Scangauge II - DTC 'C' (chassis) code on R53

[Perro!]

Hi, all.

I'm new here, so please tell me if this is not the correct forum for this post.

I've searched the various Mini2 forums but can't find the answers I need, so I'm hoping someone with experience of the Scangauge II might be able to offer some guidance/clarification on the following...

I just purchased a Scangauge II, and I can't get it to display any DTC info, despite the fact I've got 3 yellow warning lights.

Specifically, I have a March 2005, MCS (R53) on which ABS and DSC are currently non-operational. The following YELLOW warning lights are showing...

ABS
Tyre Pressure Sensor
Dynamic Stability Control

I imagine this might be caused by something like a faulty rotational sensor (or maybe steering angle sensor, or similar). The Scangauge websites mentions P,U,C & B codes, so I'd hoped this gizzmo would point me towards the actual fault. I thought this type of thing should be reported as a C code, but the unit simply says "No Codes Found"

I'm guessing the lack of DTC info might be because...

1) I need to do something other than press SCAN to get DTCs (maybe send a special command code?)
2) The unit is faulty (??)
3) Scangauge II does not support chassis codes for my R53 (in which case, I will be asking for a refund). Does anyone know for sure if codes would be reported for the warning lights I listed?

I'm not sure what I should do next. If anyone can offer any advice, I'd be extremely grateful. Thanks.


Regards

[DaFlake]

If the CEL isn't illuminated then your car has not tossed a code. Something else is going on with those lights lit. I think that you are on the right path, but without proper testing equipment on that one it would be difficult to diagnose.

[Snowie]

AFAIk a scan gauage will NOT show ABS and DTC fault codes - you need a specific ABS code reader.

My scan gauge would not show my ABS red light fault which turned out to be a failed ABS pressure sensor.

From the mulitple faults your car is showing I would bet that an ABS sensor has failed but to know which one you need the ABS codes read. Most common ABS sensor to fail is left front for some reason

[Perro!]

Thanks, Snowie & DaFlake (dasnowieflake? )

So, my understanding now, is that Scangauge II will only ever report DTC IF the "check engine" light is on and and will NOT (necessarily) show codes for any other active warnings indicators. Have I understood correctly?

Snowie, I agree, my first thought was ABS or speed sensor. If a wheel's speed is undetermined, ABS couldn't work, TPS couldn't work and DSC would be out, too.

I spoke to the local dealer and they want NINETY-NINE of my English pounds, JUST to run the diagnostic. Assuming this won't be the last time I see warning indicators, I reckon it's definitely worth spending £100-£300 on diagnostic tools if (as I am) you're planning on keeping your car for a while.

Does anyone know of a diagnostic tool that allows us to get to the relevant systems?

Cheers

[Perro!]

Follow up...

I just got an email from Harry @ Telematica saying what Snowie already said (SG2 won't send the ABS codes etc), but his reason for this surprised me.
This is what he said:

Quote:

There are no codes for the range of our device. We cannot show or change the state of an error that has to do with the security of the driver. This is forbidden.

Best Regards

Harry Vogiatzis

This confused me on two counts:

1) The scangauge website explicitly lists these codes, which was WHY I bought the unit in the first place.
Here: scangauge.net/DTC/Chassis.html (cut & paste)

2) Why would it be forbidden to show safety-related codes? I can (almost) see why it may not be desirable to allow rank-amateurs to clear safety DTC (although they'd probably just come back again), but what would be the problem with simply displaying them?

Any thoughts? Is the display of certain codes actually forbidden?

[DaFlake]

They are probably just trying to protect the company from being sued. As for the code list, I think that is just what it is... a list. I didn't see anything that stated that it would pull chassie codes.

[Snowie]

Perro

I see that you are based in Kent

If I were you I would conatct Tony Franks at MINIMOTORSPORTCENTRE in Shoreham and take your car to him for Diagnosis and Fix. Tony is ex JCW chief engineer and the guru on R53 and mini challenge cars.

[Perro!]

Thanks, Snowie.

Excellent credentials! I'll give him a call. Only problem is, it'd be 120 mile round trip.

[Haggi]

why not give modnmini a call great service and both are ex bmw with diagnostics and hopefully a bit closer to you

[Perro!]

Thanks, Haggi.

I was just about to click SEND on an email to Tony, when I saw your post. I've sent an enquiry to modnmini (which is about 40 miles less). If that doesn't pan out, I can still email Tony.

On a general note, it's really great that everyone's being so helpful and friendly. Thank you, all.

[Perro!]

Just to update you, everything's fixed now.

Snowie was spot on: Front left ABS/speed sensor! £22 replacement part + less than an hour's work

Easy to spot with the right software - parked up on the driveway, with speed sensors on 3 wheels showing 0 MPH, but front nearside doing 158MPH!! (open circuit).

Thanks for all your help

[Snowie]

Good to here that it is sorted.

It is strange that one fails more often than the others.

[Perro!]

Yes, it seems odd.

For countries that drive on the left, I guess it may be because it's not only a driven wheel, but also has a slightly tougher life - bouncing over drain covers and generally being the most exposed to splash & muck etc. But if this applies to vehicles in countries that drive on the right, I don't know...

Maybe we should start a poll (if I knew how).

Cheers