EDIT: I sure jinxed it this time! Just days after saying "Nearly nobody needs one", I needed one! (to prevent stalling).

• I got this one (click here) & it works. IF it's unavail. or the link is dead:
  • Try here or here or try the links in post 12 below (click here). or this Amazon search link (click here) or eBay, & scroll down for one like the pic below. Make sure it specifies wiring (click here) or at least looks identical to the pic. IF none of those work:
  • On Amazon, just below "Amazon" at the top left, click "All", then under "shop by dept" click the following in the left margin, in sequence:
    • See All
    • Automotive & Industrial
    • Automotive Tools & Equipment
    • Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools
    • Code Readers & Scan Tools

Then in the search field at the very top, delete "Code Readers & Scan Tools", type "yellow adapter", hit "enter" & proceed as in item 3 above.​

Or if you can do wire splicing there's DIY details in post 17/18 (click here)..


Original Post:
I'm curious why you think you need one. Nearly nobody ever does, so it's very rare for anyone to actually have one & you may not get a good answer. If not, the 3 in the links below are all:

• Under $12 & therefore quite cheap for you to try (& report back to us )
• Look like the exact same product
• Actually show a Fiat 500 (gas though). Click to enlarge:

​

• No bad reviews but no good ones either
• The 2 that are a few cents more actually specify the wiring, right in the description: "Pins 6 and 14 on the diagnostic tool are connected to pins 1 and 9. Connect pin 7 on the diagnostic tool to pin 12 on the car, respectively."

~$11.57 Amazon Yellow Adapter

~$11.25 Amazon Yellow Adapter < EDIT: I got this one & it worked (click here)

~$10.99 Amazon Yellow Adapter

 

ETS - Our '17 e has been compromised ever since the 12v battery had to be replaced (months ago - but that's another story). The radio doesn't work at all, so we have no access to any of the settings on the touch screen, including (obviously) the charge timer and clock. Odometer and "00:00" on the clock flash constantly. Was advised by Fiat and others that it MAY be possible to get everything working again with OBD access and clearing faults. We purchased an OBDLink MX+ but was informed by OBDLink and others that the "Yellow adapter" is necessary to hook-up (OBDLink doesn't sell adapters). Everyone says "just get one on Amazon or ebay" but many of these look like cheap junk and some are reviewed as such. Interestingly the three you've suggested (thank you!) all are listed as either "No Reviews" or "New to Amazon" on Amazon... I just don't want to waste my time with crummy tools, especially since the adapter could be a weak or non-functioning link and I likely wouldn't even know it! Does that make sense?

 

'17 e has been compromised ever since the 12v battery had to be replaced...purchased an OBDLink MX+ but was informed by OBDLink and others that the "Yellow adapter" is necessary to hook-up

Oh! You know the yellow adapter is only "necessary to hook-up" to 6 specific modules, right? So I assume you've checked & cleared any error codes in the modules that usually get false alarms after the 12V goes dead (Batt Mgmnt, & "Engine" for PIM)

No yellow adapter is needed for:
ABS
Engine
Electronic shifter
Steering
Battery management
Security gateway module.

It's only needed for:
Airbag
Hands-free
Body computer (for example "proxy align")
Climate control
Instrument panel
Parking
Radio
Tire control (for example TPMS).

 

Understood. With a dead radio & flashing odo & clock, it appears that a proxy align might help, which does require a functional yellow adapter.

Unfortunately those 3 were the only ones I found that don't seem to be just extension cables that happen to be yellow. If there was 1 with a review it would be better, but someone has to be first, & it's only $12.

 

BIG THANKS for this info - We haven't yet downloaded AlfaOBD as I assumed the yellow adapter was required for ANY connection. I'm entirely new to OBD and surprised at the lack of specifics - and that one can't just go to the corner auto parts and get an adapter cable. I guess the manufacturers really don't want us doing our own diagnostics, though our closest dealer is 60 MILES away (all local dealers dropped Fiat years ago!) so we don't have a practical option. I'll poke around a bit more but likely will order one of the Amazon cables you've listed - though the long delivery times seem to imply they're coming from China...

 

You're welcome! I'm glad I happened to notice the misunderstanding.

It connects like this:

You only need to select "Fiat" & "500e" the very first time, but at that first time you have to pair it, & if it asks for a code it's 1234. There are a few more tips here from when I, too, was entirely new to OBD:

Diagnostic Tips for Free AlfaOBD "Demo"

4-year 500e owner, brand new to a $17 Konnwei KW902 scanner & free AlfaOBD app. So far I've only used them to check & monitor HV batt health, & they seem to work fine, but there are quite a few steps to get the app started each time. Car charging, or "on". Plug in scanner & hit power button...

www.fiat500owners.com

 

Very helpful - THANKS AGAIN. Looks like it'll be a couple of weeks before I can get my hands on a yellow adapter. No doubt I'll be back then!

 

I just ordered the yellow adapter from the middle link of post #2 above, because it's now the cheapest, & my odometer recently started blinking. I also ordered an OBDLink MX+, since that's also required.

The adapter isn't due to arrive until 3/13 - 3/28, after which I'll post my results here.

 

ETS - SORRY to have dropped off on this. I ordered a yellow adapter, but I wilbured-out and bought one that had several dozen positive reviews from a source in the UK. I'm a bit frustrated and annoyed with the car right now and didn't want to add to my frustration with a "Brand X" tool - and the Amazon piece was going to take as long or longer to get as the one from Britain (likely the Amazon adapter comes direct from China - I'm in California). We'll also be using an OBDLink MX+ to try to get the odometer and clock working (among other things) but I've been warned the radio may be merde. I won't have my adapter for another several days yet but we can compare notes then...

 

bought one that had several dozen positive reviews from a source in the UK.

Link please, &/or instructions to find it.

 

Here's the place I ordered from: idiagnostics | eBay Stores. Supposed to show up later this week.
You likely have seen that AlphaOBD shows this regarding sources for the yellow adapter: "The adapters are available at Electronic-Fuchs.de, Obdauto.fr, Gendan.co.uk, on Amazon and e-bay."
I won't be surprised if what I get is exactly the same as the inexpensive Amazon piece, but as noted earlier I just didn't feel like dealing with unbranded knockoff stuff.

 

I had only remembered seeing a report that OBDLink does not list them, & had not thought to check AlfaOBD.com .

The $15 unit in your first link didn't show when I searched eBay!

It might have been nicer to know about before I ordered the $10 Amazon one, but at least now I can test the cheapo version & report back for others.

From the pics it is not exactly the same unit, but that doesn't mean they're not the same on the inside.

 

I didn't look at AlphaOBD's web site or find the iDiagnostics ebay listing until after you and I traded posts - so sorry about that. Hopefully we'll end up with some recommendations. As noted earlier I'm entirely new to OBD, but it's been around for literally decades - underscoring the mystery of why information and tools are not more readily available (and why outfits like OBDLink don't also sell the required adapters).

 

The yellow adapter from the middle link of post #2 just arrived & it worked with my OBDLink MX+ to get the odometer to stop flashing & the USB port to work again, by doing a proxy alignment.

 

Cool! I also received my "iDiagnostics" yellow adapter from the UK, but we've had a slight setback (besides that it's miserably cold here) that the Amazon tablet version of AlfaOBD apparently isn't available at this time. Looks like we'll have to use the PC version unless I can find one of my old Android phones...

 

For DIY folks like @jakjak here's how to rewire a plain extension, copied from gendan.co.uk:

• Pin 6 on the diagnostic tool end of the adaptor is electrically connected to pin 1 on the car end of the adaptor.
• Pin 14 on the diagnostic tool end of the adaptor is electrically connected to pin 9 on the car end of the adaptor.
• Pin 7 on the diagnostic tool end of the adaptor is electrically connected to pin 12 on the car end of the adaptor.

Click to enlarge:

 

Wiring diagram posted by @jakjak here:

AVOID STALLING! (with ~$60 Full-Function OBD) 5/7/23 Update

 

Ordering a yellow adapter in the US takes a while to deliver, & I couldn't remember if I originally checked the sources below, so I tried them all just now & couldn't find anything :

• AutoZone.com
• CarParts.com
• HarborFreight.com
• NAPAonline.com
• OReillyAuto.com
• RockAuto.com
• Vevor.com
• Walmart.com

 

Thank goodness for this thread, I orderd the yellow connector and OBDLink MX+ on amazon. Going to get the PC version of AlfaOBD to try to do a proxy alignment, as my odometer is blinking after I had an aftermarket Android Car Stereo installed in the car. It didn't blink when I had it installed a few weeks back. Some of the steering wheel controls weren't working so I had it professionally re-wired with a Connects2 interface from the UK, the installer said it wouldn't work and somehow got the Metra Axcess connected to the Connects2 to get most of the steering wheel control buttons working, but it's still a major annoyance to see the blinking odometer. I hope this proxy alignment fixes it.

 

Going to get the PC version of AlfaOBD

If you happen to be away from home when you get the unpreventable contactor glitch that prevents starting and charging, the PC version will only get it going again if you have it in the car.

 

It now appears that @premier0815 might have a gas 500, but it also has a lot of computer modules that might get a debilitating glitch while away from home, so I still recommend having the yellow adapter & $49 lifetime membership AlfaOBD in the car at all times, even if that means getting a $35 Amazon Android & leaving it charging in the car, such as from a glovebox USB.

 

Thanks @Electric Tire Shredder so I could use any cheap android tablet and connect with Bluetooth? No wifi required? I am trying to figure out how to get all this to work. I plan on connecting the laptop/tablet via Bluetooth to the OBD

 

Yes, a cheap Android phone or tablet works, even without Bluetooth (see below). WiFi is generally required to download the app to the device. You can download the free "demo" version 1st, then make sure it connects with the hardware below, then buy the $49 lifetime membership.

To do a "Proxy Alignment" to fix a flashing odometer & its associated issues requires the $49 AlfaOBD, a $13 "Yellow Adapter" (see post #2 on page 1 of this thread) plus either 1 of the following 2 options:

• $45 OBDLink SX USB cable (click here) if you carry a charged-up laptop in the car, or add ~$10 for Amazon USB OTG adapter to fit your phone or tablet, after checking it's compatible, with the free "USB OTG Checker" app.
• OR $81 OBDLink LX Bluetooth (or $126 MX+).

Prices incl. 10% off if you sign up to the free obdlink.com newsletter.

Click to enlarge:

Shown with MX+ Bluetooth but other options work, as above.

 

I wonder if this is a better way for me to describe the 3 available options:

1st Option:
$49 AlfaOBD app on an OTG-compatible Android phone or tablet kept charged in the car
+$13 Yellow Adapter (post #2)
+$45 OBDLink SX cable
+$10 OTG adapter to fit the phone/tablet*.
=$117

OR 2nd Option:
$49 AlfaOBD app on a Windows laptop kept charged in the car
+$13 Yellow Adapter (post #2)
+$45 OBDLink SX cable.
=$107

OR 3rd Option:
$49 AlfaOBD app on any Android phone or tablet kept charged in the car
+$13 Yellow Adapter (post #2)
+$81 OBDLink LX (or $126 MX+)
=$143



* There are 2 types. Note the beveled ends of Micro that can only plug in one way up, & the rounded symmetrical C that can plug in either way up. Click to enlarge:

 

Thank you,

I am going with option#3 but good to know the other 2 options.

 

I have option 3 myself, but if I was doing it again, I'd use the less expensive option 1.

 

I don't know if the $49 Alfa membership locks you into the one device it's loaded on.

 

I got the OBDLinkMX+ today and just waiting on the Yellow Adaptor and Android Tablet to arrive later this week and plan on downloading the AlfaOBD App onto the Tablet.

Do I have to download the OBDLink App and Pair the device with that app when I perform the Proxy Alignment? Or just ignore that OBDLink App for now, and simply use AlfaOBD?

 

Ignore any OBDLink Apps. Prior to you mentioning it right now, I literally didn't even know there was one!

If I were you I'd download the free AlfaOBD "demo" app first, then use it to pair with the MX+, & then make sure it still connects when you add the Yellow Adapter. I see no reason at all for it not to work, but you never know. Once it all checks out, then you can upgrade to the $49 Alfa app.

 

Thank you for the detailed explanation and suggestion. I am getting the Android tablet today, and the very same yellow cable in your post will arrive on Wednesday. I hope this works to get the flashing odometer fixed!

I did have a question come up,
I saw someone mention elsewhere to not use Blue and ME at all and just use an aftermarket radio to avoid the flashing odometer? I thought that regardless of what radio is being used, if the Blue and ME module was not functioning properly, thereby not connecting with the BCM, we would see a blinking/flashing odometer anyways?

I hope it's not the Blue and Me module causing the issue, as I don't want to have to pry that open and send to the UK to have it rebuilt by a private company.

 

Keep in mind that my sound system is completely stock:

When my odometer started flashing, my Blue and Me was not functioning at all. It wouldn't even connect to my phone. Also my glovebox USB stick stopped playing tunes. I tried unplugging/replugging it to no avail. I didn't think to try un-pairing & re-pairing the phone though, which did work after the proxy alignment. It might have worked before that, now we'll never know .

I'd be surprised if a stealership didn't say I needed a new $1k+ part, even though it wouldn't have been true...

The AlfaOBD app shows right onscreen that a flashing odometer indicates proxy alignment is required. Click to enlarge:

Then it said a code scan-&-clear was required, during which I discovered ELEVEN faults!

I have no idea what caused them, but after clearing them I still had to repeat the alignment part I think 4 or 5 times in order for it to finish. 5 times makes sense, since it would be one alignment for each item on the list shown here, until they were finally all done & it showed it was finished:

The odometer stopped flashing & the USB stick played, but my phone still wouldn't pair, so THEN I thought to un-pair/re-pair & it worked.

 

Thank goodness for your explanation as I am more prepared now for this Wednesday's Proxy Alignment although FastDave explained I shouldn't be using Bluetooth or wifi during this process as disconnecting during the procedure would "brick" the ECM and that's a little scary but good to know this worked very well and consistently for you.

I have no way right now to enable Blue and ME, as the steering wheel button that activates Blue and ME (the one with the voice icon) had been changed to "volume up" when I installed a Pioneer with Metra Interface and Metra Axess Steering Wheel Control module.

Recently I installed a Joying 8.8 Inch and that button couldn't be mapped as the installer did not connect the head unit to the SWC module properly, and even when I did with the 3.5mm to bare wire adaptor to connect they Key 1 wire to the SWC unit, only volume and mute worked.

I then had another shop rewire the head unit using a Connects2 interface which was designed in the UK and meant for the Fiat 500. I saw on Youtube that in Europe a person had installed the very same head unit and Connects 2 interface into his Abarth and confirmed that all buttons worked although the steering wheel control buttons are a bit different on that particular car than my North American Fiat 500.

Currently, my Voice button on the steering wheel is the same as "track up". and I got most of the buttons mapped to the head unit and working now. The new place said Connects2 didn't make the steering wheel controls work, and then used my Connects2 along with my existing Metra Axesss SWC interface somehow and got it to work decently, but wont' return my calls anymore after the flashing odometer. Even though I told them I don't need them to do anything about the flashing odometer, and that I will get a proxy alignment at the dealer. I told them that I just want them to redo the SIM card slot from the back of the head unit, as it was originally accessible from behind/below the glove box after the 1st installation, but it is no longer there and somewhere behind the dash.

Even though I offered to pay for the labor, no callback. The 1st place? called twice to let him know about the Key 1 wire that needs to be connected and the Can + Key cables needing to be connected behind the head unit, no callback as it seemed the person wanted nothing to do with the installation, after charging quite a bit for the work.

I think I am so fed up with stereo installations by now just don't want to do any more mods to my car until the odometer is fixed. I do not recommend an Android head unit for our cars after this experience, although it looks and works pretty nicely, it wasn't worth all the money that went into it. Unless you live near 500madness in CA or TX and those guys will install one of their Android units for you perhaps.

I pray this proxy alignment will work, wish me luck

 

Maybe I just got lucky (4 times?) doing mine with Bluetooth, but it DID perform 4 incomplete configurations & still ended up working fine .

My pics in post #32 show it had to do 5 different configurations. Each time it would finish one & then show "..." at the end of the next one, without completing it. So each time I just re-started the alignment & it would finish the next one but not the one after, until after 5 attempts it finally finished.

I'm pretty sure at least one or two others have reported successful proxy alignments using Bluetooth, but it still seems wiser to use a cable, just in case.

 

THANK GOD the Proxy Reset worked! I tried it today with the OBD MX+ connected to an Android tablet via Bluetooth and the yellow cable while in accessories mode ( I wasn't sure if I was supposed to have it in accessories mode or have the ignition completely off because I noticed the OBD MX+ would light up with the ignition off).

There were 2 Yellow cable choices in the dropdown, and I tried both of them and did a proxy reset, when the proxy alignment was completed, to my disappointment, the odometer was still flashing, however after I turned the car off and restarted, the flashing odometer had been fixed.

This is the best investment so far for my Fiat 500. I also noticed a higher voltage rating for the battery with the ignition running at 14 volts instead of the 13.8 I had been seeing recently after the odometer started flashing.

A BIG thanks to @Electric Tire Shredder @fast_dave for the great advice!

 

Here's an issue I have with that:

One of the car's drivers could be left stranded if they don't always carry the charged-up laptop with the paid AlfaOBD app in the car, in case they get the unpreventable contactor glitch that prevents starting and charging.

& if you decide later that you'd rather not risk it, or you get tired of lugging the laptop in & out of the car, you can't switch the paid app to an Android, because the AlfaOBD.com download page says "Android and PC versions are sold separately."

 

Proxy alignment is "once and done" (until the next time you get a flashing odometer), however...:

One of the car's drivers could be left stranded if they don't always carry the charged-up laptop with the paid AlfaOBD app in the car, in case they get the unpreventable contactor glitch that prevents starting and charging.