OP
OP
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- The Urban Fringe
Which OBD black box did you buy, Foss?
Car D.I.Y.
- Thread starter Drago
- Start date
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fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Kingbolen Ediag Elite, about £80. Amazon. Someone on the VX forum recommended as it works with the Combo Life (the smaller Berlingo/Rifter version) but it seems the Vivaro C isn't in most databases as VX didn't switch to the PSA van until 2019 - been about since 2016. My issue was this 'gateway' some PSA and other manufacturers have introduced. Looks like mine isn't affected - couldn't get an answer on the internet at all.
Would have gone for a screen type, as before (cost/risk wouldn't work), but this does a hell of a lot of stuff, and I risked the 'investment' rather than go the dealers for a pad change having an electronic handbrake - I'd rather do brakes etc myself as I can clean the calipers up properly - a garage wouldn't. It's a bluetooth gizmo and did it's stuff with my Samsung phone. I've not needed anything clever before - my old Nissan was sort of basic, but I needed general engine/airbag fault detection etc. gadget that I had until it got broken. Never used one on MrsF's Qashqai - it's a 2012, never been plugged in, it just works.
It seems to do a lot of stuff, like you can test up and down on windows - checks it's not a 'switch issue', and the handbrake test was very useful - I was outside the car next to the wheel - they are quite noisy - don't really hear it in the car. ZZZZZ Umph.
I wasn't messing about too much as I'm tagging along on the van being something else - TBH, the Software in the vans are the same - think it's just logo's on screens TBH then subs to Vauxhall connect, which is pointless in this van - live traffic - already use google.
I've seen a few reviews and there has been alot done with the gadget on VW.Audi. You aren't getting into the VAG level stuff like my son does on his laptop - making the dials sweep when they didn't or changing start up logo.
The only thing it doesn't do, that I'd like, is an ad-blue reset, but, I'm already using Wynns Crystal Clear to keep any crystallisation issues at bay - it's like £8 a shot with an ad-blue top up, but if you buy the truck sized, you get 3x shots for a few pence more.... I'm not driving enough to worry about cost, but would rather add this stuff as well to protect the 'system' as the car stands alot.
Would have gone for a screen type, as before (cost/risk wouldn't work), but this does a hell of a lot of stuff, and I risked the 'investment' rather than go the dealers for a pad change having an electronic handbrake - I'd rather do brakes etc myself as I can clean the calipers up properly - a garage wouldn't. It's a bluetooth gizmo and did it's stuff with my Samsung phone. I've not needed anything clever before - my old Nissan was sort of basic, but I needed general engine/airbag fault detection etc. gadget that I had until it got broken. Never used one on MrsF's Qashqai - it's a 2012, never been plugged in, it just works.
It seems to do a lot of stuff, like you can test up and down on windows - checks it's not a 'switch issue', and the handbrake test was very useful - I was outside the car next to the wheel - they are quite noisy - don't really hear it in the car. ZZZZZ Umph.
I wasn't messing about too much as I'm tagging along on the van being something else - TBH, the Software in the vans are the same - think it's just logo's on screens TBH then subs to Vauxhall connect, which is pointless in this van - live traffic - already use google.
I've seen a few reviews and there has been alot done with the gadget on VW.Audi. You aren't getting into the VAG level stuff like my son does on his laptop - making the dials sweep when they didn't or changing start up logo.
The only thing it doesn't do, that I'd like, is an ad-blue reset, but, I'm already using Wynns Crystal Clear to keep any crystallisation issues at bay - it's like £8 a shot with an ad-blue top up, but if you buy the truck sized, you get 3x shots for a few pence more.... I'm not driving enough to worry about cost, but would rather add this stuff as well to protect the 'system' as the car stands alot.
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fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
The warnings didn't half 'ship' me up, from the van's dial display (not the bigger screen) - loads of warnings as I tested the handbrake, but that would happen as it's active protection systems would shut off during test as it disables ABS etc. as the engine has to be running. It was a shock at first especially as I was pretending to be another vehicle.... 
. Worked in the end, a few kg lighter in sweat, but it's all re-activated OK.
Why the fluff is a VAN so complicated ? At least the 'bits', and proper bits, are cheap.
. Worked in the end, a few kg lighter in sweat, but it's all re-activated OK.Why the fluff is a VAN so complicated ? At least the 'bits', and proper bits, are cheap.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
It took a few month's for MrsF's new pads to bed in across the disk surface as the disks were good, especially at the back (time wise).
My new front's are about 90% there bedded in (changed over a month ago but my driving is distance or not much local), but the disks are getting a better finish than before - I don't brake hard, and I've had the van a year, previous owner did 30k in 2 years then about 5k in a year. I think a lot of people never think of jet washing or cleaning near brakes/wheels on cars and that's why disks and pads end up in a bad state. My old Nissan did 150k miles on one set of disks - lovely braking surface.
My new front's are about 90% there bedded in (changed over a month ago but my driving is distance or not much local), but the disks are getting a better finish than before - I don't brake hard, and I've had the van a year, previous owner did 30k in 2 years then about 5k in a year. I think a lot of people never think of jet washing or cleaning near brakes/wheels on cars and that's why disks and pads end up in a bad state. My old Nissan did 150k miles on one set of disks - lovely braking surface.
OP
OP
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- The Urban Fringe
Ive currently got Carista. ITs excellent, but limited to VW and the annual subscription grates. ICarsoft v4.0,ismon the way and ill flog the Carista dongle on the can club site.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Got to see what works, and my van is in a grey area because it wasn't the initial Citroen/Peugeot/Toyota investment, all the parts are stamped with the three logo's - it's funny, but it makes parts (and genuine ones) good value. I'd get a better reader if the suppliers knew it worked, but this has just saved me at least an hour's labour at a garage and premium charges for OEM pads (covered it's cost), and I have something again that can help out family. The error messages were a WORRY ! FFS.....
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Nothing has fallen off and the computer is happy. Phew.
gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
I've nearly given up on Euro Cae Parts, tgeir prices are simply not cheap anymore...
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
Drivers side rear stop tail bulb stopped working on the brake side fitted a replacement and high level brake light on continuously so took that bulb out and fitted another one hey presto all good.
cosmicbike
Perhaps This One.....
- Location
- Egham
Changed the gearbox oil on the Capri last week, and yesterday/today removed the diff cover to drop the oil from the rear axle. Re-fitting was a sod as you are going by feel for half of the 10 securing bolts. Still, all done and a 15 mile road test showed no issues. MOT time next month, in theory the last it needs as will be registered historic on 1st April next year.
gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
Well worth doing the axle / diff. I had an Ascona with horrendous diff whine..quite probably (as with many cars
of that era) lack of maintenance / oil change
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Halfords, 35% off car parts if you spend £50. Ordered a new pollen filter (Mahle) and air filter (Bosch) for the van - best in stock to get me just above £50. Go to checkout, you have a £5 voucher. Ohhh. Log onto works discount for another 8% off on a voucher. Paid £24 for both filters.
Blooming great prices from Halfords if you just wait for their offers and are a member of the 'free' motoring club (don't bother with premium).
Edit, now replaced. Cabin filter(s) were a little difficult to reach deep behind the centre console, but was able to remove the pipe for the foot blowers easily enough that gave hand room. The new filters have little tabs to pull them out. The original filters were in from 4 1/2 years ago and were dirty. Air filter wasn't bad, but that's replaced as well.
Blooming great prices from Halfords if you just wait for their offers and are a member of the 'free' motoring club (don't bother with premium).
Edit, now replaced. Cabin filter(s) were a little difficult to reach deep behind the centre console, but was able to remove the pipe for the foot blowers easily enough that gave hand room. The new filters have little tabs to pull them out. The original filters were in from 4 1/2 years ago and were dirty. Air filter wasn't bad, but that's replaced as well.
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Tom B
Guru
- Location
- Lancashire
I've had a couple of days where everything I touch seems to go wrong.
Decided to give them car a bit of attention today. Change the oil, oil filter air filter and cabin filter no issues.
Had a quick look at changing the master clutch cylinder (worn operating eye) and decided that was a job for another day.
The car has a weep from the gearbox driveshaft seal so decided to top up the gearbox oil. The filler hole is a pig to get at so decided to top it up via the reverse light switch hole.
Whipped out the switch and immediately noticed the threads from the gearbox on the threads of the switch. Topped up the oil and sure enough the switch won't tighten back in the hole. I've bodged it for now with some JB weld epoxy but it's going to take a dose of thinking about.
It looks a really course thread possibly M14 2.0 pitch and the box is about 10mm thick at most so a helicoil might be a challenge. aits located right on the front of the box so if I strip off the bumper and intercooler i should be able to get at it. But If I'm taking the box out to do it I might just find another box.
Alt View.... The Car has a limited life so if the epoxy holds. that might stay....
Decided to give them car a bit of attention today. Change the oil, oil filter air filter and cabin filter no issues.
Had a quick look at changing the master clutch cylinder (worn operating eye) and decided that was a job for another day.
The car has a weep from the gearbox driveshaft seal so decided to top up the gearbox oil. The filler hole is a pig to get at so decided to top it up via the reverse light switch hole.
Whipped out the switch and immediately noticed the threads from the gearbox on the threads of the switch. Topped up the oil and sure enough the switch won't tighten back in the hole. I've bodged it for now with some JB weld epoxy but it's going to take a dose of thinking about.
It looks a really course thread possibly M14 2.0 pitch and the box is about 10mm thick at most so a helicoil might be a challenge. aits located right on the front of the box so if I strip off the bumper and intercooler i should be able to get at it. But If I'm taking the box out to do it I might just find another box.
Alt View.... The Car has a limited life so if the epoxy holds. that might stay....
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Big jobs I give to the garage, although my son is happy doing suspension changes, engine removals etc. You feel justified when the garage says they had 'trouble' changing a part - yup it's been on 15 years - eg worn bush on suspension and the bolts were buggers. Most pain in the bottom job I had was changing crankshaft and cam sensors on my Nissan. Top one fine, took a bit of wiggling but they sort of get stuck with a bit of 'suction'. Bottom one took over an hour of wriggling when under the car and arm halfway up the engine. Eventually got it out with a 'pop'. New ones just slotted in.
Couple of "oh poop" jobs over the years. Son helping me change 'plugs' (this was as a teen), got over 'handy' tightening up the coil pack bolt - snapped. Fortunately I had some easy outs - drilled a pilot hole, reversed drill, and the bolt came out with the drill bit, no need for the easy out. Then I'd 'undone' a caliper slide pin the wrong way as I was upside down - snapped the head off. Double poop. Fortunately the remaining shaft just unscrewed by hand. Ring round and visit a few car parts places, erm no, have to order some.... the car was needed. Headed down to my friendly mechanic and said can you help... gave me a choice of a couple of bolts for free, these worked...
Couple of "oh poop" jobs over the years. Son helping me change 'plugs' (this was as a teen), got over 'handy' tightening up the coil pack bolt - snapped. Fortunately I had some easy outs - drilled a pilot hole, reversed drill, and the bolt came out with the drill bit, no need for the easy out. Then I'd 'undone' a caliper slide pin the wrong way as I was upside down - snapped the head off. Double poop. Fortunately the remaining shaft just unscrewed by hand. Ring round and visit a few car parts places, erm no, have to order some.... the car was needed. Headed down to my friendly mechanic and said can you help... gave me a choice of a couple of bolts for free, these worked...
