OBD II Only Works With Engine Running/Cannot delete codes
 

My wife recently bought a 2010 R56 "Justa". I had hoped it would go more than a few weeks without breaking, but it didn't. The CEL indicated a low temp thermostat issue. We replaced the thermostat/housing/sensors, but cannot turn of the Check Engine Light to see if the problem is resolved.

I've tried both an Acton scanning tool and Dash Command for iPad with wifi OBD II reader. I can read the codes just fine, but cannot delete them.

In my experience, the car's computer will not accept delete code with the engine running. But on the R56, I can ONLY connect (using either the wifi or the cable) if the engine is running. There is no response from the vehicle when the key is in accessory position.

Anyone have any ideas? I really hate to pay BMW $125 to erase a code than I could have deleted on any of my other OBD II cars!

OBD II Only Works With Engine Running/Cannot delete codes
 

try a local independent shop or AutoZone or pep boys sounds like an issue with your scanner not your car hopefully worst case should be able to disconnect battery for half hour or less and that will clear em

Try some of the free obd apps. I used a few different ones to get my codes to clear. Bmwhat free version, obd doc, torque, etc.

OBD II Only Works With Engine Running/Cannot delete codes
 

I hear Dash Command works to clear codes. Haven't used that one as I have no codes to clear yet. I do run Torque Pro $5 App on Android and Blackberry. It should clear codes also.

AutoZone loaner tool

I'm the OP. The problem is not so much the scan tools (and the Autozone idea is great EXCEPT they are not allowed to CLEAR codes).

The problem really is that OBDII cars generally do NOT allow codes to be cleared while the engine is running. The key normally has to be in the accessory position. With the weird key fob thing on the R56, there is no accessory position, so the OBDII scanner will not connect to the ECM unless the car is running.

I'm hoping that someone here has cleared their own code and can hint at how to get the R56 to communicate with the scan tool while the engine is off.

I think my issue was similar...in this thread:


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ual-tools.html


Some sequence of on-but-not-running etc. did the trick.

Thanks ljmattox, I'll try the "push the button without the clutch engaged" and see if the ECM will communicate with the scan tools.

Things were much easier in the the "good old days" with a three position key... and I look longingly at my classic British car (circa early 70s) with no ECM whatsoever (and only 4 fuses in the entire car!)

OBD II Only Works With Engine Running/Cannot delete codes
 

accessory is the fob inserted on position is achieved by hitting the start button with out using the clutch or brake pedal and obvisiouly you know how to start your car lol

Accessories position
 

minivinnie92, Thanks for the clarification. A bunch of us "older" folks had forgotten how to turn on the "accessory position" on our beloved Minis... Maybe a few youngsters too...rotfl

I remember when you just turned the crank!

Ok I'm lying, but I wish I had an old classic as well.

Problem resolved, thanks! Well, I don't know if the underlying issue is resolved (the low coolant temp code) but I was able to erase the stored codes.

Here are the steps, in case you need them:

1) insert OBDII scanner (I have the ieGeek Wifi Scan Tool... $17 bucks and Dash Command $10 bucks)
2) Place key fob in slot and press the ignition button once without depressing the clutch and/or brake. This puts the car in accessory mode.
3) The ECM will now accept the command to delete the codes.

I guess step 4) would be... "and hope it doesn't come back" :lol:

Thanks again for the help!

OBD II Only Works With Engine Running/Cannot delete codes
 

I'm 22 and it look me a day or two I miss the turn key like my truck so much easier

I have an R56 and have cleared many codes with the Autozone ODBII tool loaner.