Technical OBD scanner for Ducato 250 2.3 mj

[Saltpeter]

Hi,
I have had many problems with my 2005 250 2.3mj stopping for no reason. Normally it would re-start after a minute or two wait but last time I had to be towed home as electrical system dead. No dash lights, nothing and main starter fuse on battery blown. Can anyone recommend an OBD scanner for this ducato type or any advice so I can try to get to the bottom of the problem?
Thanks in advance.

 

[bugsymike]

Hi,
I have had many problems with my 2005 250 2.3mj stopping for no reason. Normally it would re-start after a minute or two wait but last time I had to be towed home as electrical system dead. No dash lights, nothing and main starter fuse on battery blown. Can anyone recommend an OBD scanner for this ducato type or any advice so I can try to get to the bottom of the problem?
Thanks in advance.

Many on Fiat Forum use MES MultiEcuScan program on their tablets etc. So they will be able to offer advice related to that program.
As with many things the full version is best and allows you to do a lot more.
I use MaxieECu scan tool as it was more compatible with a Fiat Scudo I had that uses the Peugeot 2.0 litre engine.
Gendan is the company I would recommend for either of these products and their site will tell you the costs and what they will do , also what leads required etc.

 

[Communicator]

1. It is my understanding that the x250 with 2.3 multijet was introduced in 2006. Hence if a 2005 model I expect it to be a 2.3jtd. Please confirn that you have checked that the VIN starts ZFA250......., and not ZFA244.........? Perhaps 2005 is a typographical error, as you do mention a starter fuse, which would only apply to the x250.

2. I doubt that an OBD scanner will be of much help in your investigation, but the most acclaimed system is software called "Multiecuscan". Often abbreviated to MES this software runs on a Windows computer, and also requires an adapter lead.

On the x250, the CAL4 starter fuse also functions as an alternator fuse. If blown there would be no charge to the battery, which would eventually become completely discharged.

With a blown CAL4 fuse, other than starting with the vehicle in gear, you are looking at a major electrical fault. The CAL4 fuse is slow to blow and there may well be some signs of overheating at the site of the fault. The fault may be within the starter motor or alternator, or in the connecting cables including the jump start point.

I am attaching a copy of the wiring diagram, originally posted by @Anthony489 with his annotations.

 

[Saltpeter]

1. It is my understanding that the x250 with 2.3 multijet was introduced in 2006. Hence if a 2005 model I expect it to be a 2.3jtd. Please confirn that you have checked that the VIN starts ZFA250......., and not ZFA244.........? Perhaps 2005 is a typographical error, as you do mention a starter fuse, which would only apply to the x250.

2. I doubt that an OBD scanner will be of much help in your investigation, but the most acclaimed system is software called "Multiecuscan". Often abbreviated to MES this software runs on a Windows computer, and also requires an adapter lead.

On the x250, the CAL4 starter fuse also functions as an alternator fuse. If blown there would be no charge to the battery, which would eventually become completely discharged.

With a blown CAL4 fuse, other than starting with the vehicle in gear, you are looking at a major electrical fault. The CAL4 fuse is slow to blow and there may well be some signs of overheating at the site of the fault. The fault may be within the starter motor or alternator, or in the connecting cables including the jump start point.

I am attaching a copy of the wiring diagram, originally posted by @Anthony489 with his annotations.

Sorry, my TYPO! my chassis is a 2006 250 I checked the VIN starts ZFA 250. We stopped overnight, in the morning the engine started OK but when driving I tried the wipers and they did not work, a short time afterwards the engine and everything shut down, even the dash lights. How could the CAL4 fuse get blown when the engine was running? Maybe that could have been caused later when the breakdown people tried to re-start the engine by connecting a powerful jump starter unit to the battery? I had problems before with the engine stopping but was able to re-start and drive on. I tried to get it diagnosed but ended up with a large bill and the same problem.It is strange because the problem is random. Most times the engine works fine , no stopping, but occasionally I have the problem as described. This time was different! Re-start not possible. I don't have a windows computer so was looking for a scanner with readout.

 

[bugsymike]

. I don't have a windows computer so was looking for a scanner with readout.

That was my problem as I don't like Windows and use Linux, however I had to buy a Windows tablet to use MaxiEcu scan tool.

 

[Communicator]

Sorry, my TYPO! my chassis is a 2006 250 I checked the VIN starts ZFA 250. We stopped overnight, in the morning the engine started OK but when driving I tried the wipers and they did not work, a short time afterwards the engine and everything shut down, even the dash lights. How could the CAL4 fuse get blown when the engine was running? Maybe that could have been caused later when the breakdown people tried to re-start the engine by connecting a powerful jump starter unit to the battery? I had problems before with the engine stopping but was able to re-start and drive on. I tried to get it diagnosed but ended up with a large bill and the same problem.It is strange because the problem is random. Most times the engine works fine , no stopping, but occasionally I have the problem as described. This time was different! Re-start not possible. I don't have a windows computer so was looking for a scanner with readout.

1. The fact that the wipers did not work, followed by a complete shutdown suggests a falling battery voltage. Therfore I suspect that the CAL4 fuse failed previously, perhaps on initial start, or during journey due to an intermittent electrical fault. The fault could be in wiring, alternator, or even starter motor.

2. Not many sensor failures will cause a common rail engine of 2006 vintage to shut down, but one such item is a failing crankshaft sensor, which sensor is essential. Perhaps failing when hot, but functional when cooler, but do not discard the possibility of a wiring fault. I seem to recall a long past statement by @varesecrazy that camshaft sensors were notorious for such behaviour, but I may be ascribing that statement to the wrong person.

Another possible cause of the engine stopping is the ignition switch, and associated connections.

 

[AsdaPricey]

Hello @Saltpeter

Re your request for alternative code reader - I use a Foxwell NT680 Pro on my 2008 X250.
It’s a multi vehicle scanner that can clear codes, reset and activate various modules - for note it can be fickle with the X250. I’ve had to use profiles for Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen when gaining accessing various modules like the ABS or Airbag modules, but it does the job.

I have not used the windows based MultiECUscan but no doubt it will be easier to use than the Foxwell and have more functions for your Ducato but it’s kept me on the road.

We’ve got a Mercedes & a BMW Mini and it works on those plus - it’s also been used on family members cars from Audi, Suzuki & Landrover

 

[Eternal Optimist]

That was my problem as I don't like Windows and use Linux, however I had to buy a Windows tablet to use MaxiEcu scan tool.

I had that problem with the Vauxhall/Opel software so I partitioned my disk so I can dual boot, Linux or Windows. Saves stumping up for a new lappy.

 

[bugsymike]

I had that problem with the Vauxhall/Opel software so I partitioned my disk so I can dual boot, Linux or Windows. Saves stumping up for a new lappy.

Back in the old days I was happily building computers from 286s using Windows for Workgroups on through Pentiums etc. But at 72 it has become harder to concentrate.

 

[ceecff]

Multiecuscan or AlfaOBD. Cheap ELM327 + adapters or mutiplexed w/o adapters.