Pulling codes Pre OBDII

[eponator]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right section as its not a truck but it is tech! Mods please feel free to move this to the appropriate section if I am incorrect...

I need help pulling some codes on a Pre OBDII compliant vehicle.

We've got a 94 S320 with the 3.2L inline 6 that just failed smog. Its got the CEL activated along with a couple others (airbag and something else- first time touching the car myself so please excuse the noobines...).

I need to get these codes read to get a good start on the problem. Never touched a Benz before so this is all new to me... It appears to have an OBDII diagnostic port under the dash but when I plug in my cheap $15 harbor freight Creader it just gives me 4 dashes... it doesn't even go through the launch procedure or anything, never seen it do that before...

First off, I thought OBDII started 96 and continued after, how does this 94 have an OBDII sized port???

Second, anyone know how to pull codes from it? I was able to ground two pins on my buddy's 1990 toy pickup to get the CEL to flash and determined codes that way, is there a similar procedure for these cars? Google hasn't been very helpful...

Any info is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Kennyray]

Foreign cars are alot different OBDll started earlier. You may have to go to the dealer or a shop that specializes in foreign cars

 

[davbell22602]

whats the make of this vehicle?

 

[Bigredmariner]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right section as its not a truck but it is tech! Mods please feel free to move this to the appropriate section if I am incorrect...

I need help pulling some codes on a Pre OBDII compliant vehicle.

We've got a 94 S320 with the 3.2L inline 6 that just failed smog. Its got the CEL activated along with a couple others (airbag and something else- first time touching the car myself so please excuse the noobines...).

I need to get these codes read to get a good start on the problem. Never touched a Benz before so this is all new to me... It appears to have an OBDII diagnostic port under the dash but when I plug in my cheap $15 harbor freight Creader it just gives me 4 dashes... it doesn't even go through the launch procedure or anything, never seen it do that before...

First off, I thought OBDII started 96 and continued after, how does this 94 have an OBDII sized port???

Second, anyone know how to pull codes from it? I was able to ground two pins on my buddy's 1990 toy pickup to get the CEL to flash and determined codes that way, is there a similar procedure for these cars? Google hasn't been very helpful...

Any info is appreciated, thanks!

Mercedes Benz.

 

[drperry]

OBDI, you jumper some pins in the data port...

But I'm thinking that a Merc has its own specific computer and diagnostic system...

 

[eponator]

I was hoping there would be a setup I could jumper like my buddies toy but I can't seem to find anything about that online!

Unfortunately thats what all my research is leading me to. I keep hearing about a star diagnostic but it seems to be a dealer only thing... Trying to avoid that route if at all possible...

I'll keep up the google hunt, preciate the help so far, keep it commin!!!

 

[davbell22602]

try this http://www.troublecodes.net/MB/

or

On the passenger side of the engine compartment near the battery attached to the firewall between the battery and the engine is a small 3" x2" approx black box. Lift the cover off and you find a series of led's and one button. with the engine running press the button for 5 seconds release it and the light will start to flash. count the flashes and you have the code.http://www.mercedesforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21789#

 

[eponator]

Well the battery is actually in the trunk on this model... Ran out and checked but I didn't see any black box matching your description under the hood... It's dark out though and the flashlight throws shadows, a search tomorrow will confirm.

The link you provided lists codes for everything up to 93 but nothing after that. Gotta look into this impulse counter thing and that underhood data link connector. I'm pretty sure there's no connection under there though, I've been all over this thing by now and didn't see one...

I'll check again tomorrow just to be sure... My scan tool doesn't seem to read it so that's out, and I don't think it has the on-off ratio readout... Good find though, I hadn't come across those in my searches yet.

 

[davbell22602]

From what I found doing a google search again is that a OBDII code reader works on a 94 s320.

 

[eponator]

I've read the same Dave but for some reason mine doesn't pick up anything... It is a cheapy HF Creader though so I'll try taking it to Autozone and see if their scanner can pull anything up this afternoon.

Woke up a bit late this morning due to being up last night prepping for my midterm today so I didn't get a chance to look over the engine compartment again... Won't be able to touch the car again until this evening unfortunately... I'll post up what I find out tonight...

I seem to have misplaced my SD card converter so I can't upload any pics until I find that thing

I'll throw some up as soon as I do though, I know I still haven't posted any of the truck yet even, feels like I'm being pulled all over the place these days...