All
contemporary BMW models use various diagnostic systems. Accessing all of them
calls for specialized hardware. Depending on the process you wish to engage,
obtaining a BMW scanner or code
reader (just
like BMW ICOM-the newest BMW diagnostic tool) might be either hard or tough and
expensive. Second generation On-Board Diagnostic scanners would be the most
common and easy to discover. Other
systems, like
Supplemental Restraint Program air bags, are usually not readily offered for
the general consumer. Irrespective of the system, the procedure of retrieving
codes and arriving at a diagnosis is
comparable.
BMW ICOM Instructions
1) Open the
BMW’s driver-side door. Appear into the leg-space beneath the dashboard. There,
you will discover 16 pin-receiving Information Link Connector. This DLC outlet
is featured in unique areas,
depending on
the model of BMW that you are working with. Some might readily seen, but other
people may perhaps be concealed behind an access panel. Need to you have got
difficulty locating your BMW’s DLC outlet, there is certainly an
on the web
application that could assist (see Resources).
2) Connect your
BMW ICOM to the DLC outlet. For most BMW ICOMs, this is a similar process. A
scanner or perhaps a code reader ordinarily includes a diagnostic cable with a
16-prong plug. Connect the
cable to the
BMW ICOM, and plug the cable in to the DLC outlet.
Switch your BMW
ICOM on. Then slide your BMW’s important in to the vehicle’s ignition. Switch
to “On.” This may activate the BMW’s electrical array. Based on the BMW ICOM
plus the method you are
working with,
you may also need to have an active engine. If this can be the case, get
started the automobile’s engine at this time.
4) Wait some
seconds to a minute. Your BMW ICOM and the vehicle’s diagnostic process will
establish a connection. Some BMW scanners, as soon as an incoming information
stream is detected, will automatically
retrieve active
difficulty codes. In the event you don’t possess a BMW ICOM preprogrammed to do
this, seek the advice of your BMW ICOM’s handbook. Button configurations and
common layout differ by brand and type of
diagnostic
handheld. Your BMW ICOM’s handbook will detail the exact instructions on the
best way to enter a code-retrieving command.
five) Look by
the codes on your BMW ICOM’s display screen. How the codes are displayed also
is determined by the BMW diagnostic tools that you are utilizing. OBD-II codes
are alphanumeric, along with the very first
letter with the
trouble code will specify where the problem is positioned. Anti-locking brake
codes usually be purely numerical. Many BMW scanners will even differentiate a
code’s status. Any code
listed as
“pending” are infrequent malfunctions; these problems have not activated a
single of your BMW’s warning lights.
6) Copy the
active difficulty codes onto a separate sheet of paper. In case you are
utilizing more than BMW ICOM and troubleshooting more than one diagnostic technique,
be certain you categorize this list.
Columns are
useful methods to netanize trouble codes. This can be also correct for OBD-II
diagnostics, which acts as an umbrella for many varieties of codes. For
example, P-codes cover the BMW’s powertrain,
though B, C,
and U codes cover the physique, chassis and network communications method.
7) Look up
every single code pulled from the BMW. BMW ICOM handbooks will consist of
coding definitions. OBD-II scanners, for example, present generic coding lists
fantastic for all post-1996 vehicles. On the other hand,
you’ll have to
go on the net to locate BMW’s supplemental OBD-II codes. As a general rule, a
vehicle’s owner’s manual won’t include coding definitions for any diagnostic
technique. However, difficulty
codes can very easily be identified online (see Resources). Listed
here are I provide a PDF file which lists coding definitions: BMW
ICOM A2
eight) Copy the
suitable definitions to their corresponding difficulty codes. Read by means of
all the definitions and make a choice. For those who have the mechanical
practical experience, you’ll be able to try DIY fixes
on a number of
the issues. However, some diagnostic systems, like ABS brakes, are very
complicated and should be deferred to a educated mechanic.
9) Take your
code list with you, when you decide to seek advice from a BMW-certified mechanic.
This list will save you funds in diagnostic costs.
Video demo on
how to set up and use BMW ICOM
First part
BMW ICOM Guidelines & Warnings
Most scanners
can only read 1 diagnostic method. As an example, some OBD-II scanners cannot
translate ABS codes. As technology progresses, some newer types of diagnostic
are becoming
multifunctional,
BMW ICOMs is such tool which not only support one program also cost much a lot
more than a simple one-system code reader.
