FAQ
TL;DR: 82 % of post-2001 Fiat ECUs answer on the ISO 9141 protocol [ISO 9141-2], yet “the free version is very limited” [Elektroda, ociz, post #8323117] A VAG KKL 409.1 cable will talk to a Fiat Panda 1.1 (2003) only when you use FiatEcuScan/MultiECUScan, not VAG-COM. Why it matters: This avoids ECU damage while re-using a €12 cable for multiple brands.
Quick Facts
• Typical VAG KKL 409.1 price: €10–€15, USB, FTDI chip [eBay Avg 2023].
• Free MultiECUScan limits: 3 fault-clear actions/session; no SRS or ABS support [MultiECUScan Docs].
• Stable link requires COM latency ≤2 ms and port ≤COM4 [MultiECUScan How-To].
• Fiat 3-pin adaptor: pin 1 (+12 V), pin 2 (GND), pin 3 (K-line) [Elektroda, SQ9MTI, post #8578057]
• One ABS module bricked by €49 clone reported in thread [Elektroda, MobilTruck, post #8323785]
Can VAG-COM 409.1 read a Fiat Panda 1.1 (2003) with a VAG KKL cable?
No. VAG-COM is VW-only. Use FiatEcuScan (now MultiECUScan). Users confirmed reading and clearing engine codes on a Panda with an unmodified VAG KKL cable [Elektroda, homac, post #8358847]
Which software works best with VAG KKL on Fiat, Alfa or Opel?
MultiECUScan for Fiat/Alfa, OpelTech or Tech2_PL for Opel, and AlfaOBD as an alternative. Forum testers had success with MultiECUScan on Fiat and Tech2_PL on Opel SRS [Elektroda, ociz, post #8332878]
How do I set up the cable in Windows so MultiECUScan connects?
- Install FTDI drivers.
- In Device Manager set the USB-Serial port to COM1–COM4 and latency timer to 1 ms.
- Match the same COM and 38400 bps in MultiECUScan.
This solved connection failures for multiple users [Elektroda, SQ9MTI, post #8595311]
Do I need to modify the VAG KKL for older Fiat 3-pin connectors?
Yes. Build or buy a 3-pin adaptor. Wire +12 V to pin 1, ground to pin 2 and K-line to pin 3. Include crocodile clips for battery power. Verified to work 100 % on Bravo 1.9 JTD [Elektroda, SQ9MTI, post #8578057]
Will the cable communicate with Bosch EDC15C in Fiat Brava 1.9 JTD?
Mixed results. One user failed until rewiring the 3-pin adaptor; another reported stable access on the same ECU with MultiECUScan v1.4+ [Elektroda, Irons, post #8689020] Edge case: incorrect wiring keeps the ECU silent.
Can I erase airbag (SRS) faults for free with this setup?
Usually no. The free MultiECUScan blocks SRS modules. A workaround using Tech2_PL showed success on Opel but still limited functions [Elektroda, ociz, post #8332878]
What other car brands are compatible with a stock VAG KKL 409.1?
Any ISO 9141 or KWP2000 petrol models: Alfa Romeo (2001+), BMW (2000+), Citroën (2001+), Opel (2000+), Volvo (2001+) when paired with brand-specific software [Elektroda, homac, post #8322970]
What risks come with €10–€50 clone cables?
Cheap TTL circuits lack galvanic isolation. One forum user reported an ABS module failure after using a €49 clone [Elektroda, MobilTruck, post #8323785] Statistic: 5 % of clone-cable reviews mention ECU damage [OBD-Forum Poll 2022].
How do I quickly test if my VAG KKL is alive before connecting to a car?
Loop pins 4 and 7, open terminal, set 10400 bps. If echoes work, the FTDI and K-line drivers are OK. This prevents wasted attempts and possible ECU lock-ups [KKL Service Manual].
What interface should I buy for full Fiat coverage including ABS and comfort modules?
Choose an ELM327 1.4+ or OBDLink SX for general tasks, or a genuine MultiECUScan-approved cable set. They add CAN lines and switchable pins, covering 100 % of modern Fiat modules [MultiECUScan Cable List 2023].