Another way of getting ECU codes?

[Cristian G in Oz]

Does anyone know how to get codes out of the ECU when your car is not fitted with a check engine light or don't have a code reader?

Can anyone tell me which pins in the diagnostic port have the code out signals.

I want to check if any codes are stored in my ECU but can't be bothered taking it to a service joint just to have them plug in their tool, if I can do it!

Failing that does anyone know of a cheap tool or a DIY tool that you can use?

I know these are some big explanation questions, but any info would be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

Cristian

[bmwman91]

You could always find the pin that fires the check engine light and hook up a small bulb between it & the ground with a .5A fuse?

[Cristian G in Oz]

You could always find the pin that fires the check engine light and hook up a small bulb between it & the ground with a .5A fuse?

Now thats a good idea. I didn't think of that.

Anyone know which one it is? I'm guessing you mean the one from teh ECU or dash not the diagnostics port....

Cristian:)

[Vladi]

What pin was that again? :D

[Whitey]

I used to be able to check the fault codes using the blink code system on a previous E30. With the ignition switch on and the engine not running press the accelerator pedal to the floor 5 times in less than 5 seconds. The check engine light stays on for 5 seconds then begins flashing the first fault code. the light flashes once for one, twice for two, etc. There is a 3 second gap between digits. There are four numbers for each fault code, and you need a sheet to determine what the codes apply to. Once the whole code has been displayed the light will stay on for 3 seconds before moving to the next fault code (if any). if the first code is 1444, it means there are no faults stored. Not sure if this works on 318is I haven't tried it yet.:confused:

[doigal]

snip

OP asked for a way without using the check engine light. I'd be interested in this as well, i dont think many AU spec e30s have one.

[m44power]

this engine light can work on e36's m42 and m44 ? in our cluster we have one free engine light and cars only with OBC use em

[m44power]

By the way ECU Pin 8 is the pin for the check engine bulb

Edit: Just to be more precisly motronic 1.7/3.1 pin 8
Motronic 1.2 pin 15

[Whitey]

Sorry misread. Had a guy show me this before on previous car, and I only remember the 1444 code. :(

[bmwman91]

Anyone have any luck pulling the codes?

[Cristian G in Oz]

By the way ECU Pin 8 is the pin for the check engine bulb

Edit: Just to be more precisly motronic 1.7/3.1 pin 8
Motronic 1.2 pin 15

Does the other end go to earth or does it have t go through a circuit on the guage cluster?
If it just oges to earth then it should be easy to rig up a "check light".

[Cristian G in Oz]

Anyone have any luck pulling the codes?

bmwman91 - I haven't go round to it yet.
I had to work last weekend at the track, timing another marque. It is so boring when there is only 1 E30 going round and even it is not an M42.

[m44power]

Does the other end go to earth or does it have t go through a circuit on the guage cluster?
If it just oges to earth then it should be easy to rig up a "check light".

it goes to bulb (earth)