Getting fault codes from ECU warning light

[Satch]

Have been told that it is possible to get the engine ECU warning light to flash out any fault code sequences (e.g one flash-pause-two flashes = code 12 which is the first "confirm" output of any sequence).

This occurs by shorting out two of the pins (not clear which ones: it seems to vary!) on the diagnostic plug, if you can find it, with paper clip or similar. This is said to be built into a number of Bosch & other systems for those cases where specialist diagnostic kit is not available.

Anybody know if this is correct, if so is it liable to cause damage and where a list of fault codes can be found?? I have no wish nor need to use this facility but can see that one day it just might be damn useful to know.

 

[miro]

Have been told that it is possible to get the engine ECU warning light to flash out any fault code sequences (e.g one flash-pause-two flashes = code 12 which is the first "confirm" output of any sequence).

This occurs by shorting out two of the pins (not clear which ones: it seems to vary!) on the diagnostic plug, if you can find it, with paper clip or similar. This is said to be built into a number of Bosch & other systems for those cases where specialist diagnostic kit is not available.

Anybody know if this is correct, if so is it liable to cause damage and where a list of fault codes can be found?? I have no wish nor need to use this facility but can see that one day it just might be damn useful to know.

Is this because you live far from a Benz mechanic ? My dealer never charges to look up the faults.

 

[Steve_Perry]

Is this because you live far from a Benz mechanic ? My dealer never charges to look up the faults.

You're lucky... my local dealer usually wants to charge £35 for a fault code readout of the ECU.

S.

 

[guydewdney]

year and type of car? i might have the info..

 

[Dieselman]

This only applies to cars until ASYYST was born.

Search the net the info is there along with the codes. Sorry no pointers at present but I've seen it.