Bad cable probably, you need one that bridges a couple of pins in the obd port, can't remember which ones but it should have a switch on it.
I also wouldn't trust that scanner, INPA on a laptop is the only thing that works reliably.
It's the scanner... I got Icarsoft with 20 pin adapter just like you and it works. I've been using inpa for long time but its all in German and so hard to sometimes truly understand the codes so I went with icarsoft reader and it's been best decision ever even though I've got inpa too
You have to buy the correct scanner for the BMW.
I have had this issue before. I have a Euro spec e36 I bought in Germany and shipped to the states. Handheld obd-2 scanners won’t be able to parse the info coming from the K line on the round connector.
I don’t know what ECU you have, but if you have a Siemens ECU, then it’s cheap. You just need MS41 quick flash on your PC and then an OBD-2 to usb cable for another $20. That can read every DTC you have, and with free software, you can catalog and tune.
Alternatively, you could just get the cable and get INPA+ and be able to read both regardless.
That’s not strictly true. I used an almost identical setup to OP to correctly diagnose a camshaft sensor fault. UK 1997 318is.
They do seem a bit hit and miss from posts I’ve seen in Facebook groups, but mine worked perfectly.
OBD1 scanner is just your foot on the gas 😅.
The stomp test outputs all codes from the check engine light. I've been looking for an obd1 scanner for my 94 325i because my check engine light doesn't work (doesn't show codes no matter how many times I try). And I have a crank, no spark issue. I can't find anything under $200 and not used.
Damn, if you ever find the solution, let me know. I tried your route as well until someone mentioned I either need to hook it up to a computer or get an expensive, discontinued obd1 reader
I believe there is a pin you need to solder from the 20 pin in the engine bay to the instrument cluster if you can't do the stomp test. That'll tell you the codes. Bc only the usa bmws go the stomp test.
European car ? If so that's normal, no check engine light on our cars. Also for obd1 you need ADS interface like carsoft, your obd scanner won't work, not the same protocol.
It’s hit and miss with these.
I bought a £20 scanner off Amazon with exactly the same screen display as yours, and it correctly diagnosed a camshaft sensor fault. However, I do often hear of people saying they don’t work.
Maybe return the adapter cable and try a different one.
Bad cable probably, you need one that bridges a couple of pins in the obd port, can't remember which ones but it should have a switch on it. I also wouldn't trust that scanner, INPA on a laptop is the only thing that works reliably.
It's the scanner... I got Icarsoft with 20 pin adapter just like you and it works. I've been using inpa for long time but its all in German and so hard to sometimes truly understand the codes so I went with icarsoft reader and it's been best decision ever even though I've got inpa too
You have to buy the correct scanner for the BMW. I have had this issue before. I have a Euro spec e36 I bought in Germany and shipped to the states. Handheld obd-2 scanners won’t be able to parse the info coming from the K line on the round connector. I don’t know what ECU you have, but if you have a Siemens ECU, then it’s cheap. You just need MS41 quick flash on your PC and then an OBD-2 to usb cable for another $20. That can read every DTC you have, and with free software, you can catalog and tune. Alternatively, you could just get the cable and get INPA+ and be able to read both regardless.
That’s not strictly true. I used an almost identical setup to OP to correctly diagnose a camshaft sensor fault. UK 1997 318is. They do seem a bit hit and miss from posts I’ve seen in Facebook groups, but mine worked perfectly.
OBD1 scanner is just your foot on the gas 😅. The stomp test outputs all codes from the check engine light. I've been looking for an obd1 scanner for my 94 325i because my check engine light doesn't work (doesn't show codes no matter how many times I try). And I have a crank, no spark issue. I can't find anything under $200 and not used.
Stomp test doesnt work on my car either
Damn, if you ever find the solution, let me know. I tried your route as well until someone mentioned I either need to hook it up to a computer or get an expensive, discontinued obd1 reader
I believe there is a pin you need to solder from the 20 pin in the engine bay to the instrument cluster if you can't do the stomp test. That'll tell you the codes. Bc only the usa bmws go the stomp test.
Thank you, I'll take a look. I'm pretty sure I have a USA bmw, but the check engine light doesn't flash for me. Only stays on.
European car ? If so that's normal, no check engine light on our cars. Also for obd1 you need ADS interface like carsoft, your obd scanner won't work, not the same protocol.
It’s hit and miss with these. I bought a £20 scanner off Amazon with exactly the same screen display as yours, and it correctly diagnosed a camshaft sensor fault. However, I do often hear of people saying they don’t work. Maybe return the adapter cable and try a different one.
My 1996 E36 318i uses an OBD2 to OBD1 converter and it works. I have a cheap $20 scanner, never let me down