Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: Can't read modules

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many

    Can't read modules

    I'm having a very confusing issue with my 99 528iT when trying to read diagnostic information or code vehicle functions. I'm only able to see the engine and transmission modules no matter what tool is being used. It doesn't matter whether ISTA, NCS, Carly or any of the other BMW diagnostic/programming tools are used only the engine and transmission modules can be read. None of the other modules are even seen. The diagnostic port in the engine compartment is used, with the proper adapters.

    The car has been looked at by a dealership service manager who felt that the problem might be with the gauge cluster since all the systems communicate through the cluster. The cluster has been replaced with no change in the issue. A couple of independent BMW repair facilities have looked at the car as well, but no one has a solution so far.

    It should be noted that all systems in the car work properly.

    I was wondering if anyone here has encountered this problem, or has any suggestions as to the cause or possible solutions.

    Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Atlanta
    Posts
    392
    My Cars
    2001 540iT
    I was going to suggest Instrument Cluster but you've already tried that. Have you hooked up your diagnostic tools and hardware to another E39 to verify that your stuff is working? I'm waiting for a replacement cluster for an X3 for a similar issue and was able to verify my software/hardware tools on the E39.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Beaverton, Oregon, USA
    Posts
    1,694
    My Cars
    2001 E39 540i A, 207 k
    You may have the wrong cable that connects the diagnostic (INPA ?) laptop to the car. By wrong cable, I mean a knock-off "chinese" cable with fake -not genuine- FTDI chips.
    IF so, there may be a possible convoluted solution: disable the chip identification in the FTDI config, and install the old -I think pre 2012- FTDI drivers.

    But probably best to buy a cable with a genuine FTDI chips.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    Quote Originally Posted by rlordjr View Post
    I was going to suggest Instrument Cluster but you've already tried that. Have you hooked up your diagnostic tools and hardware to another E39 to verify that your stuff is working? I'm waiting for a replacement cluster for an X3 for a similar issue and was able to verify my software/hardware tools on the E39.
    Yes, my tools work fine on my other cars so I know its not my tools and as I mentioned in the original post the dealer and independent shops can't read the car either.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    Quote Originally Posted by Chedley View Post
    You may have the wrong cable that connects the diagnostic (INPA ?) laptop to the car. By wrong cable, I mean a knock-off "chinese" cable with fake -not genuine- FTDI chips.
    IF so, there may be a possible convoluted solution: disable the chip identification in the FTDI config, and install the old -I think pre 2012- FTDI drivers.

    But probably best to buy a cable with a genuine FTDI chips.
    The cables are fine. I can read and code my other BMWs with no problem. The dealer and independent shops get the same result with their equipment. Its definitely this car.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  6. #6
    Jaaap is offline ☀ ☁ ☂ ☃ ☏ ☠ ☢ ☣ ♕ ♫ ✂
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    887
    My Cars
    Alpina B10 e39 / F3

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    Thanks Jaaap this ooks really promising. I'm going to look at the things mentioned here and see what I find.

    I will update my findings.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    Something is blocking the system like in the e60s for instance when the gateway module fails you can’t read anything im surprised the dealer didn’t figure it out do you have any aftermarket stereo stuff in stalled and if you do Do you have anything plugged into the CD player line in the back if so unplug it

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Something is blocking the system like in the e60s for instance when the gateway module fails you can’t read anything im surprised the dealer didn’t figure it out do you have any aftermarket stereo stuff in stalled and if you do Do you have anything plugged into the CD player line in the back if so unplug it
    Up until last month the only thing plugged into the CD player line in the back was the CD player. There's a BlueBus Bluetooth module on the CD line now. The CD player was added a year or so ago and this problem predates the installation of the CD player. Other than the BlueBus the sound system is completely stock. The amp, MID, and in dash CD player are all upgraded to 2003 E39 specification, but still stock.


    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    169
    My Cars
    Too many...
    Oftentimes, a bad module is capable of bringing down the entire bus. There is no elegant way to diagnose it other than removing modules from the bus one by one until the culprit is identified. I have had a bad DSC module, and two different amplifiers cause weird bus problems.

    You should be able to google a bus diagram for your car (diagrams vary a bit, depending on 'High' or 'Low' specification, facelift/pre-facelift, etc). Armed with that, you can begin hunting. Amp and traction control modules are my favorites to start with - not just due to my personal experience, but the fact that they are often less protected (so many amps get claimed by water intrusion in the trunk).

    Good luck, let us know what you find out.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    Voltage is present on pins 7 and 8. I have to wrap up for now as the storm is coming. I'll move on to check other things tomorrow.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    104
    My Cars
    03 540i/6 Msport
    Quote Originally Posted by Coupenut View Post
    Voltage is present on pins 7 and 8. I have to wrap up for now as the storm is coming. I'll move on to check other things tomorrow.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    Coupenut, any luck finding your issue? I'm having a similar issue with similar findings (car runs great, voltage on pins 7 & 8, tool works on other cars, etc...) on my E39. I started a separate post on it but were wondering how you were making out.

    Thanks,
    Ryan

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    I haven't figured out what the problem is yet. I have discovered that I don't have power on pin #20 on my car, it's there on other E39s that I had access to for comparison.
    I'm going to track that down next.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Beaverton, Oregon, USA
    Posts
    1,694
    My Cars
    2001 E39 540i A, 207 k
    Try to short solder pins #7, #8 and #20 on the cap.
    Last edited by Chedley; 10-29-2020 at 05:58 PM.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Bulgaria
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    BMW 528i
    Try to disconnect the ABS module and reconnect the diagnostic tool.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    877
    My Cars
    Too many
    I wanted to add this follow-up to the module reading issue as it turned out to be the solution to the problem.

    There is a splice (#183 I believe) under the carpet on the front driver's side of the car. To access it the driver's seat must be removed, the carpet pulled up, a plastic protective cover removed to expose the splice. The attached photo shows the condition mine was in. I spliced all three wires together, shrink wrapped and taped mine but the splice is available from BMW. Once the wires were spliced I was able to see and communicate with all of the car's modules.

    Sent from my SM-T727V using Tapatalk
    00 740iS
    84 635 (euro)
    88 M6
    84 745i
    88 325iX
    92 850i (6 spd)

Similar Threads

  1. INPA reading modules of car question UIF vs ID's
    By cmyachtie in forum Diagnostic Software
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 06-28-2013, 09:18 AM
  2. How to read module trace files with NCexpert.
    By BLooD30 in forum Diagnostic Software
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-21-2010, 01:50 PM
  3. Scan not reading my ASC module?
    By Paul NJ in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-07-2009, 10:27 PM
  4. Code reading in EM Module?
    By 325icintn in forum Convertible Questions
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-30-2008, 05:43 PM
  5. OBD1-Convertible top control module-How to read codes?
    By 325icintn in forum Diagnostic Software
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-28-2008, 01:41 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •