Diagnostics

[Henn28]

Thanks all, good stuff.

Perhaps I'll continue with the laptop/PC solution right now while I've got the car broken down to parade rest and am fixing big stuff. I haven't had an instrument for 14 years, no kidding, so a full diagnostic, code read, etc. is definitely in order. Foxwell sounds like a great solution once I get the thing running again.

[Henn28]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

There is an "emergency" mechanical release on the hatch under a trim piece. Or, I think I'd hook up a booster pack under the hood to give the truck power.

Never used pa soft so can't help there. Inpa, foxwell 520, and Carly user. All have their uses.

Found it. So that is what the owners manual is for. Who knew! Thanks for the tipper.

[Henn28]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

There is an "emergency" mechanical release on the hatch under a trim piece. Or, I think I'd hook up a booster pack under the hood to give the truck power.

Never used pa soft so can't help there. Inpa, foxwell 520, and Carly user. All have their uses.

I was concerned about putting power on the car without a DME installed. Will this cause any problems?

I'd love to get my seats moving again so I can pull them. Of course the bolts are cleverly spaced so that you can do the fronts or the backs, but not both without moving the seat. I should have thought of that before pulling the battery

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Henn28

I was concerned about putting power on the car without a DME installed. Will this cause any problems?

I'd love to get my seats moving again so I can pull them. Of course the bolts are cleverly spaced so that you can do the fronts or the backs, but not both without moving the seat. I should have thought of that before pulling the battery

LoL... I'm not going to say it's never happened to someone out there (bricking or damaging some module). But I've not had an issue. Shoot, when I had a failed alternator, and the car's battery was drained, I drove our old 4.4i home with a Li ion battery booster under the hood to nurse the truck home 10 miles.

But again... YMMV.

[Bdc101]

Will powering up the car without a DME throw an error in the EWS and trip the immobilizer? That's something you can fix with PA soft (I think) but not Foxwell, or at least I wasn't able to with my Foxwell when it happened to me.

[RocketyMan]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

Will powering up the car without a DME throw an error in the EWS and trip the immobilizer? That's something you can fix with PA soft (I think) but not Foxwell, or at least I wasn't able to with my Foxwell when it happened to me.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I agree. It sucks to setup using most SW packages available out there. Also reasonably proficient with a Windows machine. Took me 4-6 hours if memory serves to get INPA and the associated software suite setup. And then it sucks to use after that having to drag out the laptop if you are just doing something quick and simple. It's a great tool, but like most things in life... one solution to a problem is rarely going to be the best solution in all circumstances. I still have to setup ISTA+... which I'm sure will take me a weekend.

I use all 3 of my diagnostic tools on the E53. Laptop, Foxwell, and Carly. Carly is the most convenient and does some coding, Foxwell is fairly comprehensive when it comes to diagnostics/testing but no coding, and the laptop is the most comprehensive while being the most annoying to use.

Getting upset someone else uses/recommends different solutions is bonkers.