Hi there.

I've been having trouble with a permanent solid red TPMS light on my Mini for a few weeks now. Checked tyre pressures and tried to reset, but it just stays solid red.

So I thought I'd connect up my Topdon code reader to see what's going on. However, it refused to connect 99% of the time. The 1%, it would pull in a random VIN number, not even in the correct format.

So I decided to try and diagnose the car with ISTA.

ISTA connects to the car fine and pulls up the vehicle details, including VIN.

However, when it scans for faults, I get a group of modules that can't be connected to.

I've checked all fuses in the car, and they are fine. I've also followed ISTA troubleshooting and changed COM port to 9, and checked latency on the port was 1.

I have no warning lights on the dashboard, so I assume the missing modules are functioning properly.

See attached screenshots from ISTA. The radio has been replaced with an aftermarket model, so I assume that's why it's listed in the missing modules. Unfortunately I don't have the original to try it. This fault didn't occur when I changed the stereo. Only recently.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for further diagnostics?

 

Hey @barbs706

What version # of ISTA do you have?
I also assume the car is still functioning, running and driving? if so its likely just a communication error of some kind.

I have found that using INPA first to establish a connection is easy. When properly connected you have two lights that pop up green, battery and ignition before even talking to the car. I suggest you get INPA working first as its a simpler, easier software. Once you have a connection with INPA, close it out and simply load up ISTA without changing anything. If you still have connection issues we can solidify it being ISTA having issues, and start changing versions and settings within ISTA to get some communication.

Best of luck

 

Hi Scoobaru2010

Thanks for your response.
I'll have a play over the weekend and try some different versions of ISTA.

INPA does show the car ignition and battery as green, but when I try to open any of the options, I get an error in German, so I quickly put that program to one side! I'll see if I can get a language pack that works, or at the very least use Google Translate!

Thanks again, will provide an update in the next couple of days.

 

OK so I've had a play this morning, and decided to stick with INPA for now.

Unfortunately I'm still having the same issues. See attached screenshots.

As before, I can see the instrument cluster, but nothing else!

I've tried 3 different versions of INPA and Ediabas but all the same. Could it be my cable?

Is there any diagnotics I can do on the car with a multimeter? Everything on the car works perfectly, just have this solid red TPMS light on that won't reset.

Thanks.

 

OK, so I've fixed the TPM light on the dash. Made me angry for not checking the basics.... The TPM button was unplugged!
Reset the TPM system, and all is good.

However, I still want to fix the diagnostics issue.
I tried a different cable, but got the same results.
Focusing on the inability to communicate with modules connected to the DBus and DS2 Bus (with IKE being the exception), I'll carry out a continuity check and grounding check from pin 7 on the OBD port for DBus and pin 8 for DS2 Bus to each corresponding pin on each module's wiring harness connector. This should rule out wiring harness issues for the DBus & DS2 Bus.

I'd still have issues with the KBus, which doesn't make sense. I can communicate perfectly fine with the BC1 module, but no further on the bus. There must be some form of communication happening though, as my steering wheel controls still work (MFL) and I can start the car (EWS - Immobiliser)

I do like a challenge...

 

For what it's worth, I have a TopDon ArtDiag 600S and auto vin scan doesn't work either. You can however just select Mini and then the r50/53/52 series and a couple of modules should show up.

I believe these Minis don't support auto vin because that feature does work on my 2015 Skoda Octavia mk3

 

Hi Lukas.

I have actually been playing around with the car today and can report some good news!

I started diagnosing the DBus first. After running continuity tests from pin 7 on the OBD plug, I discovered there was a break between the passenger side footwell connector and the engine bay. Continuity between the ECU, ABS module and power steering was all good, but nothing getting back to pin 7. So I ran a new cable from pin 7, to the twist lock connector at the front of the engine bay. Spliced the new cable to the male side of the plug, and ran Identification on INDA. Success! ABS module, ECU and Power Steering Module all appeared perfectly. So that’s the Dbus sorted…

Onto the DS2 bus and the missing steering angle sensor… My car doesn’t have DSC, only ASC. So doesn’t have a steering angle sensor! Another embarrassment for me!

The only issue I now have left is the missing modules that run on the KBus. I can see the body control module, so I know the link between the instrument cluster and body control unit is good. To be honest, I’m not too fussed about this one. It was more getting the car sorted for ECU or ABS diagnostics which I can now do.

if anyone has any tips for the KBus diagnostics though, I’m all ears!

Thanks