Fiat diagnostic software failure with older ELM327

[Popshot]

I've not long had my Panda multijet so was miffed to be polite when the engine light came on. Car was still running normally so no limp mode. Following a link on here I got the Fiat sofware and dug out my old ELM327. Now this is an older V1.0a unit and not the current V1.4. The Fiat software told me it couldn't communicate with any can but did show as connected and would read various sensor outputs. It did however show no faults despite being obviously wrong.

I switched to Digimoto which immediately showed and cleared two faults.

Given the cost of the newer Chinese ELM327 units I've ordered one but just posted this in case it helps anyone-else.

 

[Davren]

From the FiatECUScan website.

"Requirements:

- Any hardware that runs Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
- Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 SP1. Free, available from www.microsoft.com.
- K-line connection cable connected to USB/PCMCIA/OnBoard serial port, ELM 327 v1.3 or OBDKey 1.40 interface
- 1.5GHz CPU and better required"

 

[Popshot]

I'm aware that the software requires v1.3 (it specifically looks for v1.3) but just found it frustrating when other software can do the job and posted merely to inform other old elm327 owners that it's the Fiat software that's the issue not their elm327. Their elm327 can talk to the car, it's the Fiat software that won't talk to the elm327.

 

[ChrisUK]

Yes because FiatECUScan supports ALOT more functionality than reading and clearing fault codes. Including alot of the functions the dealer can do on the Examiner Smart HD.

1.) Electric powersteering alignment
2.) Proxy Alighnment
3.) Mileage adjustment
4.) Key Programming
5.) Service Indicator reset.

And Many more.

All of these much more advanced functions REQUIRE the v1.3+ protocol no matter what software / tool you use.

Before you slate someone's software they've spent a ALOT of personal time creating you should actually know what you're talking about.

 

[Popshot]

Oh dear. You're either another fanboy getting upset at the merest prospect of criticism of their chosen religion or you have invested your own time and effort in the software. If the former I do not understand (nor want to) the fanboy mentality - that something is above criticism merely because you have bought it. If the latter then well done for an excellent effort (I genuinely mean that) but my criticism still stands.

For the vast bulk of users the single most important part of ANY diagnostic software is to read and clear fault codes. That the writers of this software decided not to make it work with older units when that older unit is totally able to do that job is an oversight or omission. Why would you get upset because I let other Fiat owners to know that their older ELM327 can do the basics with other software?

Scenario
Someone has a fault and downloads this software but their older unit won't connect. That person can quite easily think that it's their older unit that won't talk to the car. After all this software says Fiat in the title so the failure must be their old ELM327! They are then left with a car undiagnosed and possibly in limp mode or worse whilst they await delivery of a new ELM327 instead of simply trying some other software.

You appear quite happy for said person to be in that position. I'll wager a lot of pre V1.3 ELM327s have been sold.

Is it not a reasonable point that because the basics can be done with the older unit that the software could be made to allow that to happen whilst denying the higher functions due to the units inability? Other software writers seem to think so.

Before you state that someone should know more on a subject you should better understand their perspective on the matter.

 

[ChrisUK]

Oh dear. You're either another fanboy getting upset at the merest prospect of criticism of their chosen religion or you have invested your own time and effort in the software. If the former I do not understand (nor want to) the fanboy mentality - that something is above criticism merely because you have bought it. If the latter then well done for an excellent effort (I genuinely mean that) but my criticism still stands.

For the vast bulk of users the single most important part of ANY diagnostic software is to read and clear fault codes. That the writers of this software decided not to make it work with older units when that older unit is totally able to do that job is an oversight or omission. Why would you get upset because I let other Fiat owners to know that their older ELM327 can do the basics with other software?

Scenario
Someone has a fault and downloads this software but their older unit won't connect. That person can quite easily think that it's their older unit that won't talk to the car. After all this software says Fiat in the title so the failure must be their old ELM327! They are then left with a car undiagnosed and possibly in limp mode or worse whilst they await delivery of a new ELM327 instead of simply trying some other software.

You appear quite happy for said person to be in that position. I'll wager a lot of pre V1.3 ELM327s have been sold.

Is it not a reasonable point that because the basics can be done with the older unit that the software could be made to allow that to happen whilst denying the higher functions due to the units inability? Other software writers seem to think so.

Before you state that someone should know more on a subject you should better understand their perspective on the matter.

I don't get it... It's a piece of free software he writes mostly in his own time (some of the specialist functions on the later ECU's are registration only). Yet you seem he should waste time implementing a lot of redundant code to support the old 'legacy' ELM protocol JUST so the odd 1-2 people who happen to have one in the cupboard can use 10% of the features in his software :nutter:.

I haven't spent any time on that software but I have developed software which is why I understand why he didn't do what you require.

It's by far the cheapest and best software for use on Fiat & Alfa Romeo's the ONLY other option to get this functionality is with the Examiner Smart HD or another high end device aimed at Dealers and thus carries the pricing.

All I can say is enjoy it once you get your V1.3+ It really is THAT good