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Buyer's Guide: iCarSoft MB II Diagnostic Tool
NOTE: The Autel MD802 MaxiDiag Elite Full Systems is somewhat more expensive but supports reading of multiple ECUs in many vehicles. It has very similar functionality and is worth consideration. Be aware that a "Four Systems" version looks identical to the "Full Systems" aka "All Systems" version, but provides support for far fewer systems.
Quick Summary
Skip ahead...
If you are already aware of this device, skip to the following posts for more information.
A Caution on Clearing Codes
(This applies to any code reader.) After an emissions repair is made, consider allowing the vehicle to self-extinguish the Check Engine Light and clear codes itself. Clearing the codes with a code reader can cause readiness monitors to reset, requiring substantial driving time before emissions testing can be conducted. Source: LindenEngineering
Introduction
The following nine posts describe the iCarSoft diagnostic tool from the perspective of someone who wanted this information after first learning of this device.
As I explored this tool while creating this guide, I found more and more interesting sensors and data, much more than I’d seen when using the DAD. If all owners had one of these, or something equivalent, it would enhance our diagnostic capabilities within the forum. Thus the goal of these posts is to provide information to help with purchase decisions.
This device gets some really cool information from the diagnostic port. With the growth of Arduino and the ease of connecting to a vehicle, a reader in the right owner's hands can lead to some really interesting devices for the rest of us. Did you know that the temperature knob is internally reported in degrees of temperature? That you can get oil level and transmission temperature? Fuel level in liters? There are interesting possibilities here.
THANKS
Big Thanks to rig999 for posting his video informing us of the iCarSoft diagnostic tool in this great thread, to autostaretx for finding the company’s website, to glvu for the link to the Ebay seller, to BenJohnson for adding valuable screenshots, and to srmpf for important information on different versions. This first post condenses a lot of the information found in the original thread.
READ BEFORE UPGRADING!
Based on srmpf's post, the are questions about different versions and upgrading. However, it is possible to make a copy of the original microSD card and run off that copy. If an upgrade becomes available, it would be best to upgrade the copy rather than the original, so that the older version remains available in case the newer version breaks an important feature.
What it is
This is a standalone diagnostic code reader. It’s a superior OBD-II code reader, as described in Part 3, below. But even better, it can address just about all of the microprocessors on multiple K-lines (data lines) on the T1N’s OBD-II connector, which most code readers CANNOT do. It’s the DAD for non-mechanics who no longer can get a DAD.
Not pictured: a USB microSD card reader is included.
How to get it
It is available from multiple sellers on Ebay. Please see this thread regarding a discount.
What you get
The tool comes in a zippered case with an OBD-II cable and a USB cable for programming. There’s a manual, but device use is intuitive.
Upgrading
Making a copy of the original microSD card, and placing an upgrade on a new card, may allow someone to keep old versions if newer ones break functionality.
Alternatives
(If you have an alternative you'd like me to review, please send me a private message.)
OBD-II Code Readers
Most OBD-II code readers read only the codes that the manufacturer supplies on OBD-II connector Pin 7 to comply with emissions regulations requiring access to diagnostic data for emissions testing. These readers lack access to any of the other non-emissions diagnostic lines provided by Mercedes for technicians on the same connector. They have no access to many Mercedes-specific data streams both on pin 7 and through other pins to other systems, and are incapable of initiating diagnostic functions that some Sprinter-specific devices can perform, such as compression tests or anti-lock brake solenoid activation for testing and brake bleeding.
ScanGauge II and similar dash mounted displays
The ScanGauge II is a dashboard-mounted display providing information about engine load, mileage, and other parameters. It is particularly useful for drivers who wish for more information to help them adjust their driving habits to increase mileage or reduce stress on engine components during high-demand operations such as towing or climbing hills. It is mentioned here because it does this by reading data from the OBD-II port, without the benefit of access to Sprinter-specific information. It's chief differences from the other devices is that it's intended to be used while driving, while the others are not. While it can read codes, it is not a substitute for a full reader as it only goes as far as the OBD-II readers mentioned above.
Autel MaxiDiag MD802 Elite - All Systems
List of systems Autel MaxiDiag is advertised to be able to access
Nobody has done a side-by-side comparison of the iCarSoft and the Autel. But this thread suggests that the Autel full systems version might be at least as capable as the iCarSoft. There is a video by MercedesGenIn showing it in action.) Available on EBay, Amazon. Additionally, the Autel has some advantages over the iCarSoft unit:
The biggest drawback of the Autel system is a lack of information - nobody has done a comprehensive review of what it is capable of. (It needs a write-up like this one.)
Avoid the Autel 4-systems version is very similar to the full systems version in look but lacks much of the functionality of the full systems version.
The Autel warrants serious consideration because it provides advanced diagnostics for many more vehicles. This is a major consideration unless you only own Sprinters.
DAD
The DAD is a highly prized device that made advanced T1N diagnostics available at a humanly-accessible price but is now made of unobtainum. If you compare code reading to going across the country, an ordinary OBD-II reader is like taking a bicycle that's only allowed on one road, the DAD is like scoring a seat on a sold-out commercial flight because of a last-minute cancellation, and the DRB-III (a Dodge tool) is like taking a fighter jet. Unfortunately, the DAD's original availability was very limited, and now it can only be obtained when the occasional owner trades in his van and sells his DAD.
This device fills in much of the huge gap between regular OBD-II readers and the DAD. It is better than the DAD in some respects, but does not replace it. If you already own a DAD, you'll find they complement each other nicely. You might use this tool more.
Like the DAD, it can read and clear codes and provide data streams with ease. DAD users will find this much faster, easier and more convenient in those respects. Its OBD-II personality, separate from its Sprinter-specific personality, provides OBD-II code and readiness information, which can help you prepare for emissions tests, something the DAD does not provide. You cannot activate diagnostic systems in either the OBD-II or Sprinter-specific personalities, however, making the DAD still a very valuable tool.
One drawback is that it doesn't have descriptions for all the codes which the DAD and Eric Ord's book provide. If you have neither of these, you'll be looking to the forum for some code descriptions.
To non-mechanics, this tool provides important information that will allow other forum users to help you out. With the forum's help, it can make you more informed when you approach a mechanic. I own a DAD, and this will be sitting happily beside it (and will probably get used more).
Advantages
Mercedes Benz STAR System, (Dodge) DRB-III, and similar high-end dealer-level tools
At the high end of the diagnostic device spectrum are the devices that dealers use for diagnosis and testing. These devices stand out in their ability to command attached ECUs to perform diagnostic functions and perform programming which normally requires a security handshake between a tester and an ECU. Even at this level, these devices do not provide access to everything: they provide what will be needed in most dealer-level service settings but exclude parameters that, for example, are part of the ECU's programming but normally would not be altered in any service setting. It is possible that the STAR system could be extended by someone like a Mercedes corporate technical representative to provide access to additional settings should it becomes necessary to do so (for example, in the case of a software bug like the failure of some Dodge T1N vans to complete the emissions EGR readiness process because of improperly set initial values required for the process to begin.
iCarSoft differences between T1N and NCV3
The iCarSoft device can be used on both T1N and NCV3 Sprinters. The latest model year Sprinter that is supported is ____. (Please PM me if you have tried the iCarSoft on a new model year Sprinter.) The device supports different systems that exist in the different model years.
Use on vehicles other than Sprinter
Use on other Benz vehicles
The device lists a number of Benz and SMART vehicles that it also supports, but this is beyond the scope of this post.
Use of OBD-II functionality on non-Sprinter vehicles
While this makes a great OBD-II reader for Sprinters, and contains an OBD-II code library for many vehicles, for some vehicles it will provide the functionality described in Part 3, below, but for others it will not.
I tried this reader on a 2000 Volvo S70. On this car, a standard OBD-II reader can read and clear codes and display live data. However, the iCarSoft reader can only report codes and reset them. It will not read data streams. In other words, it did less than a generic Bluetooth OBD-II reader and the popular Torque Android app for this car.
However, on a 2004 Honda Insight, the OBD-II functions that were supported by the vehicle, including readiness and data streams similar to what is described in Part 3, were accessible from the reader.
NOTE: The Autel MD802 MaxiDiag Elite Full Systems is somewhat more expensive but supports reading of multiple ECUs in many vehicles. It has very similar functionality and is worth consideration. Be aware that a "Four Systems" version looks identical to the "Full Systems" aka "All Systems" version, but provides support for far fewer systems.
Quick Summary
- Reads and clears diagnostic codes like the DAD, but also shows OBD codes (the only ones the emissions testers care about)
- Provides a lot more live data than the DAD
- Great OBD-II reader; indicates vehicle test readiness info and graphs live data
- Does not provide descriptions for some codes that the DAD provides
- Unlike DAD, does not activate systems or run diagnostic functions (contrary to one seller's description, it DOES NOT cycle ABS solenoids, an important feature for brake bleeding.)
Skip ahead...
If you are already aware of this device, skip to the following posts for more information.
- Part 1: Introduction & Alternatives - this post!
- Part 2: Getting Started – peculiarities with software and Sprinter versions
- Part 3: OBD-II Functions – emissions testing is a different beast than regular code reading
- Part 4: Sprinter-Specific Functions, Engine
- Part 5: Sprinter-Specific Functions, Transmission
- Part 6: Sprinter-Specific Functions, Climate Control
- Part 7: Sprinter-Specific Functions, Other (including oil lamp reset and steering angle calibration)
- Part 8: Upgrading
- Part 9: Known Issues
A Caution on Clearing Codes
(This applies to any code reader.) After an emissions repair is made, consider allowing the vehicle to self-extinguish the Check Engine Light and clear codes itself. Clearing the codes with a code reader can cause readiness monitors to reset, requiring substantial driving time before emissions testing can be conducted. Source: LindenEngineering
Introduction
The following nine posts describe the iCarSoft diagnostic tool from the perspective of someone who wanted this information after first learning of this device.
As I explored this tool while creating this guide, I found more and more interesting sensors and data, much more than I’d seen when using the DAD. If all owners had one of these, or something equivalent, it would enhance our diagnostic capabilities within the forum. Thus the goal of these posts is to provide information to help with purchase decisions.
This device gets some really cool information from the diagnostic port. With the growth of Arduino and the ease of connecting to a vehicle, a reader in the right owner's hands can lead to some really interesting devices for the rest of us. Did you know that the temperature knob is internally reported in degrees of temperature? That you can get oil level and transmission temperature? Fuel level in liters? There are interesting possibilities here.
THANKS
Big Thanks to rig999 for posting his video informing us of the iCarSoft diagnostic tool in this great thread, to autostaretx for finding the company’s website, to glvu for the link to the Ebay seller, to BenJohnson for adding valuable screenshots, and to srmpf for important information on different versions. This first post condenses a lot of the information found in the original thread.
READ BEFORE UPGRADING!
Based on srmpf's post, the are questions about different versions and upgrading. However, it is possible to make a copy of the original microSD card and run off that copy. If an upgrade becomes available, it would be best to upgrade the copy rather than the original, so that the older version remains available in case the newer version breaks an important feature.
What it is
This is a standalone diagnostic code reader. It’s a superior OBD-II code reader, as described in Part 3, below. But even better, it can address just about all of the microprocessors on multiple K-lines (data lines) on the T1N’s OBD-II connector, which most code readers CANNOT do. It’s the DAD for non-mechanics who no longer can get a DAD.
Not pictured: a USB microSD card reader is included.
How to get it
It is available from multiple sellers on Ebay. Please see this thread regarding a discount.
What you get
The tool comes in a zippered case with an OBD-II cable and a USB cable for programming. There’s a manual, but device use is intuitive.
Upgrading
Making a copy of the original microSD card, and placing an upgrade on a new card, may allow someone to keep old versions if newer ones break functionality.
Alternatives
(If you have an alternative you'd like me to review, please send me a private message.)
OBD-II Code Readers
Most OBD-II code readers read only the codes that the manufacturer supplies on OBD-II connector Pin 7 to comply with emissions regulations requiring access to diagnostic data for emissions testing. These readers lack access to any of the other non-emissions diagnostic lines provided by Mercedes for technicians on the same connector. They have no access to many Mercedes-specific data streams both on pin 7 and through other pins to other systems, and are incapable of initiating diagnostic functions that some Sprinter-specific devices can perform, such as compression tests or anti-lock brake solenoid activation for testing and brake bleeding.
ScanGauge II and similar dash mounted displays
The ScanGauge II is a dashboard-mounted display providing information about engine load, mileage, and other parameters. It is particularly useful for drivers who wish for more information to help them adjust their driving habits to increase mileage or reduce stress on engine components during high-demand operations such as towing or climbing hills. It is mentioned here because it does this by reading data from the OBD-II port, without the benefit of access to Sprinter-specific information. It's chief differences from the other devices is that it's intended to be used while driving, while the others are not. While it can read codes, it is not a substitute for a full reader as it only goes as far as the OBD-II readers mentioned above.
Autel MaxiDiag MD802 Elite - All Systems
List of systems Autel MaxiDiag is advertised to be able to access
Nobody has done a side-by-side comparison of the iCarSoft and the Autel. But this thread suggests that the Autel full systems version might be at least as capable as the iCarSoft. There is a video by MercedesGenIn showing it in action.) Available on EBay, Amazon. Additionally, the Autel has some advantages over the iCarSoft unit:
- supports reading multiple ECUs for many makes and models of vehicles, not just Sprinter, Mercedes and Smart.
- Autel supports graphing of live Sprinter data. The iCarsoft graphing is limited to OBD-II data.
- screenshots suggest that error code descriptions may be somewhat more verbose.
The biggest drawback of the Autel system is a lack of information - nobody has done a comprehensive review of what it is capable of. (It needs a write-up like this one.)
Avoid the Autel 4-systems version is very similar to the full systems version in look but lacks much of the functionality of the full systems version.
The Autel warrants serious consideration because it provides advanced diagnostics for many more vehicles. This is a major consideration unless you only own Sprinters.
DAD
The DAD is a highly prized device that made advanced T1N diagnostics available at a humanly-accessible price but is now made of unobtainum. If you compare code reading to going across the country, an ordinary OBD-II reader is like taking a bicycle that's only allowed on one road, the DAD is like scoring a seat on a sold-out commercial flight because of a last-minute cancellation, and the DRB-III (a Dodge tool) is like taking a fighter jet. Unfortunately, the DAD's original availability was very limited, and now it can only be obtained when the occasional owner trades in his van and sells his DAD.
This device fills in much of the huge gap between regular OBD-II readers and the DAD. It is better than the DAD in some respects, but does not replace it. If you already own a DAD, you'll find they complement each other nicely. You might use this tool more.
Like the DAD, it can read and clear codes and provide data streams with ease. DAD users will find this much faster, easier and more convenient in those respects. Its OBD-II personality, separate from its Sprinter-specific personality, provides OBD-II code and readiness information, which can help you prepare for emissions tests, something the DAD does not provide. You cannot activate diagnostic systems in either the OBD-II or Sprinter-specific personalities, however, making the DAD still a very valuable tool.
One drawback is that it doesn't have descriptions for all the codes which the DAD and Eric Ord's book provide. If you have neither of these, you'll be looking to the forum for some code descriptions.
To non-mechanics, this tool provides important information that will allow other forum users to help you out. With the forum's help, it can make you more informed when you approach a mechanic. I own a DAD, and this will be sitting happily beside it (and will probably get used more).
Advantages
- At first blush, appears to provide a lot more live Sprinter-specific data than the DAD does
- Provides OBD-II emission test info, useful for preparing for an emissions test, not found on the DAD
- Handheld unit is much more convenient than a laptop, no USB issues
- Doesn’t suffer from communication errors/loss
- Quickly walks through system and hides systems not supported by the vehicle
- Communication with systems is much faster
- Reads and clears codes very quickly
- For those with factory backup sensors, it can read, clear, and provide data for those (not available in the DAD)
- You cannot activate any diagnostic tools that the DAD provides (ABS for brake bleeding, compression and smooth running tests, EGR activation, etc)
- Does not provide descriptions for some codes. Example: AC/heater module codes.
- Unlike the DAD, you cannot save the codes to a file.
- Cannot read the Heater Booster codes (but due to a bug, neither can the DAD)
- Possibly fewer code descriptions returned by the device? But Eric Ord’s book and the forums can provide some of these.
Mercedes Benz STAR System, (Dodge) DRB-III, and similar high-end dealer-level tools
At the high end of the diagnostic device spectrum are the devices that dealers use for diagnosis and testing. These devices stand out in their ability to command attached ECUs to perform diagnostic functions and perform programming which normally requires a security handshake between a tester and an ECU. Even at this level, these devices do not provide access to everything: they provide what will be needed in most dealer-level service settings but exclude parameters that, for example, are part of the ECU's programming but normally would not be altered in any service setting. It is possible that the STAR system could be extended by someone like a Mercedes corporate technical representative to provide access to additional settings should it becomes necessary to do so (for example, in the case of a software bug like the failure of some Dodge T1N vans to complete the emissions EGR readiness process because of improperly set initial values required for the process to begin.
iCarSoft differences between T1N and NCV3
The iCarSoft device can be used on both T1N and NCV3 Sprinters. The latest model year Sprinter that is supported is ____. (Please PM me if you have tried the iCarSoft on a new model year Sprinter.) The device supports different systems that exist in the different model years.
Use on vehicles other than Sprinter
Use on other Benz vehicles
The device lists a number of Benz and SMART vehicles that it also supports, but this is beyond the scope of this post.
Use of OBD-II functionality on non-Sprinter vehicles
While this makes a great OBD-II reader for Sprinters, and contains an OBD-II code library for many vehicles, for some vehicles it will provide the functionality described in Part 3, below, but for others it will not.
I tried this reader on a 2000 Volvo S70. On this car, a standard OBD-II reader can read and clear codes and display live data. However, the iCarSoft reader can only report codes and reset them. It will not read data streams. In other words, it did less than a generic Bluetooth OBD-II reader and the popular Torque Android app for this car.
However, on a 2004 Honda Insight, the OBD-II functions that were supported by the vehicle, including readiness and data streams similar to what is described in Part 3, were accessible from the reader.
Last edited:
. Pretty happy with this device!
vic