Scan Tool: What Is It And Dangers? - BMW Forum

jisang1 · 02-10-2005, 09:38 AM

Hey all,

I have seen a device called a Scan Tool mentioned several times. My current understanding is that such devices can be used to read a car code, and also turn off the 'faulty' indicator on the dashboard if need be. I think Peake makes ones especially for BMW's, and I'm thinking of getting one for myself.

However, I was unable to find any information about the DANGERS of using a scan tool. For example, if my DSC light comes on sometimes and I use a Scan tool to read the code and find out what is wrong, and (assuming it isnt anything serious) turn the light off, will that do any permanent damage to the car software. My car is a 200 323i, and has no warranty etc, but if I want to later sell it / trade it in, will having used a scan tool present a problem?

Any replies are appreciated,
Jisang1.

jkloese · 02-10-2005, 10:18 AM

Absoluteley not, the scan tool just reads the codes for diagnosing a problem. You can reset the fault, but if it is not fixed it will come right back. No need to worry about anything. Its a very useful tool. By the way, Peakes tool will not read any DSC faults. and if it comes on once in a while it may just be doing its job. If your tires spin, you will see the DSC light flash on the dashboard. If it comes on constant, then you have a problem. Im not sure of any tool out there that reads those faults though, maybe someone can help you with that.

jisang1 · 02-10-2005, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jkloese@Feb 10 2005, 11:18 AM
Absoluteley not, the scan tool just reads the codes for diagnosing a problem. You can reset the fault, but if it is not fixed it will come right back. No need to worry about anything. Its a very useful tool. By the way, Peakes tool will not read any DSC faults. and if it comes on once in a while it may just be doing its job. If your tires spin, you will see the DSC light flash on the dashboard. If it comes on constant, then you have a problem. Im not sure of any tool out there that reads those faults though, maybe someone can help you with that.

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Thanks for the helpful reply. Actually, I'm aware that the DSC light coming on sometimes is an indication that the car is losing traction for that instant, so the driver needs to be careful. However, in my case SOMETIMES the DCS, CSC and Brake light come on all at once TOGETHER. The manual says that this indicates that the entire DCS system has failed. However, research has shown this is a SOFTWARE issue in 2000 323i's. I'm thinking about:

1 - Getting a software update from the dealer......But I'm not sure about the $$ involved.

2 - Using a scan/rest tool to remove the irritating lights.

Thanks,

doughboyea · 02-10-2005, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jisang1@Feb 10 2005, 12:21 PM

1 - Getting a software update from the dealer......But I'm not sure about the $$ involved.

2 - Using a scan/rest tool to remove the irritating lights.

I got a dealer quote on an upgrade for the computer:

$102.XX Not really that cheap is it. Though, they didn't charge me as they were doing an Inspection II job at the same time, however, if i had just done that, that's how much (figure @ $97/hr.)

Dough

jkloese · 02-10-2005, 11:57 AM

Yeah that seems about right, my dealership charges about $90/hr so thats what you rlookin at. But remember, the Peake Scan Tool CANNOT read or reset the DSC faults. Only Check engine faults in the ECU. It is a different computer that controls the DSC, if im not mistaken.

E46Holic · 02-10-2005, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by doughboyea+Feb 10 2005, 10:47 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(doughboyea @ Feb 10 2005, 10:47 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-jisang1@Feb 10 2005, 12:21 PM

1 - Getting a software update from the dealer......But I'm not sure about the $$ involved.

2 - Using a scan/rest tool to remove the irritating lights.

I got a dealer quote on an upgrade for the computer:

$102.XX Not really that cheap is it. Though, they didn't charge me as they were doing an Inspection II job at the same time, however, if i had just done that, that's how much (figure @ $97/hr.)

Dough

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[/b][/quote]The dealer I work at, just raised their labor rates to $102 p/h. Dou you think the employess got a pay raise??

doughboyea · 02-10-2005, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by E46Holic@Feb 10 2005, 06:44 PM
The dealer I work at, just raised their labor rates to $102 p/h. Dou you think the employess got a pay raise??

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What..... you think you deserve ANY increase in pay, com'on now!!!! Now your just being selfish!!!!

::e-sarcasm::

I feel what ur saying, same thing at my job....

Dough

jisang1 · 02-11-2005, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by doughboyea+Feb 10 2005, 08:52 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(doughboyea @ Feb 10 2005, 08:52 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-E46Holic@Feb 10 2005, 06:44 PM
The dealer I work at, just raised their labor rates to $102 p/h. Dou you think the employess got a pay raise??

[snapback]289422[/snapback]

What..... you think you deserve ANY increase in pay, com'on now!!!! Now your just being selfish!!!!

::e-sarcasm::

I feel what ur saying, same thing at my job....

Dough

[snapback]289521[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

I feel ya'll both....I get paid $15-20 per hour.....My employer bills me out at $250 per hour......Think about how I feel!!!

Also, what dealership (which city) do you work at E46Holic??