Recommend A Code Reader Please

[Neil H]

Hi, I have just purchased a 2021, Fiat Ducato based van conversion. Its a Carado 6m, euro 6 , with Ad Blue. I'm looking for something that can do some basic diagnosis and hopefully reset the engine warning light when it comes on, which seems to be a problem on these vans.

Thanks in advance for your help

Neil

 

[the1andonly]

I just use a cheap ELM327 bluetooth one I bought off ebay for around £8 and Torque (lite).
If it requires anything more than that then the van is off to the local mechanic.

I just did a quick search and this one looks like the one I bought years ago and still works fine.

The 2nd one down or "ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 OBDII"

LM327 WiFi Bluetooth OBD2 OBDII Car Diagnostic Scanner Code Reader ATF | eBay

ELM327 USB V1.5 OBD2. OBDII Protocols:ISO15765-4 (CAN), ISO14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO9141-2 ,J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM. Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific. ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 OBDII.

www.ebay.co.uk

Post 2016 sevel vans need Multiecuscan or Alfaobd at least, is to be able to reset the oil degradation software when you change the oil, just one step in the prevention of home maintenance SGW the next step.
I believe all twin EGR models to sept 2019 do not have the SGW.

 

[Coolcats]

Hi, I have just purchased a 2021, Fiat Ducato based van conversion. Its a Carado 6m, euro 6 , with Ad Blue. I'm looking for something that can do some basic diagnosis and hopefully reset the engine warning light when it comes on, which seems to be a problem on these vans.

Thanks in advance for your help

Neil

Just a thought, if it’s a 2021 van I am assuming it’s still in warranty so why would you want to switch warning lights off whilst you can still make a warranty claim?

 

[DDJC]

I was answering Neil H question. Reading data/codes should not have many if any risks. I do it without a second thought.

Is there an idiots guide, or are all the OBD devices different? We have a 2018 Rimor (Ducato cab) on a standard chassis.

 

[Landy Andy]

OBDLink LX Bluetooth

That’s the one i have, and so far has done all i have needed.

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[Gromett]

Is there an idiots guide, or are all the OBD devices different? We have a 2018 Rimor (Ducato cab) on a standard chassis.

They should all follow the OBD2 standard for the core functions but manufacturers can add their own flavour in addition to this.

2001: The EU made it mandatory for manufacturers to include OBD2 in all petrol vehicles sold in the EU.
2004: The EU made it mandatory for manufacturers to include OBD2 in all diesel vehicles sold in the EU.

There is a core set of DTC (error codes) that are not manufacturer specific and you can read them easily with any OBD2 compatible reader.

This image shows the makeup of a DTC. As you can see the 2nd digit is generic or manufacturer specific.

It is my opinion that reading the DTC will be enough to point you in the right direction for most jobs that are DIY'able. If the code is specific and you cannot google it then it probably needs a correctly equipped garage anyway.

Having the DTC will allow you to diagnose a fault in a lot of cases and perhaps prevent a garage lifting your leg.

Carrying one of these devices could be helpful if for example you are away in France/Spain/Italy and have a problem. Rather than asking on here with a rough description of the problem and getting a scattering of possible causes. Giving the DTC will narrow things down and potentially allow other funsters to give more directed advice/suggestions.

Post 2016 sevel vans need Multiecuscan or Alfaobd at least,

Only for the vehicle/manufacturer specific stuff. My personal view is if you don't know about Multiecuscan etc then it is probably best you don't mess with it resetting stuff.
For most people an £8 ELM327 and Torque (lite) are sufficient to give an indication of what is happening in their van. Most of us are not mechanics but can make use of the additional info.
I personally would not reset anything other than the service light that the garage always fails to reset. But I can reset that using a combination of dash switches and pedals usually.

 

[sciac2001]

I am a total coward around ECU issues. I'd be terrified of sodding everything up.

Me too!
We are a service agent’s dream ticket!

 

[the1andonly]

I personally would not reset anything other than the service light that the garage always fails to reset. But I can reset that using a combination of dash switches and pedals usually.

The problem is with euro 6 onwards you cant do that any more.
Live within your comfort zone.
or not!

 

[Gromett]

The problem is with euro 6 onwards you cant do that any more.

Can't do what anymore?

 

[the1andonly]

Can't do what anymore?

Reset the service system properly. There are 2 aspects to it the system of service reset and engine oil degradation system often neglected and can put the engine into limp mode. (2 different areas, service and engine)

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[Gromett]

Reset the service system properly. There are 2 aspects to it the system of service reset and engine oil degradation system often neglected and can put the engine into limp mode. (2 different areas, service and engine)View attachment 766623
View attachment 766624View attachment 766625

I wouldn't do that through OBD2 anyway. I prefer to use OBD2 purely in a read only manner. I don't know enough about engines to be confident in making changes or resetting anything.

Hence me being happy with Torque (lite)

 

[the1andonly]

For those wishing to understand a little more there are a number of simple tutorials on the fiat forum.

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