OBD info for European Cars

[Frolicuk]

Hi I'm a recent new owner of an SLK 200k and am trying to find out what is available in the form of OBD readers. Yes those clever machines used to diagnose vehicle faults and reset service lights.
I understand that there are many available in the US and would like to know if anyone has tried one and whether it worked successfully with Eurpean spec cars ??

I'm also keen on the laptop based systems that only require a cable and software.

The only UK sources I've found so far are in excess of 1000 pounds yet in the US this equipment and software is 200 300 dollars ??

 

[rpalmeida]

Hi - EOBD (european OBD) has just been lauched here, and cars from this year onward will be EOBD compliant (which means US OBD scantools will scan them). Id imagine scantools will start getting cheaper here now. Alternatively just mail order one from the US !

If you run Linux, I have released a open-source scantool - that will scan the SLK (in fact my test ECU is from a SLK230) - see freediag project on sourceforge.com - you'll need to build/buy the electrical interface that connects to PC and to car.

However, I dont know whether you car has the OBD compliant connector under the dash near the steering wheel, or it has the original 33 pin connector under the bonnet... The OBDII connector looks like a VCR Scart socket, and has a little flip down cover over it. It has to be within 2-3 foot of the steering wheel, so is normally on the cover above the pedals somewhere.

R

 

[rpalmeida]

BTW. my hand held scanner is the OBDII scanner from here - seems to work nicely

http://www.autocheckup.com/Default.htm

R

 

[steveperry]

Hi Frolicuk,

I've seen software called "Carsoft" on the net, it looks to be the mutt's nuts but no prices are quoted. On a plus side it looks like private car owners can purchase the software and it's not restricted to trade only. The package also includes all necessary cables/leads required to connect laptop to car.

Here are some links:
http://www.carsoftinternational.com/
http://www.carsoft-marketing.com/
http://www.mavericktechnology.co.uk/carsoft.htm
I'm tempted to get a quote from the last site who distribute within the UK but I doubt I'd be able to afford it.
Looks like it's easy to use which is another major plus.

Any other forum members used this piece of kit?

S.

 

[Frolicuk]

Thanks for this so far guys something to be going on with. I'm away at the moment but will be searching the car when I get back to the UK for the connector.

For anyone else reading heres info on the Carsoft stuff.

The current Carsoft systems are designed for professional independent
vehicle technicians.  However,we are working on developing a "personal user"
system which will be priced for use on one specifiic car only. We expect
this system to Retail @ £395.00 or $545.00. Please let us know if you would
like us to keep you informed

Prices for the Professional Carsoft Diagnostic systems are:

MB V7.0  @       £1479.00  OR $2099.00
Each Carsoft system is complete with software and cables to cover all
vehicles listed in the appropriate application lists (all on the website).

Minimum Specification for PC/ Laptop:
P1 150 MHZ, 32 MB RAM, CDROM & floppy drive, 600 X 800 screen resolution, 9
pin Serial Port on Com1, Win 95.98.ME.

All prices quoted are excluding shipping & taxes (where applicable) ie + VAT @ 17.5 % for the UK

Still Looking.