party monkey wrote:

Here's the questions....

1) Are these bits of kit simply diagnostic? I.e - they read and can clear fault codes. I get that bit. Do they actually enable you to 'tweak' the ECU in any way, i.e to improve MPG, torque, drivability etc etc.
Maybe some do and some don't - can you tell me which do and which don't - at the mo, I get the impression that BBS seem to do stuff that's 'tweakable' but Scangauge for example is exactly that - a gauge.

2) If I were to buy one and lets assume I cannot or chose not to tweak the ECU, what value to me is there in being able to clear fault codes? Other than the dealer/indy garage doesn't do it and charge me for it. Am I right in thinking that If I decipher the codes, I can work out which are serious and need attention and which ones are insignificant and can be simply cleared.

3) Once say a minor fault is logged in the ECU, does this adversley affect the running of the engine? So is there a point at which the ECU triggers some kind of 'safe mode' for the engine as it's built up a collection of fault codes.

4) Most people talk about the diagnostic kit on these forums for the PUMA's. Is it fair to say that all the makes mentioned above would work on Td5's or at least there is a Td5 variant ?

5) Presumably, they are just plug and play? I've seen what looks like the diagnostic connector on mine just under the cubby box on the near side.

6) Based on what you can see from my lack of knowledge, and accept this is a difficult question to answer, do you think I'd get value for money in having one of these bits of kit , if so, which one is the best alrounder or shall I just give up and accept I'm a numpty and pay a nice man to sort it ?

7) Why the bl**dy hell didn't I buy a 200tdi !

Rather embarrassed so go easy on me please

I'll answer what I can, these opinions are just mine so please remember that

1. I have a scangauge and a nanocom, the scangauge lives on the dash permanently connected to the OBDII port in the fusebox ( I have a Puma). This allows me to view things like mpg, air/coolant temps etc. It also shows and allows reseting of faultcodes, though not all of them. It will however allow you to see what illuminated the MIL light and allow you to choose whether or not you call out LR assist or just book the vehicle into the dealer yourself. Now a point to note is that if you clear the fault it will disappear from the ECU memory and when LR plug in there machine it will not show as you have basically deleted it by reseting it. I find the scangauge a handy little tool for everyday use as it gives you additional gauges which are standard in most cars.
The nanocom is a different type of Diagnostic equipment as it allows you into these four modules:

Puma/Td5 engine: Fault reading and clearing, Injector coding, Live feed from engine systems ie: EGR,MAF,Engine speed, engine torque, coolant temp ( cylinder head), engine load etc,etc.

Instrument cluster: Fault reading and clearing, live data on instrument settings

10AS alarm module: Inputs function to allow you too see all the parameters monitored ie: drivers door, drivers key, bonnet, volumetric sensors. The ability to code new fobs, to disable the immobiliser etc.

WABCO ABS: Fault reading and clearing, inputs and outputs of ABS sensors, Allows power and modulator bleeds and allows testing of each wheel sensor, brake and pump relay voltages etc.

There is more to these modules than I have listed but you should get the idea. The fact it allows you basically to turn things on and off which aids you in fault finding is invaluable IMHO.

2. Yes. Dgardel has them uploaded HERE

3. Only certain faults trigger the MIL light or the MIL and limp home mode. The ECU will keep a record of all other faults until cleared.

4. Scangauge doesn't work on Td5, nanocom has a Td5 variant.

5. Yes, once the unit is plugged into the OBDII socket it boots up.

6. I looked at both the Nanocom and the BBS MSV, for me for the money the Nanocom in my opinion won the day for what modules were included in the price.

7. What you should really be asking yourself is why you didn't buy a PUMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nothing to be embarrassed about, that's why forums are here, whether you take the advice given or not.


HTH Brian.

Merlin wrote:

Hi Lorryman100, how do you keep your Scangauge connected? I've tried driving with the Nanocom plugged in but the cable hangs down a bit. Also you have to remove the cover.

Merlin