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170 views 5 replies 2 participants last post by  wazaaa33  
#1 ·
Hello everyone, I thought it'd be more appropriate to start a dedicated subject, but basically I have a non running 1997 230k that apparently had a limp mode issue when it ran and I'm now looking for the appropriate scanning tool.
I read the sticky post and a lot of posts on here and here's what I understood :
-I need either C3 or C4 multiplexer with the 38 pin adapter
-C3 requires a dedicated PC with a serial port
-C4 only requires a lan port

My questions are :
  • Should I get a C4 clone eitherway and can I use a random spare laptop with it or is it specific like the C3 stuff?
  • Whats the setup software wise? Would a native 32 bit windows be fine or does it need a vm?

I work in IT so getting a spare laptop and setting it up should be no problem, I'm just relaly confused on the installation part, I've seen people having to buy clone hard drives and others simply installing it from a disc image.
 
#2 · (Edited)
C3 + old laptop (bought together) is probably the fastest way to get a working setup. The software should be Xentry 2014, which is the latest still working with a C3.

C4 + not so old laptop, also bought together, is okay. The seller must ensure that the setup is working with the 38 pin interface. Don't buy otherwise.

C4 + own software: Optimal if you're in IT and willing to spend a couple of days on the initial setup. I did this and it was a PITA:

  • the software isn't available, especially old-ish versions as needed for the r170. It's usually taken down by those sellers because it's a threat to their "business". So whenever someone is uploading it, the provider is receiving a DMCA notice
  • the software is huge (45 GB)
  • the software that is available[1] comes with poor installation instructions
  • some keygens are missing

I've built a huge virtual machine (35 GB compressed) for VMware and it's still a PITA to use because one must take care of never connecting it to the internet while still somehow ensuring that the VM is able to access an Ethernet interface to connect to the C4. I solved that with an USB-C Ethernet dongle dedicated for the C4 connection, and a custom virtual network setup for the VM. Also, the VM must be tweaked to prevent guests from detecting virtualization.

[1] A version of said software can be found on the probably largest archive on this planet, hosted by a non-profit organization. Join the bold bits with a '.' to form a host name.

EDIT: a probably interesting side note: I've created the virtual machine prior to buying the C4 harware. It helped me to focus on the software first and to make a decision of whether to buy the full package.
 
#3 ·
My buy options for the C3 are only aliexpress or chinese sellers without the laptop, there is one guy locally selling a C3 for 190€ but again without laptop or software.

I've already gone through the PITA setup for similar PSA or Renault interfaces (having to format a new laptop with access to a network adapter but without internet access) so I guess that's my best bet.

My take here is that going with the C3 would mean also locating a suitable hd and laptop while the C4 would only mean formating one of my current devices and buying just the multiplexer from China.

I'll have a look into setting up the software from the archive before buying the hardware anyway
 
#4 ·
Funny, I also own a Lexia/Proxia + Diagbox for my daily PSA (18 years old) :) On the same laptop in a virtual machine, side-by-side with SD.

The MB software is like 10x harder to install, though. But it's also 10x better, IMO.

BTW, you can set up SD + C4 w/out connecting to a car. You just have to power the C4 with a 12 V power supply using one of the supplied cables (the breakout cable): red: 12 V, black: ground. SD will only trip over when it actually tries to read an ECU. If you are so far, then you know that you can connect it with your car w/out wasting your time in the cold garage.
 
#5 ·
Nice, diagbox was really eased up thanks to the work of the psa-diag website (only in french I think) Imo Renault CLIP is the worst both in availability and install process.

I had hoped to get a C4 from either second-hand or euro seller, but I guess it'll be Aliexpress
 
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