Code reader for 1998 sl600
 

I’m looking for a code reader for my sl 600

anyone have any recommendations?

A Chinese clone of Mercedes' Star Diagnosis is the only solution to consider. Buy a kit based upon a Dell D630 laptop (sourced from eBay) from aliexpress.com or other verndor for about $300.

Buy a Dell laptop? I just need a code reader. Anybody know if the Autel
ds808k will work on my sl?

A Bosch Actron hand held device is you want to read simple codes.
You can use it for other cars too so you're not stuck with one make.

This hasn't got a cable to connect to Mercedes' proprietary 38-pin diagnostic port, so it can not possibly work.

That won't diagnose any of the following systems on an SL600: convertible roof, roll bar, ADS suspension, Drive Authorization System (security), central locking, climate control, Electronic Stability Program (traction), Brake Assist, alarm system, instrument cluster, air bag, Base Module (power supply).

Bosch said they don’t have anything that will work.

I use mine to read out check engine EVAP leak faults and clear them.
But like other members have pointed out, it may not read other faults mentioned above.

Actron
 

I don’t see the 38 pin Mercedes plug for that model

Buy it separately..
I got mine from

I believe that cable is intended to communicate with the fuel injection controller on a '93-'95 car. Note that just four of the 38 pins are wired. For a '96 and newer car it would be redundant and entirely unnecessary.

Redundant plug
 

It’s the only plug for the 98 model

You should have an OBD-II diagnostic connector located in the under-dash panel beneath the steering wheel.

Plug location
 

Plug is under the hood passenger side

That is the Mercedes proprietary 38-pin connector. You should have a 2nd connector.

Nope, no 2nd connector on my 99. Sorry.
I used the 38 pin one under the hood and it worked fine.

U.S. federal law mandates that every vehicle sold since 1996 must have an OBD-II diagnostic port located in the passenger compartment. The EU enacted the same requirement a few years later.

Since you are in Bahrain, it is plausible to me that your car would not have the OBD-II port. And it is completely immaterial to the discussion on this thread, really, because as I suggested in an earlier post, you need/want a diagnostic tool which attaches to the 38-pin connector so that it can communicate with all vehicle systems.

Hi

My R129 is a 1999 model US vehicle I imported into Bahrain.
I will once again check again to see if that 16 pin port you are referring to exists. No problem.

If not, then the issue the OP has could be relevant to my experience share here.
Accessing the OBD system through the 38 pin port under the hood, and reading out "some" faults.

Logical?

I will check both sides!!!

OP

Read through this , it's helpful

http://www.mercedesmedic.com/mercede...-need-to-know/

Here are some pics of my OBDII plug on a MY2000 SL500 American model. The top and bottom pictures are flipped 180°. The gold coloured bolt head is on the left when looking forward. Hard to see, but using a mirror will help to find it. Hope this helps.
Peter.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...6356ab4e3f.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5138272a3f.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...755f36e7bb.jpg

That is a very good link. But I find a contradiction.

The title of the page promises to reveal everything you need to know, but then states that "anything besides [clearing faults] requires that you have proper training".

That also happens to be the most asinine thing I have read on the web in some time. And since I participate in the comment section of websites which discuss U.S. politics, that is really saying something.

If you have a fault, then apart from clearing it the software practically holds your hand through diagnostic procedures which lead to a solution to the problem causing the fault.

An important part of using Star Diagnosis is the display of sensor and other data through the "Actual values" menu associated with all controllers. This doesn't require "proper training" -- it only requires common sense.

Thank you sir, I will check when I get home!
Hope you are right and I am wrong because that will make life much easier for me.

PJacobs55 & BobTerry99
 

I owe you guys an apology and a special THANK YOU

Found the port. You guys are awesome

Here's the video