Code reader

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Hi All, as in the title, I'm in the market for an engine code reader. Should I be looking at my specific motor type, [ Fiat Ducato 2.3 ] or will something more generic suffice.
There seems to be a bewildering array of readers from sub £20.00, [Aldi] to £200.00, specialist engine readers?
Will the £35.00-ish ones do the job? What's working well for the money?
Regards.
Mike

 

[Canyon904]

Standard ODB11 car diagnostic scanner, ebay UK has lots, I bought a INTEY model that reads and cancels/deletes error codes. There are 2 connection types, one that looks a lot like a SCART plug and a round multi pin plug, adapters are also available.

 

[XxAnthxX]

Depending on what your trying to decode or reset.....the generic readers might do for your needs.

Even a Bluetooth or WiFi ELM adapter and using your mobile phone or tablet might be sufficient for your needs.

For dedicated Fiat group motor diagnosis and PROXI alignment etc. I’d recommend investing in Multiecuscan and hook it up to a laptop.

I’ve found Gendan the most helpful retailer for all the cables and software needs.

MultiECUScan USB Diagnostic Package for Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Lancia cars (Single PC)

MultiECUScan USB Diagnostic Package for Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Lancia cars (Single PC) - only £129.95 including VAT & UK delivery!

www.gendan.co.uk

Try speaking to Grant there......he’ll be able to advise and help with your requirements.

 

[ambulancekidd]

More expensive than your looking, but try looking at iCarsoft readers. They are very close to professional readers & easy to use.
remember that cheap readers probably wont tell you where the problem actually is, so for instance of you had an ABS wheel sensor gone wonky, you wouldn't know which wheel they're telling you about.
An iCarsoft machine which would be specific for your vehicle, that'd cost around £130ish or less.

 

[Scully]

Bought this generic one for my citreon relay, worked fine. Only thing was there is a wee notch to secure to obd reader. My socket is fitted upside down, so was a real struggle to release the catch again. Have just snipped the notch off the reader to make it easier in the future.

Amazon product ASIN B016MNJ9ZU

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[Mikeco]

It would be interesting to know if these cheap scanners really work, my air bag light is on and my local garage with one that cost around £3000 could not read it or clear it.

 

[Lenny HB]

It would be interesting to know if these cheap scanners really work, my air bag light is on and my local garage with one that cost around £3000 could not read it or clear it.

Probably a fault on the Airbag ECU very common, Crashdata repair them for around £70.

 

[XxAnthxX]

It would be interesting to know if these cheap scanners really work, my air bag light is on and my local garage with one that cost around £3000 could not read it or clear it.

Multiecuscan can read and diagnose airbag faults on Fiats etc. if you use the red adapter.

If the fault is still present tho, it will just come back on, it will also allow you to do a PROXI alignment if you replace the airbag ecu.

As mentioned by Lenny the Ducato has a bad history with the air bag ecu.

 

[Mikeco]

Probably a fault on the Airbag ECU very common, Crashdata repair them for around £70.

Sent it off a few weeks ago but not to crashdata but another one that someone on here has used. The light did go off but came back on 10 minutes later after a couple of starts. Taking it to an auto electrician next week for a scan.

 

[Scotch mist]

I think the cheap ones (the one Scully showed) only read engine management , & not airbags etc