Diagnostic tools

[sacpad2000]

Good morning

Lately, i've been having some unpleasant experiences with the ASR on my 1991 500E. That's why, after reading on the forum, i think i need to buy a diagnostic tool.

I saw this one from iCarsoft:

iCarsoft MB V1.0 + OBD1 38 PIN 2025 Enhanced Version OBD2 Scan & Service Reset Tool for Older Mercedes Cars

IN STOCK - iCarsoft MB V1.0 + obd1 38 PIN Connector 2025 version for older Mercedes Cars like W202 W210 R129, with latest hardware & software versions. ALL System Coverage, Oil Service Reset, Live Data, engine, abs, airbags reset with SAME DAY DISPATCH & FREE UK DELIVERY

diagnostic-world.com

It seems new on the market, and according to the description, it seems OBD1 and suitable for w124. What do you think? Do you think it will give me detailed information about what's happening with my 500E? If not, what would be the alternative? I don't want a laptop + other instruments + installing complex programs that, when the time comes, i'll run into additional problems like it won't work, won't turn on, or gives an error. I don't have the time or inclination to do that. I want something that's easy and convenient to use.

 

[R129 UK]

I don't believe the hardware is new although being bundled with the 16 to 38 pin adapter might make it a new product.

You can search here for iCarsoft and will find mixed opinions.

Personally, I have both an iCarsoft CR Pro (their multi car brand generic reader) and an SDS C5 China clone and the SDS is vastly superior for my older Merc so don't rule out going down that route.

If you do choose SDS, I would recommend buying in person from FMBP and hooking it up to your car to be happy it functions before handing over any cash. Any seller who doesn't comply, simply don't buy.

 

[gsxr]

It is extremely unlikely that the new iCarsoft with 38-pin connector will communicate with all 5 powertrain modules on the 500E and display fault codes. Even less likely it will show live data. I wouldn't buy one unless either:

1) You can return it for a refund if it does not work as expected, or​

2) Someone else buys it and confirms it works, specifically on an early 1990's M119 with LH-SFI engine management, including live data​

You'll be MUCH better off shelling out for an SDS system with HHT-Win. There is no "easy and convenient" diagnostic equipment for these old cars. "Easy and convenient" started with OBD-2.

 

[R129 UK]

It is extremely unlikely that the new iCarsoft with 38-pin connector will communicate with all 5 powertrain modules on the 500E and display fault codes. Even less likely it will show live data. I wouldn't buy one unless either:

1) You can return it for a refund if it does not work as expected, or​

2) Someone else buys it and confirms it works, specifically on an early 1990's M119 with LH-SFI engine management, including live data​

You'll be MUCH better off shelling out for an SDS system with HHT-Win. There is no "easy and convenient" diagnostic equipment for these old cars. "Easy and convenient" started with OBD-2.

Agreed, I was going to suggest purchasing from Amazon for a convenient return should it not operate as expected.

My CR Pro can see the same number of modules as SDS and as mentioned before, I will do a back to back comparison between them when my R129 throws a code and report back on findings. I accept older 124 chassis cars might be less functional with non-SDS equipment.

 

[gsxr]

I forget - what engine management is on your R129... LH-SFI, or ME 1.0?

 

[sacpad2000]

I don't believe the hardware is new although being bundled with the 16 to 38 pin adapter might make it a new product.

You can search here for iCarsoft and will find mixed opinions.

Personally, I have both an iCarsoft CR Pro (their multi car brand generic reader) and an SDS C5 China clone and the SDS is vastly superior for my older Merc so don't rule out going down that route.

If you do choose SDS, I would recommend buying in person from FMBP and hooking it up to your car to be happy it functions before handing over any cash. Any seller who doesn't comply, simply don't buy.

After opening the thread, I've been looking for reviews of iCarsoft, and they don't seem very good for older Mercedes.

I'll keep SDS in mind, but where do you say you can buy it? What is fmbp?

 

[R129 UK]

I forget - what engine management is on your R129... LH-SFI, or ME 1.0?

ME 1.0 - a 1998 with Coil on plugs so I miss out on all the "fun"

 

[R129 UK]

What is fmbp?

Facebook Marketplace

 

[gsxr]

ME 1.0 - a 1998 with Coil on plugs so I miss out on all the "fun"

Ah... I believe you will find Carsoft does much better with ME 1.0 cars in general.

Carsoft usually fails on the LH-SFI models.

 

[sacpad2000]

It is extremely unlikely that the new iCarsoft with 38-pin connector will communicate with all 5 powertrain modules on the 500E and display fault codes. Even less likely it will show live data. I wouldn't buy one unless either:

1) You can return it for a refund if it does not work as expected, or​

2) Someone else buys it and confirms it works, specifically on an early 1990's M119 with LH-SFI engine management, including live data​

You'll be MUCH better off shelling out for an SDS system with HHT-Win. There is no "easy and convenient" diagnostic equipment for these old cars. "Easy and convenient" started with OBD-2.

Okay,

So I need to check the SDS with HHt-Win.

Question resolved.

Another thing, please:

What could be wrong with my 500E right now? I will try to explain it in detail so that you have the most information.
The car was from April 1991, and the ASR light came on and it went into limp mode just after leaving the highway and entering the city. I had been maintaining high speeds for many miles, and the outside temperature wasn't high (approximately 22°C). The car on the highway is slightly above 80ºC, i didn't have the air conditioning or radio or lights on.
I had just taken the car out of the repair garage, with a complete tune-up and repair: new overhead harness, new ignition, gearbox maintenance, among other things. The car has been with the mechanic for four months.
After going into limp mode, the accelerator pedal became dead, only working practically at full throttle, and i barely reached 50 km/h. I pulled over, shifted into N, and the idle started to oscillate until it stabilized at around 1100-1200 rpm. Then I turned off the engine, and when i started it, the light disappeared. I started driving again, but soon after, it came back on, i stopped, and turned it off again. I started it, and it didn't come back on until i parked in my garage.

With this information, what can you tell me, please? What would be the most likely scenario? ETA? NSS?

 

[gsxr]

You need to check codes on pin 7 (E-GAS), that will help you figured out what is causing limp mode. Most common causes are the NSS and ETA but the codes will have more info. Unfortunately you really need HHT-Win to show digital codes which are more granular than the analog blink codes. See the sticky notes in the De-Coding subforum for more details.

 

[alabbasi]

Icarsoft has been selling a scan tool with a 38 pin connector for a while now so the concept is not new. They seem popular with UK Mercedes Benz owners. The programming may be limited to the W210 or R129 as they're the last cars to use it.

 

[gsxr]

10-15 years ago, the Carsoft 38-pin setup would only, at best, communicate with the LH module on LH-SFI cars. Nothing else.

I assume it may have improved since then, but I doubt it. Not much demand for LH diagnostics. Most people don't even realize there's live data available.

 

[R129 UK]

I've just been having a nose about on FBMP and eBay near to me and used systems are quite thin on the ground and prices have definitely risen since I sourced mine a couple of years ago.