DFWdude

There are several OBDII readers that allow you to disable that ECO Start/Stop Function nowadays. This thread is a step-by-step procedure using the Launch Creader Elite 2.0 Benz, available at Amazon and other sources…



First topic of business is to update all the software, including the MB/Maybach software to REQUIRED version v50.26. This reader has onboard WIFI, so the update is easy while sitting on the couch.

Once updated, connect the provided OBDII cord to the OBDII slot under the dash in your car to the left of the steering wheel. If auto search VIN is enabled (recommended), the Launch Creader will ID your VIN and then run a full diagnostic of your W212’s system. I recommend clearing all DTC codes identified (prompted) before proceeding. Also, if equipped with Keyless GO, remove the keyless button and use your KEY in the ignition, when requested.





The diagnostics results page (above) will list all the systems available (scroll down to see them). Look for the “ECM – Engine Control Module (ME).” Touch the RIGHT arrow on this line to reveal the next page…




On this “MENU” page, scroll to and touch “Variant Coding”

NOTE: If at anytime during this procedure you are prompted to Switch On the ignition, this means to position 1, only. Because this mod writes to the ECM, do NOT start the engine running (position 2).






On the next page, select the only option available, “Implicit_variant Coding”





The next page will reveal 100+/- systems you can touch. Scroll down until you see “Engine Start/Stop” In my car, it is item number 086 (left column), but may likely be another number, depending on how your car is equipped. At least “086” will get you into the right neighborhood. Note that it shows Engine Start/Stop as ACTIVE. Touch on this line to proceed…







The next screen will show you the two options, “NOT ACTIVE” and “ACTIVE”. Tap on “NOT ACTIVE” and the next screen will appear…







Showing that you have selected “NOT ACTIVE.” Click OK, then on the next screen look to the lower left, and tap “Write Coding” to save your choice to the ECM module. Wait patiently while this compiles and gives you a “completed” screen. At this point you can back out of the reader, or push the On/Off button on the reader as a shortcut.

It took me 2-3 tries to get this to work, so don’t be discouraged if multiple efforts are needed. Eventually, you can turn the ignition Off and then back on, to see if the “ECO” button lights or not. If not, you should be good to go… no more ECO Start/Stop.

The change is a FIXED ON or OFF (it’s not a remember last setting).” I suppose you can re-enter the system and reselect “ACTIVE” to restore the function. I have not tried this yet. But pushing the ECO button while driving has no effect (staying OFF).

Hope this step-by-step helps.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the step-by-step! I do recommend selecting Backup before proceeding with any writing. Also, you can get clean screenshots by tapping the little camera icon in the upper right of the screen.

wildta

Thanks for this. Very helpful. Is there a way to change the tire size using Launch scanners? I saw this video about it on a different make and I couldn't see anywhere to change the tire size on my Launch:

This video says to go here
System Selection > BCM (Body Control Module) > Special Function > Program Tire Size

BenzV12

Good job , ECO START / STOP no longer bothers me as it was once but I appreciate your time and sharing your modification here

S-Prihadi

Yes, you can. I have changed mine the REAR to reflect a 255/40 thicker side wall tyre over the standard 265/35.
Go to the closest circumference of your "new" tire and do remember, this number is in millimeters and a 50% worn tyre










The coding is 2035mm, supposedly this calculator below produce 2050 mm new tyre with maximum thread depth.



So MB coding for 245/40-18" is 50% worn tire. Brand new if Michelin thread depth is 6.7 to 7mm and it is true, I measure it. BALD legal limit is spare 1.6mm.
So you only get 5.1 to 5.4 mm useable thread depth.
So MB coding at 2035mm is based on 2.6mm worn or 50%







.




I recalled my rear wheel 255/40-18 , I coded to 2050mm. I forgot exactly but I made it bigger so the ABS computers wont go banana.
NOTE : you can not write your own tire size/circumference, there is a list to choose when you enter that section/box 2035

.

streborx

This all great information. I wish the forum administrators would create a new forum category for OBDII scanners and coding like one of the BMW forums has done, so that all this information would have a common home.

Regarding the start/stop disable, it's my understanding that even when active, it doesn't kick in until the engine has warmed, the battery SOC is sufficient, and in some cases, the outside air temp is suitable. So after setting start/stop inactive, drive around for 20 - 30 minutes on a day of moderate temperature to ensure your engine continues running when you brake to a full stop for several seconds, before declaring victory.

wildta

Amazing thank you both for such detailed information. @S-Prihadi it was one of your previous posts that convinced me to buy the Launch.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

It varies. On my 2014 C350, conditions seemed to have to be "perfect" for Start/Stop to become active, while on the SL400 it seemed to activate immediately. Regardless, there is enough engineering data to show Start/Stop can actually be harmful to the life of an engine and I have disabled it on both my cars.

Back in the early 80s, Start/Stop was tried by several European car makers in Europe. I think Volvo was one of them. Of course, if I remember correctly, gasoline was about $4/gallon while those of us in the military could buy coupons to use for about 80 cents per gallon. My memory is not that precise, but it was a big enough difference to make me very aware of the cost of ownership for German civilians. Now, it is just another gimmick to virtue signal that cars are being environmentally friendly while you don't see start/stop on the real polluters like jet aircraft and cattle.

streborx

I remember well the OPEC oil crisis of the 70's when gas prices skyrocketed to $0.50 from $0.19. There were lots of folks driving around in gas guzzlers that netted 9 miles/gallon downhill with a tailwind. People began shutting off their engines at traffic lights thinking they could save a few gallons, but quickly learned that their batteries and starters weren't up to the task. But the tow truckers made a killing. I just find start/stop annoying, especially when I'm stopping to park. I haven't heard much feedback on mild hybrids that use electric motors to bridge the stop/start interval. One would think this would make the system seamless and nearly imperceptible, but the jury is still out. All I've heard is that the 48 volt systems are famously unreliable and prone to failure, which of course disable the car, even though there's no reason for this other than if the car ran fine without the mild hybrid system working, owners would be disabling it.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Ha! So, I'm not the only Old Fart here!

I started driving in 1973 and my dad told me to never put gas in the car for less than 25 cents/gallon. I do remember the "gas wars" between stations that got to 19 cents or less.

DFWdude

Back on topic, the coding I noted in my original post results in an "all or nothing" solution. Either Start/Stop works, or it doesn't. The ECO button no longer works.

I'm learning that there are other solutions (at least one) where you can code the function to be directed on the last setting of the ECO Button. In other words, if the ECO light is "ON" when you turn off the engine, ECO will operate the next time the engine works. Likewise, if ECO light is "OFF" when you turn off the engine, then ECO will remain "OFF" when the car is restarted.

This suggests to me that there is another module that controls this, rather than just the Engine Control Module (ECM) I found. If anyone has found this separate, different coding path using the LAUNCH Creader Elite 2.0 Benz, please share it here, so that others will have multiple choices when coding their ECO START/STOP in their cars using this LAUNCH reader.

streborx

I think this is the way the Mid-City Engineering OBD dongle works -- you can set it so that start/stop is either always on, or so that it remains in the last state. I like it permanently off.

DFWdude

Understood. But Mid-City has found the coding structure that leads to this. If so, then the same structure must be available for use with other coders. Right?

S-Prihadi

In Front SAM N10/1 there is START STOP too, but it may be only for the special Q Relay ( at F32 ) for when the Rear 12Ah baby battery is taking over comfort devices power load.
Try take a look.






next look at N93 Central Gateway, which is located also at Front SAM N10/1 but has its own module ID , which is N93




N93 if seen by Xentry




Good luck.....

streborx

Mid-City might be doing it this way to hedge its legal position. There's divided opinion on whether turning start/stop permanently off violates EPA rules regarding tampering with a car's emission controls. Mid-City's solution isn't permanent disablement, but rather like automating the disable push-button action. Maybe all their dongle does is emulate pressing the start/stop off button every time you start the car.

S-Prihadi

N93 gateway...........

DFWdude

I looked at the Central Gateway, but the LAUNCH reader did not offer a drill-down to ECO Start/Stop.

S-Prihadi

OK later when I have time I will use my v1 Baby Launch and see what I can read at Central Gateway.
You must be careful when looking at Gateway. If your car has the more advance driving assistance, it has another Gateway too and since Launch does not indicate N93 number, some people
may accidentally mistaken that other Gateway. My car does not have that extra Gateway for advance driving assistance.

S-Prihadi

DFW,

Take note I am on FW 50.26 of the Launch.
I think you should take a look at this setting, at engine computer , but you must first turn back ON the Start Stop at number 084.

ADD : Our engine is different, I see your Launch parameter numbering is a tiny bit different than mine.

Number 128, part 1 of 2





Enter number 128 . Part 2 of 2.

I think the Stop-Start Standard Logic, Last Mode is what you want right ?




If number 084

DFWdude

Surya, I am on FW 50.26 of the Launch, too.

I re-enabled ECO Start/Stop in (your) 084 (my 086), and it is now working again. Then I disconnected the reader an started over.

Under neither "Engine Control Module" nor "Engine Computer" modules does there appear "Strategy" #128, which I am sure is the right one. (The "Engine" route leads to the same drill-down choices as the ECM module.)

It's puzzling that your earlier model LAUNCH has it but this brand new 2.0 version does not.

I also looked under "Central Gateway" but there is nothing there. I will try under "Front SAM N10/1" next, but I have my doubts.

I'm very sure I haven't found the correct module... Hopefully someone else will chime in.

DFWdude

Update, I looked under "Front SAM N10/1", but there is no drill-down for ECO...

And, now that I have restored ECO Start/Stop to look for other options, I am now unable to disable it as before. So ECO Start/Stop is back full-time.

Maybe I have to run a couple drive cycles. (But that's just a guess)

S-Prihadi

I think maybe also because of different engine hence the difference we are having, software wise V50.26 will be the same on all Launch.

DFWdude

Today I was able to disable ECO Start/Stop, again. I started by removing the Keyless Go button from the ignition and when requested by the reader, I switched the ignition ON (position 1 only) using the key fob. In my other thread it was suggested that writing to the Engine Control Module (ECM) cannot occur if the engine is running, which it was on several of my previous attempts.

This time, the operation completed, but only after requesting that I turn the ignition OFF, then back ON. (If the KG Button were in, I would not have been able to do this.) So that is why I suggest using the key in the ignition so you have flexibility, if requested. I will modify my original post to specify this.

W205C43PFL

That is good advice, as if you use the button another press it throws the accessory mode.

Speaking of accessory mode (position 2), I got curious, could the procedure be done with the button inserted but instead of doing it in position 1, instead foot off the brake and throw the car in accessory mode instead then when it tells you to turn it off just press once?

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure anyone said you "cannot" write to the ECU with the engine running, but that you should not.