C3 Star software Support / repairs UK?

[JC220]

Hi All,

A couple years back I bought a new C3 system from A UK vendor- Pro Auto Diagnostics.

All was fine until around 6 months ago. It refused to connect to any car of mine throwing up error codes.

Around 9 - 10 weeks ago I sent it to Pro Auto Diagnostics for testing/ repair at my expense. A very long story short is to date they are useless and telling me all sorts of lies regarding my system and it's became clear they lack any suitable expertise on their own software image!! £200 further in the hole too and they still have my broken system. Said they would send it back 2 weeks ago and still nada. I'm at my wits end with them and the C3 system.

Can any UK members please advise on anyone they might know who is good at repairing/ supporting these systems? It would be much appreciated. I am desperate to have a working C3 system again since I have several sick Mercedes at the moment. Or even a source for a HDD I can buy and fit. It's one of those generic old crap Dell laptops - I'm check the model later.

 

[JC220]

To summarise I am dealing with DAS software / Licensing issues. I believe the hardware I have is OK.

 

[gsxr]

If the hardware isn't blacklisted, it sounds like all you need is a new license key generated. Assuming your kit did not include a keygen, I'd post over on MHH Auto forum and see if someone there can help out. I know in some cases you'll need to set the laptop date in the past to make things work properly.

 

[jaymanek]

I havent found a good supplier that actually backs up the product.
We almost bought the genuine kit through Mercedes last year but decided against it in the end, as the parts departments have been banned from selling coded items such as transmission speed plates, EZL's etc to independents.

The last one I had was from this company. The guy is ok to deal with. When we had teething problems, he was quite helpful.

https://www.obdstore.co.uk/

 

[JC220]

Dave – correct it is a licensing issue now. The first problem apparently was my C3 multiplexer (As new – used half a dozen times) was stuffed.

The OBD guy replaced it with a “new” one. (Used as it turns out) and did a full new software suite for the £200. This is after waiting 6 -7 weeks. Then when it turned up it would not connect to any of my cars stating a software error this time. Turns out he says it works in Xentry for newer models.... but not DAS – the interface I need for my fleet. I sent it back, it was left that he was to re-install my old HDD (Which he also claimed to lose - only I had a large sticker on it with my name on it - it would have been gone) and send it back. 2 weeks later nothing and ignoring calls again. I have lots to say about Tony – none on it good but that's not for 500E board. Lets summarise all that into saying that the man doesn’t actually know how to work HIS OWN software.

Jay – thanks; but that’s the same guy Tony!!

 

[jaymanek]

Jay – thanks; but that’s the same guy Tony!!

Oh no, such a shame. I had a great supplier called Norbert some years back but he left the UK. He put me onto another guy but I had issues. Then I bought an expensive kit from another company in london. Worked great until it didn’t.. they weren’t bothered. I think I paid them £500 for a new drive just so I could get working again.

Tony has been ok for me but I fear that when this system stops working it will be time just to buy a new setup.. I have had it some time now.. since the September 2016 software was still new...

This is why I don’t update the software anymore, I just buy a complete new system with laptop every 18 months to 2 years.

Good luck with Tony!

 

[E500star]

This cold be solved just with the blacklist fix .....
Anyway I am selling this chips for 75$ shipped

 

[JC220]

Thanks for that. What I need more than anything is if anyone had a good contact for the Star software repairs. Even someone further afield from UK. Indeed buying a HDD with the software working might be the best way forward.


As of yet I still haven’t got my laptop back from Pro Auto Diagnostics and they haven’t returned my calls / emails for 2 weeks. I’ll just be relieved to get it back at all at this stage (broken or fixed), might be gone for good. He's across the water so knows I can't call in

 

[JC220]

Well there are now 3x sick modern Mercedes for me to deal with. Can't wait on the Star coming back anymore so I ordered one of these which hopefully will help me start diagnosing the problems:

http://www.icarsoft.com/web/icarsof...ntools/2015/201506/20150612145048eyzy9_1.html

Ill let you guys know how this Icarsoft system works out

 

[gsxr]

iCarsoft will work with OBD-2 compliant vehicles, like your late W140. But it can't connect with any 124 chassis.

I am curious how many systems iCarsoft will talk to... should communicate with the engine, transmission, and a couple other powertrain / chassis bits (ABS, etc)... and maybe HVAC. But I have a feeling it won't handle IRCL, DAS, PSE, or some of the other more obscure body/chassis systems. I'm also not sure if it will be capable of every function (i.e., actuations, and live data) for the modules it can connect with, vs the SDS.

Regardless, I've always wondered what exactly iCarsoft will do, so I'm looking forward to your report!

 

[JC220]

iCarsoft will work with OBD-2 compliant vehicles, like your late W140. But it can't connect with any 124 chassis.

I am curious how many systems iCarsoft will talk to... should communicate with the engine, transmission, and a couple other powertrain / chassis bits (ABS, etc)... and maybe HVAC. But I have a feeling it won't handle IRCL, DAS, PSE, or some of the other more obscure body/chassis systems. I'm also not sure if it will be capable of every function (i.e., actuations, and live data) for the modules it can connect with, vs the SDS.

Regardless, I've always wondered what exactly iCarsoft will do, so I'm looking forward to your report!

Yes your quite right Dave it won't work with the older models unfortunately. Only OBD-2 ports. Indeed my w140 only has 38 pin so it won't work on it either.

At the moment I have ML, w211 + w204 models with issues such as check engine lights and ASR / ABS faults flashing up. I found this video which is a demo of the icarsoft MB 2 system it does seem to be able to get into all modules OK - quite extensive actually. I think for the most part when working at later model MB's this might be easier for me than dragging out the full star laptop set up. I will get my star back / going again too for my older models and more extensive diagnostics when needed it's just not going to happen any time soon hence the purchase of this to tide me over. The price is also very good for the icarsoft. It's cheaper buying this than taking one car to the dealer for a code readout! Where I bought it provides 3 years warranty and support also on the icarsoft

https://youtu.be/NfO6sWOmD-k

[video=youtube_share;NfO6sWOmD-k]https://youtu.be/NfO6sWOmD-k[/video]

 

[gsxr]

Joe, I thought your 140 was 1997? They didn't have OBD-2 across the pond? All USA-spec cars from 1996-up (USA model years) have OBD-2 ports, although not all systems are available for diagnostics via the OBD-2 port. Same deal with the 210 chassis.

 

[JC220]

Joe, I thought your 140 was 1997? They didn't have OBD-2 across the pond? All USA-spec cars from 1996-up (USA model years) have OBD-2 ports, although not all systems are available for diagnostics via the OBD-2 port. Same deal with the 210 chassis.

Yes I did expect my 1997 w140 to have the OBD 2 port and spent quite alot of time looking for it! But then found the 38 pin under the hood and read that if they have 38 pin they will not have OBD 2. The S280 was ordered and delivered in Singapore so perhaps that had some impact on it I’m not sure. It was imported to Ireland by a private individual in 2003. (USA / UK models may have been more likely to have had OBD 2?)

 

[gsxr]

Joe, in the USA, most (all?) models had both 38-pin AND also the OBD-2 port, from 1996 through roughly 2002 (at least on the W210) and I think all of the 140 and 129. The 38-pin port was phased out circa 2002-2003.

But, it's possible this was a USA-only thing with both ports on the same car...

 

[JC220]

Joe, in the USA, most (all?) models had both 38-pin AND also the OBD-2 port, from 1996 through roughly 2002 (at least on the W210) and I think all of the 140 and 129. The 38-pin port was phased out circa 2002-2003.

But, it's possible this was a USA-only thing with both ports on the same car...

That’s interesting and good to hear that they might have both plugs.... maybe ill search again for the OBD 2 port location. Online searches suggested it should be under the driver’s steering wheel somewhere but I could not locate it on mine in there. I’ll double check all that when I have the transmission rebuilt and back in. It sure would be nice to be able to use the OBD 2 port on the w140 although the icarsoft MB 2 will not support w140

 

[JC220]

Mmmm I don't know how I missed this before - but this little cover looks like an OBD 2 port

Although the MB2 will not support the w140 chassis - perhaps in standard OBD2 mode it will be able to pull any generic engine codes from it.

 

[Klink]

Nope, that is the access for the thumb nut adjuster to set the throttle cable idle play, the one that is ALWAYS misadjusted because nobody even knows it’s there, and nobody knows it’s there because they have never bothered to look up the correct procedure, and even if they did, the instructions are a little sketchy, nevertheless.
#WhyMostPeople’sThrottleCablesAreAlreadyOverTensionedBeforeTheyCanReachTheKickdownSwitchAnd/OrDoNotAllowTheLinkageToReturnFullyToIdl
ePosition...

 

[JC220]

Gosh darn it- thanks Klink! I was on my way out to work this morning so just had time for a very quick look – didn’t get the cover popped.

I think this means it does not have an OBD 2 port. In any case my C3 setup will turn up eventually. I do have a 38 pin to OBD 2 adaptor cable also, I might give that a go with a cheaper OBD 2 Autel reader I have. (Not to risk blowing the new icarsoft unit) I did try HFM scan on the W140 too but it would not work – despite being able to communicate with my other M104 w124’s.

I’m most interested in reading transmission and parktronic error codes – something a generic OB2 reader will not do anyway.

BTW that’s a great #

 

[JC220]

The icarsoft MB2 arrived today and I just had a quick session with it on my w211. Very easy to use and I was in the modules within a couple minutes of taking it out of the box. It does appear to be able to get into all modules AOK and is MUCH less of a faff to use than the Star laptop with it’s painfully slow bootup and metres of cable everywhere.

I could see lots of historic fault codes from when the instrument cluster had failed such as voltage / can errors relating to it from various modules. But there were no other issues once I cleared those codes – it’s got a clean bill of health! I could also read live data from the injectors, engine ECU, through to viewing the voltage and status of each airbag for example.

Onto a W204 next tonight with ABS / ASR faults. Number 1 suspect is battery voltage but before buying a new battery I’d like to see the codes to confirm. I drop tested the 2011 battery in it and it passed with flying colours but the standing voltage still appears suspicious to me. Might also be the brake switch causing it or a duff sensor – looking forward to getting codes from it to see what’s going on. As I said in a couple weeks I will start a new thread on here and post my thoughts on the icarsoft MB2; good, bad or indifferent. (Note that it will not read any W124 or basically any pre 2005 MB models)

 

[JC220]

Well it was easier than I expected to find the w204’s ABS fault. Sat in the passenger seat and watched the live sensor data whilst on the move it's clear the front left speed sensor is dead. This MB2 is very good so far, very easy to use. That was the most pressing fault I needed to find as my GF was driving it around with no ABS / ASR working. The other numbers vary slightly as we were turning a corner.

 

[JC220]

I spoke to Pro Auto Diagnostics again about my C3 and it’s the same story as usual. Done a complete turn around to say it’s the second new multiplexer faulty..... so back to square one of waiting an endless amount of time for another new one to turn up. (Except that I know this is bullcrap. I wonder will it ever end........)

 

[E500star]

Icarsoft is a junk because can’t do coding,activations,actuations and ecu/dash initial.

 

[JC220]

Unfortunately this has turned into a full blown dispute with Tony. I said my cars are 38 pin round plug 1990 year +. This is what he said

They need C3 c4 is from 2000 and up there is hht on the c4 but you are better off with C3

Is that true? I thought C4 would work on w124's w140's etc with the 38 pin round plug

 

[gerryvz]

C4 (as well as C3) will work on any car with a 38-pin connector, as well as OBD-2 and others (even cars preceding those with the 38-pin connector). The C4 and C3 are essentially (functionally) the same, except the C4 has the wireless capability while the C3 requires cables all the way.

Both the C3 and C4 have the HHT-Win emulation for the Hand-Held-Tester hardware, and both can take care of any 124 or 140 equipped with the 38-pin connector.

To say anything else is rubbish.

 

[JC220]

C4 (as well as C3) will work on any car with a 38-pin connector, as well as OBD-2 and others (even cars preceding those with the 38-pin connector). The C4 and C3 are essentially (functionally) the same, except the C4 has the wireless capability while the C3 requires cables all the way.

Both the C3 and C4 have the HHT-Win emulation for the Hand-Held-Tester hardware, and both can take care of any 124 or 140 equipped with the 38-pin connector.

To say anything else is rubbish.

Thankyou Gerry this was a great help. I was being fed yet more lies and that threw a large spanner in the works

FWIW This was actually the exact response I got today from Pro Auto Diagnostics to this new (correct) information from an anonymous source.

Who ever is told you this c4 and C3 are the same is talking out of his rare end and knows very little

I did put a swift end to proceedings with them (Tony) this evening so I’m going to buy a new C4 system elsewhere and / or find a new person to repair the C3 also. Just got tired of lies and time wasting. 15 weeks and today they admitted selling on my replacement MUX and claimed my original one is in china getting repaired.

 

[gerryvz]

Look, I actively researched and debated buying the C4 vs the C3 and eventually decided on the C3 (I have a thread about the C3).

The mux is physically different (more compact I believe) but functionality is the same.

They are making excuses. Cut bait and move on.

 

[JC220]

Cut bait and move on.

Yes that’s what I have done. My brother is collecting my C3 setup next week and that's the end of that.

I am in the market for a C3 or C4 system again so I’ll try to find a full setup online likely from AliExpress or similar. I basically consider my current C3 setup to be un-useable but maybe if I can get a new C3 + HHD pre set up I could give that a go myself. It appears there is no-one in the UK that can offer any kind of support on these C3 which is a real shame. I’ll let you guys know how I get on.

 

[E500star]

Why no one want to buy original mux set?)
I have two original muxes with included year warranty and worldwide express shipping.
Also new software with the full HHT may be done.

Do not buy China trash ,they will work only year or two.
Trust me- I have them on my office laying and waiting for the spare parts.
Also please show Caesar test results,maybe I will fix it for 20-30$(depends on Caesar error)

 

[JC220]

I think I am going to go for a new C4 system and set it up myself if it comes with a pre-installed HDD

EDIT- I have also been discussing with E500 star about getting a quality c3 mux from him. I'll update the thread when I have some progress

 

[JC220]

I did eventually get my system back from Pro Auto Diagnostics just yesterday. Needless to say it is still not fixed on several levels and he "replaced" my original cables + C3 Mux with inferior items.

I must give a big thanks to member E500 Star who provided remote assistance and expert advice which solved several of the issues. There was a hardware issue still with the unknown C3 Mux so it is on its way to E500 star and I am quite sure he will be more than capable of repairing it.

So fingers crossed in a couple months (allowing time for postage) this will all be resolved

I will provide a final update and close this thread at that point

 

[JC220]

This thread is almost resolved - a further update and more information on these Star systems is also available here
I am also upgrading to a Toughbook with E500Star so need to allow a few more weeks for the postage and should be up and running again

 

[JC220]

This post is a conclusion to my C3 mux repairs – thankfully! I am up and running again and E500Star is to thank for that. The first Mux came back but had some sort of issue BUT Yuri stood over his work and sent me a second original replacement Mux to get me up and running. All is A1 now and my first mux is going back so Yuro can see what happened but I retain the original Mux that he sent me.


It is great to have Star fully working again and a huge relief!

 

[R129 UK]

If the hardware isn't blacklisted, it sounds like all you need is a new license key generated. Assuming your kit did not include a keygen, I'd post over on MHH Auto forum and see if someone there can help out. I know in some cases you'll need to set the laptop date in the past to make things work properly.

Sorry to resurrect this thread but can anyone give any feedback on the current status of the MHH Auto forum and the quality of the information provided?

I know I'm late to the party but they are now charging $30US for membership which is fine if it offers decent advice etc. - like here.

Also, @JC220 sorry to hear you had so much trouble with your previous supplier. I found a guy in SE England about 30 miles from me and he got me fixed up with a working C5 after visiting him a couple of times. I bought a very cheap setup minus laptop and for £200 he configured a Dell D630 with an SDD which boots up in a few seconds and seems to be happy to talk to my SL and ML. Initially he didn't supply HHT-WIN which I need for the SL but after some WhatsApp messaging he got me exactly what I needed.

 

[WDB748372]

Sorry to resurrect this thread but can anyone give any feedback on the current status of the MHH Auto forum and the quality of the information provided?

Although I never paid to sign up, there's a ton of valuable info I learned from that forum particularly on setting up/diagnosing C3/C4 units, installing HHT-WIN, accessing EPC database directly.