Using the Lexia3/PP2000/Diagbox hardware adapter as a universal J2534 adapter

[hjdlsnbc]

Again the thanks goes to @kolyandex . It does not look like this got really famous, so i would like to report about this here.
Mitsubishi I-Miev / Citroen c-zero / Peugeot ion owning people have often such a adapter because the fakes of it are less then 100$. Also used original ones does not cost a fortune like used MUT3 does. In general the hardware adapter is only usable with the software Lexia3/PP2000/Diagbox. Lexia3 and PP2000 are the outdated versions for Windows XP and the development for those sopped over 10 years ago. Today the people use the hardware adapter with Diagbox.
Actia PSA XS EVOLUTION or XS EVOLUTION R - each original has its own number after 921815C or 922173A for the R-VCI. The clones all have the same number: 921815B or 921815C / 40W07 / 0005451 and after XS Evolution always "Made in France".
This is how many adapters sort of look like:


Using the adapter for something else was not possible until @kolyandex developed a free J2534 driver for it. Suddenly you can debug many cars with it.

Here is the subforum for this driver in kolyandex's own forum: https://forum.kolyandex.su/viewforum.php?f=17

Kolyandex tested it with some Mitsubishi and reported: Succesfully connection to all ECUs, writed engine/ETACS coding. https://forum.kolyandex.su/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=90

The functionality of the driver is described here: https://forum.kolyandex.su/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=89
J2534 API Description:
PassThruOpen - SUPPORTED
PassThruClose - SUPPORTED
PassThruConnect - Only ISO15765 with 500000 baud
PassThruDisconnect - SUPPORTED
PassThruReadMsgs - Only one ISO15765 message, timeout don't care
PassThruWriteMsgs - Only one ISO15765 message, timeout don't care
PassThruStartPeriodicMsg - NOT SUPPORTED
PassThruStopPeriodicMsg - NOT SUPPORTED
PassThruStartMsgFilter - Only FLOW_CONTROL_FILTER for ISO15765
PassThruStopMsgFilter - SUPPORTED
PassThruSetProgrammingVoltage - NOT SUPPORTED
PassThruReadVersion - SUPPORTED
PassThruGetLastError - TODO
PassThruIoctl - Supports only READ_VBATT (const value 14.4v), CLEAR_RX_BUFFER, CLEAR_TX_BUFFER - presents only tx buffer, CLEAR_MSG_FILTERS, other - not supported

If you do not want to register to the forum of kolyandex or you can not for some reason register to the forum, i attached the driver from @kolyandex to this forum post here.

Here a picture of someone using the interface with a Ford car and the software for Ford vehicles:


In combination with the MUT3-driver (you have to pay for it) from @kolyandex you could probably use Mitsubishi MUT3 with the Peugeot/Citroen interface.
Is it recommended to flash the firmware of your imiev car with a china clone of the Diagbox hardware in combination with this driver and in combination with the mut3-driver? Probably not. @kolyandex still recommends Original Tactrix Openport 2.0 for deeper modifications at the cars.

 

[hjdlsnbc]

I cant edit the first post any more after some time passed.
Here is the sourcecode of the driver: https://github.com/kolyandex/Lexia_J2534
For a backup i added the sourcecode also to this forum post in a zip file.

 

[Rational]

Is it recommended to flash the firmware of your imiev car with a china clone of the Diagbox hardware in combination with this driver and in combination with the mut3-driver? Probably not. @kolyandex still recommends Original Tactrix Openport 2.0 for deeper modifications at the cars.

Great post. Thanks for sharing that.

So have you used the Tactrix Openport 2.0 at all? Is this still the best cable/dongle to use these days?

I'm trying to find the most reliable and most compatible cable/dongle to use with all the different software out there. MUT3,Diagbox and anything else that might be a good option. Something that will work with the French virtual machine they offer of 7.xx as well.

Since the miev is so old now I've read the latest versions of MUT3 and all other tools latest updates really aren't required, right? I just need to confirm if there's a universal cable I could get that would work with all of the above tools. That would be handy to have so I can play around with them all with a single cable.

 

[MickeyS70]

I just need to confirm if there's a universal cable I could get that would work with all of the above tools. That would be handy to have so I can play around with them all with a single cable.

Imho the Lexia cable in combination with Diagbox is a powerful, low cost solution (you can get functioning clones for less than $100) in its own right.

A no brainer, if it turns out that it can also be used with MUT3..

 

[Rational]

Imho the Lexia cable in combination with Diagbox is a powerful, low cost solution (you can get functioning clones for less than $100) in its own right.

A no brainer, if it turns out that it can also be used with MUT3..

Okay. Good. I was thinking and hoping that the Lexia 3 cable would be a good one too. But I'd only read one post (https://myimiev.com/threads/i-miev-and-lexia-3-and-diagbox.4042/post-41478) saying the person had confirmed the Lexia 3 cable worked with the Mitsubishi model of the Miev. I wanted to get more confirmations before buying one as I will never work on Peugeot/Citreon here in Japan. So it would just sit unused if it actually doesn't work. But if I understand correctly it likely will being the Mitsubixhi Miev version is the original version the others are based off of and since the driver was released by kolyandex that opens up all of these adapter cables now? Of which the Lexis 3 is just another type of J2534?

But I'll start searching for the Lexia 3 cable and see if I can find the best one.

So far I've found this one:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006966181931.html?

It has 700 orders so seems the most popular one. But I have no idea what all the additional accessory cables are used for and if I need them.

It also seems to have a round connector on the end of it but comes with the adapter from that to OBD2. I'm assuming that round connector is for European cars in that market?

If not, there's just the cable for like $50 here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005921827174.html
78 orders so far on aliexpress so seems to be a reasonable amount of sales so far. But this one is a direct to obd2 type connector But not sure if this is a 'full chip' version. I wonder if there is a full chip version by itself without all the other cables if I don't really need them.

But it seems that the 'full chip' versions are the most robust ones out now and the less expensive ones may not be.

There also seems to be ones with LEDs on them for status lights for a bit more too. Like these here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006994065768.html
This post shows the details on the 'full chip' version and why it's more stable. A bit more at $108 for the 'LED FULL CHIP" version.
They also have 600 orders so the second most popular one on aliexpress.

So I will keep studying to see if I can understand the nuances between them and the best one to choose.

Yes, a for sure no brainer if it can be used with MUT3. That would be the icing on the cake if so.

Perhaps I should order this $108 version and test it out for everyone's benefit?

Or I guess I could find an origial OEM Lexia 3 cable used on ebay perhaps? Any benefit I wonder to having an original?

As of yesterday though, I ordered this $15 openport 2.0 from aliexpress. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005605112895.html I chose the Golden A version with the better cable and 4CD set for all car makes and models.

I've got an old spare laptop I can dedicate to it so it will be handy if it tests out okay to be working fine completely offline for older models. If so and I like it I'll buy the real version as well for updates, ease of use and higher reliability and to support the company.

 

[MickeyS70]

Okay. Good. I was thinking and hoping that the Lexia 3 cable would be a good one too. But I'd only read one post saying the person had confirmed the Lexia 3 cable worked with the Mitsubishi model of the Miev. I wanted to get more confirmations before buying one as I will never work on Peugeot/Citreon here in Japan.

But I'll start searching for the Lexia 3 cable and see if I can find the best one.

So far I've found this one:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006966181931.html?

It has 700 orders so seems the most popular one. But I have no idea what all the additional accessory cables are used for and if I need them.

It does work (see link further on) and you don’t need the additional accessory cables

It also seems to have a round connector on the end of it but comes with the adapter from that to OBD2. I'm assuming that round connector is for European cars in that market?

OBD connector is universal, but my Lexia cable also has a round plug with an adapter

If not, there's just the cable for like $50 here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005921827174.html
78 orders so far on aliexpress so seems to be a reasonable amount of sales so far. But this one is a direct to obd2 type connector But not sure if this is a 'full chip' version. I wonder if there is a full chip version by itself without all the other cables if I don't really need them.

But it seems that the 'full chip' versions are the most robust ones out now and the less expensive ones may not be.

Yes, you don’t need a full chip version for a triplet but I got one anyway for ‘robustness’ reasons

There also seems to be ones with LEDs on them for status lights for a bit more too. Like these here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006994065768.html

Only one LED on mine

Yes, a for sure no brainer if it can be used with MUT3. That would be the icing on the cake if so.

You need to buy an additional driver for this to work though..

Perhaps I should order this $108 version and test it out for everyone's benefit?

Or I guess I could find an origial OEM Lexia 3 cable used on ebay perhaps? Any benefit I wonder to having an original?

I've got an old spare laptop I can dedicate to it so it will be handy if it tests out okay to be working fine completely offline for older models. If so and I like it I'll buy the real version as well for updates, ease of use and higher reliability and to support the company.

More info on the subject can be found below;
https://myimiev.com/threads/i-miev-and-lexia-3-and-diagbox.4042/page-2

 

[Rational]

I also just found what this website recommends for the correct adapters. I'll share this info in the other thread as well for others searching in the future. https://www.psa-diag.fr/index.php

 

[hjdlsnbc]

Or I guess I could find an origial OEM Lexia 3 cable used on ebay perhaps? Any benefit I wonder to having an original?

I was able to compare the original OEM Diagbox cable with the cloned one and wont use the cloned one any more and got rid of the clone i had and kept the original. Compared to the original the clones are really bad quality. Diagbox software feels also much more reliable when using the original cable. You can get the original cables from ebay.fr . Some sellers there offer worldwide shipping.

I also have OpenPort 2.0 original here because i plan to do deeper modifications of the software of the car and have to rely on the functionality of the adapters.

 

[Rational]

ebay.fr

Great tip. I'm in. But not getting any results there for real lexia 3 adapters. Mind sending me a search results link showing some? I'd be glad to buy one.

I was actually looking for them this past week and came up dry for the real mccoy.

 

[hjdlsnbc]

The interface itself is not named Lexia and not Diagbox. Those both are the tools you install on the computer. The interface itself is produced by the company named ACTIA. The Model is often named PSA XS EVOLUTION. There are two different model numbers. The more modern one is named A.1281 Z. Some people say the more modern ones work a tiny bit better with more modern cars that are CAN based like the imiev we have. But also the 'older' ones 9750.Z5 are much better then any clone out there. To what i understood the 9750.Z5 are not able to work with the bluetooth addon because they miss the connector for it. The A.1281 Z can work with the bluetooth addon.

Of course also clones are sold on ebay.fr. You can spot the clones by having the DS-logo (DS is a car manufacturer) on the adapter. The original ones do not have a DS logo.
The clones also often do not have this round plug you plug into the OBD2 cable into. If there is a round plug, look more careful at the plug. Original ones have numbers written on this plug and clones with round plug are missing the numbers on the plug.
The clones often have number 921815B / 40W07 / 0005451 or 921815C. The clones often have written 'Made in France'. The original never have written 'Made in France' on it.
The clones are often sold new. The original adapters are nearly never sold as new condition and are instead nearly always used condition.
Sometimes you can also spot the original in a offer combined with the sort of useless bluetooth addon. I wont recommend flashing your car software over bluetooth. You can try to resell this bluetooth adapter again. It is worth itself over 100$.

You have to look often on ebay.fr and check what is available. From time to time there are such listings and then you have to be quick to get one.

 

[hjdlsnbc]

Short report that this interface is working with MUT-3 in combination with this howto: https://myimiev.com/threads/what-actually-is-mut-iii-in-detail.4144/page-2#post-50845

I have even the feeling that its working a tiny bit more reliable then with a original OpenPort 2.0 interface.
The logfiles the driver create are also really great! They are debug-logfiles. The opensource driver i posted in the first post is sort of reverse engineering itself the MUT-3 SE software.
When you follow the MUT-3 SE howto and install in addition the driver from the first post you have to choose the 'Lexia' named (kolyandex have chosen this name in the driver, you can change it if you like because its wrong naming) entry from the 3 different ones. When its telling you that its choosing the C:/ .dll file (the place you had put it before) then you know its choosing the correct driver.

It would be nice if i do not have to do all the research on myself to report the results about of all that.

 

[Rational]

Short report that this interface is working with MUT-3

By 'this interface' do you mean only an original Lexia 3 PSA cable adapter? Or the FULL CHIP clone will work too?

If the full chip can work I will continue trying to figure out how to get it working. I did not load Kolyandex's .dll so maybe that's s all I have to do? I'm only using the one from ParisCY currently.

I'm happy to continue testing different options to get a confirmed working solution for everyone.

I'd rather not have to buy yet another VCI adapter if at all possible, so would love to get my full chip clone working.

All tips and details you can share are appreciated.

 

[Rational]

The interface itself is not named Lexia and not Diagbox. Those both are the tools you install on the computer. The interface itself is produced by the company named ACTIA. The Model is often named PSA XS EVOLUTION. There are two different model numbers. The more modern one is named A.1281 Z. Some people say the more modern ones work a tiny bit better with more modern cars that are CAN based like the imiev we have. But also the 'older' ones 9750.Z5 are much better then any clone out there. To what i understood the 9750.Z5 are not able to work with the bluetooth addon because they miss the connector for it. The A.1281 Z can work with the bluetooth addon.

Of course also clones are sold on ebay.fr. You can spot the clones by having the DS-logo (DS is a car manufacturer) on the adapter. The original ones do not have a DS logo.
The clones also often do not have this round plug you plug into the OBD2 cable into. If there is a round plug, look more careful at the plug. Original ones have numbers written on this plug and clones with round plug are missing the numbers on the plug.
The clones often have number 921815B / 40W07 / 0005451 or 921815C. The clones often have written 'Made in France'. The original never have written 'Made in France' on it.
The clones are often sold new. The original adapters are nearly never sold as new condition and are instead nearly always used condition.
Sometimes you can also spot the original in a offer combined with the sort of useless bluetooth addon. I wont recommend flashing your car software over bluetooth. You can try to resell this bluetooth adapter again. It is worth itself over 100$.

You have to look often on ebay.fr and check what is available. From time to time there are such listings and then you have to be quick to get one.

Thank you for this great detail. It helps a lot to understand how to find the original cables. Thank you.

I was able to find two listings when searching for A.1281 Z on ebay.fr. But they want like 650 euros for one and 530 euros for the other. No thanks. My car being a JDM miev isn't even detecting via VIN anyhow. So I think a MUT3 interface would be better for me as it does detect via chassis number.

But I still am grateful to learn this info as I wasn't finding anything at all before you shared this. So now I know what the original ones look like.






Here's what they are posting as original versions of the cables. Second one shows it is bluetooth.





First one above doesn't show it as Bluetooth on the label. But post still says it is an A.1281 Z model. Is that correct?

Wouldn't the first one be the older 9750.Z5 model? Or did the A.1281 Z come in this shell as well?

I've not found any pictures of the 9750.z5 model online anywhere yet.

Edit. I found a third when searching ebay.fr for 'original lexia'. For sale for 'only' 400 euros. lol



This one shows the back side of it.

 

[kiev]

@puddnig posted about reading the data using his diy setup from a terminal window.

https://myimiev.com/threads/software-to-read-bmu-monitoring-data.4129/#post-46228

A necessary driver was related to the FTDI chip used for serial/USB port. i would guess that is part of the secret sauce driver. PC is talking over USB to the VCI; VCI is talking to the car over CAN.

The dll files are encrypted windoze crap, which is why i'm going down the linux path.

May be time to revisit the SAE J2534 specs, https://myimiev.com/threads/can-buss-mut-and-sae-j2534-pass-through-programming-of-ecus.5244/

 

[Rational]

I may have some great news here.

ParisCY shared a specific Lexia 3 .dll file that may work.

Source post here: https://mhhauto.com/Thread-Mitsubis...-Bosch-Autel-Actia-etc?pid=2930225#pid2930225

In looking at the file's .reg it may be just the standard kolyandex driver file he shared on github after all. But I'll test and confirm.

Perhaps I really did still need kolyandex's pass thru driver .dll in addition to ParisCY's MUT3 common folder to get it to work and just didn't understand that from the limited directions at first.

But here it is attached to make it easy for anyone else to try in the future.

Edit: So I compared it to the above driver in post#1 above by hjsdlsnbc and it is identical.
https://myimiev.com/threads/using-t...-as-a-universal-j2534-adapter.5594/post-49347

So it seems I already had what I needed. But I didn't understand that ParisCY's common folder .dll and version.txt files were still dependent on this and it was required. That is now confirmed based on ParisCYs post below. Good to know for sure finally.

I will test and report back.

 

[Rational]

I also just came across this page. Posting it for reference and future use if it is of benefit:
https://github.com/jakka351/OpenJ2534