doh.

I downloaded the evaluation version and could not get it to work with my ELM interface except in demo mode. Once licenced though, I have to say that it's the business and works really well. It reads for more codes and live data that an basic scantool. It can perform actuation tests and adaptations, although some modules require additional interface cable adaptors to read them. They're not expensive though.

It can read all Fiat, Lancia, Alfa models, and Suzuki SX4 with the 1.9 and 2.0 diesel engines.

Are there any cheaper alternatives ?

I have two existing scanners (an Autel and Gendan's Engine check pro). There was a P0403 logged on my car but no EML on. Neither of those two would pull the P0403 but MultiECUScan did.

There might be cheaper generic scanners out there, but for the money, nothing will beat MultiECUScan IMHO.

The hardware it seems is reasonably priced, it's the software i find is a little expensive.
From what I can see it's 50 Euro's every 12 months.

It's 50 euro's to get it licensed.
Once you paid you can get the new versions that come out in the next twelfde months licensed.
After that you need to keep that version you have and it will stay licenced.

50 euro's isn't that much.
Ok you will use it once or twice a year to reset your oil change counter.
Still cheaper that let a garage take care of the oil change and the counter...

so before I rush out and buy the software, has anyone got any recommendations for the interface.
I've seen a few on Ebay ranging from an all in one with switches for the red, yellow, green thing at about £17.00 to others going up to £60.00

keat63 said:

Are there any cheaper alternatives ?

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Fiat dealer at £75-£80

€50 for FES is rather cheap considering what it does tbh. I can't understand why you've an issue paying around £40 for something which someone has spent many hour developing, so you can do more with your car than a dealer can at twice the price every time

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Fiat dealer at £75-£80

€50 for FES is rather cheap considering what it does tbh. I can't understand why you've an issue paying around £40 for something which someone has spent many hour developing, so you can do more with your car than a dealer can at twice the price every time

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I agree, we are really lucky someone has gone to the trouble to build this for our cars. While I am on a very limited income I am still more than happy to part with the money (and I have) for a copy. I plan on using it this week even, for depressurization and then bleeding after the dreaded Dualogic actuator removal/refit.

I couldn't even consider this job without it.

NZFIAT said:

I agree, we are really lucky someone has gone to the trouble to build this for our cars. While I am on a very limited income I am still more than happy to part with the money (and I have) for a copy. I plan on using it this week even, for depressurization and then bleeding after the dreaded Dualogic actuator removal/refit.

I couldn't even consider this job without it.

Click to expand...

It's a godsend on the Dualogic systems isn't it! We'd purchased it before our Dualogic Panda came into our ownership and was glad to see the gearbox functions which can be undertaken, and to make it better, the Selespeed box on my Bravo is now supported also

My issue is having £120 tied up in something I'm hoping to never use :-(

Any how, it looks like it's a no brainer, if for any reason the car flags an error, then I need a clue as to whats going on.
So i'm committed to buying the software, i just need to decide on which interface to buy.

Look up Gendan on the web. They will supply you with a MultiECUScan licence, an ELM327 interface (or a bluetooth one if that takes your fancy) to connect the car to your PC, plus the various adaptor leads to do Airbag / security / body control stuff. Multiscan and an ELM by itself with get you scanning on Engine, ABS and power steering for a start. The software Licence is £50 and you are entitled to 12 months of updates (if they are issued) in that time. The licence does not expire as such, and can be transferred from one PC to another if you keep your activation codes.