Not sure if this was covered but i got the idea from someone in the carsoft success thread. He said he had to connect the L line(pin 15) from the 20 pin connector to the K line(pin 17) going into the carsoft module. Some people were confused so i hope this helps.
I have a generic ebay carsoft cable kit. It was purchased very early on and i dont see any kits now that look like mine. I made a custom male DB9 to female DB9 cable with the pin changes. A DB9 connector is what the serial port connector is. I have an old laptop with a real serial port running windows 95 and Carsoft 6.5sp1 installed. Carsoft couldnt read the ABS module with the cable i made until i had set my serial port to COM Port 1.
The first thing i did was open the 20 pin connector cable. There was 5 wires soldered to 5 pins. Pins 14, 15, 17, 19, and 20. This explains why oil and service interval reset never worked with carsoft. I saw that some ppl have pins 17 and 20 connected together internally but mine were individual. Iceman posted this image up:
My DB9 connector did not have the same pin outs as the one in the chart but the BMW 20 pin connector has the correct pin locations. Remember that the above image is of the cars port and not your 20 pin connector cable(mirrored image i believe). I used continuity test on a multimeter to find where pins 14, 15, 17, 19, and 20 were located on the DB9 connector on the other end of the 20pin connector cable. This only applies to my cable, other manufacturers could use different wiring schemes which is why its best to confirm using a multimeter.
DB9 Pin 1 goes to Pin 14
DB9 Pin 3 goes to Pin 17
DB9 Pin 5 goes to Pin 19
DB9 Pin 7 goes to Pin 20
DB9 Pin 8 goes to Pin 15
After i found the pin outs, i made the custom male DB9 to female DB9 cable.
On the male DB9 i followed the same pin outs that i found while testing except left out pin 3. On the female side, i followed the same pin out except i took pin 8 from the male DB9 and put it in pin 3 of the female DB9. By doing this, you are making the L line(pin 15) from the car communicate through the K line of the carsoft module.
My serial port's COM Port is port 2 by default. Carsoft worked fine on port 2 except for the ABS. i had to disable other devices in device manager for the serial port to become COM Port 1. Remember to change the carsoft setting to use COM Port 1 if you were using another port previously. I never tested if the regular cables can read the ABS in COM Port 1 without the custom cable i made. I also havent tested if a serial to USB adapter will work for this either.
First ABS Scan results and was in the process of erasing them:
ASC fault is probably from ASC delete and i guess i have 2 bad speed sensors. A long time ago i had a bad brake pedal travel sensor that made the ABS light go on. I guess the module deletes the oldest errors when new ones are created because i never cleared it before.
Second scan:
Im guessing its the ASC delete thats giving the error but its weird it didnt give me the same error like the first scan.
Last edited by hc1001; 05-15-2015 at 03:08 AM.
Carsoft success! I'd say.
However, INPA with a simple VAGCOM KKL cable and 20 pin adapter ($25 tops) is much easier to deal with. Don't take it the wrong way, and I'm not trying to undermine your efforts, but I gave up on Carsoft a long time ago. Sitting in a box somewhere with all the dust on it.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
No offense taken.
I did a lot of searching and reading and came to the conclusion that the E36 ABS module needs a true ADS interface with a real serial port to communicate. I am able to read almost all the other modules on my car but ABS did not work until i did this modification. All the info i gathered is from 2010 or 2011 so maybe things have changed. Can anyone confirm that a VAGCOM KKL cable and 20 pin adapter scans an E36 ABS module?
I've been using this carsoft setup for a while. I can use it with INPA as well. I was tempted to buy one of those VAGCOM KKL cables before but didnt need to since the carsoft cables were still working fine for most jobs. I pieced together the DB9 to DB9 cable with spare parts from work, so it didnt cost me anything but my time. Im just happy im finally able to read the ABS module and hopefully fix the issue. My last track day, the ABS light turned on almost every session. Its not a good feeling to have in the back of your head that you may lockup the car and spin. That didnt happen and i managed the car without ABS fine but would rather not have to think about it...
Anyways, maybe this will help the people who are cheapos like me and still use carsoft cables.
Last edited by hc1001; 05-15-2015 at 12:12 PM.
I'd like to prove to you otherwise.
I have 1 E36 (1996) and 2 E36 based Z3s. All I use is the VAGKKL with 20pin adapter, INPA on a MS Surface Pro running Windows 8.1 64-bit. I'm a cheapo as well... the VAGCOM KKL (with a quality ftdi chip) is $12 if from the USA, or $8 if you wait for shipping from China.
If you REALLY want, I can take pictures, or a video...
- - - Updated - - -
Ugh, I did one autocross session without ABS on the 328is... it was horrible. You can be as light as you want, but that front inside wheel always locked up first.
I had to replace the pump wiring because it had the characteristic harness break.
Last edited by 328 Power 04; 05-15-2015 at 02:20 PM.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
No need for pics or video, just scan your 1996 E36 and see if the ABS module can be read. It would be great if you can confirm this. I kept getting communication errors in INPA before i made the custom cable, im sure INPA will work with it now.
If the cost of a VAGCOM KKL is that cheap, i will buy one so i can ditch the old laptop for ABS scans. This IBM laptop is almost 20 years old, has a pentium cpu, 2GB harddrive, doesnt hold a charge, and the display part cracked off from the keyboard base part. Im amazed its still working to this day.
I use my newer dell laptop with VMware and use a serial to usb adapter for DME and SRS scans.
Sure no problem, will verify and write back.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
no way you are accessing the abs module of an e36 with a vag usb cable ...
Buy my native installed ISIS ISTA-D/ISTA-P bmw diagnostic laptop. More Info Here!
You're going to love my next post.
- - - Updated - - -
OK, so for the non believers:
Either I'm super lucky, or I'm doing something right.
I think I've been the only one on this diagnostics forum constantly blabbering about how I'm diagnosing my E36s with FTDI VAGKKL... to a few peoples' surprise.
The car: 02/1996 USA Model BMW 328is Coupe, 5 Speed Manual, non-ASC, sports package, etc.
The interface: USB VAGKKL with FTDI FT232RL Chip (pin 7&8 soldered, using MProg to invert RI and tweak, running VCP 2.10. driver), 20 Pin to OBD adapter, on a Microsoft Surface Pro Windows 8.1 64-Bit.
Well here's proof:
FIRST: My 20 Pin port:
Next, Error reading of ABS module (ABSMK4G):
Next, hardware identification of ABS module
Next, Status reading live data:
While I was there, I activated the ABS pump for bleeding procedure.
While I was there I also connected to and diagnosed: Airbag, Automatic Climate Control, EWS, Central Body Electronics (activated crash hazard flasher relay for kicks), and a few others.
With this setup I was only able to read the ECU only inside at the OBD2 port.
And for fun I played around a little with Rheingold ISTA/D with the same interface:
I couldn't do much with ISTA and I didn't attempt to do too much, but for vehicle identification proof.
Last edited by 328 Power 04; 05-16-2015 at 03:49 PM.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
Ebay. The all blue one I bought at least 3 years ago, if not more, so I have no clue if the seller is still around.
I made recommendations for these for others:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281312477303 China seller, very good, but shipping will take a while.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301504092069 USA seller, I recently recommended this cable to someone from forums who did a used S52 ecu swap (fried ecu by inverting jumper cables), used that exact cable to align EWS successfully.
- - - Updated - - -
They used to be cheaper... Ignore the prices in my erroneous post above.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
I assume you already have an intact 20 pin to OBD adapter, if not, you will need one (obviously, but added for others reading).
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
www.ebay.com/itm/281678958422 $5.51 USA seller
You have to make sure that pin 15 is wired inside. I've heard that not all of them are wired so. I believe the above has pin 15 wired, because I've recommended this adapter cable to others and they had no issues.
Last edited by 328 Power 04; 05-16-2015 at 06:09 PM.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
An update:
Well today I tried reading a 99 M3 vert's ASC/ABS and it wouldn't connect with the interface from above. However the interface reads my 99 Z3M Coupe's ASC/ABS just fine... The M Coupe has "ASC5".
Probably going to experiment routing pin 15 to a K Line of my USB interface at the level of the 20 pin... I will experiment and update. Strange why some ABS modules connect and some don't... And why I get lucky to have 3 cars that DO work.
For the 99 M3 vert, I'll probably run it all through the dusty Carsoft to get the job done (coding auto to manual)...
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
Additional update. The USB cable did not work for the 99 M3 vert ABS ASC+T.
Strange, because other E36s read fine, but there is something special about this specific pump on this car. I assume your car has the same pump. Would love to know the explanation why some E36 pumps are easy to connect to, and others very difficult.
I have the same old Carsoft interface as you. I set it up on a slightly older laptop with an ExpressCard Serial Port. With bridging pins 15 and 17 I got carsoft program to read errors from the ABS pump. I bridged them inside the 20 pin plug instead of making my own serial cable. Worked fine like your setup.
However, running INPA and NCSExpert (piggybacked through Carsoft interface) would not read the elusive ABS pump. So strange.
I will be experimenting with a Tiny ADS through ExpressCard RS232 serial port adapter.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
Thanks for the update. how strange...
I was able to read the abs module using my newer laptop running vmware emulating windows xp and using carsoft. i used a usb to serial adapter along with the custom cable i made as well as the other carsoft cables. I had to set it to com port 1 again to get it to work. At least now I can retire the old laptop.
Im gonna stick to this setup since it does everything I need it to. Ill upgrade to the vagcom when I need it.
Interesting, curious, can you do the ABS cycle bleeding with this?
(changed my ABS pump and need the bleed cycle function)
Thanks,
Bill
Yes, if you can get the interface to work with INPA or DIS. Which car are you referring to?
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
99 m3
Any chance you could provide a little more detail about what you did? I have the same cable and OBD-to-20-pin adapter, but CarSoft doesn't want to talk. Every time I try and search for more info all I find are people trying to figure out how to crack CarSoft but no actually useful info.
You're talking about using USB interface cable with carsoft software? That isn't possible.
Above I was using the USB interface with INPA. However on certain M3s, I cannot read the ABS module, yet on some it is possible.
I have used a Carsoft interface with INPA though, to read into those.
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
Gotcha. Trying to download INPA now. Just want to figure out why my ABS light is on.
You can get it here in this pack that I gathered from multiple sources, modified, and packed up for use with our cars http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...xperimentation
-Abel
- E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
- 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
- 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
- 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
- 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
- 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
- 2016 Mini Cooper S
Awesome! Downloading now.
Earlier today I loaded some other version of INPA on a WinXP virtual machine and connected to the car, but the only thing I could do was read battery voltage, none of the ABS modules listed worked. I'll try yours. Thanks!
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