Most if not all handhelds do not clear SRS codes.
The carsoft unit will.
Define complex.
It's PC based.
You will need a laptop with a serial port.
Most newer computers don't have one.
If you don't have one you will need a pcmcia serial port card.
USB to serial doesn't work.
So you would need to install the drivers for the card,
software for carsoft, which is Chinese hacked version.
You have to follow the instructions carefully to install the cracks and shit.
Thats why you won't find it on ebay anymore.
I have it, it works. I like it, but once I got it working, I haven't needed it much.
Runs in windows.
Reads lots of data, and has some but not all functions of
starsystem. Like you read out codes for ESP for example, but it doesn't tell you what
the codes mean. Searched all over the web, couldn't find a chart.
I had a speed sensor go out on one of the wheels, and
yes I got a code, but no way to interpret.
Some codes it's tell you, others not.
You can screw some stuff up too, like turn off airbags, but couldn't
see where to enable Xenon. Had my local guy do it.
So point being, be careful where you click.
I still mostly use my obd scanner, and even that doesn't happen very often.
Random misfires, or forget to reconnect the MAF after cleaning.
I posted the serial card I used (~$30) either here or mbworld, same username.
Perhaps the the abs airbag scanner would work, but that seems
very limited, probably more expensive.
Thanks for your detailed reply. I was going to order Carsoft from Dealextreme.com but, I red there is computer virus in the software and users were complaining about that. Have you had any virus problem? I may have to order Acutel MaxiDiag EU702 scanner to be on safe side. It's about $200. Local shops are asking an hour labor charge ($90~$100) to check it.
I have the hacked carsoft and have no virus problems, but then again, I installed it an old laptop that runs nothing else. Another alternative is to get the "real" Star Diagnosis system which would also be hacked and costs about $600 or so, but it definitely does everything.
rudeney, thanks for the reply. Where did you purchase Carsoft? Do you connect Carsoft to OBDII connector in your car? I have 2002 C240 as well. Is it possible that a car can have both 38-pin and OBDII connectors? Does your car have both? If so, where under the hood is the 38-pin connector? Just curious.
I bought mine from alpa-bid.com, $120 shipped. I actually had the Carsoft program I got several years back but didn't have the right cables. I had been using a VAG-COM cable with a an OBDII extension cabled hacked into a "breadboards" that allowed me to manually select the proper wire for the circuit needing connection (SRS, EGS, KI, etc.). The alpha-bid comes with a multiplexer so this is all automatic. And no, your W203 won't have a 38-pin - only OBDII.
Got my Carsoft multiplexer from alpha-bid.
I received the product four days after it was shipped.
Installed the software and found no virus.
Ran the software and found the following three errors that were causing SRS warning lights.
B107C The communication with the TELE AID control unit is disturbed or cable error.
B1075 The CAN Communication is disturbed.
B107A Airbag and EZS control unit coding : not plausible.
Erased the errors. Ran Airbag scan again. Status OK ! Yahoo~
Service B is due in 2k miles. I'll use it again to reset the service reminder.
Can't you just turn the steering wheel all the way to the right then left to reset it? cause i recently just took apart my stock radio and the srs light came on, i plan on doing the steering wheel method after i install my after market deck.
I red someone here or other forum saying the steering wheel method worked for them but, not for me. Technically speaking SRS light must be reset by Star Diagnostic System or Carsoft. ESP can be reset by the steering wheel method.
I have a 2002 C230K coupe and I have just installed a used (forum member sold me) correct year MB-CDC. All easily done with other SFF findings & posts including Firer Optic loop installations etc...THANKS EVERYONE..
In the course of that I popped #64 fuse and got the "Audio ----", “Tel ----“ MFD screens, with no HU or CDC power for a brief time then. Fuse has been replaced and Audio HU is alive working again, CDC ejects magazine, but no CDC present on HU display when I ask to go into CD mode. Then of course I got the dreaded SRS light stuck on along with MFD display while the fuse was blown and I troubleshot that. I assume the COMM type Error D2B messages will be found as I need a SRS reset now.
I also took it I would need to add the CDC (to the command?) fiber optic loop. So as well reset the SRS ...my question is:
Does Carsoft & this Multiplexer change the audio loop to see the CDC too?
I know it can reset the SRS and if the SRS has deeper issues I would at least see those codes reappear then.
Cost wise the CDC added via STAR sounds like a wash. I have a dedicated old laptop I could use for that only so.... OH Anyone in Syracuse NY area got one to rent or want to split some on one?
In order to code the D2B bus to add the CDC, you will have to use MB-SDS - Carsoft won't do it. However, you can reset the SRS error with Carsoft. That multiplexer you linked to is the Carsoft model. SDS will run you ~$500 via eBay.
My experience today with CarSoft V7.4S scanning diagnosis software & the Mercedes Multiplexer, was pleasing. I WAS able to code my used DIY MB OEM glove box installation CDC, to the Fiber Ring, and now that specific DB2 scan is 100% error free. As well reset my SRS light - MFD too.
I have had this issue since I got the car about a 6 weeks ago. My friend has the Carsoft Software but we don't have the right cables.
Can you recommend what the right ones are and the best place to purchase them? we do have a 16 pin cable but it is not Merc specific and didn't connect for us.
I see from other forums that this could be anything from a wire problem under the passenger seat to a dodgy squib behind the steering wheel. As you can imagine I want to avoid taking it to the garage until I at least know what is really wrong with it.
So far the mechanic who serviced the car told me it needed a new squib. No issue in doing this but would like to scan myself and see what comes up.
Thanks in advance for any advice on this.
Car is a 2005 CDI 220 SE Coupe - I am also in the UK.
I assume you have the "VAG" or "K-Line" cable instead of a true multiplexer? You can buy a Carsoft compatible multiplexer for under $100US (see ebay for "Mercedes Uniscan"). Better yet, get the "cloned" version of SDS from China for around $500US.
If that's not a possibility, you can re-pin the connector to read the other systems. I can't remember off hand what they pin numbers are, but the one that reads the K-line (ME) has to be moved to the pin on the MBZ OBDII connector that reads SRS. The "hacked" Carsoft program will have a screen in it that explains the pinouts. The easiest way to change pin assignments is to buy a generic OBDII extension cable (make sure it supports all pins), then cut it and use a breadboard to re-pin it. CAUTION: MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING - CONNECTING THE WRONG PINS CAN BE DANGEROUS!
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