ODB2 on 38pin connector

[jeremy156]

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]

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.

 

[mioba]

Isnt there an adaptor for these 38 to ODB

 

[LostKiwi]

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.

 

[jeremy156]

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]

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.

CARSOFT MB V12 SYSTEM

CARSOFT Mercedes V12 System

www.carsoft.com

 

[bigasotonuk]

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.

iCARSOFT 38 PIN DIAGNOSTIC ADAPTER CABLE CONNECTOR MERCEDES BENZ OBD MB 1.0 2.0 | eBay

This adapter is designed for iCarsoft MB V1.0, MB V2.0, CR Pro, EU Pro, CR V2.0 especially, used to test theOBD I Benz. 1 x iCarsoft Benz 38 Pin to 16 Pin OBD1 Car Diagnostic Adapter. Only used for OBD I Benz vehicles.

www.ebay.co.uk