Hi anyone got one of these units ,thinking of getting one and downloading the app just to have for emergencies, like to know where to get one from seen one on Amazon but further reading the description it's not forDiesel engines.
Fiat Ducatto OBD reader
- Thread starter Trout bum
- Start date
Gellyneck
LIFE MEMBER
This, and the associated hardware \ interfaces, is allegedly the best for reading and resetting diagnostic issues.
As always, it depends what you want it for. A generic OBD reader will only read engine and drivetrain diagnostic codes related to emissions systems, and may also have the ability to clear and reset them.
There are more expensive "4 system" or similar devices that will also read codes from ABS, SRS and a couple more systems on the vehicle.
As Gellyneck says, MultiEcuScan is probably the nearest thing to dealer level software for diagnostics, covering pretty much all of the systems on the Ducato, with the ability to diagnose and in some cases program them, carry out live monitoring and system actuation tests etc.
AlfaOBD is another package with similar functionality, with greater reprogramming capabilities. It has Windows and Android versions, but in my experience you will need a good reliable OBD dongle to work with it reliably (not a cheap ELM clone off eBay).
There are more expensive "4 system" or similar devices that will also read codes from ABS, SRS and a couple more systems on the vehicle.
As Gellyneck says, MultiEcuScan is probably the nearest thing to dealer level software for diagnostics, covering pretty much all of the systems on the Ducato, with the ability to diagnose and in some cases program them, carry out live monitoring and system actuation tests etc.
AlfaOBD is another package with similar functionality, with greater reprogramming capabilities. It has Windows and Android versions, but in my experience you will need a good reliable OBD dongle to work with it reliably (not a cheap ELM clone off eBay).
- Jul 5, 2013
- 12,098
- 14,481
- Funster No
- 26,797
- MH
- A class
- Exp
- Since 2013
Our son has an oldish Alfa Romeo. He has some software for his Windows laptop for the Alfa which worked on my Ducato, but it only read error codes and parameters and it could not change or alter them. He had to buy software to do that (about 50 Euros), which he did and which I paid for. I was happy to pay because it saved me a lot of money when my airbag ECU threw a wobbly. But it is not just about the software, because different makes require different leads to be plugged into the OBD.
If you are happy to pay that sort of money I will ask him what he bought.
If you are happy to pay that sort of money I will ask him what he bought.
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I also use multiecuscan windows 10 with an obdlink sx usb cable. Today i tried the windows version of alfaobd demo on the laptop no problem . No such luck with the android version, no connection only bluetooth or wifi no usb.
I was concidering the full version for travelling (Samsung tablet or phone) but not if i have to spend £50 plus on a bluetooth dongle that works. Are there any cheap/ non expensive ones known to work. Or can i get the android version to work with the usb cable, 3rd or just carry cable and laptop.
I was concidering the full version for travelling (Samsung tablet or phone) but not if i have to spend £50 plus on a bluetooth dongle that works. Are there any cheap/ non expensive ones known to work. Or can i get the android version to work with the usb cable, 3rd or just carry cable and laptop.
AlfaOBD for Android only supports bluetooth or wi-fi. I have had no problem connecting to my van via bluetooth with cheap ELM clones connected directly to the OBD port. The issues always arise when needing to connect through the yellow adapter cable for ECUs on the LS CAN. No such problems with the OBDkey adapter, which is recommended by the AlfaOBD developer, along with the OBDlink VCIs.
But I've found that the OBDkey has communications issues with my Volvo, although he cheap ELM clones work fine with CarScannerPro and Torque on my phone, so I carry one of those in the car.
If you are adept at electronics, you could try following the guidance on the MES forum, related to removing the 120 Ohm resistor between the CAN lines on the ELM clones and see if they then work properly.
I've never bothered as I use a mulitplexer for MES and also have a Volvo DiCE VCI plus access to a Launch tool.
tonka
LIFE MEMBER
I have a cheap basic ELM wifi reader off ebay for under £10 and use a couple of apps inc the Torque pro one.
Has helped me out with DPF issues and got me running when i had some problems in Spain, managing to get home and sort a repair in UK.
Well worth having in the cab.
Has helped me out with DPF issues and got me running when i had some problems in Spain, managing to get home and sort a repair in UK.
Well worth having in the cab.
had fun today
took swmbo and MIL to hospital then home and proper fun whilst no one around
no not that, out with the £5.97 obd2 bluetooth thing.
tried 3 aps inc torq lite and they connected no probs once phone had been paired'
Alfaobd resolutely refused to connect. it suggested
and no other options other than BOsch
Multiecuscan has it has a
Read the suggested thread on cheap elm devices mine is not like any of the examples.
Have i got confidence in my skills 20 yrs ago yes, 2 year ago a choice of people i would have given it to in work now whats it worth i wouldn't have used it any way i still have the laptop and usb versions if required.
Fun
PLUS
the knowledge i no longer have the skills
took swmbo and MIL to hospital then home and proper fun whilst no one around
no not that, out with the £5.97 obd2 bluetooth thing.
tried 3 aps inc torq lite and they connected no probs once phone had been paired'
Alfaobd resolutely refused to connect. it suggested
and no other options other than BOsch
Multiecuscan has it has a
Read the suggested thread on cheap elm devices mine is not like any of the examples.
Have i got confidence in my skills 20 yrs ago yes, 2 year ago a choice of people i would have given it to in work now whats it worth i wouldn't have used it any way i still have the laptop and usb versions if required.
Fun
PLUS
the knowledge i no longer have the skills
- Oct 12, 2009
- 12,125
- 27,224
- Funster No
- 8,876
- MH
- A Class N+B Arto 69GL
- Exp
- Since 2009
Being a bit of numpty about diagnostics and having a 2002 2.8jtd engine in a 2003 N&B Arto is there much use for an OBD ? Except for the re-map I had done 6+ years ago?
Most of you seem to be talking about use for more recent emissions systems.
Geoff
Most of you seem to be talking about use for more recent emissions systems.
Geoff
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There are two distinct uses for the OBD port.
It was originally mandated by legislation as a standardised socket which would provide access to a common set of protocols for reading and diagnosing onboard emissions related faults and readiness states on all vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers realised that it could also be used as a single point of access to also connect to and diagnose/test/reprogram various other electronically controlled systems on their vehicles, with the progressive introduction of electronic controllers and canbus networked systems. But access to anything other than the standardised OBD (emissions) functions requires manufacturer specific software, as the additional functions are not standardised and are unique to each manufacturer (and sometimes differ across various models from the same manufacturer).
On your vehicle, the port allows access to the standardised EOBD emissions protocols, which can be read and diagnosed with any EOBD compatible reader. Vehicle specific equipment or software such as MultiEcuScan also allows access to the manufacturer specific diagnostic functions for the engine, automatic gearbox, brake system (ABS ECU) and SRS/airbag system, according to the MES vehicle application list.
On modern Ducatos, there can be 12 or more systems that present diagnostic information through the port, and also allow for the systems to be tested and reconfigured with manufacturer specific diagnostic tools. Some vehicles have many more ECUs controlling different functions.
In other words, the coverage for your vehicle is not as extensive as on modern vans, but whether it is useful to you depends on whether you need to diagnose or check the more limited system information present on your van. If you leave everything to a workshop, you probably don't need it at all. If you do your own diagnosis and repairs, then if you had certain faults it could be invaluable.
Sorry, that's probably not the short answer you were hoping for
It was originally mandated by legislation as a standardised socket which would provide access to a common set of protocols for reading and diagnosing onboard emissions related faults and readiness states on all vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers realised that it could also be used as a single point of access to also connect to and diagnose/test/reprogram various other electronically controlled systems on their vehicles, with the progressive introduction of electronic controllers and canbus networked systems. But access to anything other than the standardised OBD (emissions) functions requires manufacturer specific software, as the additional functions are not standardised and are unique to each manufacturer (and sometimes differ across various models from the same manufacturer).
On your vehicle, the port allows access to the standardised EOBD emissions protocols, which can be read and diagnosed with any EOBD compatible reader. Vehicle specific equipment or software such as MultiEcuScan also allows access to the manufacturer specific diagnostic functions for the engine, automatic gearbox, brake system (ABS ECU) and SRS/airbag system, according to the MES vehicle application list.
On modern Ducatos, there can be 12 or more systems that present diagnostic information through the port, and also allow for the systems to be tested and reconfigured with manufacturer specific diagnostic tools. Some vehicles have many more ECUs controlling different functions.
In other words, the coverage for your vehicle is not as extensive as on modern vans, but whether it is useful to you depends on whether you need to diagnose or check the more limited system information present on your van. If you leave everything to a workshop, you probably don't need it at all. If you do your own diagnosis and repairs, then if you had certain faults it could be invaluable.
Sorry, that's probably not the short answer you were hoping for
- Oct 12, 2009
- 12,125
- 27,224
- Funster No
- 8,876
- MH
- A Class N+B Arto 69GL
- Exp
- Since 2009
Deneb
It wa a great answer and very educational for me, although in essence, from the discussion on here, I had almost concluded that I probably do not need it. I have a very knowledgable and quite cheap commercial garage here, so am happy to leave it to them. They do not change anything unnecessarily and if they see some rust on the chassis will just whack some 'tar' on it.
Geoff
It wa a great answer and very educational for me, although in essence, from the discussion on here, I had almost concluded that I probably do not need it. I have a very knowledgable and quite cheap commercial garage here, so am happy to leave it to them. They do not change anything unnecessarily and if they see some rust on the chassis will just whack some 'tar' on it.
Geoff
Totaly agree, if you just hand over money you dont need it. Depending on software you can do all sorts like change Lock configurations, light and speedo variations as well as see problems. Complexities vary a 2018 up has 6 modules a 2007 A4 over 27. In mid 90s it sort of came together apart from physical socket Audi had 2 2pin sockets on my A6, a 16 round pin on 95-97 Mazdas and fords known as OBD1and a half. No Diy software just instructions on where to put a LED and count the number of long and short flashes. 20yr ago some BMWs had sump plug sensors so when oil was changed a hook up to main steeler was required. (Working at a non main dealer my brother in law had to stick it on a low loader to the main steeler.) With euro 6 the Ducato has caught up needing software intervention when changing the oil.
Stick to the old Bus
as well as diagnosing it can be used to put stuff off. I put off fitting a new diesel wiring loom on an A4 for 3 years just reseting an intermitant fault (box permently left in car).
I purchased Multiecuscan and the set of coloured leads so that I could alter the point at which the tyre pressure sensors registered. I got so pissed off driving around on an upholstered scateboard! Set the point at 400 Kp - just under 60psi, now I can happily run my front tyres lower than Michelin's crazy 79psi.
Louisesjpp
Free Member
I'm considering an OBD scanner for my 2021 Ducato, in the hope that if we have probelms, it might just streamline the process of getting repairs done or keeping going a bit longer to reach a suitable garage.
Is MultiECUscan (for PC) still a good option? Which interface should I use? I get a bit confused looking at the offerings because I don't know any of the jargon - yet....
Is MultiECUscan (for PC) still a good option? Which interface should I use? I get a bit confused looking at the offerings because I don't know any of the jargon - yet....
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Has anyone used the Multiecuscan app available for iphone?
It is expensive as it requires an yearly subscription, but it would be good to know how well it works as it could be useful in an emergency when on holiday etc.
It is expensive as it requires an yearly subscription, but it would be good to know how well it works as it could be useful in an emergency when on holiday etc.
I know 2 apple adicks that tried it, and then bought windows laptops and went down that route. I am also now aware of someone who is happy with it. Apart from the price.
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