Modern Vespa

I purchased an FXTUL M3-C Diagnostic Scanner from Scooter West so I could check off the 'Diagnosis by Tool' for the 5000km service of my perfectly running Vespa Sprint. On my first scan the unit said ECM Fault P1001. But after clearing the code I ran multiple more tests and got a Pass on the ECM each time....until I disconnect and reconnect the unit. Then, first time every time - Fault 1/1 Code: P1001...Lather, rinse, repeat. Eventually the FXTUL started locking up...at one point even hanging on a beep tone until I disconnected it. I tried to update it, but the update always fails (in a painfully slow file-by-file way). Now I have a $100 brick.

I haven't heard back from either Scooter West or FXTUL. I know SW doesn't allow returns of tools, but I hope they at least do something for defective products...or at the least can send me a zip of a working file.

I got impatient waiting and bought the same FXTUL M3-C from Amazon so I could have a working unit until I can get the SW version replaced or warrantied. Note to anyone shopping for the Amazon model; it doesn't come with the power cord that is included with the Scooter West version. While the second unit has never locked up, it never sees the ABS or IPC modules (scooter west version only did about 20% of my attempts) and it too will initially give a P1001 fault, but after clearing I can run 10 tests back to back and it Passes every single time. If I unplug the unit and reconnect it will always give a P1001 fault to start with, then perfect passes after that...Just like the SW version did before it locked up. I'm thinking these are just junk tools.

I stared searching and have read a few similar complaints from non-Vespa motorcycle people of inconsistent/false fault reporting. I'm wondering if anyone else with a Vespa has purchased one of these and can share their experience.

"IPC module"?

Also, am i check in you're implication that one of them did read the ABS?

Depending on which ECU ....

IPC= Instrument Panel Control

Yes. The first unit (scooter west version) would periodically detect the ABS Module and give it a Pass...most of the tests it too would say "Not Fitted". The second unit has never been able to see the ABS.

2023 Sprint 150 S (TFT display model), but I doubt there is an actual fault. The FXTUL seems to only detect a fault after boot up of the tester. Any tests ran after that initial first test after boot yields a Pass.

According to the manufacturer, you get free lifetime software updates and a three year warranty. From what I've seen $50-60 is cheap for one of these, so you might not be getting the same level of accuracy you would expect from a better scanner.
Have you used scanners previously?

Have I used a scanner previously, but not for Vespa. For cars. This is my first go with FXTUL and scooter diagnostics

FYI, the software updates don't work on the new unit either. The exact files can't be copied leaving only 4 empty folders. Though it does have the benefit of not locking up like one I got from SW 😂. Scooter West did reach out (FXTUL did not respond) and they are willing to take care of it - which is classy. That said, I wonder if for my specific model there is an underlying issue with the software/M3-C and with how it interacts with the 2023 TFT Sprint S? The fault followed with infinite PASS results after clearing - until power is disconnected and reconnected makes me think something is off with how these read my specific scooter. Perhaps I would be better off with the more expensive version Scooter West offers. Though I would like to know beforehand if that one will work with my specific scooter (and detect ABS properly, etc)

How do you know that your scooter shouldn't pass the diagnostics? Is the Check Engine light on? Has there been something wrong with the scooter?

I thought I included this, but I guess I didn't: no problems with the scooter. No check engine light, no questionable symptoms. The diagnosis tool was just so I could check off the "diagnosis by tool" in the 5000km service with an actual procedure. I didn't know the tool would become a source of troubleshooting in its own 😂