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Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer Diagnostic Tool for MB

300K views 376 replies 72 participants last post by  bluerooster  
#1 ·
Kajtek1 - I am moving this discussion to a new thread from here ... http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1501861-w210-aux-water-pump-used-new-5.html#post4610701 since the "W210 Aux Water Pump" sticky was getting off topic. Sorry, I'm the one that digressed.

I and Texholdem provided the following links for the Carsoft Multiplexer kit...

$106.80 - MB Carsoft 7.4 Interface Multiplexed MCU Interface for Mercedes Benz - OBD/OBD2 Car Diag. Tools

MB Carsoft 7.4 Multiplexer Diagnostic Tool for sale at Gadgettown.com


I have the first kit. The two kits seem identical except the first one includes a nice carrying case. The second link doesn't explicitly say that a copy of the software is included. My kit came with Carsoft 7.4 software. Software installation was a bit kludgy but it works.

I am running the software on a spare IBM Thinkpad T40 laptop with Windows XP. This laptop doesn't have a serial port that is need for the Carsoft kit. I use a SIIG Single-Serial PC Card that I got off ebay for 10 bucks.

There is not much documentation for the software. There's just a quick overview under the help menu. The usage is mostly self evident.

Some nice features in the software:

1. Live data analysis for ME (including O2 sensors) and EGS. But there's no graphing capability like the one found on ELMSCAN. In any case, I don't see myself driving around with the carsoft setup; you can't close the hood with the 38 pin connector plugged in. I might get the ELMSCAN some day just for live engine analytics and graphing (the ELMSCAN plugs into the OBD-II connector; you can plug it in and drive the car. But you shouldn't look at the laptop screen while driving :) Have someone else drive the car while you observe the live data).

2. Ability to do "coding" for ME, Airbag, and D2B and to perform "adaptation erase" for EGS and ME (I haven't tested these features.) I recall reading on another thread here that someone coded a new transmission control unit with carsoft. I don't see that feature in the software.

3. Ability to reset service interval

4. The software includes a glossary of all the MB acronyms such as PSE, EGS, etc. This was a big help for me. Also, as part of the live Airco analysis, it lists what all the 20 or so climate control diagnostic readings stand for.

If nothing else, Carsoft kit gives me peace of mind.
 
#3 ·
The carsoft software can cost $500-$2500 according to other threads. Beware with downloaded software because of virus.

I ordered an ELM327 for $30 but it has not arrived yet. It won't do some of the things like Carsoft but I need the live data.

CAN-BUS Auto Scanner, ELM327 USB CAN-BUS Auto Scanner
  • Features: ELM327 is the latest PC-based scan tool. It supports all OBD-II protocols and is dispatched with a number of compatible programs. The processor is an ELM327. The output protocol (connection to laptop) is USB.
  • Processor: ELM327.
  • OBD-II Software for ELM327 is a free program that allows you to use your PC and a hardware interface to get the information from your car's computer.
  • The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn. It is also very easy to install: simply extract the files into a folder on your computer's hard drive, and you're ready to go. To uninstall the program, simply delete the entire contents of the folder where the program resides.
  • The software supports two platforms - DOS and Windows.
  • The program lets you perform the following operations: Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
  • Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)
  • Display current sensor data, including:
  • Engine RPM
  • Calculated Load Value
  • Coolant Temperature
  • Fuel System Status
  • Vehicle Speed
  • Short Term Fuel Trim
  • Long Term Fuel Trim
  • Intake Manifold Pressure
  • Timing Advance
  • Intake Air Temperature
  • Air Flow Rate
  • Absolute Throttle Position
  • Oxygen sensor voltages / associated short term fuel trims
  • Fuel System status
  • Fuel Pressure
  • Many others...
 
#4 ·
The carsoft software can cost $500-$2500 according to other threads. Beware with downloaded software because of virus.

I ordered an ELM327 for $30 but it has not arrived yet.
Mbvis - I agree that the genuine carsoft software costs $500-$2500. What's included with the $100 kits is a cracked version of the software. Because you never know what's included with such software, I am running it on an old laptop that I've solely dedicated to running carsoft.

As I said, the ELM software is good for what it can do including live engine analytics. But it can't access myriad of other control modules on an MB because it doesn't connect to the 38 pin connector. It doesn't allow you to code and erase adaptations. I have carsoft for now and will get ELM for live analytics someday.

I will post screenshots from carsoft in a few days so everyone can see the extent of the functionality.
 
#6 ·
Last weekend my seven pass. 4matic wagon was the bus for a bunch going skiing. Amongst the 7 of us there were 3 with CELs on. That's partly why I drove. Anyhow I mentioned I'd bought the diagnostic system (Carsoft) and a chorus went up to get their cars "read." So now I'm wishing I'd bought a generic obdII or something that would do friends brand X cars too. This ELM 327 sounds like it might work. Anyone have experience with it on Hondas and Subarus?
 
#7 ·
I have one of the "offshore" versions of the Carsoft hw and sw.
1) Sw installation is a bit cludgy and need to follow the instructions specifically, but then it does work
2) It does seem to do what carsoft claims to do
3) No real documentation beyond that, your on your own to determine what the data means.
4) it does allow you to erase error codes that you can't erase with an OBDII scanner.

5) BUT BEWARE, Here is the biggest issue. the only surefire way to make sure it will work is to have a laptop with a real true serial port. E.G. a VERY old laptop. put my daughters old laptop to the task and it works fine.

Use of a laptop with a USB-RS232 or PCMCIA- RS323 or Cardbus-RS232 May or May NOT communicate with the SW. It's really hit or misss. It may appear to work, then give bogus data, it may give a communication error, it may really work, or it may work for a while or a test or two before it gives a communication error.

BTW this above issue may occur with the real SW as well.
 
#11 ·
When installing/running programs on Vista, you can choose to do it in 95, XP, ME, or 2000 mode. Right mouse button click on the program icon pops up a menu, choose <property> then <compatibility>.
But beware with "cheap" software. People warned about some virus named BANCO included with "cheap" carsoft 7.4
 
#25 ·
Carsoft Scrrenshots

Kajtek1 - hope you enjoyed the party.

Below are the results from carsoft diagnosis on my 2002 E320 4matic wagon.

1. "CARSOFT Diagnosis Report" is the summary report the software allows you to print.

2. The detailed results from each module are in the file "CARSOFT Diagnosis Screenshots." The software doesn't allow you to print these. It only allows you to save this to its native .pda format which you can reload in the program at a later time but can't print. It doesn't even allow you to copy the text from the program and paste into Word or any other text editing software. The only way to save these in a printable form is to copy and paste the CARSOFT window into Word etc. using ALT-PRINTSCREEN and CTRL-V.

3. Carsoft results for LIVE DATA analysis. Copied and pasted the screens from carsoft into Word as above. Also, manually tabulated the observed values from the air conditioning live data tests on page 3 of the file.

These screenshots were taken before I fixed the aux water pump described on the sticky thread (referenced in the first post on this thread). As a result, you'll notice that my attempt to erase the AIRCO code B1416 failed. I'm sure I won't see this code if I were to run carsoft now since I fixed the aux water pump and successfully erased the code from the climate control unit through the manual process discussed on other threads.

I was able to erase the code B1108 from the Instrument Cluster. Must have been a random error in the past. I'll test again in a few days to see if the code has been triggered again.

Airbag diagnosis shows "OK" in summary report, reports "ERROR!" on detailed test, but doesn't show a code. Instead, it show a cryptic file name ab3_feh.dxt. Any clue what this might point to?

D2B diagnosis reports error B1241 (Refrigerant Fill). I know that my refrigerant pressure is low - the CCU diagnostics reports 4 bars. Time to vacuum test and refill refrigerant before the summer.

On the last two screenshots on page 1 of Live Data Analysis, O2-Sensor Tension Bank1 Sensor1 and Bank2 Sensor1 showed rapidly changing values varying between -0.1 to about 0.8 Volts. The instant I took the screenshots, both sensors show about 0.1 Volt. But both values were wildly swinging within the range I mentioned. The other two sensors were steady at 0.7 to 0.8 Volts. Is this normal behavior or something to worry about? These are the original O2 sensors and the car has 140K miles. The sensors have never triggered any fault codes.

Although this post gets into the specifics of my car, I hope it illustrates well what Carsoft is capable of. Of course, I didn't test the coding, activation, and adaptation erase capabilities of the software.
 

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#26 ·
There is also a very long thread on the R170 forum regarding to CarSoft, even how to get the non-multiplex version working with the 38-pin port.
 
#28 ·
Transmission fluid temperature

I just noticed that carsoft live data analysis includes a live readout of transmission fluid temperature critical to measuring ATF level - see the 4th EGS screenshot on page 2 of the live data pdf above. This is perhaps a more accurate temperature readout than using an IR temp gauge aimed at the transmission pan. I'll compare the two next time I have carsoft connected to the car.
 
#30 ·
I just noticed that carsoft live data analysis includes a live readout of transmission fluid temperature critical to measuring ATF level - see the 4th EGS screenshot on page 2 of the live data pdf above. This is perhaps a more accurate temperature readout than using an IR temp gauge aimed at the transmission pan. I'll compare the two next time I have carsoft connected to the car.
Much more accurate. I compared it the last time I checked the ATF level. The IR reader had a major difference (10C+) from the temperature reported by CarSoft.
 
#32 ·
OK guys, the Carsoft has arrived from China just fine and come with small CD that downloaded me "cracked" software. But here comes the first problem. My computer serial port is male, while all the connectors are male as well. Even I reversed one of the extension cables trying to fit the female plug into my male connector on computer port, it will not fit. They look same size, but are not by very small difference. I guess I can buy adapter at Radio Shack, but will it work?
 
#33 ·
Yes an adapter will work. However, I have the same unit from china and not all of the "K"lines are connected so the diagnostics for me are very limited and fustrating to use this contraption (Laptop - box-connectors - inside and outside the car). Pissed me off for buying it. I ended up going to autozone and purchasing a code reader for 25 bucks and it has been the best tool that I have purcahsed for the car!
 
#36 ·
kajtek1 - VGA is a video connector. If you don't have a serial connector on your laptop, you will need a USB to serial adapter as recommended by GDRAPER. I used a SG II brand USB to Serial adapter.

Many complain that carsoft sucks and that they're better off with an OBD II scanner. But OBD II scanner's don't give you half the capability that you get from the 38-pin connector. If you are willing to spend thousands, then go buy the Mercedes SDS. Carsoft is adequate for most common things you need to do through the 38-pin connector. Just make sure that you have the multiplexed version of the hardware. The one I purchased and tested works flawlessly. A bit quirky to set up, but it works just fine.
 
#38 ·
I've tried several different USB-serial to talk to unix boxes and switches. I finally found one that worked for that. Since all the laptops I use or own that don't have serial ports are running Win7, I've never tried carsoft through the usb adapter.

You might check online for the PCMCIA adapter; they're pretty much out of vogue anymore, so they might be hard to find even at Fry's.

Actually, if you want I'll loan you the USB adapter I have that works to talk to serial nerd devices. If it works for you then you can get one. PM me if you want to try that, I could bring it by Sunday after church.