I recently bought a BlackBox Solutions Faultmate MSV2 so thought I’d do a little write up on its functions and abilities on my Defender 110 Puma. I purchased it direct from the BBS website and included an accessories order for a USB-RS232 lead as none of my laptops have an RS232 socket.


The MSV2 was well packed and included all the leads and set up instructions including the Vehicle Explorer set up disc.

The model I had ordered was the MSV2 Extreme Vehicle server which has the built in screen and keypad. The screen is protected when used with a PC by a simple yet clever sliding aluminium cover which completely covers and protects the screen from damage.

The server also came pre loaded with the Defender Puma software which consists of: Duratorq EMS, Instrument Cluster, Wabco ABS and the 10AS alarm unit. So after playing with everything it was time to get it set up and ready to go. Now BBS state that this is not plug and play, believe me they are correct. You get in the package delivered to you a set up guide explaining the process and how to register the product and get your access to the BBS MSV2 forum so you can get the unlock codes to allow the server to work on your defender. I am not going to get into the set up procedure as it is straight forward but a little time consuming in that the unlock codes are generated after you have registered the server with BBS and have set up your BBS forum account but all the required set up info is included with the server.
Next I installed the Vehicle Explorer onto the laptop whilst the MSV was connected and powered (I used a 12v power pack from Maplins) and went through the set up stages and insertion of unlock codes. I will also say that the BBS MSV2 Forum has lots of threads on set up issues and any I had were soon solved after a few visits. So now came the time to have a play with the system away from the Defender as it has a nifty option in the settings page of Demonstration mode which allows the user to go into any ECU and play with settings to allow the user to gain knowledge of the systems safely away from the Defenders ECU’s, so no chance of accidently screwing anything up!
Here are some pics of the Vehicle Explorer screens in demonstration mode, the msv is not connected to the Puma so all the values will be n/a.

Puma systems start page

Puma EMS Help file

EMS Live Date

Injector Grades

Duratorq EMS functions

Duratorq Engine Management System/Information.

EMS DTC


Wabco ABS:
Wabco Help File

ABS Outputs

ABS Inputs

ABS TESTS


Puma Instrument Cluster:
Instrument Cluster help file

Instrument Pack Settings/Information

Instrument Cluster Settings

Vehicle Config


Lucas 10AS Alarm
10AS Help File

10AS Alarm Info

10AS Settings

10AS Inputs

10AS Outputs

10AS Coding Data


Read Faults all CAN Systems 4


So these are some of the Vehicle Explorer screens to give you an idea of just how much information is available to you with this system. I have a few bits of diagnostic gear already but this system is turning out to be one of my favourites to use