Diagnostic tool for Citroen Relay

[pattap]

Hello

A two part question if you don't mind.

Is it possible to read codes from the ECU on a relay van 2016 2.0 bluehdi without diagnostic tool? I remember i was able to short two terminals in my previous car that would trigger the check engine light flash in a specific manner. This would represent a code/s.

Are there cheap bluetooth readers available that can read codes from my van? I'm not sure if this has something to do with the protocol that is used between a reader and the ECU but my current device is not able to read codes.What shall I be looking for when chosing such reader?

Thanks in advance
Pat

[Hell Razor5543]

It was possible, in the past, to trigger some form of diagnostics action (say, by pressing the clutch pedal a certain number of times), but with the electronic complexity of modern vehicles this is no longer possible (so no to part 1).

As the PSA/Fiat vehicles have a complex 'instruction set' most cheap reader struggle to read them. A decent Lexia/DiagBox clone (around £100 - £150) will read most PSA vehicles, while vans need the additional S1279 module (as most current PSA vans were created in partnership with Fiat). You will also need a suitable laptop computer, but then you can do so much more than with a mere code reader and, if you use it several times, either on your own vehicles or helping out friends/colleagues, it will probably save you money, as dealerships charge around £50 for a half hour session.

[GiveMeABreak]

Hello

A two part question if you don't mind.

Is it possible to read codes from the ECU on a relay van 2016 2.0 bluehdi without diagnostic tool? I remember i was able to short two terminals in my previous car that would trigger the check engine light flash in a specific manner. This would represent a code/s.

Are there cheap bluetooth readers available that can read codes from my van? I'm not sure if this has something to do with the protocol that is used between a reader and the ECU but my current device is not able to read codes.What shall I be looking for when chosing such reader?

Thanks in advance
Pat

Unfortunately later vehicles circa 2016 onwards need a different version of Diagbox that is limited in function for anything other than code reading and some routine maintenance operations, so a lot of expense considering the pre-requisite hardware requirements for laptops to run some versions of Diagbox V9.**, including virtualisation technology if running from a VM.

It all depends on how much you are going to use it as to whether you want a generic code reader that should work with standard OBD II codes, or a full diagnostic kit including dedicated laptop and the relevant software.

[pattap]

Thanks for the replies.

I was hoping I wouldn't have use one at all until the check engine light showed up on my dash, this is after I have started my van that was parked for a few months. Since I'm not going to be using it for some time I thought I could figure what is going on.

Ok I might look into diagbox option, I've got a decent laptop with VM on.

I'm not sure if I get this right. To connect to the ECU apart from the software that's on your laptop you need an interface to communicate with the ECU. After a quick search lexia 3 comes up an a suitable interface.

Strangely the price ranges from £20 to over £100, I assume there are some sort of knock offs available. Can the cheaper version be trusted and/or somehow limited in the functionality they provide?

[Hell Razor5543]

There is an important saying that could be worth considering; "Buy cheap, buy twice". The cheaper Lexia clones may have a reduced 'opto-coupler' setup, which means there are some vehicles they cannot 'read'. If the seller says that there are some PSA vehicles their equipment cannot work with (such as the C5) they will be a lesser model. A supplier (that is NOT cheap) is Easy Diagnostics. They have a good guarantee and after care service, and they sell out quite often (which should say something about the quality of their equipment). It costs around £120. I have an earlier unit (Rev B; current units are Rev C), and would not be without it.

Don't forget to buy an S1279 module as well, as most recent PSA vans need it to be used as well.