TOOL: 38-Pin multiplexer ("mushroom") diagnostic adapter

[gerryvz]

One tool that can make one's life very easy for testing blink codes with the 500E/E500 is the "mushroom" - which is an adapter that plugs into the 38-pin connector on top of the underhood CAN box. There are 38 sockets including power and ground that allow you to use the homemade "blink code tester" to test individual pins in the system. Not all of the 38 pins are used by the 500E/E500; in fact perhaps only one-third of the pins are utilized. However, this tool allows you to pull codes quickly and easily.

You should use the GSXR "code bible" (The DTC_List PDF document attached below) in conjunction with this mushroom and the blink code tester. This is a basic diagnostic tool that all serious owners and DIYers should have. These tools were made by MB as well as on the aftermarket by Baum Tools. You can find them from time to time on eBay and they generally go for around $100. I think you can still get them from MB and they are over $200. The good thing about them is that you don't have to interface (or install) fine probe points on your blink code tester to touch each of the closely spaced 38 pins in the connector, which are about 1mm in diameter. It's a hard target to hit.

You just plop this 'shroom into the 38-pin X11/4 connector at the CAN box, look at the GSXR bible to test specific pins for codes, and have at it. Using the blink code tester you can read and reset codes.

I've included some images and relevant documents from GSXR's web site; I believe most of these images are also posted elsewhere on this site.

All in all, a handy item to have.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

The OE tool is currently $192 plus shipping from Parts.com. Search for p/n 140-589-14-63-00.

 

[RicardoD]

What is the blink code tester?

Ricardo

 

[gerryvz]

See the section here called "Home Brew DTC Tool"

http://k6jrf.com/MB_X11.html

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

You can buy a pre-built blink code reader for ~$40 or so:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/porscheapriliafan/m.html

Note that there are two different types; you need the kind with 1mm pins if you are using it on a 500E without the "mushroom" adapter. If you have the mushroom adapter, you need the kind with 4mm pins. If you can afford it, I definitely recommend obtaining the mushroom adapter and 4mm blinker box; it is much easier to use than messing with the tiny 1mm pins down the CAN box hole. BT, DT...

 

[Cadence]

Ss the best solution for reading and clearing codes to buy the 'mushroom' adapter and this blink tester?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diagnostic-...hash=item338d37a7f0&item=221412567024&vxp=mtr

 

[alabbasi]

I have one of those that came with an AST scanner. The scanner plugs into it with an ethernet connection and then allows you to read codes and live data on the earlier MB's. Nice tool. Has been very useful on my E55 and the E420 when I had it.

Much better then the Chinese multiplexer deal that I installed on the laptop.

One tool that can make one's life very easy for testing blink codes with the 500E/E500 is the "mushroom" - which is an adapter that plugs into the 38-pin connector on top of the underhood CAN box. There are 38 sockets including power and ground that allow you to use the homemade "blink code tester" to test individual pins in the system. Not all of the 38 pins are used by the 500E/E500; in fact perhaps only one-third of the pins are utilized. However, this tool allows you to pull codes quickly and easily.

You should use the GSXR "code bible" (The DTC_List PDF document attached below) in conjunction with this mushroom and the blink code tester. This is a basic diagnostic tool that all serious owners and DIYers should have. These tools were made by MB as well as on the aftermarket by Baum Tools. You can find them from time to time on eBay and they generally go for around $100. I think you can still get them from MB and they are over $200. The good thing about them is that you don't have to interface (or install) fine probe points on your blink code tester to touch each of the closely spaced 38 pins in the connector, which are about 1mm in diameter. It's a hard target to hit.

You just plop this 'shroom into the 38-pin X11/4 connector at the CAN box, look at the GSXR bible to test specific pins for codes, and have at it. Using the blink code tester you can read and reset codes.

I've included some images and relevant documents from GSXR's web site; I believe most of these images are also posted elsewhere on this site.

All in all, a handy item to have.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

Ss the best solution for reading and clearing codes to buy the 'mushroom' adapter and this blink tester?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diagnostic-...hash=item338d37a7f0&item=221412567024&vxp=mtr

For basic code reading & clearing, yes, the breakout box / mushroom makes it much easier to select the correct socket. It's not easy getting tiny 1mm pins directly into the 38-pin connector. There are aftermarket "mushroom" type breakout boxes available, I recall someone posted a link to a Chinese vendor version for closer to $50...? Forget the details though, sorry!

 

[gerryvz]

I have one of those that came with an AST scanner. The scanner plugs into it with an ethernet connection and then allows you to read codes and live data on the earlier MB's. Nice tool. Has been very useful on my E55 and the E420 when I had it.

Much better then the Chinese multiplexer deal that I installed on the laptop.

I don't believe the AST scanners (for the E500E at least) provide the same level/amount of detailed information that the Chinese SDS clones (with their HHT emulation software) do.

I do not know about newer MBs, as I have never owned an MB newer than 1995.

 

[gsxr]

That is correct. The maximum functionality is via HHT or SDS (which emulates the HHT software). Some of the aftermarket scanners do a pretty good job, but it's not as complete as the factory SDS. The Chinese SDS is still the best bang for the buck...

 

[alabbasi]

I have the Carsoft 7.4 multiplexer, I don't know if this is the same as the SDS. It seems to have more options, but a lot of these options don't seem to work and throw communication errors.

The AST scanner is much easier to use. I bought it in an estate sale and did not pay too much for it.

You just plug that mushroom in
Select , the model car and the part of the system that you want to scan.
The scanner will then tell which which pins to connect on the mushroom and it will then throw up the results.
It can also read live data which is useful

If I bought a W211 or a W220, I think that I may have to revert back to the multiplexer as the newer MB models now use OBDII only.

 

[gerryvz]

"Gixxer" (as the SoCal crew refers to him) has published comprehensive reviews of all of the available diagnostic scan tools that are compatible / partially compatible with the 38-PIN CAN system as implemented on the .036, I believe here on this site. I know he's looked at CarSoft, Snap-On, Trisco PalmScan,

If I remember correctly, nothing except MB's own software reveals all scan functionality along with live data. Some come close, but are not 100% that of the MB HHT/SDS emulation.

 

[gsxr]

Carsoft will not work at all on the E500E. BT, DT. Carsoft works ok for newer models with ME injection (and OBD-2).

AST likely has similar capabilities as the Snap-On, and most other aftermarket scanners. I've never been able to get my hands on the AST to fully test it out so I'm not positive as to the capabilities. I've yet to find any aftermarket scanner (besides Chinese SDS) that will show live data from the ABS/ASR module, which comes in handy for certain things.

 

[Johnnybenz500e]

Does anyone have an extra mushroom adapter? Willing to take it off there hands ASAP, just checking here before I purchase one.,

 

[alabbasi]

I've never been able to get my hands on the AST to fully test it out so I'm not positive as to the capabilities. I've yet to find any aftermarket scanner (besides Chinese SDS) that will show live data from the ABS/ASR module, which comes in handy for certain things.

Gerry

If you're planning to bring your 500E to Centerville, I can bring the scanner and we can test this.

 

[Jim]

I purchased a second-hand 38 pin adaptor a while ago and used it today to read codes to explain my SRS light being permanently on (see other thread).The part number on the adaptor is 140 589 14 63 00, see picture above.

Looking at the locating pins it is easy to set the device up so it slots nicely into the correct position with the banana sockets running across the car. To lock in place just hold the top with the banana sockets and turn the lower (grey) sleeve 90 degrees and past the final slight resistance to lock firmly in place.

 

[Stevester 500E]

Which pins have data available via the blinker code readers for the US 500e/E500's and which pins for the US 400e/e420's?
Thanks

 

[gerryvz]

Dave's document (posted on his site here) tells you what codes & pins are available.