Code reader for(OBDII) and also pre 96 Mercedes
 

I am looking at purchasing a code reader for my two mercedes. It seems that because of the difference in age,
i may have to get two different code readers from what I understand...
First, lets start with what I have- a 1994 S320. Can someone please tell me what kind of code reader I need to look for to work with this car.
The other is easier i hope, a 98 ML320, from what I understand is OBDII compliant. So any OBDII reader should work right?
I dont need to get too fancy with the diagnostics, I just want to be able to check codes and reset engine and oil change lights. I just want to be ahead of the game when I take my cars in...
So if anyone has a code reader(reasonable<under 200>) that can read both cars, please share. If im going to need two, send me a list...Id like to get one soon, my check engine light came on in my S320, and my SRS light is still staying on for around 40 sec after car is started before it goes off...

Thanks in advance for your help.

An ODB2 scanner will work on both of those MB's.
The 1994 C-class was one of the first cars that were ODB2 equipted.

OF course you can only read check engine info!

Thanks
 

Thanks MB Doc...but I dont have the 1994 C 220 any longer...I have a 1994 S class....an S320.

Are the S class OBDII compliant too? You would think that for 78K(when new), they would have had the newest features. If its not, Im assuming its OBDI compliant, right? Is there a scanner that will read both OBDI and OBDII?

Thanks for your help,

Carlos

I purchased a OBD11 scanner at Auto-Zone for $150.

On eBay for under 100.00
 

Ronnie,

Thanks...I called and priced them at O'Reillys, Advance and AZ. All about the same, around 130. I then took the model names and plugged them into the eBay search engine and they are going for around half the cost. Most of the ones on there are brand new or near brand new(only used a couple of times). The models I have found could be helpful are the Innova 3100, and the Actron CP9135. I will update my experiences with the code reader I purchase.


Also, through my search of this site for info, I got different answers to whether or not my 94 S class is OBDII compliant. Some posts claimed it is OBDII, others said it was OBDI....My own search for the plug found it matched the plug my 98 ML320 has...So if it has the plug I would assume its OBDII...right?


Thanks,

Carlos

Get 'em both. I am looking into OBD-II scanners right now, and I have found a good model that MSRP's for about $200CDN. The OBD-I models are about $30.

And no, OBD-II scanners won't read OBD-I codes.

What's your source for the obd II john ?

Canadian Tire has the Innova 3100 and it's supposed to be pretty good. Lots of positive reviews. It's a little more than some others at $250, but I hear it's user friendly and durable.

Innova(Equus) 3100 for $129 new
 

250 is a little steep...check out Advance AutoParts...you can order it online or over phone for only $129.00.
Here is the link:

http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDetails.asp?SourceArea=&SourcePage=SEARCHRESULTS&MfrCode=EQU&MfrPartNumber=3100&CategoryCode=338 9

Also, on eBay these 3100's are going from between $60-$110(used to new condition).

I saw an AutoXray 5000 for $400.00, but Im not sure if Im quite ready for that type of diagnosing power yet...

You know I purchased my car on E-BAY and then purchase the OBD11 w/o checking E-BAY, da.:mad:

The S320 won't be OBDII till 1996. The 1994 has a lot of info available with a proper scanner, but codes can be read with the impulse counter method. SRS can never be read with an OBDII scanner.

Re: Innova(Equus) 3100 for $129 new
 

We in Canada

I have a 1994 s320 and it is OBDII compliant.

Where did you find BOD-II reader for C$200?
I went to canadian tire and they had Innova 3100 @ $250.

I'm in need of a reader asap.

looking at ebay for either Actron CP9135 OBD II AutoScanner or Innova 3100. Any recommendation of the 2?

thanks

YJ

Canadian Tire had the Innova for $200 at that time. Some kinda intro special if memory serves. I shoulda bought one.

Actron cp 9135 at autozone on sale $100

Where is the OBDII connector located.

I've been searching my car for it (E220 cdi -99) and the only connector I would associate it with is a 38-pin connector located on the left side under the hood, is that the one?

As to what I've read about the OBDII standard there should be a 16-pin connector isn't mercedes following this?

Morgan

You cannot beat the OBD II software and accessories from EASE diagnostics, for the money it is the best buy, 'cause once you get familiar with its multi functions and ability to manipulate and understand the data it returns, one can make all kinds of friends by scanning their cars, and an OBD II system such as this is a must for anyone living in areas that have emissions testing or WILL SOON have emissions testing. Also, the software will read all protocols and has tech support for upgrades, (which hand held models will not have,and are usually only for a narrow range of vehicles) Cool real time color graphics and charts, one can plug it in the dlc and drive around watching what the engine components are doing and how it responds to acceleration or decell, etc, All for around $500.
See their web site

For OBD I cars, somebody describe on this website how to make a diode light for like $15 you might try a search.

Ha, ha.
After 5 years of ripping people off, the government has decide to scrap the mandatory emissions testing in Ontario, within the next 2 years.
I'm telling you ( Inspector 1 ) for the last time, 80 % of emissions are caused by INDUSTRY, 10 % by misc. sources & 10 % by vehicles.
The % caused by vehicles is dwindling every year, as older ( polluting ) vehicles are replaced with newer ( cleaner ) vehicles. ;)
You may have to find a real job. :eek:

Yes,

I built a reader for my non-compliant 94 E420. Do a search... I know the instructions are out there.

Also, for compliant cars.. if you just want to read the codes, you can get readers for about $49 at either Harbor Freight or on Ebay.

Personally, I'd look at this one...

http://www.autoenginuity.com/

Runs on Palm and Laptop.

Where is the OBDII connector located.

I've been searching my car for it (E220 cdi -99) and the only connector I would associate it with is a 38-pin connector located on the left side under the hood, is that the one?

As to what I've read about the OBDII standard there should be a 16-pin connector isn't mercedes following this?

Morgan

if you have a car that you are not sure if it is obd2, check the engine tag under the hood. it tells you engine litres, timing, if its federal, california, or canadian certified. on this tag it also has to say if its obd1 or obd2. you will find the connector under the dash if its obd2
my boss has a snap on scanner for obd2 and will do obd 1 if you buy the connector i think he wants 900.00
it also does normal cars. this is a 2500.00 scanner
pm me if you want pictures or more info
he is also selling a 4 channel lab scope that can look at the spark system as it works .can not think of the right name for this . its just like an old large occiliscope the shops used to use,and still use. just got up, so brain not yet up to par
rich

Yes, in my car (94 E420) the 38 pin connector is what I use to read codes using reader that I built. Details in another post.

Did you check in the drivers side footwell, by the steering column?
My car has a little lid that opens downward. Under it is the OBD IIsocket. ;)

ODBII codes
 

Last summer I inherited Dad's 1994 C220. It was in perfect shape with only 27,000 Km on it. My wife loves it (me too)!

In December the "Check Engine" light. I took it to the local service station because the nearest MB dealer is a half an hour away. The local techs weren't too sure if their scanner would be able to diagnose the problem. The scanner came back with "P1341" The local techs scratched their heads because they had no listing of this code. They just cleared the code and everything seemed fine... until last week when the "Check Engine" light came back on. The scanner revealed the same "P1341" code.

Can anyone tell me what this means?

Thanks:)

P1341

I've looked it up at "www.obdii.com" and it says

P1341 Camshaft Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

Still I'm not sure if this applies to your car, since the OBDII was used as a standard (I think) from -97 and yours probably uses OBDI.

Morgan

OBDII codes
 

Thanks "mgyl" for the reply. I did not know about the obdii website. I will use that in the furure.

The OEM sticker under the hood of my 94 C220 says "OBDII Certified"

Thanks again

Just thought I’d update this post in case anyone else encountered the same problem.

Since last summer the “check engine” light came on a few more times. Each occurrence generated a “P1341” code. Seeing as the car was running fine we just kept clearing the code.

In January of this year we started to have an idling issue. The car kept stalling when we came to a stop. Took it to the dealer and it turned out to be the overvoltage protection relay.

Relay replaced… no more check engine light.
:)

I called my local Autozone and they are priced at $149.
Where are you located?

I have seen an adapter, which converts the 38 pin analog diagnostics plug of my '92 W140 into OBD2:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7978501068&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Does anyone have experience with that adapter?

And can a pc-based OBD2 scan tool like ProScan be recommended for fault codes and analysis?

http://www.myscantool.com

It does seem like a cost-effective solution, but will it work?