Garage Cabinets, Garage Storage, and Garage Organization

What equipment would I need to purchase to be able to read fault codes on a 1998 C-280 vehicle and later?  I'm not a professional and certainly don't need anything really expensive.  But it there's something available that doesn't cost a fortune I might purchase it, rather than paying through the nose each time I get the check engine light on and having the dealer read the codes for me.  Maybe there is some generic scanner that can also read fault cords on other makes of vehicles too, or do you just buy additional software and connectors for those vehicles?

your AC push button control module could be capable of displaying the fault memory and data output as well as erasing it.

can you give me the vin? just want to make sure if this works on your car.

also, on ebay there are numerous generic scanners that can be use for your car.


_________________
W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

The VIN number is WDBHA29G1WA572546.

I recently tried to use the pushbutton module to get some codes.  What I got is the following, which makes no sense to me.
1 - 75F
2 - 97 F
5 - 47F
6 - 192
7 - 159
8 - 132
9 - 37F
10 - 300
20 - 03
21 - 070
22 - 000
23 - 000
24 - 13.9

these are interpretations/ actual values of various sensing unit and vehicle data.

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_________________
W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

here's how you read the fault codes...

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_________________
W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

here's how you interpret the code(use values under N22)...

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Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

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_________________
W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

in addition, you can also do version coding using the push-button control module (N22)


_________________
W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

Windz, I can't seem to run the DTC you mentioned.  I believe your instructions are to:
1) Turn on the ignition key
2) Select AUTO -- I'm not sure what your instructions say because that instruction is garbled
3) Within 20 seconds, press and hold both the REST and Defrost buttons until I get a flashing light

When I do this, all it says is AUTO, and the fan speed slowly increases to full speed while I'm pressing the two buttons.
Am I reading the instructions wrong, or missing a step?

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W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

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W I N D Z
Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is a disaster...

Windz, I still can't get this to work.  I turned on the ignition, set the temperature to 72 degrees F, pressed and held both the REST and defroster buttons, but I still only see HI displayed on the LCD -- nothing starts flashing.

Btw, my original complaint is this:  the A/C works fine as long as the engine is idling or at a steady speed.  However, if there is ANY engine load the A/C blower speed decreases and the air distributed from the vents switches.  As soon as I let off the accellerator the blower speed increases and the vents switch back. My guess was this was a vacuum problem, but I have checked for vacuum leaks throughout the system, but find nothing.

I do have an OBD II handheld scanner.  The only codes that shows is fuel trim malfunction bank 1 and fuel trim malfunction bank 2.

Any other suggestions?

for the erros You have, You either make sure all your spark plugs and wires are fine or you replace the mass air sensor, Unfortunately, that is what I had to do twice....if you want to try a cleaner they claim can clean the sensor (once You have tried the spark plugs and wires, you will find it here...

http://www.crcindustries.com/hd/content/prod_detail.aspx?PN=05110&S=N

If it works, let me know....because I want to try it myself.

thanks

Mechefan, I already cleaned the MAS, put some fuel injector cleaner through the gas tank, and cleared those two fault codes.  The faults haven't returned for several days.  I suspect those faults were old information.

I finally ran across some information on the exact same symptoms I have regarding the air vents and blower speed.  My original thoughts were I have a vacuum leak, and after reading that post I'm totally convinced of this.  I'm going to look at several other areas regarding vacuum and I'll let you know what I find.

Regarding that MAS cleaner. That's the exact same brand that I used.  The wires in the MAF sensor looked bright and shiny to me before and after I used that cleaner, so I'm not sure I even needed to clean those wires.  Therefore, I can't really tell you how this cleaner works....