Lexia3 is confusing to buy
-
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 16 Jan 2025, 22:23
Lexia3 is confusing to buy
I was able to understand that Lexia3 is a hardware, a cable device itself that is.
And I understand these are clones of original PSA diagnostic device.
But this device has something about versions V9.91 and V7.83 and then lite vs full gold board something.
Then something about rev B, rev C.
What is this all about ?
I don't even know how to explain it as there are no clear explanations out there to show what I should be looking for if I want the best possible clone that will work with my Peugeot 307.
I am unable to buy in UK at the moment so my only options are eBay or Aliexpress, does any of these listings have what I am looking for ?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002836829746.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... nav-review
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007 ... nav-review
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007924090680.html
eBay link
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3287003 ... nav-review
And I understand these are clones of original PSA diagnostic device.
But this device has something about versions V9.91 and V7.83 and then lite vs full gold board something.
Then something about rev B, rev C.
What is this all about ?
I don't even know how to explain it as there are no clear explanations out there to show what I should be looking for if I want the best possible clone that will work with my Peugeot 307.
I am unable to buy in UK at the moment so my only options are eBay or Aliexpress, does any of these listings have what I am looking for ?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002836829746.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006 ... nav-review
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007 ... nav-review
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007924090680.html
eBay link
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3287003 ... nav-review
-
- Forum Admin Team
- Posts: 9783
- Joined: 09 Nov 2005, 23:03
- x 985
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
The numbers like V7.8v3 or V9.91 are the software versions of the diagbox software which is supplied by the interface. The required (or best) software version depends on the year of the newest car that you want to interrogate. The latest is not always the best, as PSA removed some coding options from later versions (or at least restricted those options to dealers with software licences). For cars up to about 2005, V7.62 is a good version.
The Actia interface (the hardware dongle) generally comes as "Revision B" or "Revision C". Revision C is often advertised as "Full Chip". Either will work with your car, but it is better to get a Revision C unit in case you need to work with a more modern car later.
It is always difficult to choose a Chinese vendor for this sort of thing, but look for a vendor with good feedback who seems to give some level of customer support.
The Actia interface (the hardware dongle) generally comes as "Revision B" or "Revision C". Revision C is often advertised as "Full Chip". Either will work with your car, but it is better to get a Revision C unit in case you need to work with a more modern car later.
It is always difficult to choose a Chinese vendor for this sort of thing, but look for a vendor with good feedback who seems to give some level of customer support.
-
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 16 Jan 2025, 22:23
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
It sure is.
I will try to find if anyone on internet posted pictures of PCB boards inside that are considered full chip.
Then I can just ask these sellers to send me original pictures and I can compare.
So far I figured some boards do have differences, easiest difference to spot is between Lite vs Full, as clearly Lite version of the board is I think sometimes just one board, or its missing like bazillion components on board.
Or for that matter, any version that is missing components, as in, it doesn't have all spaces on the board populated, can not be full version.
So that one is easy, but....
"Full Chip" seems to not always be the same, sometimes some minor changes are visible.
Hopefully I can find a picture of a board that is considered a best full chip clone and I can use it as a reference.
Well, onto researching more.
I will try to find if anyone on internet posted pictures of PCB boards inside that are considered full chip.
Then I can just ask these sellers to send me original pictures and I can compare.
So far I figured some boards do have differences, easiest difference to spot is between Lite vs Full, as clearly Lite version of the board is I think sometimes just one board, or its missing like bazillion components on board.
Or for that matter, any version that is missing components, as in, it doesn't have all spaces on the board populated, can not be full version.
So that one is easy, but....
"Full Chip" seems to not always be the same, sometimes some minor changes are visible.
Hopefully I can find a picture of a board that is considered a best full chip clone and I can use it as a reference.
Well, onto researching more.
Last edited by peug307 on 17 Jan 2025, 17:29, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 14003
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- x 3130
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
One supplier who have a good reputation is Easy Diagnostics. They will sell direct, and often sell out (which indicates what people think of their product).
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
-
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 16 Jan 2025, 22:23
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
Yup, trough researching I did notice many recommend them and I would have no problem buying from them, but atm I am not located in UK and also their shop seems to not have it atm.
-
- Donor 2024
- Posts: 221
- Joined: 07 May 2020, 09:19
- x 57
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
For a Peugeot 307 1.6 16v 109PS Tu5JP4, 2003 not the LEXIA 3, but the Planet 2000 is required.
The Diagbox - regardless of the software version - always contains 3 software packages:
1. diagbox software for PSA vehicles built after 2007.
2. LEXIA 3 software for Citroen models up to 2007
3. PLANET software for Peugeot models up to 2007
Which software is used depends on which laptop with which operating system is available.
There are native installations or VM versions if the laptop is suitable.
DIAGBOX 7.57 or 7.62 is ideal for a Peugeot 307 - higher versions do not make sense with DIAGBOX 7.xx. This requires a 32-bit Windows Pro operating system = XP prof or WIN 7 32-bit Pro.
The newer DIAGBOX 9.xxx is also suitable - newer software versions should be installed on WIN 10 64 bit pro or WIN 11.
A good full-chip interface is important.
Greetings Wolfgang
The Diagbox - regardless of the software version - always contains 3 software packages:
1. diagbox software for PSA vehicles built after 2007.
2. LEXIA 3 software for Citroen models up to 2007
3. PLANET software for Peugeot models up to 2007
Which software is used depends on which laptop with which operating system is available.
There are native installations or VM versions if the laptop is suitable.
DIAGBOX 7.57 or 7.62 is ideal for a Peugeot 307 - higher versions do not make sense with DIAGBOX 7.xx. This requires a 32-bit Windows Pro operating system = XP prof or WIN 7 32-bit Pro.
The newer DIAGBOX 9.xxx is also suitable - newer software versions should be installed on WIN 10 64 bit pro or WIN 11.
A good full-chip interface is important.
Greetings Wolfgang
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 11 Jan 2025, 01:59
- x 2
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
I agree that Lexia is confusing to buy!
I chose to buy someone’s Stephenson’s era steam powered laptop with Lexia software and all cables because I was so confused. Aside from having to wait for things to happen, and the laptop having only 10 or so minutes of battery life, I think it was a wise choice for me.
But the confusion doesn’t end even after purchase. I don’t find the software very intuitive.
Anyway, my real point was to ask about the different versions for the different car models.
Our current fleet of Peugeots is:
1983 505 (no OBD II port. Phew!),
1999 406 D9 HDi
2002 306 Cabriolet 2.0 100kw
2003 406 D9 HDi
2007 307 SW HDi 2.0 100kw
2011 3008 2.0 HDi 2.0 (the one with the expensive rear suspension system)
So, what’s the best version of software I should have, given the vast differences in year models and models themselves?
Thanks for your assistance in helping me know if I should look for an update to the software I currently have - 7.02 - and maybe where I should look.
Cheers
I chose to buy someone’s Stephenson’s era steam powered laptop with Lexia software and all cables because I was so confused. Aside from having to wait for things to happen, and the laptop having only 10 or so minutes of battery life, I think it was a wise choice for me.
But the confusion doesn’t end even after purchase. I don’t find the software very intuitive.
Anyway, my real point was to ask about the different versions for the different car models.
Our current fleet of Peugeots is:
1983 505 (no OBD II port. Phew!),
1999 406 D9 HDi
2002 306 Cabriolet 2.0 100kw
2003 406 D9 HDi
2007 307 SW HDi 2.0 100kw
2011 3008 2.0 HDi 2.0 (the one with the expensive rear suspension system)
So, what’s the best version of software I should have, given the vast differences in year models and models themselves?
Thanks for your assistance in helping me know if I should look for an update to the software I currently have - 7.02 - and maybe where I should look.
Cheers
-
- Forum Admin Team
- Posts: 9783
- Joined: 09 Nov 2005, 23:03
- x 985
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
If 7.02 talks happily with your newest vehicle, I would stick with that. You can go to 7.62, but not later.
-
- (Donor 2020)
- Posts: 7673
- Joined: 08 Jun 2011, 18:04
- x 2706
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
It confused the hell out of me when I had it and to be honest never found any advantage in owning one.
Got an alternative make here somewhere but last time I looked at it the plastic had all turned into a toffee consistency.
Got an alternative make here somewhere but last time I looked at it the plastic had all turned into a toffee consistency.
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. (Albert Einstein)
-
- Donor 2024
- Posts: 1497
- Joined: 30 Oct 2012, 23:37
- x 84
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
Quite a collection of Pug's, there!
It's not the most intuitive of software to use - or to install (the updates could be so very troublesome I found).
Modern after-market scanners are much, much easier to use but sadly don't cover the range of features of the PSA OEM software - at least, not without going for a top of the range professional Autel etc. at ~£2k and then potentially it might cover it all???
So, difficult as it is, worth persevering I'm afraid!
nb: I'm similar to you in that I'm running it on an (lovely condition and very nice bit of kit!) old Panasonic Toughbook running XP. Not fast, so you need patience!
I think from memory I'm running 7.62 - believe I got the updates for two versions after that, but was never able to install them, even with easydiagnostics help.
Also one thing to note - worse still than any clunkiness of the software, is that you can have all the right kit and still find yourself unable to talk to some pre-OBD cars (not sure if just citroen specific?) because from what I recall, the pre-OBD 30-pin diagnostic ports weren't wired up standard for some reason and so the OBD2-30 pin adaptor cables need to be 'bespoke'
My 96 Activa falls into this category (I have two different adaptor cables and neither works for seeing every ECU - I am going to 'modify' one, when I get round to putting that car back on the road...)
It's not the most intuitive of software to use - or to install (the updates could be so very troublesome I found).
Modern after-market scanners are much, much easier to use but sadly don't cover the range of features of the PSA OEM software - at least, not without going for a top of the range professional Autel etc. at ~£2k and then potentially it might cover it all???
So, difficult as it is, worth persevering I'm afraid!
nb: I'm similar to you in that I'm running it on an (lovely condition and very nice bit of kit!) old Panasonic Toughbook running XP. Not fast, so you need patience!
I think from memory I'm running 7.62 - believe I got the updates for two versions after that, but was never able to install them, even with easydiagnostics help.
Also one thing to note - worse still than any clunkiness of the software, is that you can have all the right kit and still find yourself unable to talk to some pre-OBD cars (not sure if just citroen specific?) because from what I recall, the pre-OBD 30-pin diagnostic ports weren't wired up standard for some reason and so the OBD2-30 pin adaptor cables need to be 'bespoke'

Last edited by wurlycorner on 08 Feb 2025, 15:40, edited 1 time in total.
--
Iain
'85 CX GTi Turbo s1 (met. blue)
2x '85 CX GTi Turbo s2 t1 (met. silver & grey)
'88 CX GTi Turbo s2 T2 (met. light blue)
CX DTR T2 Safari (silver)
2x '96 Xantia Activa (Black & met. green)
'01 C5 2.0 HDi LX Estate (Blue)
'11 C5 X7 3.0 V6 Exclusive Tourer
Iain
'85 CX GTi Turbo s1 (met. blue)
2x '85 CX GTi Turbo s2 t1 (met. silver & grey)
'88 CX GTi Turbo s2 T2 (met. light blue)
CX DTR T2 Safari (silver)
2x '96 Xantia Activa (Black & met. green)
'01 C5 2.0 HDi LX Estate (Blue)
'11 C5 X7 3.0 V6 Exclusive Tourer
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 7425
- Joined: 07 May 2009, 16:24
- x 1477
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
I first stopped at ver 7.57. This worked on everything I tried on my 2013 C5 X7. This was a little more problematic for our 2015 Mk2 Peugeot 308 as it didn't autodetect the type of Engine ECU and I had to manually choose the correct one from a list. Not too onerous and I was able to do everything I wanted (bar one) on the Pug including code in a replacement diesel fuel injector.
The one thing it wouldn't do was to add a new key fob*, something I had no problem doing on the X7. I moved up to ver 7.58 in the hope that the key problem would go away but it didn't. I stopped at that point. So, as your latest vehicle is 2011, I would suggest 7.57 would be sufficient. If you buy another newer vehicle then just see what actually works before upgrading.
*I was able to add the key using my Xtool D8W which I bought last year.
The one thing it wouldn't do was to add a new key fob*, something I had no problem doing on the X7. I moved up to ver 7.58 in the hope that the key problem would go away but it didn't. I stopped at that point. So, as your latest vehicle is 2011, I would suggest 7.57 would be sufficient. If you buy another newer vehicle then just see what actually works before upgrading.
*I was able to add the key using my Xtool D8W which I bought last year.
As I get older I think a lot about the hereafter - I go into a room and then wonder what I'm here after.
Inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened.
"Trying is the first step towards failure" ~ Homer J Simpson
Inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened.
"Trying is the first step towards failure" ~ Homer J Simpson
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 11 Jan 2025, 01:59
- x 2
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
Thanks for your replies. I didn’t get any notifications of replies, so I apologise for my late response. (I’ll have to see what setting I missed for why I didn’t get any notifications.)
Why can’t I go beyond 7.62? (I’m not arguing with you, I’m trying to find out why.)
Long story short, after the air con compressor died 2 years ago, I did every check I possibly could to ensure I was getting the correct replacement. The supplier did even more checks. Yes, this is the correct compressor for your VIN. It wasn’t. The mounting holes didn’t align. The electrical connections weren’t the same. A friend with a background in electronics and his dad who is a Royal Australian Navy trained electronics technician said that they’d fix those connections and give me power to the compressor. When they finished and gave me back the car, the wipers didn’t work, the electric windows worked only when the engine was running, the cabin fan didn’t work, there was no accessories position on the ignition switch, and about 5 other problems. And I didn’t have power to the air con compressor. No one can find the problem with the cabin fan. And that means that the air con doesn’t work. Two Australian summers with no air con! Lexia found the problem with the cabin fan in less than 5 minutes. The car is off to an air conditioning place in the morning, Aussie time, for the fan and the air con to get fixed, but he’s taking the car only because I have located the fault. Joy! And yes, that was the short version.
In a way, I want to put a small SSD into the old computer, but then I wonder about throwing good money after bad. I’m finding it bad enough having to have any Windows machine in the house; I don’t want to spend more money on it.
What is ‘easydiagnostics’?
And you might need to do that modification in order to get that car back on the road.
I haven’t tried reading anything with the software on the 3008, or the 306 cabriolet, or the later 406. I’ll need to get to them soon as they each have at least one problem that I know about. I can look forward to find out what other problems await me when I get to plug those cars in. If I’m brave enough.
Thanks for all of your collective wisdom. I hope my reply hasn’t been too long or too confusing. If I haven’t been clear, please ask me.
Thanks again.
I haven’t tried my setup with the 3008 yet. It’s my wife’s car and I’m not sure if she trusts me enough to let me loose with that!xantia_v6 wrote: 07 Feb 2025, 23:57 If 7.02 talks happily with your newest vehicle, I would stick with that. You can go to 7.62, but not later.
Why can’t I go beyond 7.62? (I’m not arguing with you, I’m trying to find out why.)
Here’s the first advantage I discovered. I’ve located the problem with the cabin fan (heater fan?) in my early 406 using this software. Prior to this software, 3 mechanics and at least 4, possibly 5, auto electricians have failed to find the problem.
Long story short, after the air con compressor died 2 years ago, I did every check I possibly could to ensure I was getting the correct replacement. The supplier did even more checks. Yes, this is the correct compressor for your VIN. It wasn’t. The mounting holes didn’t align. The electrical connections weren’t the same. A friend with a background in electronics and his dad who is a Royal Australian Navy trained electronics technician said that they’d fix those connections and give me power to the compressor. When they finished and gave me back the car, the wipers didn’t work, the electric windows worked only when the engine was running, the cabin fan didn’t work, there was no accessories position on the ignition switch, and about 5 other problems. And I didn’t have power to the air con compressor. No one can find the problem with the cabin fan. And that means that the air con doesn’t work. Two Australian summers with no air con! Lexia found the problem with the cabin fan in less than 5 minutes. The car is off to an air conditioning place in the morning, Aussie time, for the fan and the air con to get fixed, but he’s taking the car only because I have located the fault. Joy! And yes, that was the short version.
Too many Pugs is never enough.

Thanks for the warning.
Apparently, life was not as fast paced as it is today. People had more time.wurlycorner wrote: nb: I'm similar to you in that I'm running it on an (lovely condition and very nice bit of kit!) old Panasonic Toughbook running XP. Not fast, so you need patience!
I think from memory I'm running 7.62 - believe I got the updates for two versions after that, but was never able to install them, even with easydiagnostics help.

In a way, I want to put a small SSD into the old computer, but then I wonder about throwing good money after bad. I’m finding it bad enough having to have any Windows machine in the house; I don’t want to spend more money on it.
What is ‘easydiagnostics’?
Of course it is Citroën specific. Why do you even need to ask?wurlycorner wrote: 08 Feb 2025, 14:31Also one thing to note - worse still than any clunkiness of the software, is that you can have all the right kit and still find yourself unable to talk to some pre-OBD cars (not sure if just citroen specific?) because from what I recall, the pre-OBD 30-pin diagnostic ports weren't wired up standard for some reason and so the OBD2-30 pin adaptor cables need to be 'bespoke'My 96 Activa falls into this category (I have two different adaptor cables and neither works for seeing every ECU - I am going to 'modify' one, when I get round to putting that car back on the road...)

And you might need to do that modification in order to get that car back on the road.
It’s interesting that you talk about not autodetecting engine ECUs correctly. On both the early 406 and the 307, I repeatedly get messages like ECU failed to load correctly. It isn’t just the engine ECU, though. It is most of the ECUs it tries to read. Maybe even all or them, but without having the information in front of me, I wouldn’t want to say that categorically.Paul-R wrote: 08 Feb 2025, 15:38 I first stopped at ver 7.57. This worked on everything I tried on my 2013 C5 X7. This was a little more problematic for our 2015 Mk2 Peugeot 308 as it didn't autodetect the type of Engine ECU and I had to manually choose the correct one from a list. Not too onerous and I was able to do everything I wanted (bar one) on the Pug including code in a replacement diesel fuel injector.
The one thing it wouldn't do was to add a new key fob*, something I had no problem doing on the X7. I moved up to ver 7.58 in the hope that the key problem would go away but it didn't. I stopped at that point. So, as your latest vehicle is 2011, I would suggest 7.57 would be sufficient. If you buy another newer vehicle then just see what actually works before upgrading.
*I was able to add the key using my Xtool D8W which I bought last year.
I haven’t tried reading anything with the software on the 3008, or the 306 cabriolet, or the later 406. I’ll need to get to them soon as they each have at least one problem that I know about. I can look forward to find out what other problems await me when I get to plug those cars in. If I’m brave enough.
Thanks for all of your collective wisdom. I hope my reply hasn’t been too long or too confusing. If I haven’t been clear, please ask me.
Thanks again.
-
- (Donor 2020)
- Posts: 7673
- Joined: 08 Jun 2011, 18:04
- x 2706
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. (Albert Einstein)
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 11 Jan 2025, 01:59
- x 2
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
Thanks! It sounds expensive. Is it?
-
- (Donor 2020)
- Posts: 7673
- Joined: 08 Jun 2011, 18:04
- x 2706
Re: Lexia3 is confusing to buy
It seems to have started out as a bedroom enthusiast for Citroen and cloned Lexia, was good at it and built up a following but looking at the new website it looks as though he's gone legit and moved into other stuff.
Looking at the company address on Google Earth it seems to be just a house on a former council estate.
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. (Albert Einstein)