I have an annoying check engine light on my 96 SL500 that the dealer says does not need to be fixed, but I will continue to have the check engine light go on. I really dont feel like paying $80 every time I want the check engine light turned off.

I have read about a couple of aftermarket scanners, in particular I am excited about www.autoxray.com . It can read codes and reset the check engine light, which is all I really want to do. Has anyone had any experience with these?

What is the connector that is used on my 96 SL500?
I have heard some dealers use propietary codes that do NOT show up on independent mechanics scanners, you need to use the dealer scanner to see these codes. Does MB do this?

Thanks much.

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2007 Corvette Convertible Torch Red
1996 MBz SL500
2008 Harley Davidson Night Rod Special

I have the Actron scanner to use with out (It's funny that I still say "our" when I haven't driven it in months) '95 C280. I bought it for one reason: last time I went to a shop to have the codes read, the tech used an Actron, so I knew that it would work.

Pep Boys has the scanner on sale for $99 right now.
http://pepboys.crossmediaservices.com/pepboys/listing_detail.asp?listingid=-2098112390&storeid=2315197&offerid=

Mercedes Benz does have some things that can't be checked via the OBDII connection. The one that springs to mind is the SRS (airbag, seatbelt tensioner, etc) system. That one will require a VERY expensive computer to diagnose (and reset the light if it comes on). The check engine light (and associated problems) will be able to be read and reset with this tool.

If you really want CAN support, I'd say get a cheaper scanner for now. Then once the CAN system is really firmed up and in use, get a CAN compatible scanner. You certainly won't need that feature for your 96 Mercedes.

-Tad

I just recently purchased an OBDII Reader. If you want to just read the codes and reset the Check Engine light, that's all you really need. A reader will point you in the right direction for the cause of the fault and will be cheaper, around $100 or so depending on brand and where you buy it.

If you need more detailed info with sensor readouts, graphs, charts, etc. you will need an OBDII Scanner; typically software that will run on a laptop or PalmPilot. They do provide more detailed info, but it's cost will be significantly more.

If you do a search in this forum, you'll see more info from people who also contemplated getting one of these toys.

Cool, thanks much guys. My problem is that I keep getting a check engine light with a O2 sensor code. The dealer tried replacing the O2 but it did not work, they said I would have to replace a $2300 ME control computer, and that "might" fix the problem. They said I would not damage anything by running it like that.

So I basically just want to shut off the engine light every time it goes on, and maybe pull an occasional code off of it. Otherwise I would mostly bring it to the dealer for repair anyway. I just can't swallow the $80 charge they automatically give you for just hooking up their scanner.

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2007 Corvette Convertible Torch Red
1996 MBz SL500
2008 Harley Davidson Night Rod Special

I fixed the check engine light in my car by replacing the computer. The dealership wanted $2200.00 but I got one from Car-Part.com for $200.00 and installed it in 10 min.

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Zafar
94 E320 58000 Miles

$200 ?!? I am going to check that out right away! You are sure it was the ME control computer?

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2007 Corvette Convertible Torch Red
1996 MBz SL500
2008 Harley Davidson Night Rod Special

What did you search under, I cant seem to find one. They dont even have an entry for SL500.

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2007 Corvette Convertible Torch Red
1996 MBz SL500
2008 Harley Davidson Night Rod Special