Are you facing the frustrating issue of your car scanner failing to connect to your car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit)? This problem is more common than you might think, especially with certain car models. If you drive a Peugeot, particularly an e-208 or similar models from around 2020, you might be encountering a specific connectivity challenge that many owners have faced. Let’s delve into why your OBD2 scanner might be struggling to establish a connection and explore a potential solution that could save you time and a trip to the mechanic.
One of the primary reasons a car scanner fails to connect is due to communication protocol mismatches or physical connection issues. Modern cars use various communication protocols, and older OBD2 scanners might not be compatible with all of them right out of the box. In the case of some Peugeot vehicles, it has been observed that they initially utilized a non-standard implementation for their diagnostic bus, which could prevent standard OBD2 scanners from connecting to the ECU without modification.
However, there’s good news for Peugeot owners! It appears that a software update has been rolled out to address this very issue. According to user reports, a recent update has integrated the Peugeot diagnostic bus onto the standard OBD2 pins. This means that after the update, your off-the-shelf OBD2 scanner might just work without any extra adapters.
To check if your car has received this update, the first step is to ensure your car’s software is up to date. While the original poster recommends checking your car’s app for updates, a more general approach would be to visit your Peugeot dealer or service center and inquire about any available software updates for your vehicle, specifically mentioning OBD2 connectivity improvements.
If, after ensuring your software is updated, you still find that your car scanner won’t connect to the ECU, the next step is to consider the adapter cable solution. Before the software update, many Peugeot owners, and potentially you, needed a custom adapter cable to bridge the connection gap. This cable essentially reroutes the necessary signals from the Peugeot-specific pins to the standard OBD2 pins that your scanner expects.
The user in the original forum post shared their wiring configuration for a DIY adapter cable, which could be helpful if you are comfortable with basic electronics and wiring. However, it is crucial to proceed with caution and verify these connections for your specific vehicle model and year. Incorrect wiring can potentially damage your car’s ECU or your scanner.
Here’s the wiring diagram they used, but remember to double-check its compatibility with your car:
- Pin 1 Car (Switched 12v) to Pin 16 OBD dongle (+12v): This provides power to the OBD2 scanner when the car is on.
- Pin 3 Car (CAN High Peugeot) to Pin 6 OBD dongle (CAN High J-2284): This connects the CAN High communication lines.
- Pin 4 Car (Chassis ground, 0v) to Pin 4 OBD dongle (Chassis ground, 0v): This establishes the ground connection.
- Pin 8 Car (CAN Low Peugeot) to Pin 14 OBD dongle (CAN Low J-2284): This connects the CAN Low communication lines.
It’s also worth noting the OBD2 adapters mentioned in the original post: the Vgate icar pro and a generic ELM327 clone. These are commonly used and relatively affordable options that are worth trying once you have addressed the connection issue, either through the software update or the adapter cable.
In conclusion, if your car scanner won’t connect to your Peugeot’s ECU, don’t panic. First, check for software updates for your car, as this might be the simplest solution. If that doesn’t work, carefully consider the DIY adapter cable option, ensuring you verify the wiring is correct for your vehicle. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose your car effectively and get back on the road with confidence. Remember to always prioritize safety and double-check all connections before attempting any DIY solutions on your vehicle’s electrical system.
