[Don Incognito]

I've recently purchased diagnostic software for the Mac and an OBDII-USB cable from Yhasi LLP. Unfortunately, while using the under-dash USB port, the only data usually being read by the cable is battery charge. Out of several dozen attempts to connect and read OBD data, only one has been successful (seemingly random, as I've tried to reproduce the settings and haven't had any success.)

I used the software and cable to successfully connect to and read OBD data from a Lexus GS. I've also tried to use the cable on my M5 with a PC running Carsoft with no success. After all these attempts it seems to me that there may be some incompatibility between the cable and my M5.

I have a 2000 (11/99 manufacture) M5. Have any issues been reported regarding the under-dash OBD-II port?

Thanks!

 

[Hdhntr23]

Are you checking your key position? I dont know about this software at all but its just a shot in the dark.

 

[Don Incognito]

I've tried all possible key positions… So far, it seems to me, that the problem lies in the cable, the car's OBD port, and/or the compatibility between the two. This is the cable I bought: Yhasi LLP - OBD II Interface

 

[jclyman]

There is a FREE software update to help MORE different machines read the OBCII port. It's about 2 or 3 years old now. Contact your dealer and have them check. That could be your problem. No differences in performance, just allows more machines to read the system for smog checking.

 

[Don Incognito]

Are you referring to the recall issued a couple of years ago? After some searching on this board, I went to the dealer today and confirmed that the software update had been done on my M5... hence my conundrum

 

[jt2ma71]

Hmm i am having an issue with the powerchips OBD2-USB cable. Perhaps its an issue with 11/99 models? Its funny, because my Mac tools scanner works all the time, but i cannot get the powerchips cable to connect to my ecu?

 

[jclyman]

Are you referring to the recall issued a couple of years ago? After some searching on this board, I went to the dealer today and confirmed that the software update had been done on my M5... hence my conundrum

Yes, but it was just one suggestion.

Just thinking ... I vaguely (like very vaguely) recall that the 2000 and earlier cars used a different Peake reader than the 2001 on. Does your car have a round connector under the hood, in addition to the one under the dashboard? Later cars don't have the round connector under the hood. It has a black plastic screw on cap that is about 2" in diameter. If (and it is a BIG if) you have a round connector, you may need a cable that hooks up to it.

 

[jt2ma71]

Yes, but it was just one suggestion.

Just thinking ... I vaguely (like very vaguely) recall that the 2000 and earlier cars used a different Peake reader than the 2001 on. Does your car have a round connector under the hood, in addition to the one under the dashboard? Later cars don't have the round connector under the hood. It has a black plastic screw on cap that is about 2" in diameter. If (and it is a BIG if) you have a round connector, you may need a cable that hooks up to it.

Thats specific to BMW though. Every car 1995 and newer is required by law to have an OBD2 port, the BMW specific port is for a more indepth analysis of the car and for its specialized testing equipment.

If its intermittent the problem, id be leaning towards the cable having a problem. Perhaps some of the pins do not stick out far enough to make sufficient contact with the OBD2 terminal.

 

[everycredit]

Can you use a scanner from autozone or some other auto dealer (just borrow it)?

If it works, then I would go with software. However, using carsoft, my car (11/99 build date) has to connect via the 20 pin port under the hood. It wouldn't connect via OBD2 for some reason.

However, I used some PC program (I forgot what it was) and got OBD2 data, including live O2 sensor readouts, but couldn't access the 24 or so computers.

 

[Don Incognito]

Thank you all for your replies.

Yes, I have the round OBD port under the hood as well… perhaps it is indeed an issue with the 99 build models that have both ports… I think I'm going to get a cable for the round port and see if that works better.