500X MultiECUscan with iPad/iPhone

[rod4fiat]

Hello,

i am an owner of a Fiat 500X 1.3 Multijet 16V (from 2015) and i would like to exchange my current radio with one from a Fiat 500X built in 2019 (with GPS, Navigation System and CarPlay/AA). i was researching a lot lately and found out that such an exchange is possible and working, but it needs some changes made by the MultiECUscan application (PROXI alignment). For that i need a notebook with an ODBII reader. I would have an old notebook with Windows XP which could do the trick, but i would have to buy a new battery because the old one is dead. So i thought why not download the MultiECUscan app for my iPad or iPhone and buy a wifi ODBII reader. But i have absolutely no experience with both. i never had to use ODBII reader before. Can anybody tell me whats the difference? Are there any differences at all? Can the IOS App make PROXI alignment?

Thanks a lot in advance for your help!!!

Cheers,
Mike

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

Generally people complain a lot about the iOS version. There's a forum on multiecuscan.net site, you can read the comments...

The software was designed to work on windows...

 

[rod4fiat]

Hello,

Generally people complain a lot about the iOS version. There's a forum on multiecuscan.net site, you can read the comments...

The software was designed to work on windows..

I read about it, but the comments are pretty old already. iOs Apps usually get updated frequently! Do you use a wifi OBDII reader?

 

[the green vanper]

I used another software for my Alfa Romeo with a wifi interface years ago. It was connecting without any problems.

Now I'm using a bluetooth interface for my Ducato both on my android phone (with Torque Lite app on the road) and on my laptop (stationary with MES).

 

[rod4fiat]

I used another software for my Alfa Romeo with a wifi interface years ago. It was connecting without any problems.

Now I'm using a bluetooth interface for my Ducato both on my android phone (with Torque Lite app on the road) and on my laptop (stationary with MES).

sounds interesting. can you use torque lite for PROXI setup changes?

 

[the green vanper]

sounds interesting. can you use torque lite for PROXI setup changes?

Nope.

Torque is just able to delete the current engine / body errors.

 

[rod4fiat]

Nope.

Torque is just able to delete the current engine / body errors.

There are two possibilities, either all iOS users are so happy with the app and the functionality that nobody has to join a forum or nobody is really using the app.

 

[the green vanper]

As far as I remember there's a thread about a tablet or laptop to buy to use MES. The OP was asking what windows hardware to buy because he was an iOS user...

It's this one:

Punto Evo - Multiecuscan - Window tablets recommendation on a budget?

So, looking to buy a tablet purely for running MultiECUScan (Can only) as shown here https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FESCAN.html As long as it's got a usb and runs windows 10/11 apparantly I'll be fine. Anyone else run a win tablet for this and any recommendations?

www.fiatforum.com

MES doesn't need much ressources, it's just a simple program. The laptop can be an old laptop. With simulation started:

 

[rod4fiat]

As far as I remember there's a thread about a tablet or laptop to buy to use MES. The OP was asking what windows hardware to buy because he was an iOS user...

It's this one:

Punto Evo - Multiecuscan - Window tablets recommendation on a budget?

So, looking to buy a tablet purely for running MultiECUScan (Can only) as shown here https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FESCAN.html As long as it's got a usb and runs windows 10/11 apparantly I'll be fine. Anyone else run a win tablet for this and any recommendations?

www.fiatforum.com

MES doesn't need much ressources, it's just a simple program. The laptop can be an old laptop. With simulation started:

View attachment 446703

yes thats the easiest solution. but then i need to buy new batteries for an old laptop i never use for anything else. waste of money. thats why i want to find out whether its necessary to do that. it looks like it is necessary ... till now!!!

 

[rod4fiat]

what can you do with the free version of MES? can you do PROXI setup changes? can you see the PROXI setup window? thats the next question.

 

[Twotone2]

I'm an Apple user and looked into getting an IOS/macOS/iPad set up I've actually got mes 5.1 free version on my MBA which runs windows 11 via parallels, it runs fine on simulation mode but I've not used it to connect to the car however I have the paid version (5.2) along with the connectors etc and just bought an old windows laptop.

The iOS version costs £50 a year and only lasts a year and you have to buy it from the Apple Store plus you need a bluetooth connector and the general consensus is that the iOS version isn't very stable and not easy to connect to so that's why I ended up buying the windows version etc.

I might try the iOS version though cause I'd much rather use an iPad than the windows laptop but I think for critical stuff you really need to use the windows version and a usb connected laptop.

"Multiecuscan for iPhone/iPad​

This version has the same coverage and functionality as Multiecuscan for Windows. The license for iPhone/iPad version is completely separate and not linked to Multiecuscan for Windows. It can only be purchased from Apple’s App Store. The licensing is also different - it can be purchased only for a year and stops working after the period expires.
You will need an iOS certified Bluetooth interface or a WiFi interface. The iPhone Multiecuscan app works only with WiFi ELM327, CANtieCAR v4.x/v5.x, OBDLink MX WiFi, OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth interfaces. Also, connection to older vehicles (like before year 2000) is only possible with CANtieCAR as the other interfaces do not support some old communication protocols.
The subscription for iOS version can be purchased from the App Store - install and start the Multiecuscan app, then tap the cart icon on top/right."

Multiecuscan - Diagnostics software for Italian cars

Multiecuscan - Diagnostics software for Italian cars

 

[rod4fiat]

I'm an Apple user and looked into getting an IOS/macOS/iPad set up I've actually got mes 5.1 free version on my MBA which runs windows 10 via parallels, it runs fine on simulation mode but I've not used it to connect to the car however I have the paid version (5.2) along with the connectors etc and just bought an old windows laptop.

Multiecuscan on Virtual Machines like Parallels (Windows 10) or VMWare (Windows 10) works fine. Already read a lot about it. USB Connections also working with different OBDII Readers.

The iOS version costs £50 a year and only last a year and you have to buy it from the Apple Store plus you need a bluetooth connector and the general consensus is that the iOS version isn't very stable and not easy to connect to so that's why I ended up buying the windows version etc.

The App is free. The License costs. The question is which bluetooth or Wifi ODBII reader works fine with the MES App. And next question, do i need full version or is free version of MES in iPhone enough to make PROXI alignment changes. Till today nobody could tell me about personal experiences.
For example you said it "isn't very stable". I dont know what that means. Could mean everything and nothing.

I might try the iOS version though cause I'd much rather use an iPad than the windows laptop but I think for critical stuff you really need to use the windows version and a usb connected laptop.

Yes, i also would like to try first the iPad/iPhone version. As soon i find someone who actually worked with the iOS version and connected to a working ODBII reader (Bluetooth or Wifi) and made a proper PROXi alignment, even if i would have to buy the license, i wouldnt mind.

"Multiecuscan for iPhone/iPad​

This version has the same coverage and functionality as Multiecuscan for Windows.

Thats good news, but is it really true? I didnt find anyone who made PROXI alignment changes with the iOS version. In Windows version one needs to press control-alt-C to get into the custom PROXI window. how one do it in the iOS version?

The license for iPhone/iPad version is completely separate and not linked to Multiecuscan for Windows. It can only be purchased from Apple’s App Store. The licensing is also different - it can be purchased only for a year and stops working after the period expires.

Licenses are of course not linked. You cant buy Microsoft Office for Windows and use it for MacOS. You need an own license for that. Why is everybody surprised about that fact? Multiecuscan want to earn money! (Big surprise? )

You will need an iOS certified Bluetooth interface or a WiFi interface. The iPhone Multiecuscan app works only with WiFi ELM327, CANtieCAR v4.x/v5.x, OBDLink MX WiFi, OBDLink MX+ Bluetooth interfaces.

Well, that would be ok for me. I would buy one if i would know it works. Does anybody has a iOS certified bluetooth or Wifi OBDII reader?

 

[Twotone2]

I run windows 11 pro insider preview evaluation copy, no charge for it no license either, the old windows laptop came with windows 10 pre-loaded, the laptop cost me £85 delivered.

No idea about proxy alignment on your car with the free version but you can simulate it.

I'm pretty sure someone one here uses bluetooth to connect to his MH @theoneandonly

This is from another thread on a similar subject the guy is a mod on the mes forum I believe.

"As pointed out Gendan are the UK Authorised Distributors ( https://www.multiecuscan.net/Distributors.aspx )

Three extra points

1) Go with a cabled USB interface as opposed to Bluetooth especially with Proxy or Key programming work. Bluetooth can sometimes be iffy and this is the last thing you want when programming keys and the body computer. Bluetooth is generally OK for general read, reset and actuator operations

2) Personally I would go with an OBDLINK SX interace as opposed to ELM. A little more expensive but better IMHO.

3) Don't be tempted by cheap ELM kit off eBay or elsewhere. Some work, some don't. Gendan are very helpful and give good support.

The Gendan package covers all these three points!"

Panda 2012+ - What's needed to run MultiECUScan?

Hi, if I do end up buying another Fiat - given the shortage of dealerships (especially in NI) - I was thinking of doing a bit of community service and investing in the software, the old laptop that is likely needed, and the cables. Then anybody in NI seeking troubleshooting could come to me for...

www.fiatforum.com

From the same thread

"No one’s mentioned it - there’s a version of MES for the iPhone too… but will only work with wireless OBD units, and I believe quite specific ones too. I downloaded the free trial version but it didn’t work with my cheap OBD unit. Also, I think you have to pay annually? I haven’t gone further, as having found The Fiat Workshop in nearby Royston I’ve let them do the oil changes."

 

[rod4fiat]

I run windows 11 pro insider preview evaluation copy, no charge for it no license either, the old windows laptop came with windows 10 pre-loaded, the laptop cost me £85 delivered.

No idea about proxy alignment on your car with the free version but you can simulate it.

I'm pretty sure someone one here uses bluetooth to connect to his MH @theoneandonly

This is from another thread on a similar subject the guy is a mod on the mes forum I believe.

"As pointed out Gendan are the UK Authorised Distributors ( https://www.multiecuscan.net/Distributors.aspx )

i was checking it out before, but no certified iOS compatibility. some devices show iOS compatibility but work with other apps.

Three extra points

1) Go with a cabled USB interface as opposed to Bluetooth especially with Proxy or Key programming work. Bluetooth can sometimes be iffy and this is the last thing you want when programming keys and the body computer. Bluetooth is generally OK for general read, reset and actuator operations

i also would be careful with bluetooth, i would prefer Wifi interfaces.

2) Personally I would go with an OBDLINK SX interace as opposed to ELM. A little more expensive but better IMHO.

thats what i consider now too. might work with my virtualBox Windows.

3) Don't be tempted by cheap ELM kit off eBay or elsewhere. Some work, some don't. Gendan are very helpful and give good support.

hands off ELM kits for 6 euros from amazon. just a waste of time

"No one’s mentioned it - there’s a version of MES for the iPhone too… but will only work with wireless OBD units, and I believe quite specific ones too. I downloaded the free trial version but it didn’t work with my cheap OBD unit. Also, I think you have to pay annually? I haven’t gone further, as having found The Fiat Workshop in nearby Royston I’ve let them do the oil changes."

have made the same experience. but i dont give up hope, still looking for someone who went further!!!

 

[the green vanper]

The 10 years ago it was only possible to pair special devices to iOS and MacOS via bluetooth. Like headphones, mouses, keyboards, other iOS devices etc. To connect an OBD plug I needed it to have wifi functionnality. Perhaps it was changed since. No idea. Cannot check it. I no longer have the iOS device.

As for the bluetooth, I'm using an interface produced by a Polish company, Viaken. STN1170. It's dedicated for FIATs and Fords. The new version is available here:

Viaken.pl: Viaken - elektronika dla motoryzacji

Viaken - elektronika dla motoryzacji

viaken.pl

There is also a new model available, the STN2120.

I had more troubles connecting MES to the van with my KKL cable interface than with this one via bluetooth. Especially with the colour adapters. And I bought those from sellers that claim to have good quality products and have been advertised on local forums as Gendan here.

Windows on Parallels seems a good solution. Or as written before, some kind of old laptop. Doesn't need much to run MES. Although battery is important, I'd count on at least 1 hour to be calm.

I cannot also check if proxi alignment can be done on a free version of MES, I have a registered version. Perhaps the answer is on the MES website FAQ? Or you could ask there to be 100% sure?

 

[rod4fiat]

The 10 years ago it was only possible to pair special devices to iOS and MacOS via bluetooth. Like headphones, mouses, keyboards, other iOS devices etc. To connect an OBD plug I needed it to have wifi functionnality. Perhaps it was changed since. No idea. Cannot check it. I no longer have the iOS device.

Bluetooth is a standard with a lot of issues. I remember 20 years ago as an IT admin how difficult it was to connect simple Nokia or Sony Ericsson mobile phones to specific bluetooth hand-free systems in our company cars. Some cars just didnt accept certain mobile phones.
It got better over the years but the Wifi Standard is much more reliable.

As for the bluetooth, I'm using an interface produced by a Polish company, Viaken. STN1170. It's dedicated for FIATs and Fords. The new version is available here:

Viaken.pl: Viaken - elektronika dla motoryzacji

Viaken - elektronika dla motoryzacji

viaken.pl

There is also a new model available, the STN2120.

I just read in a description of a bluetooth ODBII interface that its not advisable to use that specific interface for PROXI alignments.
Thats a real confidence boost for that product.

I had more troubles connecting MES to the van with my KKL cable interface than with this one via bluetooth. Especially with the colour adapters. And I bought those from sellers that claim to have good quality products and have been advertised on local forums as Gendan here.

Windows on Parallels seems a good solution. Or as written before, some kind of old laptop. Doesn't need much to run MES. Although battery is important, I'd count on at least 1 hour to be calm.

I agree, i still have an Intel Macbook so i can use the VirtualBox Windows, so i dont have to buy a new battery for an old Notebook i never use outside from my own four walls anyway.

I cannot also check if proxi alignment can be done on a free version of MES, I have a registered version. Perhaps the answer is on the MES website FAQ? Or you could ask there to be 100% sure?

Thats what i am trying to do here from the start. Nobody could tell me yet whether it works or not.

 

[Twotone2]

I have a M1 MBA which runs windows via parallels but it has to be windows 11 which is why I use the evaluation pro version you just sign up on the Microsoft site and download it, been using it for about two years now, I pay about £80 a year for parallels.

 

[rod4fiat]

I have a M1 MBA which runs windows via parallels but it has to be windows 11 which is why I use the evaluation pro version you just sign up on the Microsoft site and download it, been using it for about two years now, I pay about £80 a year for parallels.

the microsoft version (5.20) even runs on my VirtualBox Windows XP SP2.

 

[s130]

Will just add that there is PROXI alignment and Custom PROXI aligment. MES on the PC can do both. I don't know if the Apple/iOS version can do either.

A standard PROXI alignment is what most professional diagnostic software can do. This just tells the car BCM (body computer module) to scan all systems and register installed systems or de-register missing systems.

A Custom PROXI alignment enables one to write specific configuration data to the BCM. This custom data is basically custom configuration for otherwise non original vehicle data. If not using MES on a PC, or any other diagnostic kit, then you need to ensure it can do a Custom Proxi alignment.

I looks from your post that people have successfully done what you want to do but have had to do a CUSTOM Proxi. We know MES can do this (certainly on PC version).

 

[rod4fiat]

Will just add that there is PROXI alignment and Custom PROXI aligment. MES on the PC can do both. I don't know if the Apple/iOS version can do either.

I also dont know. I know i need it for installing a new radio. Already done (found it on several other websites)!!!

A standard PROXI alignment is what most professional diagnostic software can do. This just tells the car BCM (body computer module) to scan all systems and register installed systems or de-register missing systems.

I just want to find one which works with bluetooth or even better with wifi and iOS devices. Right now i am still on option: macbook/notebook with cable ODBII interface, but should i find someone who successfully used iOS devices with bluetooth or wifi ODBII interfaces and was able to perform a custom PROXI alignment (on Byte 157= 01 CarPlay), i would change to that option.

A Custom PROXI alignment enables one to write specific configuration data to the BCM. This custom data is basically custom configuration for otherwise non original vehicle data. If not using MES on a PC, or any other diagnostic kit, then you need to ensure it can do a Custom Proxi alignment.

i am trying to find someone. Till now, no success.

I looks from your post that people have successfully done what you want to do but have had to do a CUSTOM Proxi. We know MES can do this (certainly on PC version).

Yes, i found several cases. PC version works for sure. Most probably i will end up with that option.