Computer Code Reader

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Can i buy a fault code reader for my car cheaply can anyone recommend one suitable for my car?
Many thanks,

 

[Alfie]

Hi,
Can i buy a fault code reader for my car cheaply can anyone recommend one suitable for my car?
Many thanks,

Television should be able to help you. He is currently evaluating a couple of diagnostic systems.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi Alfie
Thanks for the reply
Can anybody confirm that it is an OBD II code reader is the correct one for my age vehicle
many thanks,

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Just realised, i,ve been asking all about these code readers and i do,nt even know where my diagnostic socket is.
Where is it? any one know?

 

[television]

Hi Alfie
Thanks for the reply
Can anybody confirm that it is an OBD II code reader is the correct one for my age vehicle
many thanks,

I had seen the post, I do not think that the OBD II started until 99-00 you can normally tell by the connection point non OBD II cars only have the 38 pin connector under the bonnet, OBD II cars have the additional 16 pin one under the dash by steering wheel.

Malcolm

 

[Ultymate]

I've got a 202 1998 and have been told you can use the OBD II code readers providing you buy the adaptor which converts from 38 pin under the bonnet to OBDII 16 pin as Malcolm describes but to date I've not been brave enough to buy one, the info I got was from a dealer on Ebay so I'm a bit cagey about biting the bullet. The adaptor sells for about £6 and the readers vary up to around £80-90. I really would love to know, I may chance buying an apaptor and get one of my AA mates to see if his laptop will read my car.

 

[Alfie]

As Malcolm states, your interface is almost certainly under the bonnet and will be the 38 pin type.

 

[television]

re the diagnostic tester, I am still looking, to do anything worth while with ODB II the diagnostic testers/coders cost £1750 to over £4k, there are plenty under £200 for the engine fault codes both for reading and resetting.


Malcolm

 

[Ultymate]

So the cheaper ones will work Malcolm but not cover the full gambit of faults just engine? Thats not too bad far better than nothing, I've no intetions of investing thousands at my time of life any way I'm hoping I won't need to, far rather spend my money on my model aeroplanes

 

[television]

So the cheaper ones will work Malcolm but not cover the full gambit of faults just engine? Thats not too bad far better than nothing, I've no intetions of investing thousands at my time of life any way I'm hoping I won't need to, far rather spend my money on my model aeroplanes

I agree with you it has to stop somewhere, during the week I will make up a list of readers that will do the engine codes on most cars ,that makes more sense and give a chance to get something back.

The dedicated Launch and Car Soft enable you to set everything on the car including all consumers and cluster, but at a price.

If i forget,pleas remind me, it would not be a bad idea to put the list up and what they will do.

Malcolm

 

[Ultymate]

Will do

 

[David in OZ]

I've got a 202 1998 and have been told you can use the OBD II code readers providing you buy the adaptor which converts from 38 pin under the bonnet to OBDII 16 pin as Malcolm describes but to date I've not been brave enough to buy one, the info I got was from a dealer on Ebay so I'm a bit cagey about biting the bullet. The adaptor sells for about £6 and the readers vary up to around £80-90. I really would love to know, I may chance buying an apaptor and get one of my AA mates to see if his laptop will read my car.

I have not heard of anyone having success using a 39pin => OBD11 female adaptor to use a generic (cheap) OBD11 reader.....some of the more expensive units might work, but I think you are wise not to risk an eBay purchase unless you can confirm it will work

If you don't have strong feelings againt clone copies from China....then a Carsoft 7.4 Interface will work very well on your 1998......should be under $US200 delivered from China.........also available on UK eBay for extra cost.....but needs a laptop with an old RS232 Serial connection

I have had my Carsoft Interface with Multiplexer Selector plug for 6 months and have managed to access most of the MB systems.....also live data and adaption reset

Cheers

David

 

[Ultymate]

Thanks for the info David, when you say I'll need a laptop with an RS232 connector do you mean a 9 or 25 pin one?

 

[eric242340]

Obdii

I had seen the post, I do not think that the OBD II started until 99-00 you can normally tell by the connection point non OBD II cars only have the 38 pin connector under the bonnet, OBD II cars have the additional 16 pin one under the dash by steering wheel.

Malcolm

Hi Malcolm, I worked for a time with a diagnostic scanner company, in charge of research and development. Of course my first task was to read all the OBD rules and compliances. It goes into protocols and all sorts. Anyway, one of the rules that all manufactures are now complying with is ; The Diagnostic 16 pin diagnostic socket must be within easy reach of the drivers seat. In the case of Benz its under the left hand side of the dash (Left hand drive). Some of the earlier Benz were OBDII compliant but this rule had not come into effect then.

 

[eric242340]

Obdii

Further to my last post, the 1998 140.600 built for America was OBD Carb complient, however the 38 pin Diagnostic socket was under the hood on the Computer box. So a lot depends on where and when the car was built.

 

[eric242340]

Obdii

I've got a 202 1998 and have been told you can use the OBD II code readers providing you buy the adaptor which converts from 38 pin under the bonnet to OBDII 16 pin as Malcolm describes but to date I've not been brave enough to buy one, the info I got was from a dealer on Ebay so I'm a bit cagey about biting the bullet. The adaptor sells for about £6 and the readers vary up to around £80-90. I really would love to know, I may chance buying an apaptor and get one of my AA mates to see if his laptop will read my car.

Its not just an adapter, it is called a Multiplexer and is a very expensive piece of equipment, however Im sure there are cheaper versions on the market. However its still a question of ; was the car OBDII complient prior to 99. If not you are spending money for nothing. Prior to 99 there were 4 protocols used, so the adapter must be able to search all 4 protocols.

 

[Ultymate]

Eric I have a 1998 C230K Estate built for and still in the UK can you tell me whether that is OBDII compliant or not, it does'nt have the OBD type plug on the dash but I too have been told that some can still be compliant via the 38 pin socket under the bonnet. Is there any way of finding out for sure I don't want to buy some equipment only to find it will not work bearing in mind I'm retired and only wish to diagnose would be faults on my own car. I know that post 2000 cars in the UK had to be compliant with OBDII and the 16 pin socket had to be within 1/2 metre of the steering wheel and clearly visible

P.S. There is an adaptor available which is 38 pin one end ie fits underbonnet socket has about 6 inches of cable then ends in the now common 16 pin OBDII socket Heres a picture of what I mean

 

[David in OZ]

Thanks for the info David, when you say I'll need a laptop with an RS232 connector do you mean a 9 or 25 pin one?

Doesn't matter.........mine came with male & female 9 pin connectors.......adaptors are available and cheap for 25 pin if required

David

 

[Ultymate]

Ok thats fine you can get adaptors to USB as well many thanks

 

[David in OZ]

Unfortunately there are problems using Serial to USB adapters.....you might be able to find one that works.......but my understanding is that there is electronics and drivers involved wth a serial to USB adapter, whereas a serial 9pin to 25 pin adapter is just wiring

I found an old Toshiba laptop for $A100....and leave it setup as a dedicated garage computer