Huachipato

I have a 2000 E320. I've read on some posts where there are some on board diagnostics that can tell you what is wrong with the car.

I just got a call from my wife telling that the check engine light came on (which I know can be anything to bad gas cap seal to bad CATS and anything and everything in between). Is there a way to get the car to tell you what is wrong? Or do you need an OBDII tool to scan the codes.

I also realize that MB has their own set of codes - so if a more specific tool is needed, where can it be found and purchased from?

Air Marshall Eldritch

You need a scan tool to narrow down which code is there, and then even that will not be definitive in some cases.

And the codes are according to the standard. Or at least my Actron scanner works ok.

adv074

If I were you I would invest in buying a OBD II scan tool from Autozone or whatever auto store you go to. Pull the codes and run a search in the forum. I made the idiotic mistake of bringing my car in for diagnostics and losing $200 just to pull some damn codes. Needless to say I bought my own scanner for only $80 in order to minimize having to bring her in for diagnosis if this happens again. It turned out to be a bad Mass Air Meter when I had CEL on. Hopefully your problem is not too expensive.

Huachipato

I purchased one off of Amazon.com. Lucky me - the light went off now. I still intend on keeping the tool when it comes in. I'm sure the light will light up again and it will be worth the investment at that time.

Haroon

is there any hand held obd scanner for 38 pin socket in the fuse box as my 1997 E320 does not have an OBDII socket under the stearing or is it somewhere else that i dont know? Also i tried carsoft using my laptop but it says cable not connected where as i checked all the cables ... could it be some problem with the socket itself?

dsmith

don't forget that most autozones pull codes for free. if you just want the generic codes to do a web search for possible problems, then do that instead of buying a cheap non-specific scanner. also, most obdII state inspection machines pull codes. find one of those small 2 bay inspection stations and offer then all lunch for codes. just a couple suggestions for the uber cheap.
david

Qamar

Dear Adv074

You mind in telling me about your scanner which costed you $ 80. I want to import one from USA if it is effective.

I have E 240 1999 model Station wagon. Hope it will work on my car also..

Thanking you in advance

Haroon

well thanks for ur advice... though i am at Saudi arabia,, and here its really expensive to get ur car scanned every time at the station they charge around a $100, and they are not competent enough to interpret all of them... so i baought a multiplexer and carsoft 7.4 online... and the problem i faced as above... though i didn't come across any hand held scanner for a 38pin socket....is there any?

Benzs

Here is a adapter cable for the 38 pin.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/MERCEDES-BENZ-38-...QQcmdZViewItem

lkchris

OBD2 is a USA requirement.

I wouldn't assume that Mercedes built for other countries have it. I don't know, actually, but I'd find out before I imported the tool.

Haroon

Thanks for that link... i've already ordered one... as i already have an OBD2 hand held scanner... it saves the pain of carrying the multiplexer, laptop, cables etc.... i'll give it a try as soon as it arrives... is it fully functional reading, erasing codes?

Qamar

Haroon I am in UAE. Presently I have E240 1999 model a station wagon, Japanese specification car. I am also looking for a scanner. You mind in giving the details of the scanner you purchased for your car. If possible pl send the pics of your scanner. Will i also have to buy an extra 38 pins adaptor?

One should have a scanner for self diagnosis. In our market also its very expensive to get your car checked up through the main agency or even the independent computer checkers..

Haroon

First u do a simple test.... check in the fuse box (under the hood) is there any round shaped connector switch inside it? how many pins are in there? .... if u dont find any such thing inside the fuse box ... Than.... come to ur stearing wheel and try to find underneath a rectangular socket... which ever socket u find tell me in ur next message...

Haroon

the rectangular socket will be just above the accelerator, brake pads on the panel.. u have to sit down outside the car with the door open to be able to see it...

waynesi

Yeah, I did the borrow program at autozone... the scanner is real easy to use, you retrieve the code(s), go to the OBD II website, enter the code, and it explains the fault code to you.

then when you bring the tool back, they credit your credit card back the deposit, and you go on your merry way!!

Good Luck,
Wayne

Qamar

Dear Haroon

Checked under the hood in the fuse box. It has 38 pins connector. Oic attached for your reference and futher advise pl.

Thanking you in advance

Haroon

u got an "OBD I" so u got two choices of diagnostic tools:
1. go for "carsoft 7.4" (multiplexer, cables, software) u have to install it on ur laptop and u have to carry all the equipment to ur car to diagnose. Its a very comprehensice diagnostic tool. link http://stores.ebay.com/OBDtech look for "MB Multiplexer Mercedes Benz Diagnostic Tool Carsoft" seller is "Mr.Fraser" i already bought from him so he knows me. (check ur laptop first for RS232 connecter if u dont have it than u need USB to RS232 converter - available from any computer accessory shop)
2. "OBD II" hand held scanner, much simpler but u need the converter cable mentioned above in this forum to convert from OBD I (38pin) to rectangular OBDII. there are lots of hand held scanners available in the market the one i bought was with MB original repair manuals from link http://www.manualsunlimited.com/inde...9ef26e67cc98da select ur car type and model and purchase manuals with the scanner. very helpful...

u can also just go for a scanner available at various sites like:http://www.diydiagnostics.com/obdii_specs.htm and
http://www.diydiagnostics.com/pro_se...bdii_specs.htm

NOTE: u must read the specs in depth to check the compatibility with ur car model, and the kind of job u need to undertake.

NOTE: I'm only a beginner in this field, though i can read access data and codes and identify the key problems in my car yet i need to visit a workshop to get the parts fixed as i am not very handy with the tools....

Haroon

great... but i also got a code "BIBLE" that came with my OBDII scanner... its really a wonderful thing to borrow it whenever u need... otherwise it just rots in the trunk.. as these W210 are really trouble free tanks...

Qamar

Haroon

I wanted to say thanks for your detail analysis. Your information was really very valuable. As and when i get the concerned scanner will update you...

lxl_Jeffro_lxl

I'm 100% sure that you have an OBDII port under your steering wheel, to the right of the hood release. It has a cap over the port.

Haroon

can u please post a pic of the port? or a link that depicts it?

MoNd3sTo7

Interesting topic.. I found some OBD2 on the ebay.. but there are so many type.. which one i should buy? I have the 2002 w210 E200k model..

Haroon

heheheheheeee.... very intelligent question

it depends on ur skills... u can be a
1. beginner = keep it simple ( read / erase - handheld type)
2. -----
3. ----
4. ----
x. ----
x. Advanced DIY = Multiplexer + all the cables + laptop + software i.e. carsoft 7.4, or STAR etc.
(in between those two extremes there are lotsa hybrids which do some jobs and dont do others)

MY ADVICE: keep it simple