Sorry for the newbie question. What, if any, advantage has MultiECUscan got over other ODB ii readers, for instance the iCarsoft V3.0 series (which I am contemplating) or borrowing my mates Snap-on Solus?
Panda 2012+ MultiECUscan vs other ODB ii readers
- Thread starter NiallSL
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Panda 2012+ MultiECUscan vs other ODB ii readers
I didn't buy MES as I am not a fan of Windows OS it requires, also it doesn't work on the 2.litre Fiat Scudo I own as Peugeot based engine.
Gendan suggested MaxiEcu which although Windows based does include Scudo so I bought it although doesn't appear to do "proxi alignment", though it has the advantage that you can buy extra manufacturers as add ons . So far I have been happy with it.
I have used my friends Snap On Zeus to do "proxi alignment " to configure a new BCM and seat sensor on my daughters Punto Evo.
The advantage of MES is so many on Fiat Forum are familiar with it that advice is readily available.
MES (fes) and AlfaOBD can supposedly code keys, 
I'm not sure if "code readers" can do that
As an example my panda Twinair is having issues when HOT
Had a MIL followed by a misfire.. Followed by another warning
My plug. In OBD found ZERO errors
Took it to my MES = got 3 x errors stored.. See pic
I believe these May be manufacturer specific..
So kit designed for Italian engines may be the ideal
I'm not sure if "code readers" can do that
As an example my panda Twinair is having issues when HOT
Had a MIL followed by a misfire.. Followed by another warning
My plug. In OBD found ZERO errors
Took it to my MES = got 3 x errors stored.. See pic
I believe these May be manufacturer specific..
So kit designed for Italian engines may be the ideal
Is MES Italian?MES (fes) and AlfaOBD can supposedly code keys,
I'm not sure if "code readers" can do that
As an example my panda Twinair is having issues when HOT
Had a MIL followed by a misfire.. Followed by another warning
My plug. In OBD found ZERO errors
Took it to my MES = got 3 x errors stored.. See pic
I believe these May be manufacturer specific..
So kit designed for Italian engines may be the ideal
My MaxiEcu cost around £129 for the dongle/Eobd plug and gives you one choice of car manufacturer, then you can add makes to that for a fee, this gives me the choice to load the registered program on several computers but only works with the one registered dongle and the IP address used to register it.
Sorry as out of focus, just a quick click on my Scudo in drive from house on MaxiEcu. Whilst it is loaded for Fiat it will also do some OBD functions, including parameters and code deletes, the last pic was on a Skoda Scout 4x4
Old camera and older still shaky hands.
Old camera and older still shaky hands.
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I'll chip in and just say, do your research and ask suppliers (like Gendan) questions.
The ODBII diagnostic kit is getting cheaper and at the same time covering more vehicle systems.
I periodically look a alternatives to what I currently have. I started with FiatECUScan many years ago because then it was by far the cheapest solution for Fiat vehicles out there. Then came MultiECUScan which back then was again the cheapest and best coverage system out there. So I now have MES and a Foxwell NT301. Personally at the moment I don't see a need to change.
HOWEVER I have an investment and am not starting from scratch as you are, hence my "do your research and ask suppliers (like Gendan) questions."
Things you may want to consider:
1) Vehicle system/ECUs coverage
2) With one functions supported on each system
3) Are you bothered by having to use adapters
4) What software upgrades are freely available and for how long before incurring new costs
5) Do you think you will need Proxy functions and Key programming
Addressing 5) then be careful. Proxy and Key programming can go wrong. Treat these as your vehicles DNA and worst case scenario is that you brick you car or all keys and then have to resort to going to a Fiat franchised dealer OR other subscribed independent garage with the necessary kit and on later Fiats the ability to "Pass Through" to Fiat servers.
New Fiat/Alfa models post 2015/2016 have an SGW (security gateway). This can be bypassed which is great. Later models (I'm not up to date on this) could have the SGW effectively integrated into the body computer and easy bypass is not available. On these later models, even if no SGW, the security PIN for key programming and other security related functions (like country alarm settings) is ONLY available with a direct connection to car AND Fiat servers. They exchange credentials to allow vehicle programming of these protected items.
So that is the basic lay of the land today.
It is actaully going to get worse in the future as the EU and other countries are moving to fully encrypted CAN systems where only "server connected" diagnostics can change things and do actuator tests etc. Read kit that will do "pass through" and subscriptions/accounts. Also to get a subscription/account you will have to be a VAT registered official vehicle garage/specialist.
Note! please do not read this as a doom and gloom post. Much is still possible with today's diagnostic kit. Many are capable and pricess competitive.
The ODBII diagnostic kit is getting cheaper and at the same time covering more vehicle systems.
I periodically look a alternatives to what I currently have. I started with FiatECUScan many years ago because then it was by far the cheapest solution for Fiat vehicles out there. Then came MultiECUScan which back then was again the cheapest and best coverage system out there. So I now have MES and a Foxwell NT301. Personally at the moment I don't see a need to change.
HOWEVER I have an investment and am not starting from scratch as you are, hence my "do your research and ask suppliers (like Gendan) questions."
Things you may want to consider:
1) Vehicle system/ECUs coverage
2) With one functions supported on each system
3) Are you bothered by having to use adapters
4) What software upgrades are freely available and for how long before incurring new costs
5) Do you think you will need Proxy functions and Key programming
Addressing 5) then be careful. Proxy and Key programming can go wrong. Treat these as your vehicles DNA and worst case scenario is that you brick you car or all keys and then have to resort to going to a Fiat franchised dealer OR other subscribed independent garage with the necessary kit and on later Fiats the ability to "Pass Through" to Fiat servers.
New Fiat/Alfa models post 2015/2016 have an SGW (security gateway). This can be bypassed which is great. Later models (I'm not up to date on this) could have the SGW effectively integrated into the body computer and easy bypass is not available. On these later models, even if no SGW, the security PIN for key programming and other security related functions (like country alarm settings) is ONLY available with a direct connection to car AND Fiat servers. They exchange credentials to allow vehicle programming of these protected items.
So that is the basic lay of the land today.
It is actaully going to get worse in the future as the EU and other countries are moving to fully encrypted CAN systems where only "server connected" diagnostics can change things and do actuator tests etc. Read kit that will do "pass through" and subscriptions/accounts. Also to get a subscription/account you will have to be a VAT registered official vehicle garage/specialist.
Note! please do not read this as a doom and gloom post. Much is still possible with today's diagnostic kit. Many are capable and pricess competitive.
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