Recommend an OBD2-ECU device for Citroën C4 Picasso 1.6HDi (2008) ?

[Sparxz]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone please recommend an OBD2-ECU device to read, do some diagnostics,
and clear codes for a Citroën C4 Picasso 1.6HDi (2008) ?
I have watched so many videos on youtube, and none the wiser.

In particular, currently I am trying to monitor and clear DPF faults.

I usually buy old cars(at least 10yrs old), and do not need anything that is for new cars, or hybrids, EV.

There must be something ?

Thanks.

[cit-rotti]

Only the Diagbox (LEXIA) with the stable software 7.57 or alternatively 7.62 is really useful for hobby mechanics for PSA vehicles up to approx. 2015.
Then everything can be read/deleted and changed via offline diagnostics - with the exception of online updates for control units.

With a proper full-chip interface, all PSA models can be diagnosed. And the interface can then be used later for higher-level software (Diagbox 9.xxx).

A laptop with dual processor and Window XP prof. 32 bit or WIN 7 Pro 32 bit is required for the Diagbox software 7.57.

For Diagbox Software 9.xxx, WIN10 pro 64 bit with appropriate performance should preferably be available.

Recommendation:
The software version should be selected depending on the laptop available. Older vehicles can of course also be diagnosed with a higher software version. However, the 7 software is particularly stable and unaltered - but only works up to 2015.
Depending on the laptop performance, there are VM installations or native installations.

VM software is usually available free of charge online. Native installations are sometimes free of charge or for an activation fee.

Greetings Wolfgang

[Sparxz]

Hi Wolfgang,

Thanks so much. Found a link to download Diagbox from the berlingoforum.com forum. Downloading now.
Look forward to trying this out.

When I was looking for "Diagnostic Tool Lexia 3 Full Chip V7.83 OBD", the cheapest I found was €118 on Amazon.co.uk.
I have a cheap bluetooth OBD2 device to connect to Android.

But there must be something surely, that works with the "Lexia 3 Full Chip" that costs less than €118 ?

Thanks

[cit-rotti]

Bluetooth OBD2 devices can very rarely do more than read out the standard ECU, delete errors there and make a few changes. If this is enough for you, you will be fine. This can also be very useful for deleting errors in the standard ECU when travelling.

However, most vehicles from 2008 usually have 20-30 ECUs - newer vehicles have even more, of course - and these can only ever be diagnosed with the respective company-specific software. Even high-quality diagnostic tools from Bosch/Gutmann (3000-5000€) etc., which can be used by workshops, can do a lot but not everything.
In the case of Citroen, this is the Diagbox for a 2008 model.
Cheap VCIs are usually a problem - 11 out of 10 VCIs usually do not work properly - especially with software from firmware 4.3.0 (AB Diagbox 6.xx).
The Danes buy their Chinese clones from
https://lifafadenmark.com/
and are very satisfied - I don't think that around €100-120 is particularly expensive - good manual tools always have their price.
Free or cheap, proper software with installation videos can be found, for example, at
https://guiapsa.foroactivo.com/login
With the purchase of a VCI you usually get suitable software.

Greetings Wolfgang

[rocco]

I couldn't figure out the Diagbox/Lexia/VCI stuff so I bought a Topdon device which, like Wolfgang has said, is good enough to read and clear fault codes. I definately paid more than €120 for it too. I just seemed less pfaffing about a laptop and it should work with a lot of other cars too.

[CitROeNALD]

Further to the opening post:

I have a C4 Grand Spacetourer (2018). As it's getting on for 7 years old now, I really would like the ability to check the car data/diagnostics without being charged extortionate amounts from the garage.

I assume the most comprehensive solution is setting up the diagbox. From the info above I would need a full-chip interface, and software (Diagbox 9.xxx)? Or am I mistaken.

1) Does this mean I need to download the correct/latest software
2) Acquire the cabling and interface box (is that what is meant by full chip interface?).

Is there a comprehensive guide as to equipment sourcing and set-up? I can find bits of information here and there, but I am not sure how out of date some of it is, especially for newer model cars.

I'm pretty computer literate, so I'm sure I can manage, but I like to be sure of the information source.

Failing that, although I understand most OBD2 readers don't give all the information with modern proprietary ECU's etc, but, are there certain reader brands/models that are known to work well with citroen, especially at a competitive price point?

Thanks

[cit-rotti]

Further to the opening post:

I have a C4 Grand Spacetourer (2018). As it's getting on for 7 years old now, I really would like the ability to check the car data/diagnostics without being charged extortionate amounts from the garage.

I assume the most comprehensive solution is setting up the diagbox. From the info above I would need a full-chip interface, and software (Diagbox 9.xxx)? Or am I mistaken.

1) Does this mean I need to download the correct/latest software
2) Acquire the cabling and interface box (is that what is meant by full chip interface?).

Is there a comprehensive guide as to equipment sourcing and set-up? I can find bits of information here and there, but I am not sure how out of date some of it is, especially for newer model cars.

I'm pretty computer literate, so I'm sure I can manage, but I like to be sure of the information source.

Failing that, although I understand most OBD2 readers don't give all the information with modern proprietary ECU's etc, but, are there certain reader brands/models that are known to work well with citroen, especially at a competitive price point?

Thanks

Everything is correct:
A 2018 model requires the Diagbox 9.xxx.
The decision whether to install a VM installation or a native version depends on the laptop you have available.
The problem with a 9.xxx installation lies in the variety of versions offered. They all claim that their version has all the elements of the original software. But this is not true - most of them steal a software version from somewhere and copy some new features and then claim to be up-to-date.

The higher the software, the more up-to-date it is and newer vehicles/ECUs are recognised.
As a VM version, 9.68, which was stolen from the native installation 9.68 by MrRorry (50€ activation costs), was very stable - but only lasts until 2021.
Currently, the native version 9.216 (activation 15€) is probably a reasonable installation.
But there are many free native and VM versions. If necessary, you have to try and reinstall.
The only important thing is a good VCI - the rest can always be solved.
See my tip:
The Danes buy their Chinese clones from
https://lifafadenmark.com/
and are very satisfied - I don't think that around €100-120 is particularly expensive - good tools always come at a price.
Free or cheap, proper software with installation videos can be found, for example, at
https://guiapsa.foroactivo.com/login

Greetings Wolfgang