CAN OBD2 failed to read codes
 

1999 S80 T6

Guys,

I bought Equus 3130 OBD2 scanner and used it to pull a code. My car's message window says "Engine System Service Required" and the orange delta is ON. The scanner said there are no DTC codes present.

Who's lying? My car's message window or the scanner?
I am pretty sure that the ESSR message is for the brake pedal sensor malfuntion - it showed up a couple of weeks ago while at the dealer who said the code is ECU 9400

Thanks.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

The scanner is lying.
I see it all the time the guys in the shop use a generic scanner and see only 1 code.
I hook up the laptop with Vadis and pull 3 or 4 codes.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Dang!! I will have to return this scanner then. Is there no way to pull a code without shelling out 120 bucks to the dealer everytime my car spits out a message??

But guess what... I was able to erase that message in the car using the scanner.
(I know, it was dumb to erage the code before I know what it is for, but I was fiddling with the buttons on the scanner to check if I will be able to retrieve a code and managed to erase it)

Thanks.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Where can I get a cord to run from my Laptop to the car diagnostic plug?

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Is it a Can scanner?

You will need to get a Box that connects between the laptop and car.
They are expensive.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Yes, tech. It is a CAN OBD2 scanner.
The description says: "Communicates with all OBD 2 protocols: C.A.N. (Controller Area Network), ISO 9141, J1850PWM, J1850VPW, KWP 2000 ISO 14230-4 - Provides SAE enhanced Live Data - views, records, and plays back live PCM data streams - Displays Freeze Frame Data - Retrieves OBD2 DTCs: Generic Codes (P0, P2, P3, and U0) / - Manufacturer Specific Codes (P1, P3, and U1)"

Question: The dealer pulled the code ECU 9400. Is it a generic code or a manf. specific code? Why doesn't this code start with a "P" or "U" as the scanner's description says?

RE: OBD2 Question
 

It is a Dealer specific code.
It should have been a ECM-9400 code.
Thats what the Dealer uses. The P codes are majorly different.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

I found that in one case I had to run the car to get the codes - no codes came up with just the ignition on but in "run" the codes came up.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Dealer specific code?!!? hmm...
(Yes, its ECM 9400; thanks for the correction)

So, I guess a dealer specific code cannot be read on my little scanner.

Question: Do these dealer specific codes have a corresponding generic or manufacturer codes starting with a "B", "C", "P", or "U"?
Howdid thedealer manage to make up a code on a car's computer anyway?

Thanks.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

I did a really dumb thing by erasing the code after my scanner failed to read it. I should have run the car.

"Run" - do you mean run the engine while the scanner is connected and reading? Or take a drive, switch off the engine and connect the read scanner?

Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure I did not waste 170 bucks on a scanner that doesn't read codes.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Sorry, I meant run the engine and try searching for codes while it is running.

If you cleared the codes and the problem still exists they should come back.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

I am sure the problem still exists. I will try as you said and will post tomorrow.

Thanks guys.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Sorry, I meant that when I ran the engine (rather than just turn on the ignition) i was able to get the codes. The fault was not recorded in the car's memory after it was turned off but showed up when the engine was running - maybe this will work for you.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

What the Dealer uses it a specific number for the codes.
ECM is for the engine computer ETC all the modules are abreviated for the first portion of the code then the numbers come after.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Sorry, by "run" I mean run the engine and search for codes while it is running. In my case the codes were only present while the engine was on. If you cleared the codes and the problem persists the codes should come back anyway.

RE: OBD2 Question
 

Check out these guys:

http://www.carplugs.com/

RE: OBD2 Question
 

1999 S80 T6

I tried to pull the code as magak2572 suggested but I was not able retrieve any codes. I changed the part (brake pedal position sensor) that created the code.

I am sure my car will spit out a new code soon, will test the CanOBD2 and see if will be able to pull the code next time.

Thanks guys.