Any users of Icarsoft i980?

[cws196]

Just got one of these code readers and wonder if anyone has any tips (the instructions are VERY basic, both printed and on-line), please?

Specifically it's the OBD2 function menu that I could do with a few pointers on - I'll be using it on a W203 and a W211.

 

[plexus]

works great on my W163, but for some reason can never read the BAS ECU. It can see it, it can talk to it, it just refuses to read the codes.

All other bits work.

the i980 does do generic EOBD, which will work on any car - but there is a diagnose menu option which will pull the mercedes specific codes. If you are using the i980 on a merc, then dont use the OBD2 menu section as you are basicly using a very expensive ELM tool which you could get on ebay for a fiver. Look for the diagnose menu as thats where the benz codes live.



I think (from memory) the sequence of menu options is
Diagnose->BENZ->SELECT MODEL->SELECT BODY STYLE->SELECT DIESEL/PETROL->SELECT LEFT HAND DRIVE/RIGHT HAND DRIVE

At this point it should give you 'automatic or manual' selection. I use automatic, which then sees what ECU's it can find and returns the codes into subsections (such as BAS, Engine, etc). You then go into each section to read or erase the codes. You can use manual and then select specific ECU's to read

Thats pretty much it!

 

[Dobbs]

Hi,

I'd be very interested to hear if it works with a W203...

Thanks,

Dobbs.

 

[cws196]

I've been using it now for the last few days on my W203, plus 2 other W203's and a W211. Pretty impressed so far, especially at £86 (and a genuine product).

Does seem a little temperamental at times ie loses communication, but I've experienced this before with other diagnostic systems, so no big deal! I also had an instance where it was reading a fault code but wouldn't clear it (in Diagnostic mode) so switched to OBD2 mode and that allowed me to clear the code.

So far recommend.

 

[crippo2]

I have had the i980 for a few weeks now. My product seems to be genuine (not a Chinese knock-off). I bought it from an internet site – Diagnostics World, who I think you should steer clear from, although others may have had success with them. They have no telephone contact details & emails go unanswered. My right hand arrow button has never worked – not a major issue so far, but may be indicative of other issues I have.


Works well on my 2007 SL350. Connects in fully, sees most things, corrects codes, reads live data fine, so far as I have tested it. It will not see the COMAND stuff at all (Sat Nav, AGW, screen aerials, Radio pre-amps etc) but what it does is good enough for me for the moment.


Different Story on my 2008 A209 CLK350. Will not connect in using OBDII at all. Will see most modules using the Diagnose entry point and can see and erase codes. However the results are erratic when looking at actual data. It gives one reading for a few seconds before changing to show an incorrect response. For example reading the Actual value for Drivers Door open or closed, shows, when it is closed, that it is closed, then 2 seconds later shows it as open. Shows windows as Normalised and Recognised, for 2 seconds, then the complete opposite. Ditto for the passenger door and window. Also thinks the boot release button is on the passenger side door. Most other live data is just missed. Others have reported something similar, so it maybe a generic problem on the CLK



I have raised a query with iCarsoft in the US and they are looking into it (I hope!)


So unqualified success – no. Useful – maybe.


Crippo2

 

[ahok19]

Hi,

I'd be very interested to hear if it works with a W203...

Thanks,

Dobbs.

do you need to buy it?

 

[Dobbs]

do you need to buy it?

HI, yes, I'd need to buy one unless there's someone in the Sheffield area who could lend me one for a few hours or if someone has one for sale 2nd hand at a 'nice price'...

 

[cws196]

Google them and you can pick up genuine ones for £86 posted - mine has already paid itself in 2weeks of ownership.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

So as I understand it this unit will talk to things like the Transmission Control Module etc. as well as the engine control (not sure what its called)?

Guessing you can't do things like reset adaption values on a 722.6 auto box though?

I've got a basic OBD Mate OM123 reader at the moment for generic stuff.

Get a glow plug error on one car and the OM123 doesn't show any code for it so thinking of getting something a bit more suited to MB.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Ordered one to try.

 

[cws196]

You can only view/reset codes and view data. You cannot do adaption. The OBD2 diagnostic function is good as you can view output values via graphs.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Nice little tool this, great to see that it communicates with all the other control units on the car.

Connected it today, read a fault on Glow Plug 2, pulled the connector up and read it with a meter (open circuit).
Sprayed some lubricating fluid into the plug, went had lunch then round to my local friendly parts guy and gave him £8 for a new Glow Plug.

Back, 10mm deep socket, glow plug out, back in and sorted.

Only drawback is it threw up some other errors, some that may point to the MAF but will see how it goes later.

Well worth the £80 we paid direct from their shop at iCarsoft.eu
Was a bit dubious of the ones on ebay so went direct to the supplier, delivered within 3 days.

 

[grimreaper]

Just seen this thread. Does anyone know if this tool will tell which actual parkatronic sensor has failed. The car is telling me something has failed W163 2004

 

[cws196]

Yes it should be able to show you, also shows the readings against each sensor

 

[Piperbob3]

Is there a code reader for Clk 200 year 2000 w208 ?

 

[cws196]

Check their website - lists all models supported

 

[JameSlk]

Nice little tool this, great to see that it communicates with all the other control units on the car.

Connected it today, read a fault on Glow Plug 2, pulled the connector up and read it with a meter (open circuit).
Sprayed some lubricating fluid into the plug, went had lunch then round to my local friendly parts guy and gave him £8 for a new Glow Plug.

Back, 10mm deep socket, glow plug out, back in and sorted.

Only drawback is it threw up some other errors, some that may point to the MAF but will see how it goes later.

Well worth the £80 we paid direct from their shop at iCarsoft.eu
Was a bit dubious of the ones on ebay so went direct to the supplier, delivered within 3 days.

Hi there,

I am looking at this carsoft tool for my 2008 SLK (R171). Out of interest, can you please tell me if it works on other cars too? I just wonder if it also works as a generic scan tool for other cars too, from what I have read I think so, but would like confirmation.

Also have you had any problems with yours? It would seem they can be hit or miss with working with different Mercedes!

 

[Lyserman]

I have the MBii version and it works fine as a generic OBD code reader on other vehicles. Just choose the OBD option in the onscreen menu.

Not had a chance to run it on a Mercedes yet as I am still looking for the right one ;-)

Tony

 

[JameSlk]

OK thanks for that

 

[a111r]

Hi there,

I am looking at this carsoft tool for my 2008 SLK (R171). Out of interest, can you please tell me if it works on other cars too? I just wonder if it also works as a generic scan tool for other cars too, from what I have read I think so, but would like confirmation.

Also have you had any problems with yours? It would seem they can be hit or miss with working with different Mercedes!

For the record, the i980 is marque/model specific and works for just:
'Benz', Smart and Sprinters.
Petrol from 2001, diesel from 2004.
My car is a 2002 diesel... which is not on the menu.:fail