Hi, Would appreciate any info or advice on the following.
I'm about to purchase a OBD11 code reader to clear an airbag light on my BMW car, the version that appeals is "carsoft software" which uses your own laptop and has OBD & OBD11 connectors, I beleive the 1100s has OBD, has anyone used any code readers and if so which one and how useful?
Thanks
Ivor
Link to code reader http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtop ... 508#367508
Code reader
Moderators: slparry, Gromit, Paul
lord knows where I found it, but I've got a printed-off page of motronic fault codes, and instructions how to obtain and interpret them via the diagnositc connector using just a voltmeter. I've never tried it - it looks completely mad. The author is called Stefan Hegnauer, maybe you could google that along with 'motronic'. (code 4444 is 'no fault stored' - how's that sound!) This might be scraping the barrel though, I hope you get some better replies.
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ivorbaines
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:39 pm
- Location: Garmouth,Moray
What was that bang
Thanks for reply,
I'm not adventurous enough to test the pins of the code reader with meter and I'm not aware of any problems with my bike, but if the reader mentioned would work it will be a bonus.
Cheers
I'm not adventurous enough to test the pins of the code reader with meter and I'm not aware of any problems with my bike, but if the reader mentioned would work it will be a bonus.
Cheers
Hi Ivor,
I've been in the fortunate position to try a number of these type of devices in my job to work out which was the best type to buy. Generally speaking they tend to be pretty good bits of kit and normally work across a wide range of platforms. Not had any experience of the carsoft type because as a company we needed multi-model solutions, that said if they are concentrating on just a few manufacturers they should be even better ('cos there's less to jam into the software).
The main things to consider if you're looking for this type of thing is:
1. Is it worth it, if you're only going to use it a couple of times how much is it going to cost to have an independent specialist check it for you.
2. Are you happy delving around in modern car electronics.
3. What support do they offer, and are there any issues with your model regarding connection etc (for example we settled on a product by a company called launch which had some definite problems with some Toyotas and would damage the abs control unit until they bug fixed it)
I'm not trying to put you off getting your own kit because its good fun and very rewarding sorting out your own problems but can have its downsides as well (as with everything)
Just as a matter of interest why has the airbag light come on, stupid question if you're after a reader, but is it something simple like a connection you've disturbed. Or is it a BMW strategy to enable the light when the bag's ten years old to make you replace it (the predicted life when they started appearing on cars). If you are going to have a look around for problems keep an eye out for purple or yellow wiring as that's normally the colour used for airbag systems, I thinks its to stop people splicing their sub-woofers into them and getting slightly more bass than they expected.
Sorry for going on a bit but after 10 years of working for a manufacturer I know how the systems have developed and its definitely not in the interests of the keen DIYer.
Regards
Shaun
I've been in the fortunate position to try a number of these type of devices in my job to work out which was the best type to buy. Generally speaking they tend to be pretty good bits of kit and normally work across a wide range of platforms. Not had any experience of the carsoft type because as a company we needed multi-model solutions, that said if they are concentrating on just a few manufacturers they should be even better ('cos there's less to jam into the software).
The main things to consider if you're looking for this type of thing is:
1. Is it worth it, if you're only going to use it a couple of times how much is it going to cost to have an independent specialist check it for you.
2. Are you happy delving around in modern car electronics.
3. What support do they offer, and are there any issues with your model regarding connection etc (for example we settled on a product by a company called launch which had some definite problems with some Toyotas and would damage the abs control unit until they bug fixed it)
I'm not trying to put you off getting your own kit because its good fun and very rewarding sorting out your own problems but can have its downsides as well (as with everything)
Just as a matter of interest why has the airbag light come on, stupid question if you're after a reader, but is it something simple like a connection you've disturbed. Or is it a BMW strategy to enable the light when the bag's ten years old to make you replace it (the predicted life when they started appearing on cars). If you are going to have a look around for problems keep an eye out for purple or yellow wiring as that's normally the colour used for airbag systems, I thinks its to stop people splicing their sub-woofers into them and getting slightly more bass than they expected.
Sorry for going on a bit but after 10 years of working for a manufacturer I know how the systems have developed and its definitely not in the interests of the keen DIYer.
Regards
Shaun
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ivorbaines
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:39 pm
- Location: Garmouth,Moray
light on
Shaun,
Thanks for the help, if I can purchase a simple device to reset and code read, primarily on the BMW then that will do, if it will read other cars then that will be a bonus, I do not see myself digging around the wiring of the car anymore than any non type specific garage, mostly identify and replace, if repair is not possible and /or it's safety related.
The airbag light came on following disconnect the N/S/F/ door panel, after batt disconnect due to side airbag, but I'm aware that it is common to have the seat belt anchor to be the cause. The car is 2002, E46 model.
Cheers
ivor
Thanks for the help, if I can purchase a simple device to reset and code read, primarily on the BMW then that will do, if it will read other cars then that will be a bonus, I do not see myself digging around the wiring of the car anymore than any non type specific garage, mostly identify and replace, if repair is not possible and /or it's safety related.
The airbag light came on following disconnect the N/S/F/ door panel, after batt disconnect due to side airbag, but I'm aware that it is common to have the seat belt anchor to be the cause. The car is 2002, E46 model.
Cheers
ivor