Help with Clearing Trouble Codes and CEL
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
Help with Clearing Trouble Codes and CEL
Hey Guys,
Well, it finally happened. Round 2 of tweaks on my AMS ECU caused a misfire this last Friday on cylinder 1. I parked the car, shut it down, restarted it, and the misfire was temporarily gone. But as soon as I punched it 10 minutes later, it came back. I was warned by their tuner that this could happen. The good news, as they told me, is that by resetting it (taking it out of the car and re-installing it) the misfires seem to be gone over the last few days. Something in the adaptive process causes the timing to eventually advance too far that a knock is sensed and then the cylinder is shut down. FYI, there is no mistaking that a cylinder is shut down when it happens! lol Rough idle and strange sounding exhaust.
Here is the problem though:
I can't clear the trouble code ("misfire on cylinder 1") with my OBD II reader. Now I have had this reader for a very long time back to my 2000 E55. It did work to clear codes on the E55. When I try to do this on this car it looks like it is doing it. It asks "are you sure you want to clear all codes?"), and I click YES. Then it appears to be doing it, but when done, nothing is cleared. Same trouble code is still there, and the CEL symbol in the dash is still there.
Any insights from you gear heads? Do I need a better, newer OBD II reader? I did have an initial discussion with the guys at AMS and they said I should be able to clear the codes. Although that was one of their sales guys and not their actual tuner.
BTW, when the stock ECU goes back in the codes are not there and the CEL is not on. I did this to make sure I didn't fry a coil or something. I also could not get the misfire to happen even with the engine hot and pushing it hard with the stock ECU.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Well, it finally happened. Round 2 of tweaks on my AMS ECU caused a misfire this last Friday on cylinder 1. I parked the car, shut it down, restarted it, and the misfire was temporarily gone. But as soon as I punched it 10 minutes later, it came back. I was warned by their tuner that this could happen. The good news, as they told me, is that by resetting it (taking it out of the car and re-installing it) the misfires seem to be gone over the last few days. Something in the adaptive process causes the timing to eventually advance too far that a knock is sensed and then the cylinder is shut down. FYI, there is no mistaking that a cylinder is shut down when it happens! lol Rough idle and strange sounding exhaust.
Here is the problem though:
I can't clear the trouble code ("misfire on cylinder 1") with my OBD II reader. Now I have had this reader for a very long time back to my 2000 E55. It did work to clear codes on the E55. When I try to do this on this car it looks like it is doing it. It asks "are you sure you want to clear all codes?"), and I click YES. Then it appears to be doing it, but when done, nothing is cleared. Same trouble code is still there, and the CEL symbol in the dash is still there.
Any insights from you gear heads? Do I need a better, newer OBD II reader? I did have an initial discussion with the guys at AMS and they said I should be able to clear the codes. Although that was one of their sales guys and not their actual tuner.
BTW, when the stock ECU goes back in the codes are not there and the CEL is not on. I did this to make sure I didn't fry a coil or something. I also could not get the misfire to happen even with the engine hot and pushing it hard with the stock ECU.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
You can try a battery pull ... overnight, then Reconnect while new tuned ecu is in
if it still throws a light then this ecu tune is not compatible with your engine as is for some reason
what gas are you using? Top tier, 92+ octane?
if it still throws a light then this ecu tune is not compatible with your engine as is for some reason
what gas are you using? Top tier, 92+ octane?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,399
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From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 603
Likes: 209
From: Boston area
2016 E63 Wagon
Vrodman,
I went all out and got the iCarSoft version episodically for our cars. For someone like you, with a tuned ECU< it may be worth getting one as well. Reads all the subsystem codes individually etc.
iCarSoft MB specific unit
I went all out and got the iCarSoft version episodically for our cars. For someone like you, with a tuned ECU< it may be worth getting one as well. Reads all the subsystem codes individually etc.
iCarSoft MB specific unit
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 55
2014 E63 S model
If it's just a check engine light that's bothering you it goes away on its own after a while. I was only ever able to have the codes properly cleared at the dealer. The generic code readers will clear the code on a Toyota Matrix, not on a Benz.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
A battery pull overnight is not going to be any different than removing the ECU entirely for a day which I did. After looking around at OBD readers I see that it is likely mine is just way too old. I do not think it has the latest protocols which came after 2008. Also this iCarSoft i980 reader seems pretty highly reviewed by the Mercedes techs. It is made for MB, although it supposedly works on other makes as well. It's only about a $100 so worth a try.
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
these are the niggles I'm not thrilled about with tunes
i don't recall reading about this with renntech
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 55
2014 E63 S model
Don't waste your money on race gas. Add about methanol to the gas tank (~1L per 10L gasoline) it will increase your octane, if that is really your problem. You should drive around a bit to let your fuel trims adjust.
if you have E85 try ~ 1.5 - 2 liters per 10L gasoline
if you have E85 try ~ 1.5 - 2 liters per 10L gasoline
Last edited by e65; Sep 4, 2018 at 10:03 PM.
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Thanks. E85??? What is this?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
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From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
A battery pull overnight is not going to be any different than removing the ECU entirely for a day which I did. After looking around at OBD readers I see that it is likely mine is just way too old. I do not think it has the latest protocols which came after 2008. Also this iCarSoft i980 reader seems pretty highly reviewed by the Mercedes techs. It is made for MB, although it supposedly works on other makes as well. It's only about a $100 so worth a try.
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 201
From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
you really should not be scared off by this. I’m not at all. Plus, keep in mind, you have a huge advantage being right there in Chitown! Those guys at AMS will dial you in. Worst case is you have to revisit them once or twice, but at least you are right there.
With that said, I will let you know as findings come in ASAP as you requested my friend!
Cheers
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 185
From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
A battery pull overnight is not going to be any different than removing the ECU entirely for a day which I did. After looking around at OBD readers I see that it is likely mine is just way too old. I do not think it has the latest protocols which came after 2008. Also this iCarSoft i980 reader seems pretty highly reviewed by the Mercedes techs. It is made for MB, although it supposedly works on other makes as well. It's only about a $100 so worth a try.
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
As far as compatibility, the tuned ECU just had this happen 4 days ago. No CEL or trouble codes for the first 2 rounds of running it over a 3 month span. AMS tuner did warn me that a cylinder shut down may occur, but nothing to worry about. After reset, as I mentioned, everything runs great again. Just can't clear the events from last Friday.
Here in N Cali, we only have 91 octane, or very expensive 100 race gas. AMS guys told me that these ECU's are very sensitive to pre-detonation detection. They said with pushing the timing toward the top end and blocking the timing "pullback" that the adaptive process creates, that this might occasionally happen. If the ECU were inside the fender or something this would be a problem. Fortunately, for us the AMG wizards practically put a quick-release handle on it for us! lol
If so i think those should clear once you drive it for a while as the ECU (again, somehow...) it knows to verify the issue is gone before clearing permanent codes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
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From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
Banned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 28
From: USA
E63 AMG S
Check out Carly scanner for mercedes .. its a app for ur phone via a wifi obd wireless connection..
https://www.mycarly.com/product/mercedes-app/
they are very big in the bmw world and i have the obd sitting in my glovebox always!! 1000% worth the money esp for us owners and guys who like to mod.. reads and delete all specific benz codes.
https://www.mycarly.com/product/mercedes-app/
they are very big in the bmw world and i have the obd sitting in my glovebox always!! 1000% worth the money esp for us owners and guys who like to mod.. reads and delete all specific benz codes.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 28
From: USA
E63 AMG S
always like to hear honest reviews from MEMBERS so lets us all know of what to expect from the tunes and the most important aspect, the support AFTER u get the tune.
cant wait for your review Peter.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 450
Likes: 98
2014 E63 AMG wagon
I can't clear the trouble code ("misfire on cylinder 1") with my OBD II reader. Now I have had this reader for a very long time back to my 2000 E55. It did work to clear codes on the E55. When I try to do this on this car it looks like it is doing it. It asks "are you sure you want to clear all codes?"), and I click YES. Then it appears to be doing it, but when done, nothing is cleared. Same trouble code is still there, and the CEL symbol in the dash is still there.
BTW, when the stock ECU goes back in the codes are not there and the CEL is not on. I did this to make sure I didn't fry a coil or something. I also could not get the misfire to happen even with the engine hot and pushing it hard with the stock ECU.
Thanks in advance for any help.
BTW, when the stock ECU goes back in the codes are not there and the CEL is not on. I did this to make sure I didn't fry a coil or something. I also could not get the misfire to happen even with the engine hot and pushing it hard with the stock ECU.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
But, YES, the car seems just fine after resetting the ECU.
Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Peter - are you due for a scheduled plug change or did AMS suggest getting new OEM plugs with your (low) mileage or going 1 step colder new plugs with the tune? I have original plugs 2015 with 27k Miles and assumed new OEM plugs with a tune would be beneficial (but not required).
new oem plugs gapped to 0.022; I'm at 27k miles of light driving on stock tune since I bought this car brand new but I hear these plugs can get welded in if not changed more often ... oem gapped at 0.022 is every tuners and forum goers recommendation
new plugs or new gap are NOT required, just ideal.
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M3, E55, cls63
hey man
new oem plugs gapped to 0.022; I'm at 27k miles of light driving on stock tune since I bought this car brand new but I hear these plugs can get welded in if not changed more often ... oem gapped at 0.022 is every tuners and forum goers recommendation
new plugs or new gap are NOT required, just ideal.
Thread Starter
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From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
I did. No issues related to plugs so far. And it really hauls *ss my man! You are gonna love that tune. Make sure to tell them you want the same low gear extras that they did for me. You know my name. Just tell Chris I love the latest tweak and recommended it to you.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
I had the same problem, CEL for a misfire could not clear it with any OBDII reader. I have an "iCAR soft MB2" no luck. I had a friend with a PC based scanner ( VAG-COM mainly for audis ) no luck. Also a local shop with a professional type system... no luck. The car was running fine, I ran it for a week or so, but ended up sending the ECU back to the tuner (AMS) they turned it around in a day. All is well since. I also popped the stock ECU in with the same result as yourself, no codes, no cel.
Looks like we have the exact same thing going on. I got the new iCar reader and it won't clear them either. It's not really a big deal to have the light on anyway as has been mentioned. I will likely wait a bit and see if I have any other tweaks necessary for AMS before I send it back to them for this.
I will say the iCar reader is pretty nice though! It does a ton more stuff than my old reader so it was worth it anyway.
Cheers
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From: Bay Area, California
2015 E63s AMG, 2020 GLC 43 AMG
