|
Technical
Issues: the R5/SRS code/reset tool
Problem
1: Error message
"E"
or E-10 /E-11
Occasionally the R5/SRS will flash "E" when an attempt
is made to read codes or reset the SRS light. "E"
means the car is not responding to the tool: This happens when
the data line (also called "diagnostic bus") in the car
is "hung" or disabled. In order for the tool to access
information from the car it must first "hand shake," like
your computer modem does with your ISP. To properly handshake there
must be a clear data line to communicate on. Imagine a household
with multiple phones or modems all sharing the same phone line,
well, the BMW is similar; it has multiple control units (transmission,
ABS, traction control, etc...) If one of these units is tying up
the communication line (like a teenage girl on the household phone)
all other devices on the line are unable to communicate. This happens
quite often, but try the following procedures in the order given
to determine the nature of your problem.
Things To Try:
- 1.) Insertion Depth
Check the insertion
depth of the R5/SRS. If it is not fully inserted the unit will
not work. See page 11 of the user manual.
- 2.) Reversing the
power-up sequence
Plug in the
R5/SRS in first, THEN turning on the ignition key. This is the
opposite of the routine specified by the manual and the tool label.
This procedure has proven very effective on some cars.
- 3.) Pin 19
Observe that pin 19 of your diagnostic connector is not recessed.
A number of models had pin 19 improperly installed. BMW service
bulletin 12 05 94. (Please do not Contact Peake Research for
service bulletins. Contact Central Letter Shop, BMWs authorized
publication vendor 1-800-695-0079 9:00am - 4:30pm EST) While you're
looking at the diag port go ahead and check out all the pins.
- 4.) Cycle power
Plug in tool
Cycle the ignition key on and off two or three times (do not start
engine)
- 5.) Other warning
lights
Observe that no other malfunction indicator lights are on. Often
a malfunctioning module (i.e. transmission, ABS traction control,
etc...) can hang the diagnostic bus (see above)
- 6.) Power resetting
of all modules
a.) Disconnect the main car battery.
b.) Activate the emergency flasher lights (this will fully drain
all power from all ECUs) wait 5 minutes
c.) Reconnect the main battery and try the tool again.
- 7.) Module Troubleshooting
If you suspect a particular module is malfunctioning or damaged,
you may wish to consult repair documentation for the car and attempt
to isolate the problem by removing the module from the diagnostic
bus. WARNING: This procedure is for qualified mechanics only.
- 8.) The Dealer
Visit your local BMW
dealership. The R5/SRS will not serve it's intended purpose if
the diagnostic bus is impaired by a malfunctioning control module.
If one of the modules is inhibiting communications it is necessary
to visit a BMW dealer or qualified repair facility to diagnose
and fix/replace the bad module.
Problem
2: SRS light is on but no code found.
Transient errors in other controllers (i.e. DME, transmission control,
ABS traction control, etc...) can cause the SRS light to come on
and stay on until reset. There are also situations where the SRS
light circuit is bad, causing it to come on in the absence of faults.
The R5/SRS is only capable of reading and resetting codes in the
SRS control unit. If you have a recurring problem that the R5/SRS
will not display a code for, it may be necessary to visit a BMW
service center.
Problem
3: Display is not working.
Every unit goes through two display tests before being shipped to
you, so it is unlikely that the display is dead. The display on
the R5/SRS is not bright enough to be read in direct sunlight or
strong indirect sunlight. Cup your hand around the display or move
the vehicle to a darker area. It is also possible that the tool
is not recieving power powered due to a.) blown fuse, or b.) insufficient
insertion into the diagnostic connector (see page 11 of users manual)
or recessed pins in the BMW diagnostic connector port. See above
problem 1, section 3 "Pin 19".
Misc:
- Early versions of the tool (built Feb-03 to April-03): when
Go is pressed at the FA prompt, it will go blank for about 45
seconds and then display "AA" the manual does not address
this, but the AA simply means no codes found.
- Early versions of the manual (Before June 03) do not have a
chart 38. Chart 38 and Chart 2 are one and the same. When the
tool displays 38, simply use Chart 2.
- Tool displays "E" at the end of reset. Occasionally
a successful reset of the SRS light is indicated by the "E"
message at the end of the reset procedure. The "E" message,
in this case, is of no consequence.
|
