Lexia as a generic OBD-II interface ?

[Mandrake]

Strange questions perhaps, but does anyone know if its possible to use the Lexia hardware as a generic OBD-II scan tool for other brands of car with the right software ?

As we know, the Lexia hardware supports multiple over the wire protocols including the old K-line protocols from models like the Xantia as well as fully OBD-II compliant protocols for newer models after 2004, so from a purely hardware perspective I'm sure the Lexia 3 interface COULD talk to other brands of OBD-II compliant cars like a standard scan tool, however the question is whether any PC based OBD-II scan tool software out there would be aware of the specific interface controller used in the Lexia and be able to utilise it... I'm guessing no, but I thought I would throw the question out there.

[Ben82]

Think there's something called multidiag, which allows you to use the interface with other cars. It's supposedly very expensive, as I did have a quick look for it before, but if I recall I came up empty. It's an addon for diagbox. Don't think any extra hardware is needed for it, but don't hold me to that.

[evilally]

I suspect that even if it were possible, there would be no demand given the cheapness of general purpose OBD scanners. I use Torque Pro on Android with a bluetooth ELM module. The whole lot cost under £20 for software and hardware, it does fault codes and a whole lot more.

[CitroJim]

I tried mine on a Mundaneo a while back. A '57 plate diesel thing and it didn't work....

My goodness, they're hideously ugly...

[Ben82]

Looking into it further multidiag would be a terrible option anyway, doesn't look like it works with the Lexia interface but needs a proper actia vci. And with that it apparently only works on post 2009 cars.

[Mandrake]

Hi Ben,

I'm digging this topic up again due to coming across this video:

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It appears to show multi-diag running on an ES9J4, not only does the description say that (plus other videos by the same guy show him modding and testing the ES9J4 in a Xantia) but in the app itself Multi-Di@g 9.2, it says Motronic Soft 7.0. The ES9J4 uses a Bosch Motronic MP7.0 ECU,and I'm pretty sure some versions of the Renault Espace use an ES9J4.

What caught my eye is it appears to be graphing the oxygen sensor, something which Diagbox/Lexia can't do at all on an ES9J4, let alone in real time

I'm also sure I've read somewhere in the auto-professionals forum that an XS evolution Lexia 3 interface (the latest ones we have) can be reflashed to work with multi-diag. (and back again to work with Diagbox) Makes sense when Diagbox/Lexia and the Lexia 3 interface is made by ACTIA and so is Multi-diag. The Lexia 3 appears to just be a vendor customised version of the more generic ACTIA interface and software.

If this is the case I'd really like to get my hands on a copy of Multi-diag but haven't found a working download yet. Any thoughts ?

If I can get full graphing and customised PID display in real time for the ES9J4 that would go a LONG way towards troubleshooting the engine performance issues I'm having

By the way do you recognise or know anything about any of the other diagnostic software the guy is also running later in the video ?

[Ben82]

Gosh that video is boring compared to scannerdanner ones

The links seem to work on this one, seems like you might need to start posting to get an activation code though!
http://www.auto-professionals.co.uk/sho ... g#pid57244" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

No idea what the flashing process is for the VCI though, so you're on your own with that unfortunately.

Also no idea on the diagnostics stuff used at the end, the only diag stuff I've seen is Lexia, and what a few guys use on YouTube (ScannerDanner mostly).

[taffy]

i use bluetooth elm and torque on my 99 xantia hdi...for 20 quid its awesome

[Ben82]

i use bluetooth elm and torque on my 99 xantia hdi...for 20 quid its awesome

Simon has been reluctant to get one for two reasons, 1) no android phone and 2) no idea if it'll work on the ES9J4. He's did have an offer from RichardW I believe who has an android phone, but Simon would still need to get the Bluetooth dongle and torque pro
I did think £20 was worth the punt at the time as no doubt he could sell the dongle on to reduce the amount wasted if it didn't work. Reason 2 still put him off doing that though.
I think if he did try it now and it did work, he'll be kicking himself for weeks always the way though

[Mandrake]

What about Windows software for a bluetooth ELM interface ? Is there any that would provide the same functionality of Torque Pro ?

Mind you our laptop doesn't have Bluetooth so I'd have to get a bluetooth adaptor for that as well...

[taffy]

yea good idea...bluetooth donle 10-15..bluetooth elm obdII adapter 10-30 and windows software???(free if u know where to go )

[LeWaftBarge]

i use bluetooth elm and torque on my 99 xantia hdi...for 20 quid its awesome

What readings are you getting from torque? I don't get any rev counter or throttle position readings and it says the coolant temperature is 215c!

Was there any settings you changed to make it work?

[taffy]

i get all the readings...just make sure ur car is running and turn on the bluetooth....get obd autodoctor app and it will also tell u any fault codes

[Dave1987]

I think there are two options, one is to get an extra elm327, there are so many elm327 on the aftermarket, a super mini one with WIFI and switch just spending you euro 10-20. Another option is to get the FVDI clone with more function key programming, ecu programming etc.