Issue Accessing Transmission ECU with Adapter 1 (Green) – Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 (ME 2.1)

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Glalber
Posts: 3
Joined: 22 Jun 2025, 14:08

Issue Accessing Transmission ECU with Adapter 1 (Green) – Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 (ME 2.1)

Post by Glalber »

I’m writing from Brazil regarding an issue I’ve encountered while using your software on my car.

I own an Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 24V (1999), equipped with the Motronic ME 2.1 ECU and a ZF 4HP20 automatic transmission.

I’ve successfully connected to multiple modules using Adapter 1 (green - pin 9), including ABS and Airbag systems.

However, I am unable to access the automatic transmission ECU, even when following the correct adapter instructions and connection procedure. The software does not recognize or communicate with the TCU, while all other modules respond normally.

Would you be able to provide any insights on this issue? Could it be a compatibility issue, or perhaps a limitation with my interface (VAG KKL with FTDI and pin switch)? Or would you recommend additional troubleshooting steps?

Thank you in advance for your support.
s130
Posts: 1021
Joined: 20 Jan 2010, 10:07
Location: Wrexham, North Wales

Re: Issue Accessing Transmission ECU with Adapter 1 (Green) – Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 (ME 2.1)

Post by s130 »

Check you car here: https://www.multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx

I'm a little confused by your post as you say you are using the Green Adapater Cable (Pin 9) and can with this connect to other systems including ABS and Airbag but the only systems that use Green / Pin 9 are the Automatic Gearbox, Navigator/ICS Instrument Siemens and Valeo XENON headlamps.

You also mention VAG KKL with FTDI and pin switch. If you use and adapter cable then you do not need to have a Pin Switch. KKL device on Pin 7 + Green adapter cable is all that is required.
Fiat Strada/Ritmo Abarth 130TC, Barchetta 2005 , 500X Cross Plus
Glalber
Posts: 3
Joined: 22 Jun 2025, 14:08

Re: Issue Accessing Transmission ECU with Adapter 1 (Green) – Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 (ME 2.1)

Post by Glalber »

First, I bought the KKL cable with switch, and since I couldn’t access the transmission module, I thought the switch might be faulty. So, I also bought the green adapter.

Even with the green adapter, I wasn’t able to access the transmission. I’ve tested it in many different ways. I can access various other modules in the car, but not the transmission.

Now I received support from another software company saying I should use the three-pin Fiat diagnostic port to access the transmission. I don’t have this cable yet and I’m not sure where this port is located.

Thank you for any support.
s130
Posts: 1021
Joined: 20 Jan 2010, 10:07
Location: Wrexham, North Wales

Re: Issue Accessing Transmission ECU with Adapter 1 (Green) – Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 (ME 2.1)

Post by s130 »

3-Pin connector. That sort of makes sense. Many of the older Fiats use either all 3-Pin, or a mix of 3-Pin and OBDII 16 pin connectors.

I suspect but can't say for sure that the 3-Pin connector is probably located in the engine bay or around the gear select lever. With the 3-Pin connectors then each ECU has it's own 3 pin connector.
Fiat Strada/Ritmo Abarth 130TC, Barchetta 2005 , 500X Cross Plus
Glalber
Posts: 3
Joined: 22 Jun 2025, 14:08

Re: Issue Accessing Transmission ECU with Adapter 1 (Green) – Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 (ME 2.1)

Post by Glalber »

To update this post, I found the transmission TCU and performed a continuity test between the OBD port and the connector that plugs into the TCU. The continuity is perfect, and with that, I also discovered that the correct OBD pin on my car is pin 12.

I also found out that my transmission TCU has previously undergone some electronic repair, as it was not sealed.

I’m still trying to access the transmission TCU without success, even now that I’m certain it communicates through pin 12. It seems that the part of the TCU responsible for communication with the diagnostic software may be damaged.
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