Problem after using BMW Scanner 1.4.0

[Salty_Dog]

Vehicle: Late 2006 BMW X5 (Premium Pack)

I have used the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 software and OBD2 tool a few times.
But only to read things and clear the odd fault code.

Recently i connected the unit to turn off "Cold Check" on the front headlights as i had fitted LED Halo lamps.

All went easy, unchecked the option then "hit" write, to write the changed file back to the X5.

This solved the flashing from the LED Halo replacements

But now i noticed the In-Dash TV screen is dimmer.
Also, it now has 2 bright edges of the screen, but is dimmer in the middle?

In my mind, the 2 things are not related, but it literally happened straight after i disconnected the BMW Scan tool.

I got into the setting on the Radio and screen brightness was set to "half"
Increasing it to full did seem to fix the issue slightly, but the screen still has a noticeable dim area in the middle.

Could i have upset the ambient light sensor?
I have read that pointing a torch into the small hole can help, i did try that and it did nothing for me, no chance in screen brightness.

Any ideas anyone?

[deepblonde]

Originally Posted by Salty_Dog

Vehicle: Late 2006 BMW X5 (Premium Pack)

I have used the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 software and OBD2 tool a few times.
But only to read things and clear the odd fault code.

Recently i connected the unit to turn off "Cold Check" on the front headlights as i had fitted LED Halo lamps.

All went easy, unchecked the option then "hit" write, to write the changed file back to the X5.

This solved the flashing from the LED Halo replacements

But now i noticed the In-Dash TV screen is dimmer.
Also, it now has 2 bright edges of the screen, but is dimmer in the middle?

In my mind, the 2 things are not related, but it literally happened straight after i disconnected the BMW Scan tool.

I got into the setting on the Radio and screen brightness was set to "half"
Increasing it to full did seem to fix the issue slightly, but the screen still has a noticeable dim area in the middle.

Could i have upset the ambient light sensor?
I have read that pointing a torch into the small hole can help, i did try that and it did nothing for me, no chance in screen brightness.

Any ideas anyone?

You could replace just the screen and it probably fix your problem,
but the screen alone is a bit pricey ;

there are a couple of mini tubes that could potentially be replaced within (cheaper than replacing the screen),
but it would be a difficult job;
As to how it happened,
it could be coincidence,
But the way BMW Scanner works means it's possible to stuff things up when writing to,
although it's unusual,
luckily for you it's just probably one mini tube that blew.
Make sure the software (1.3.6/1.4/2.01 or whatever matches exactly with the dongle), how to tell that I'm not sure;
Hope that's a start...

[Salty_Dog]

Funny, i just happened to look at the software
Looks like a may have a 64bit version running on a 32bit machine.

Im hopeless with Windows now, haven't used it for 5 years
(Best years of my life)

[Thaniel]

I don't think the two are related. I believe you were writing to the LCM (light switch) and not the radio/Nav or whatever you call the TV screen. However to ensure that the new setting is not the issue change it back. And see what it does. If restoring it to the original setting doesn't change anything then it's not related.

When you use a scan tool it is only connecting to the Diagnostic bus of the car. And for the radio that bus isn't even directly connected. The data goes to the IKE (Gauges) and then is put onto the I or K-bus (I forget which) and then to the radio. So plugging and unplugging the scanner can't even electric shock it. Though automotive circuits are protected for such things anyway.

[Salty_Dog]

Yes, it would be un related in mind also.
But the E53 X5 does some strange things at times, so i just wondered.

Even though it seem there is no direct relation.