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DIY: E36 hidden OBC functions

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31K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  MickstrickE30  
#1 ·
Instructions to access the hidden OBC functions:

  • 1: Press and hold the mileage reset button.
  • 2: Put key into ignition switch and turn to KLR (Ignition switch position #1). Your LCD display will show something like this "tESt 01".
  • 3: You will need to unlock the test function first so when the LCD. Display shows "tESt 01", press the reset button till you get to "tESt 15". Once you're on test 15 press, and hold the reset buton for a few seconds until it displays "off". Now you can cycle through the test features.

Test 1: Instrument self test

Test 2: Engine Data - This display is an "engine factor" value that is stored
in the coding plug. The instrument cluster processor uses this factor in
addition to the "TD" signal from the DME control module to process and
display tachometer RPM based on the engine installed. For EXAMPLE:
*ENGINE FACTOR 2 = 4 CYLINDER
*ENGINE FACTOR 3 = 6 CYLINDER
*ENGINE FACTOR 4 = 8 CYLINDER

Test 3: SI elapsed distance - the total mileage in kilometer since the last
reset. Which service is due at the next inspection (OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION)

Test 4: SI elapsed days - no value for US vehicles. Relates to Euro annual inspections.

Test 5: SI evaluation factor - for engine speed and temp. thresholds being passed.
Display: n = 0 or 1. engine speed (over-rev)
t = 0 or 1. engine temp.

Test 6: Fuel Level and coolent temp. - Display of hexadecimal codes in relation to gauge position.

Fuel gauge Hex value
  • A (empty)----------> 0d
  • End of reserve------> 37
  • B-------------------> 54
  • C-------------------> 90
  • D-------------------> c4
  • E (full)--------------> f0

Engine temp. Hex Value
  • A-------------------> ce
  • B-------------------> 6d
  • C-------------------> 5c
  • D (center)----------> 4f-23
  • E-------------------> 1e
  • F-------------------> 18

Test 7: Engine speed - display of current engine speed

Test 8: Road speed - display of current road speed in km/h

Test 9 Distance reading - this allows the total stored mileage to be updated
if one of the storage components has to be replaced. This test step will be
used if the manipulation dot is illuminated in the cluster display. Ths
display will show the component with the lower mileage. For example:
Display of 012654 l indicates that the mileage in the internal EEPROM is
lower than the milage stored in the coding plug.
Display of 000325 E indicates that the mileage in external coding plug is
lower then the total mileage stored in the internal EEPROM.
Pressing the reset button for 4 seconds will over write the lower mileage
with the higher mileage and cancel the manipulation dot. The SI data will
also be transferred at the same time.

Test 10: Status bits (input signals) - the status of digital inputs to the
cluster are displayed as 0 or 1. Display: 0 = input low, 1 = input high.
_ _ _ _ _ _ <--- Mileage display...6 digits left to right
  • 1st - belt contact, seat belt fastened = 0
  • 2nd - ignition lock contact, key inserted = 0
  • 3rd - door contact, door open = 0
  • 4th - clock button pressed = 0
  • 5th - SI reset = 0, for reset = 0
  • 6th - EGS transmission failure = 0

Test 11: Status Bits (output signals) - the status of digital outputs is displayed.
Display: 0 = output inactive, 1 = output active
_ _ _ _ _ _ <--- Mileage display...6 digits left to right
  • 1st - Gond output
  • 2nd - Brake warning lamp
  • 3rd - Low fuel warning lamp
  • 4th - EGA lamp
  • 5th - seat belt lamp
  • 6th - manipulation dot

Test 12: not used

Test 13: Country code of cluster - the display indicates the country version
of the cluster. This cannot be changed in the workshop. Display: USA 02

Test 14: Software Reset - The reset must be carried out if any faults are
present that are not plausible before any components are replaced. After the
reset, the system will exit the TEST mode and the lock will be reactived.

Test 15: lock/unlock