ODB2 on 38pin connector

jeremy156

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I have a 1999 W202 C200 - looking for clarification on the diagnostic port.

I believe these later cars support ODB2, however presents as a 38-pin round port. Given this port style - does it *also* support the blink tester method with an LED, switch and resistor to read out codes? Did one replace the other, or is it only the ECU module that moved on to OBD2 standards?
 

LostKiwi

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I think by 1999 it supported a mix.
The engine is OBD (though possibly not OBD2 yet) but other modules will be proprietary.

You can try a blink reader but I'd be surprised if it works.

My old 2001 E class had 38 pin and OBD2 but no blink codes.
My 93 r129 supported OBD for ECU and blink code as well but only blink for the rest of the car.
 
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mioba

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Isnt there an adaptor for these 38 to ODB
 

LostKiwi

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Isnt there an adaptor for these 38 to ODB
IF they work (and many don't) they will only read the engine code and then only if it supports OBD2 as opposed to OBD.

On the 38 pin plug each pin is a module and you need an external multiplexer to select the module. On later OBD2 cars with the standard interface the multiplexer is built into the car and can be queried using commands issued to the vehicle.
 
OP
jeremy156

jeremy156

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  • Thread Starter
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  • #5
I've tried a 38-pin to 16-pin adapter as found on fleabay which does indeed connect pin 4 and allows my generic ODB2 reader to look at ECU. What I can't do it see anything regarding transmission etc., hence wondering whether the blink method would work on other pins ... or whether I need something else altogether.

I might give it a try... no risk no fun..
 

LostKiwi

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As I said the 38 pin connector is one pin per module and requires an external mux to select the correct pin.

If blink doesn't work you need a reader capable of reading 38 pin connectors (with a mux).
Your choices are pretty limited.

Star or Carsoft (not iCarsoft) are the only sensible options I'm aware of.

 

bigasotonuk

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Hi,
Though I have never used it yet, I have bought an adapter for my Icarsoft mb V2 that allows you to be able to read/clear codes with MB cars that have the 38 pin adapter.
 

tjamesbo

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Thread Resurrection Time
My 1999 CLK 430 has the round pin diagnostic on it and i now have an issue which could be the TPS or the MAF so need to diagnose it I have an icarsoft i980 but it doesnt support the CLK ( W208 ) a mates coming round with a Topdon Im hoping we can look at the TPS analogue data stream and the MAF and either confirm ones faulty or that both are fine ( OOH err next step ???? )
I Have the round adapter harness to OBD so the Standard OBD scanner will plug in to the other end of that
Any further advice ??? will it work ????
 

tjamesbo

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By the way HI Lost KIwi how are things with you ? long time no see
 

LostKiwi

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By the way HI Lost KIwi how are things with you ? long time no see
Generally pretty good. Had a few health issues to deal with with the missus but sorted now and dealing with a few of my own but nothing bad. Yourself?
 

LostKiwi

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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
Thread Resurrection Time
My 1999 CLK 430 has the round pin diagnostic on it and i now have an issue which could be the TPS or the MAF so need to diagnose it I have an icarsoft i980 but it doesnt support the CLK ( W208 ) a mates coming round with a Topdon Im hoping we can look at the TPS analogue data stream and the MAF and either confirm ones faulty or that both are fine ( OOH err next step ???? )
I Have the round adapter harness to OBD so the Standard OBD scanner will plug in to the other end of that
Any further advice ??? will it work ????
If you get stuck let me know. Still got Star....
 

Wearsafoxhat

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I use an iCarsoft MB2, not to be confused with the MBII; with the Icarsoft red 38 pin adaptor, again not to be confused with red or black adaptors from well known other sellers of them, quite successfully on my’98 R129.
 

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