Engine Immobiliser Locked Out

[AliB]

Update. I have taken the battery out, brought it home and given it a 24 hours recharge. On replacing the battery the Immobiliser light is still illuminated.

 

I purchased an ELM327 ODBII scanner and have downloaded the Multiecuscan free software.

The software runs fine in simulation mode and recognises the scanner.

When connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port I am unable to get the software to communicate with the ECU.

 

The software gives the following choices:

 

Ducato Type 250 2.3 Multijet with Bosch EDC1639 CF4/EOBD

 

Ducato Type 250 Facelift 2.3 Multijet

Which then gives the choice of either the

Marelli 8F3 CF5/EOBD or

Bosch EDC1639 CF4/EOBD

 

I have tried all combinations and still get the error message that the scanner is unable to communicate with the ECU.

 

Yesterday I decided enough is enough and called caravanGuard with whom I have breakdown cover. Explained the fault to them on the phone and they confirmed if the vehicle had to be taken to a specialist or Fiat dealer they were aware of the size and weight of the vehicle.

This was sub contracted out to a local recovery firm who turned up in a small vehicle.

The driver of which said he had no diagnostic equipment. He sprayed Easy Start into the air intake. The engine started and ran for about 30 seconds. The Rev counter did not move. That was it. He said there was nothing else he could do and had no instructions to transport the vehicle to a dealer.

Complaining to Caravan Guard they were very apologetic and said that should not have happened. The recovery service should either have started the vehicle or transported to a garage. If I book the vehicle into a gaarge of my choice Caravan Guard will arrange for it to be transported. I will arrange that for later this week when I can sneak of work.

Hopefully the next report will be better news.

 

[Brambles]

You have to set up the correct comms port to use for the reader. I suspect you have not done this.

Run program and go into settings with your scanner connected to USB port and there is a test function.

Also when in vehicle make sure ignition is switched on.

 

edit --- I would think being 2008 model this is the one you need .. Ducato Type 250 2.3 Multijet with Bosch EDC1639 CF4/EOBD

 

 

[AliB]

Thanks Brambles. There is a function that allows you to scan for attached devices. This comes up with ELM 327 1.3 at 38400bps on Com 3. Even although the device is ELM 327 1.4 I have also tried a baud rate of 9600.

It runs fine in simulation mode with just the scanner connected connected to the laptop.

When connected to the vehicle the ignition was turned on after plugging in the ELM 327, and then trying to connect from the software.

I notice within the literature there are 3 different type of adapter cables - same connectors different pin-outs. The correct cable would depend on whether I have a Ducato 250 or the Ducato Facelift 250.

I still don't know how to ascertain which one I have.

 

http://multiecuscan.com/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx.

[Steve928]

AliB - 2014-04-01 9:21 AM

He sprayed Easy Start into the air intake.

 

What a complete moron - he shouldn't be let loose around modern vehicles.

 

 

[Steve928]

AliB - 2014-04-01 10:56 AM

 

Thanks Brambles. There is a function that allows you to scan for attached devices. This comes up with ELM 327 1.3 at 38400bps on Com 3. Even although the device is ELM 327 1.4 I have also tried a baud rate of 9600.

It runs fine in simulation mode with just the scanner connected connected to the laptop.

When connected to the vehicle the ignition was turned on after plugging in the ELM 327, and then trying to connect from the software.

I notice within the literature there are 3 different type of adapter cables - same connectors different pin-outs. The correct cable would depend on whether I have a Ducato 250 or the Ducato Facelift 250.

I still don't know how to ascertain which one I have.

 

http://multiecuscan.com/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx.

 

With respect Ali you should have gone for the self-contained oODB scanner as then non-communication with the ECU would have helped identify the problem. By introducing other possible causes of non-communication (cables, ports, version, speeds..) you have I'm afraid only complicated matters.

[AliB]

Brambles - 2014-04-01 9:55 AM

.

 

edit --- I would think being 2008 model this is the one you need .. Ducato Type 250 2.3 Multijet with Bosch EDC1639 CF4/EOBD

 

 

In that case it looks like the standard cable ELM as highlighted in green should work.

[Brambles]

Try changing the com port -- Are you getting flashing lights on the module when you try to connect?

[AliB]

Brambles - 2014-04-01 11:33 AM

 

Try changing the com port -- Are you getting flashing lights on the module when you try to connect?

 

Yup flashing lights. I will try and get to the vehicle after work this evening to have one last attempt.

[Brambles]

I am currently setting up on a netbook and will see what settings work.

[AliB]

Steve928 - 2014-04-01 11:01 AM

 

 

With respect Ali you should have gone for the self-contained oODB scanner as then non-communication with the ECU would have helped identify the problem. By introducing other possible causes of non-communication (cables, ports, version, speeds..) you have I'm afraid only complicated matters.

 

I know what you mean Steve. But one must make one's decisions in life and stick by them!

 

If there was no power to the ECU, it would be dead and hence not allow communications with a scanner. Does that sound like a theory worth following?

[Brambles]

ELM 327 1.3+

38400 baud

COM 4

 

( gosh my wife's netbook is slow and needs cleaning up of junk)

 

Failed to connect on com 3.

Went back in and reselected com4. Connected when trying again.

Click on test - all responses OK.

 

Test at 9600 baud - Failed - timed out

Test again at 38400 - OK.

[Brambles]

AliB - 2014-04-01 11:39 AM

 

Steve928 - 2014-04-01 11:01 AM

 

 

With respect Ali you should have gone for the self-contained oODB scanner as then non-communication with the ECU would have helped identify the problem. By introducing other possible causes of non-communication (cables, ports, version, speeds..) you have I'm afraid only complicated matters.

 

I know what you mean Steve. But one must make one's decisions in life and stick by them!

 

If there was no power to the ECU, it would be dead and hence not allow communications with a scanner. Does that sound like a theory worth following?

 

Could be Ali, if Management system is dead.

Make sure when you try to connect the ELM flashes its lights. That shows you at least have Laptop communicating with the ELM interface. The other thing is make sure connector is in far enough on OBD connector.

[AliB]

Yesterday I arrange for the vehicle to be recovered. Good service from Caravan Guard, turned up within 60 minutes and said they would take it to the garage of my choice.

First place I contacted was a company that specialises in ECU and Immobiliser repair. They said as it was a Fiat Ducato they could only take out the ECU and Immobiliser and take them to a Fiat Dealer for reprogramming or replacement. It would be cheaper going directly to a Fiat Dealer. A second diagnostic specialist said it would need either the ECU and/or Immob replaced. Their charge for parts were more than Fiat's.

Fiat Clemo in Cleakheaton could not help as their diagnostic equipment was broken and they were waiting for someone to come next week and diagnose what was wrong with their diagnostic equipment!

So it ended up at Northern Commercials in Brighouse. It is now fixed, a new ECU. Not cheap.

I'll have to cycle over to Brighouse to collect it.

 

Thanks all for your help and advise.

 

[AliB]

Probing into the cause of the ECU failure Northern Commercials informed me a corroded pin connector was the problem. Further investigation revealed that a seal on the ECU had not been properly fitted.

I contacted Fiat and argued that this was a manufacturing fault and not wear and tear. In the end they agreed to instruct NC to complete the job as a warranty claim. This covered the cost of the new ECU with fitting. A satisfying result from Fiat and very much appreciated.

I was left with 2 hours labour to pay to NC. This covered NC’s diagnostic work to identify the fault. At first I though this to be rather long to identify a faulty ECU. Their diagnostic equipment showed a communication error. As Nick stated earlier there is a good chance this is due to a faulty wiring loom so they “belled” out the cables before resorting to fitting a new ECU.

The only downside was that the vehicle was held by NC until the claim was approved.

It was completed on the Thursday before Easter. Just in time to consider a late getaway for a few days. No chance, house problems next on the agenda.Woke up the next day to find water dripping through the kitchen ceiling. A leaking water pipe and now the kitchen ceiling is on the kitchen floor and the motorhome is standing idle on the driveway.

 

 

[pete ducato]

anyone know of a mobile auto electrician in or near Brighton - who can deal with issue as described with ECU/Imobiliser

 

I cant tow it to local dealer as it is stuck in a carpark! (!)

[PJay]

pete ducato - 2016-06-15 9:44 AM

 

anyone know of a mobile auto electrician in or near Brighton - who can deal with issue as described with ECU/Imobiliser

 

I cant tow it to local dealer as it is stuck in a carpark! (!)

 

Try google for fiat mobile in say Sussex or Hampshire, or contact your Fiat commercial garage. We use Adams Morley in Portsmouth, OR if you are in AA/Rac I would contact them ASAP

PJay