Diagnostic Trouble Code Tools
 

Can someone tell me how to build the diagnostic trouble code reading tools or where to buy this tool and how much it cost. I have a E320 95. I plan to keep it a long time and need a diagnostic tools in case the car has problem. I read in previous post that it is easy to build one. By a way, where is the ignition control unit (power control) in the E320. Any help is appreciated.

The ignition system is part of the HFM fuel system ECU.

There are several good scanners for sale, but if you just want to access the flash codes on each module, this does the trick

Make a copy , as I can not leave it posted long. I need the
space..

Procedure is same as the built-in DTC sw/led

http://members.aol.com/ajdalton7/pictoral.jpg

Thank Arthur. I will build one in case I need it.

Duc

An empty clear plastic 35 mm film canister makes an easy container/chassis...
Mount the sw. on the lid and poke a hole in the bottom for the leads..
Can see the led through the plastic ....

Engine Management Computer is under the plastic cover behind the battery. Diagnostic socket is on the bulkhead in front of the brake servo on a UK car, not sure if it changes side for LHD.

Don't build that one. . . .
 

it will only work once!!!

Build the one in my page: Menu #2 at the bottom of the page: http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html

If you want a 'good' scanner (Menu #3), send me email: I can save you some serious money on it.

<<Don't build that one. . . .
it will only work once!!! >>

And why is that , Jim.. ????

You may want to go back and look again..

Re: Art, you've seen . .
 

Well, Jim....as you have stated that mine doesn't/ won't work , and that the Poster I put it there for should NOT make that one, then YOU should tell us why it doesn't.

Again, ..go back and take another look... you have missed/over-looked a feature of my design ....

Are you guys debating a LED current limiting resistor? Depending on the P/N, it may be built into the LED.

I know all too well what you point is , Jimbo,
As you noticed , I did not send him a schematic , I sent a Pictoral. With a Parts list.
And the reasoning I did so is quite simple..
.As some guys don't read schematics well enough to make the tool, [ which I get email request for from members with this exact question when I used to post the tool in schematic form],I have simplified the process of putting one together for anybody ..
[along with making several of these for members-free of charge, which is besides the point]
And the parts list contains a 12 volt LED that already has a Resistor...and that was picked out for just that purpose..

So don't give me your "Odds are , the casual builder will grab any led" stuff when I gave a SPECIFIC parts list..

You jumped on it before thinking it out and then attemp to turn it upside down..

I don't THROW diagrams around without thought and next time you want to tell members " Don't make that tool, it won't work- come see mine that does ", do a little homework beforehand...

Thanks so much for giving me such an "adequate chance " to
explain..
The Adequate Chance was yours ...Glad it took another poster to pick up on it for ya..
End..

<<As far as me not knowing that circuit: if you believe that I got some land parcels under the Golden Gate Bridge. >>

Well Jimbo,
Judging by your post that this tool just "Won't Work", one could
reasonably assume/deduct that you you did not know that circuit at that time --- pretty simple..
Of course. I know that you , of all people , know the circuit.
[ but I think you just didn't see a resistor in there and didn't spend anymore time checking it out .. cuz ya wuz just in to big a hurry to get to that ketboard, weren't cha ?????]


<<I'm not trying to tweak you but give some insight of how do to it right!>>

I don't need any of your insight on this matter..
I have been posting a schematic version for members
of the tool before your site ever existed..

And my schematic version already has a footnote advising both versions/parts , as any members that I sent them to over the years will attest to...

The pictoral version needs no explanation.
It is geared to simplicity for those not EE savy..
"Here are the parts and here is a picture of how to hook them up. " Period.
KISS simplicity...

You have a great site, but don't come down on guys passing some simple info on to inquiring members cuz the Schematics don't meet Your High Standards...or a much better presentation can be found at yadayadayada..

The tool works [ contrary to your error/oversight that it didn't]
but rather than just let it be, you find that you have to continue on to cover yourself by atttacking it's presentation..
or anything else you can grab at !!!

Hang it up......you are spinning your wheels..



Duc4208 /members..
As always , Duc and/or anyone needing any assistance w/tool constuction and /or code assistance, continue to feel free to email me.. It is alway a pleasure to help a fellow Benzer out..
Arthur

And we leave it there...
Have a Nice day...

Don't mind if I step in here but Jim, your attacks and insults are totally uncalled for IMO.


Your insinuation that AD's tool is inferior to yours because he doesn't mention the built in resistor if way off the mark. Do you really think that a casual builder (who has no knowledge of electronics whatsoever) would totally ignore a part number and buy just any LED, or go to the next radio shack a block away and find it there? I didn't and I doubt anyone else would either.

Your attacks and insults toward a forum member who has bent over backward to help fellow DIY'ers with this tool and its codes are way out of line.

Arthur, I appreciate the pictoral and the emails that helped me build one of these. Keep up the good work.

Benzmac? Don't you think it's time to close this thread?

Art, Paul, et al. . .
 

I apologize for anything I've said that may have offended you. It was not my intention to get into a heated disscussion.

I have tried to make a point, which is valid. Maybe I didn't go about it the best way. I'll explain.

My comment about don't build it. . it will only work once is true based on the sketch. What, you say, here we go again. No, please follow closely. The 'sketch' as presented w/ pl would, if simulated, perform exactly as I said (''. . . it'll work once").

But if one were to build that circuit, it would work perfectly (for many times!). Then, how can this be? The answer is simple. There must be something wrong with the sketch. There is!

By adding the note such as:

If the LED is not available, then use a generic red LED along with a 370 resistor in series with the +12V lead.

All is right with anybody who reads it and builds it. Also the person who reads it knows the LED is 'special' and can be substituted with a generic LED and an extra resistor. Is that so bad?

So that's what I originally intended to show.

I've deleted all my earlier posts.