Fault code protocol

[vito dazza]

Hi guys, does anyone know what protocol my vito 108cdi uses? my engine management light has come on and i want to buy a hand held fault code reader for it (don't like paying MB service charges, i'm a yorkshire man!) i have a hand held code reader for E/S class, but does not work on my van (2000 X 108 cdi)

 

[television]

As far as I know all MB's use the same read out.

Malcolm

 

[philharve]

Hi vito dazza

I agree with Malcolm, the protocol is the same. There is a complete listing of the fault codes elsewhere on this site.

Does your fault code reader attach to your van OK? If it does, do you not get any readout?

REGARDS Phil

 

[tamrsoft]

Which interface

Is your OBD2 connector the 16-pin or the 38-pin version. You can get inexpensive readers for the 16-pin interface but apparently not for the 38-pin interface which seems to be a recent MB specific standard. Anyone know where to obtain a reasonably priced reader for this connection type.

 

[Tony]

There are a couple of sites you could look at www.digimoto.com and www.canobd2.com

 

[philharve]

Is your OBD2 connector the 16-pin or the 38-pin version. You can get inexpensive readers for the 16-pin interface but apparently not for the 38-pin interface which seems to be a recent MB specific standard. Anyone know where to obtain a reasonably priced reader for this connection type.

Hi All

I've been doing some reading about the OBD/OBDII protocols but my reference material, thus far, comes from the USA. I am presently seeking confirmation from a European source because some of the information I have appears to conflict with other sources.

Prior to 1994 there was the OBD standard (On-Board Diagnostics) which used a 38-pin, circular connector. The fault code readout was a series of pulses which could be monitored with a simple LED indicator. By counting the flashes you could determine the fault code.

After 1994 the OBDII standard came into being. This uses a smaller 16-pin, rectangular connector, resembling an elongated 'D' shape. But instead of using serial pulses, the fault codes are presented in a parallel form requiring a more sophicated fault code reader.

The 'conflict' which I mention above concerns the connector. This connector can be found in engine compartments of cars built AFTER 1994 which suggests that the original OBD protocol is still widely used. At least, that's how it appears. I have heard that there exists a 38-pin to 16-pin adapter but I have yet to see one.

I purchased an OBDII-compliant fault code reader (FCR) about a year ago using a design based upon the HP IPAQ PDA. There's a picture of it elsewhere in this Forum. For around GBP130.00 you get software for the IPAQ and a plugin adapter to fit the OBDII connector. This has to be supplemented by an IPAQ serial cable which is commonly available and cheap.

This IPAQ-based FCR is a very sophicated solution and gives the technician access to car data whilst moving, if they so choose. There is even a cordless 'Bluetooth' solution for remote fault code analysis.

You can purchase far cheaper 'dedicated' fault code readers (and some very expensive 'multi-purpose' ones) but I chose a middle-priced one from Autoenginuity. I purchased mine from the 'States where the Dollar/Pound exchange rate worked in my favour. Software upgrades are available 'online' and thus far FREE!

REGARDS Phil

 

[vito dazza]

The obd conector is the smaller 16 pin rectangular conector, interestingly i offered the fault code reader to a friend of mine who has a e320cdi, but his obd conector is the round 32 pin conector. The fault code reader that i purchased off ebay was 'supposed to be' for E & S class mercs!

 

[philharve]

Hi vito dazza

Yes, this connector issue confuses a lot of people. I'm determined to find a definiteve answer to this issue.

REGARDS Phil

 

[garethc200k]

Hi vito dazza
I’m new to this but read somewhere that there is a difference with petrol and diesels pre 04 i think as regards the engine management system so the fault reader u bought may well work with E&S class petrol engine models
regards
gareth

 

[philharve]

38-pin (round) to 16-pin ('D') adapter

Hi All

I'm awaiting the arrival of a 38/16-pin adapter which will enable me to use my scanner on cars with either type of DLC connector.

I purchased it on ebay from 'State-side source. They seem to appreciate the problems in Europe where we have the EOBD standard.

REGARDS Phil

 

[tamrsoft]

Hi All

I'm awaiting the arrival of a 38/16-pin adapter which will enable me to use my scanner on cars with either type of DLC connector.

I purchased it on ebay from 'State-side source. They seem to appreciate the problems in Europe where we have the EOBD standard.

REGARDS Phil

I wait with baited breath on this one. Do you know if the adapter you are getting will still allow the fault codes from the 38-pin source to correctly display in these hand-held OBD2 devices with the 16-pin connector ? It would be great if they do.

 

[philharve]

I wait with baited breath on this one. Do you know if the adapter you are getting will still allow the fault codes from the 38-pin source to correctly display in these hand-held OBD2 devices with the 16-pin connector ? It would be great if they do.

Hi tamrsoft

Yes, that's my expectation. My scanner is fitted with a 16-pin 'D' DLC connector but there are a lot of cars, including late model M-Bs, that still use the 38-pin (round) connector.

The ebay seller's ID is 'obd2gear'. I'll write to him about the compatibility issue. I believe there is none. Watch this thread.

REGARDS Phil

 

[cherokee94nz]

Hi Phil, Can you put up URL to the site you got the connector from.

 

[philharve]

Hi cherokee94nz

I puchased the adapter on ebay from 'obd2gear' but rather than give you the URL of the auction page with the item description, I'll give you the URL of obd2gear's ebay shop as this is unlikely to change.

http://stores.ebay.com/OBD2Go-at-Home

If you browse to this location you should see a variety of cabled adapters. Look at the bottom one. This is the one I bought. It has arrived ... took about 10 days. Well made too, should last many years.

My winning bid was USD35.00 to which was added another USD5.00 for carriage (total GBP22.43)

You might find another up for auction. Try emailing obd2gear if you can't find one. I get the feeling they are a popular item.

REGARDS Phil

 

[cherokee94nz]

Thanks Phill, have just ordered one so will be keen to see what happens when i connect my CanOBD2 tool to my C250

 

[philharve]

Thanks Phill, have just ordered one so will be keen to see what happens when i connect my CanOBD2 tool to my C250

Hi cherokee94nz

I'd like to know how you get on with it as I'm unlikely to be using my adapter anytime soon.

I re-read the auction details last night and I forgot I bought it at a fixed 'Buy It Now' price. Still, it's a bit of a bargain. I don't know anywhere in the UK where you can buy such an adapter. The Germans make one, not surprisingly. 'Stecker', I think.

You have a CanOBD2! Not familiar with this one. I assume it's a real scanner if it's fitted with a 16-pin DLC. Mine is an IPAQ PDQ H5550 which I use with Tomtom GPS, my office emails, Internet access and a dozen other uses. I bought the Autoenginuity OBD2 interface & software but the interface came with a 16-pin 'D' DLC. Unforunately many late model MBs still use the 38-pin (round) EOBD standard, hence my reason for purchasing the adapter. Autoenginuity provide free software upgrades so, in theory, I can use my 'IPAQ scanner' on a wide range of makes of vehicle PROVIDED their DLC connection, 16 or 38-pin, conforms to the current hardware standard. I think my scanner will be future-proof for a good few years to come.

Did the URL take you to 'obd2gear's ebay shop OK? I could have given you the URL for the auction page but most people are unaware when quoting them that they are dynamic and they cease to work, eventually. Ebay shop URLs are different in this respect. There's quite an interesting range of adapters in obd2gear's shop, most for use with a PC.

Did you notice the USD5.00 delivery charge? That's very cheap considering the adapter will have been transported many thousands of miles. I can't see UK couriers charging so little, can you?

REGARDS Phil

 

[cherokee94nz]

Hi Phil, Yes went and got on buy now. Here is the one i have, got it second hand, for my Jeep Cherokee. Not sure if it will work on the Merc or not. http://www.canobd2.com/ Will have it in approx 10 days so will post when i try it.