Hi,

the MIL is on and my APE (abarth punto evo) won't start.

Which is the best diagnostic OBD2 tool?

Should I opt for

- bluetooth dongle
- wifi dongle
- standalone diagnostic tester without PC USB connection
- standalone diagnostic tester with PC USB option

which one is best for FIAT?

is there a specialised USB fault code database for FIAT (+proprietairy codes) on the web?

thanks

Zardo said:

Hi,

the MIL is on and my APE (abarth punto evo) won't start.

Which is the best diagnostic OBD2 tool?

Should I opt for

- bluetooth dongle
- wifi dongle
- standalone diagnostic tester without PC USB connection
- standalone diagnostic tester with PC USB option

which one is best for FIAT?

is there a specialised USB fault code database for FIAT (+proprietairy codes) on the web?

thanks

Click to expand...

Hi,
None of the above.
Use a USB ELM 327 interface and a PC running Multiecuscan (MES)
www.multiecuscan.net You will also need a adaptor lead (A3 Yellow) to access all modules on the car. A set like

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Fiat-Alfa-EL...dapters-Diagnostics-Multiecuscan/282526378637
is ideal.
An older laptop (Windows XP or newer) is fine for MES.
Wireless interfaces can cause issues if you get intereference. This can cause big issues if accessing airbags or programming parameters



Robert G8RPI

I should also have said that with MES you don't need a code database, it gives you the information in plain language. It does much more than just fault codes, display parameters, make adjustments, record graphs etc. Pretty much everthing the dearer's "Examiner" software can do.

You can download the free version to play with click on the "simulate" button instead of connect. You will need to register to use on your APE, but it's a bargain at €50.


Robert G8RPI.

thanks, I'll check it out.

Absolutely agree with the above. I've owned and "messed about" with a number of older Fiat's over the years. Last one was a '92 Panda Parade which we owned until a bit over a year ago, so none of them required diagnostic equipment to keep running and/or repair. Earlier this year we bought a 2010 1.2 Panda Dynamic Eco. Which very definitely does need it and my older boy has a 2012 Punto 1.4 8valve - can't even reset the service indicator without it.

I am also heavily into VAG products, mostly SEAT and Skoda and bought VAG-COM (now VCDS) to work on them. This is a near dealer level tool and although there are things it can do which are beyond my understanding, I have become used to the depth of functionality it provides on simpler tasks. What is particularly useful is that it gives code definitions etc. So when looking at what to buy for the Fiat stuff I quickly became aware of Multiecuscan, its ability to do code definitions and much more, and all the good stuff being said about it on this site and elsewhere. I had become used to just plugging in one interface with the VCDS so, although more expensive, and as I have few other vices? I decided to buy the multplexed version. It's absolutely great! I can plug it in before I start to work on one of the cars and tell it to scan and look for errors all in one and it finds all the ECUs and reports on DTCs within minutes so I know, before I start in on the vehicle, if I've got any problems. It does oh so much more too! I really don't think there is anything to beat it for Fiat/Chrysler group vehicles. I had a little trouble getting the interface, computer and car to talk to eachother when I first set it up but after reading the installation instructions VERY CAREFULLY, realised it was idiot (tech phobic) me which was the problem. Since initial set up it's just worked great every time I've used it.

I bought from Gendan who are obviously enthusiasts themselves and very helpful. Give them a ring, they were very willing to talk me through some of the doubts and questions I had.

Regarding MES then just be very wary of some cheaper kit out there.

Personally I would/do always use Gendan (an MES Approved Supplier - UK) as when you buy form them you also get a support service.

The multiplexed kit is expensive so the more mundane adapter kit is your next best option.

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FESPKG.html

Whilst this full kit may exceed your current specific vehicle requirements some older Fiats also don't like the ELM emulation of the VAG/KKL interface which is why the above kit also supplies a KKL interface. OBDLink is nothing to worry about and for many preferred over ELM.

If you just want for your current car only then you can "thin down" but you will need to check the Supported Vehicle List http://www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx for your exact vehicle model and carefully read the info regarding adapters etc.

If you go for the full kit and when you get used to using MES then you can recoup some of your expenditure by helping others/friends out for beer money

MES also supports the "standard" (non manufacturer specific) engine EOBDII protocol and codes so can be used on any modern vehicle make as well!

s130 said:

Regarding MES then just be very wary of some cheaper kit out there.

Personally I would/do always use Gendan (an MES Approved Supplier - UK) as when you buy form them you also get a support service.

The multiplexed kit is expensive so the more mundane adapter kit is your next best option.

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FESPKG.html

Whilst this full kit may exceed your current specific vehicle requirements some older Fiats also don't like the ELM emulation of the VAG/KKL interface which is why the above kit also supplies a KKL interface. OBDLink is nothing to worry about and for many preferred over ELM.

If you just want for your current car only then you can "thin down" but you will need to check the Supported Vehicle List http://www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx for your exact vehicle model and carefully read the info regarding adapters etc.

If you go for the full kit and when you get used to using MES then you can recoup some of your expenditure by helping others/friends out for beer money

MES also supports the "standard" (non manufacturer specific) engine EOBDII protocol and codes so can be used on any modern vehicle make as well!

Click to expand...

I'd allways advise to check your vehicle first as many don't support either elm or bag/kkl
So one cable isn't better then the other
For example my vehicle only supports elm and not kkl
www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx

A lot of very useful advice being given here. I couldn't agree more that buying the multiplexed version was an absolute luxury and you can gain the same access considerably more cheaply. Also to be wary of where you buy as I've seen people reporting problems with some of the really cheap interfaces.

A question for you S130 regarding using MES to read generic EOBD11 codes. My VCDS allows me to do this and works very successfully on my younger boy's '07 plate Astra. To use the VCDS in this mode you select the short cut from the desktop and the first VCDS screen gives various option boxes. The bottom left hand box is EOBD11. Clicking on this activates this mode.

I don't see anything similar on the MES start screen to allow me to select a generic EOBD mode? Or do you just plug the interface into the socket on the car and, because it doesn't recognise anything, it automatically reverts to a generic OBD mode?

I'm very happy using the VCDS programme in this mode but sometimes the definitions could be more helpful so having a separate backup I could try scanning with could be useful.
Thanks
Jock

Pugglt Auld Jock said:

A question for you S130 regarding using MES to read generic EOBD11 codes. My VCDS allows me to do this and works very successfully on my younger boy's '07 plate Astra. To use the VCDS in this mode you select the short cut from the desktop and the first VCDS screen gives various option boxes. The bottom left hand box is EOBD11. Clicking on this activates this mode.

I don't see anything similar on the MES start screen to allow me to select a generic EOBD mode? Or do you just plug the interface into the socket on the car and, because it doesn't recognise anything, it automatically reverts to a generic OBD mode?.
Thanks
Jock

Click to expand...

As I recall you don't bother about selecting a specific Make or Model and then you just do a Scan for DTC. This will report module ISOs and any logged fault code.

s130 said:

As I recall you don't bother about selecting a specific Make or Model and then you just do a Scan for DTC. This will report module ISOs and any logged fault code.

Click to expand...

I am intrigued..
Never thought of trying on other 'foreign' vehicles..

varesecrazy said:

I am intrigued..
Never thought of trying on other 'foreign' vehicles..

Click to expand...

The tricky bit though comes when you want connect to read data and not just reset an error. You need to select a Make and Model and the engine ECU. This will give an ISO Code not supported error but you should still be able to connect but MES won't necessarily have the correct list of parameters etc. Standard EOBDII stuff should be there though along with loads of ECU specific stuff that MES can not access.

AND NEVER EVER USE ANY PROXI FUNCTION UNLESS YOUR VEHICLE IS SUPPORTED AND ISO CODES MATCH or you'll end up with a stuffed car. :bang:

I did ask Yani (MES developer) to add a Custom Build Menu so people could mix and match modules/ECUs from a list of supported ISO codes. This would allow/cover the case where your new Fiat Rocket uses the Tipo XYZ ECU but MES does not yet support the Rocket Model. Also offered to maintain/manage an ISO Code cross listing. The problem Yani has though is that keeping up with old and new models is more than a full time job and extra work is low on his radar, which is fair enough.

I'm very thankful though for MES. Brilliant price, function, etc. etc.

Just plug in open MES and click on scan (for modules) or Scan DTC (for fault codes) without selecting a vehicle or module.


The OP was asking about a specific car so probably does not need the multiplexed version of MES. It and buying from Gendan does make it very easy and gives good support but of course you pay extra for this.


Robert G8RPI.

chris3234 said:

I'd allways advise to check your vehicle first as many don't support either elm or bag/kkl
So one cable isn't better then the other
For example my vehicle only supports elm and not kkl
www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx

Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean by many don't support ELM. The ELM 327 interface suppoorts both CAN and KL hardware level interfaces so for EOBD / OBDII standard codes it will work with any compliant (16 pin) car. It will also work in place of a KL interface for most non-OBD functions. The only case a ELM 327 won't work for is when a non-standard protocol is used for advanced functions. For Fiats this s a limited number of early 16 pin cars. A KL is also required for the non-ODB "3 pin" interface is used.

An adaptor lead or leads may be required to access advance funnctions on some cars / modules but this is the same for a ELM or KL interface.
The simple KL / VAG-COM nterface is not recommended for newer cars because it does not support CAN.


Robert G8RPI.

I was suggesting more the opposite a lot of cars don't support kline type connecters
As the person I was quoted was suggesting to get a vag/Kline type cables saying it was more compatible

chris3234 said:

I was suggesting more the opposite a lot of cars don't support kline type connecters
As the person I was quoted was suggesting to get a vag/Kline type cables saying it was more compatible

Click to expand...

The package quoted by S130 includes both OBDLink (similar to ELM 327) and KL interfaces and adaptor leads which covers pretty much all Fiats with a 16 pin OBD socket.


Robert G8RPI.

g8rpi said:

Just plug in open MES and click on scan (for modules) or Scan DTC (for fault codes) without selecting a vehicle or module.

The OP was asking about a specific car so probably does not need the multiplexed version of MES. Robert G8RPI.

Click to expand...

Did the scan execute or has something changed in MES since I did this many moons ago? When I did try on a non Fiat supported vehicle it was on a friends car and I've only ever had Fiats so can not validate generic EOBDII support.

Any takers to have a go / validation?

Hi,

I finally ordered http://www.obdlink.com/lxbt/ and the yellow adapter.

I connected the interface (which is said to be compatible to multiecuscan) directly to the OBD as the yellow adapter is still in delivery.

Just connecting it (and turning the key) made the engine fire up. First on one cylinder, then on all 4. I started it three times and every time it took less time to start (the engine had been sitting for 6 months, however all previous attempts to start it up were futile as the starter motor was cranking the engine speedily without producing never even one ignition). Now it still did run a bit rough and there was a bizarre error code. So I deleted the code and now she starts on the first quarter of a turn, as should be. The alternator is still defective, however...

The code shown was

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0512

probably because I did once try to start her up for about 10 s until the starter switched itself off. Maybe a thermal protection or something?

Starting her up after deleting the code did not produce any new error codes.

Zardo said:

Hi,

I finally ordered http://www.obdlink.com/lxbt/ and the yellow adapter.

I connected the interface (which is said to be compatible to multiecuscan) directly to the OBD as the yellow adapter is still in delivery.

Just connecting it (and turning the key) made the engine fire up. First on one cylinder, then on all 4. I started it three times and every time it took less time to start (the engine had been sitting for 6 months, however all previous attempts to start it up were futile as the starter motor was cranking the engine speedily without producing never even one ignition). Now it still did run a bit rough and there was a bizarre error code. So I deleted the code and now she starts on the first quarter of a turn, as should be. The alternator is still defective, however...

The code shown was

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0512

probably because I did once try to start her up for about 10 s until the starter switched itself off. Maybe a thermal protection or something?

Starting her up after deleting the code did not produce any new error codes.

Click to expand...

Glad it's running now. I still recommend you get Muliecuscan, it does so much more than just read codes.


Robert G8RPI.