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Diagnostic software/SRS/Airbag issue

I am currently in the middle of a major dispute with Mercedes-Benz regarding diagnostic software and why it is so completely useless with some older models, in my case, a UK 1995 E200-124 with an SRS problem.

During my research which has often led me up a number of 'blind alleys', I came across the following extract from a technical bulletin. To my untrained eye, this reads like an explanation of why current MB diagnostic software (Star) is unable to obtain the error codes necessary to diagnose faults. I need to know if my assumption is correct.

Do I also assume that I must have an analogue connector, simply because it is 16-pin? With some helpful assistance, I managed to check this for myself; the diagnostic box is located behind the firewall and in front of the brake fluid reservoir (on U.S. specs, I understand that it is located in front of the battery).

Incidentally, are U.S. MB dealers legally obliged to follow the procedure laid down in this bulletin?

TC

Carsoft USA Technical Bulletin ABM: 310803d: COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR CARSOFT MB

  1. "Module Does Not Respond"

Problem: Is the module digital or analogue?

Chassis Affected: 1992-1994 W124, W140, R129, and W202

  1. Between 1993 and 1995 production dates, Mercedes-Benz models had a mix of some digital and some analogue modules on the same car.

  1. Technicians should be aware that these cars might have a 38-Pin digital connector, or an 8/16-Pin analogue connector. A 38-Pin Connector does not guarantee an all-digital car.

  2. If in these cases, analogue diagnosis is still required through the
38-Pin connector or the 8/16-Pin analogue Connector for the analogue modules.

  1. Not all cars are affected.

Analogue or Digital: Airbag

  1. All digital from 1994-1995; but finds only one fault at a time, just as
1988-1993 analogue cars.

  1. Clear each fault before testing for the next fault.

  2. Test as analogue first, then digital, on pin 6 (16-pin) or pin 30 (38-pin)
Reply to
TC
Loading thread data ...

Here is the answer to my own question.

(Extracts from a letter sent to me by DaimlerChrysler UK Limited).

  1. .. we can indeed confirm that the W124 series is not compatible with the Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic equipment.

  1. .. it is neither necessary nor possible to advise all owners of the W124 series that this is the case as

(a) Mercedes-Benz technicians are fully qualified to find faults on a vehicle following the guidelines laid out by DaimlerChrysler AG. The Star Diagnostic Equipment is an additional tool to aid them in this process. We trust however that you will understand that not all faults are easily identifiable even were the vehicle to be compatible with the said equipment.

(b) .. a vehicle's monitoring equipment is in no way connected to the overall performance of a vehicle's safety features.

Reply to
TC

Except it is, I had no problems reading the fault memory of a W124

320CE using Star Diagnosis last week....
Reply to
miknik

Perhaps, the following information explains your anomalous situation.

QUOTE/

Carsoft USA Technical Bulletin ABM: 310803d COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR CARSOFT MB

  1. "Module Does Not Respond"

Problem: Is the module digital or analogue? Chassis Affected: 1992-1994 W124, W140, R129, and W202

a. Between 1993 and 1995 production dates, Mercedes-Benz models had a mix of some digital and some analogue modules on the same car. b. Technicians should be aware that these cars might have a 38-Pin digital connector, or an 8/16-Pin analogue connector. A 38-Pin Connector does not guarantee an all-digital car. c. If In these cases, analogue diagnosis is still required through the

38-Pin connector or the 8/16-Pin analogue Connector for the analogue modules. d. Not all cars are affected.

\UNQUOTE

Confusing, isn't it?

TC

Reply to
TC

SRS codes are analog and obtained from pin 6.

Reply to
AJDalton7

Are you the same person who once offered me the specs for an LED tool?

TC

Reply to
TC

I recall receiving and replying to an e-mail from you, then nothing.

I guess that it would still leave me with the problem of how to build/use the tool, having never attempted this sort of thing before. Btw, there's no Radio Shack in the UK.

I tried a different approach when I spoke to a representative from Baum Tools about using an MB Fault Code Reader Tool CS1000. However, he reckoned that, since my independent specialist, has already unsuccessfully tried Star and HHT, he didn't see how the CS1000 would be of any help.

Anyway, I finally blew a personal gasket and landed a broadside on Daimler/Chrysler UK, the crux of which is that the lack of 'program compatibility' with their current diagnostic software means that fault identification on older Series vehicles has been rendered either difficult or, as in my case, totally impossible.

Having previously owned Audi, Ford, Subaru and Volvo vehicles, I cannot remember encountering a manufacturer with such an impenitent attitude as Daimler/Chrysler UK.

TC

Reply to
TC

The RS LED can be gotten at any electronics outlet. Simply ask for a Led and a 750 ohm resistor... or , ask for a led that is already wired for 12 volts [ that is what RS has ..the resistor is built into the LED so it can be used for auto 12 v. application]

I do not see your email , so if you would like the instructions and codes , try again with LED SCHEMATIC in the subject line...some emails get canned if we do not see subject recognition..

Reply to
AJDalton7

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