Can't read Fault code on OBD11 reader

[Deltawizard]

Hi
The check engine light has recently illuminated in my 1996 Fiat Panda 1.2. I bought an OBD 11 reader which indicates that there is 1 fault but when I try to read the fault it says that no fault codes are stored. Has anybody come across this problem before?

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi
The check engine light has recently illuminated in my 1996 Fiat Panda 1.2. I bought an OBD 11 reader which indicates that there is 1 fault but when I try to read the fault it says that no fault codes are stored. Has anybody come across this problem before?

Hi,
back in 1996 diagnostics were in their infancy,

you are using a 3-pin connector - yes..?

hang-on you say panda 1.2 - doubly confused..??

 

[Deltawizard]

The car has an OBD11 socket adjacent to the steering wheel. The fault code reader is connecting and can read the vehicles details. The problem is that it showing 1 fault, but, when you try to read that fault, it says that there are no faults stored in the module.

Sorry I don't understand the relevance of a 3 pin connector?

 

[Deltawizard]

Sorry I have just realised that I should have put 2006 not 1996! Old age is creeping up on me faster than I thought!

 

[varesecrazy]

OK,
so it's a 169 panda..
it's OBD2 compliant, and should give access to all codes,

what made you want to plug in a reader ..?,
was it an engine warning light..??

Charlie - Oxford

 

[Deltawizard]

Yes the CEL is on. I have now got the reader to work - it appears that the cars storage module was not storing the codes (i think for the same reason that it does not store the clock time). The fault code can be read by switching on the engine rather than just the ignition.

However I now have code P0606 ECM/PCM Processor fault - I've done some reading on this and am not sure whether this is something I can do myself since I get the impression that the new ECU needs to be programmed by a dealer. Does any body know if this is the case?

 

[varesecrazy]

Yes the CEL is on. I have now got the reader to work - it appears that the cars storage module was not storing the codes (i think for the same reason that it does not store the clock time). The fault code can be read by switching on the engine rather than just the ignition.

However I now have code P0606 ECM/PCM Processor fault - I've done some reading on this and am not sure whether this is something I can do myself since I get the impression that the new ECU needs to be programmed by a dealer. Does any body know if this is the case?

what new ECU..??

read this,
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/296059-panda-dynamic-1-2-eco-intermittent-fault-new-ecu-2.html

then tell us what the actual problem "from the drivers seat" appears to be , and your location,
charlie - Oxford

 

[Deltawizard]

The problem is that the CEL is on and the car doesn't seem to have much power. When I said new ECU I was thinking of getting the existing ECU repaired at a local company. This costs approx £250 +VAT so I don't want to attempt this repair if it is something I can't do or need special equipment to manage.

I am in Bromsgrove Worcestershire

 

[varesecrazy]

if a warning light is on..
(CEL - no idea what that may signify..)

then there should be at least one stored fault code,

ECU failure is rare, it's more likely you've a wiring fault, so the ECU isn't seeing signals from sensors.

having the vehicles OWN ECU repaired shouldn't pose an issue of needing reprogrammed - however I'm far from convinced this is your issue.

what are you using to attempt to get the error codes read and cleared..??

some are engine only .. others are biased to VAG or japanese , and just give generic meanings / details.

 

[Zeewulf]

The problem is that the CEL is on and the car doesn't seem to have much power. When I said new ECU I was thinking of getting the existing ECU repaired at a local company. This costs approx £250 +VAT so I don't want to attempt this repair if it is something I can't do or need special equipment to manage.

I am in Bromsgrove Worcestershire

I'm only up the road in Redditch and could pop over with MES (MultiEcuScan) and see if that can read the code for you.

What code reader are you using ?

 

[Zeewulf]

if a warning light is on..
(CEL - no idea what that may signify..)

then there should be at least one stored fault code,

ECU failure is rare, it's more likely you've a wiring fault, so the ECU isn't seeing signals from sensors.

having the vehicles OWN ECU repaired shouldn't pose an issue of needing reprogrammed - however I'm far from convinced this is your issue.

what are you using to attempt to get the error codes read and cleared..??

some are engine only .. others are biased to VAG or japanese , and just give generic meanings / details.

CEL = Check Engine Light

 

[Deltawizard]

Thanks Zeewulf thats a very kind offer, but I have actually got my reader to work now by using it with the engine running rather than just with the ignition on - it appears that whatever module stores the codes is not working on my car, so it only is readable when the fault is "live" - see earlier post in this thread.

 

[Zeewulf]

Thanks Zeewulf thats a very kind offer, but I have actually got my reader to work now by using it with the engine running rather than just with the ignition on - it appears that whatever module stores the codes is not working on my car, so it only is readable when the fault is "live" - see earlier post in this thread.

Well if you want me to double check it for you with MES and clear the code to see if it comes back just let me know.

Also, has your battery been flat at all lately as low batteries on these can cause errors to pop up. Might be worth giving the battery a full charge and see if the Check Engine light goes out.

Also seems odd that if you can read the code while its running you should be able to read it with the engine off. As the code would be stored/read from the same place ?

 

[Deltawizard]

if a warning light is on..
(CEL - no idea what that may signify..)

then there should be at least one stored fault code,

ECU failure is rare, it's more likely you've a wiring fault, so the ECU isn't seeing signals from sensors.

having the vehicles OWN ECU repaired shouldn't pose an issue of needing reprogrammed - however I'm far from convinced this is your issue.

what are you using to attempt to get the error codes read and cleared..??

some are engine only .. others are biased to VAG or japanese , and just give generic meanings / details.

Thanks varesecrazy - I will take a look at the wiring to the Ecu tomorrow and report back.

i'm using an Autel MaxiScan MS309. I believe that Autel are thought to be OK, although it very difficult to find any info on scanners in general. The code I am getting is a generic code, rather than a manufacturer specific one. Perhaps if an inspection of the wiring does not help I should take Zeewulf up on his offer. Will post on Sunday with the results of my inspection.

 

[Zeewulf]

Thanks varesecrazy - I will take a look at the wiring to the Ecu tomorrow and report back.

i'm using an Autel MaxiScan MS309. I believe that Autel are thought to be OK, although it very difficult to find any info on scanners in general. The code I am getting is a generic code, rather than a manufacturer specific one. Perhaps if an inspection of the wiring does not help I should take Zeewulf up on his offer. Will post on Sunday with the results of my inspection.

If you want i'm free Sunday till about 1pm so can pop over in the morning and give it a quick read. MES will be able to look at all your car. Check the website for what it can do:

http://www.multiecuscan.net/

 

[Deltawizard]

Hi Zeewulf I have sent you a private email.

 

[Thefox]

Take zeewulf up in his offer. I think your code reader may not be up to the job.

 

[Deltawizard]

Thanks Zeewulf I have sent you a private email

 

[Deltawizard]

Hi Guys

Zeewulf has just been over and it looks like I was barking up the wrong tree. The fault was most proably wiring as suggested by Varescrazy, rather than the ECU.
Just wanted to say thanks for everyones help, particularly Zeewulf. You have restored my faith in human nature!

 

[Zeewulf]

Thanks Zeewulf I have sent you a private email

All done and dusted (hopefully). Had two codes, cleared them. Restarted the car a few times and then took it for a drive to get engine up to temp.

Re-checked for codes when we got back and nothing. EML light never came back on, so hopefully it's sorted.

Clock resets itself which maybe be down to either a low power battery problem or an earth somewhere.

Also advised to talk to Fiat to make sure the ABS safety recall for his vehicle has been carried out as his VIN fell within the recall bracket.

All in all a very nice Panda 4x4 1.2