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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
Try to short solder pins #7, #8 and #20 on the cap.
Last edited by Chedley; 10-29-2020 at 05:58 PM.
Try to disconnect the ABS module and reconnect the diagnostic tool.
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)
Bookmarks