Results 1 to 24 of 24

Thread: Procedure for Unlocking the On Board Computer (OBC)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    540
    My Cars
    '14 550/M, '03 540/M

    Procedure for Unlocking the On Board Computer (OBC)

    ...
    Last edited by f10_M550i; 12-19-2009 at 02:06 PM. Reason: lack of appreciation..

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    West Michigan
    Posts
    14,422
    My Cars
    98 540iA (Prd 11/97)
    Are you posting this for anyone in particular?
    Regardless, thanks for posting it up. The High/Low OBC unlock procedure as well as the specific tests are also documented in the E39 FAQ thread parked at the top of the Main E39 Forum.
    ___________________
    ON BOARD COMPUTER (OBC)
    How can I tell if I have the High or Low OBC?
    How do I unlock the OBC (Low and High)?
    How do I change the Ambient/HVAC temperature scale from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
    How do I program a BMW key?
    Is there a security feature that will allow me to prevent my car from being started even with a key?
    Last edited by jamesdc4; 12-17-2009 at 09:30 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    540
    My Cars
    '14 550/M, '03 540/M
    ..
    Last edited by f10_M550i; 12-19-2009 at 02:05 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    West Michigan
    Posts
    14,422
    My Cars
    98 540iA (Prd 11/97)

    Unlocking the Low OBC

    Exploring the (2000) 528 OBC
    ----------------------------
    From: Lon Leader

    Just for reference here - if you have a 540 or, I believe,
    a 528 with NAV, with the 'high' or 8 function computer you
    can learn about it at Peter Glaskowsky's web site:

    http://www.ideaphile.com/bmw/540-obc.html

    It makes interesting reading because the displays appear
    with short text discriptions that are not available with
    the 'low' OBC. Please note however that while there are
    simularities between the two computers there are also
    significant differences in some of the displays.

    Back to the 528 ('low' or 4-function) computer. There are
    21 'tests' or 'displays' in total, and some of them have
    sub-displays. Tests 1 (car data) and 2 (instrument test)
    are accessable without 'unlocking' the OBC. There is NO
    chance you will screw anything up (except MAYBE reset the
    trip meter) if you don't 'unlock' the computer (which
    requires you to do something specific). Even with the
    computer unlocked there are only two tests (20 and 21)
    that allow you to change anything and those will be
    explained later. (One of them, 20, is the fuel correction
    factor that I suppose is the reason you're reading this.)

    Access is a little more complicated on the 'low' OBC because
    there is only one control that you use - the trip reset
    button on the dash. There are only three things you can do
    with one button - a 'short press' (less than 1 second), a
    'longer press' (greater than 1 second), and a 'don't press'
    (ie: wait a second or two without pressing the button).

    OK, with the key in the accessory position (no need to have
    the car running) to get started you press and hold the trip
    button for several (more than 5) seconds. As you first
    press the button in, the trip meter will appear to reset
    to zero - don't worry, if you keep the button pressed until
    you're into test mode when you exit test mode the trip
    meter will be restored to what it was.

    After 5 seconds or so, the mileage/trip display will
    change to:

    _teSt_ __1._

    VERY QUICKLY release the button (if you continue to hold
    the button, it will pop you back out of test mode)

    One thing to note here is the word 'teSt'. When that is
    on the display you are in what I call 'index' mode - it
    is at this point you can step from one test to another.

    What happens next depends on whether you quickly press the
    button again ('short press') or do nothing ('don't press').

    If you quickly press the button again the word 'teSt' will
    remain and the __1._ will change to __2._, and if you
    repeatedly 'short press' again and again, it will step up
    through the index of tests to _teSt_ _21._ and then start
    over again at __1._. These are the 21 available test
    displays and only __1._ and __2._ (and _19._) are available
    to access without 'unlocking' the computer. (_19._ is the
    'unlock' panel).

    OK, back at _teSt_ __1._ - if you pause there ('don't
    press' the button for a second or two) you will 'drop into'
    (or access) test 1's first display (it has 8 sub-displays).
    You should see something like:

    _xxxxx __1.0 (the first digits, censored here, will
    be your VIN number)

    If you then 'short press' the button repeatedly you will
    step through all the 8 displays of test 1 (car info)
    - here are what mine say:

    _xxxxx __1.0 (VIN number)
    __4812 __1.1 (body number)
    838119 5_1.2 (part number for cluster)
    063309 __1.3 (coding / diagnosis / bus index)
    __2999 __1.4 (week/year cluster manufactured)
    07_150 0_1.5 (hardware / software versions)
    095_06 3_1.6 (engine data)
    03_28_ __1.7 (ROM status)

    Continued short presses will just cycle you through this
    list again and again. The brief descriptions listed
    above were provided by Jim Cash. More info might be
    extrapolated from the 540 OBC described at the web page
    mentioned above.

    To get out of this display and back to the index just do
    a 'long press' until the display changes to _teSt_ __1._
    again. If you 'short press' at this point you will step
    to _teSt_ __2._. If you continue your 'long press'
    (greater than 2 seconds) it will drop you right out of
    test mode entirely and restore your trip meter reading.

    The fun display is _teSt_ __2._. Go to it and pause
    there so you 'drop into' _teSt_ __2.0. (This is the
    only time the word 'teSt' appears when you're not in
    index mode) Do a 'short press' here and watch the dash
    displays (don't worry, you won't miss it!) To get out
    of this wait until the gauges stop moving and do a 'long
    press' to back out of test 2 and into the index. You
    can't get this display to work when the car is running.

    If you attempt to 'drop into' tests other than 1 and 2
    (without unlocking the computer) you will be immediately
    booted out of test mode entirely. The only exception is
    test 19 - the unlock panel. If you accidentally drop into
    it, and don't want to unlock, do a 'long press' and you
    will get back out.

    OK, now to unlocking. NOTE: from now on, you're on your
    own. If you venture past this point understand that I
    bear no responsibility for anything that may happen. I've
    been there and done that, and my car still runs fine and
    no magic smoke escaped. As far as I know, tests 3 through
    18 are displays only. Test 19 is unlock, 20 is the fuel
    calibration (and I've changed mine several times as I
    zero in on getting the mileage right), and test 21 is
    RESET. I suggest you don't do a RESET, but only because
    I can't tell you what it does. While learning how all
    this works I inadvertently did the RESET. The only thing
    that I noticed happen was the clock in the MID zeroed out
    and had to be reset. What DID NOT happen: the oil change
    lights didn't reset. The vehicle mileage didn't change.
    The stereo presets and settings didn't change (I have the
    DSP). The heater/air cond/fan settings didn't change.
    I suspect you would have more grief if you disconnected
    the battery. But I don't KNOW if anything else happened,
    so I recommend you don't do it. If you accidentally
    pause at test 21 and 'drop into' it, the display will
    say 'RESET'. Nothing has happened yet and won't unless
    you do a 'short press'. Simply do a 'long press' (press
    and hold) and you will be popped out of test 21 without
    reseting.

    Enough waffling. Here's how you unlock. You have to be
    paying attention because it can be a bit tricky. Step
    up through the index to _teSt_ 19._ as described above.
    Pause there (don't press) and allow it to 'drop into'
    test 19. You will see a display that consists of a
    large 'L' followed by the words 'on' and 'off'
    flip-flopping back and forth. Watch it for few seconds
    and when the word 'off' pops up press the button and
    watch for the display to change. Should require just a
    short press. Be ready to do another short press right
    away, because usually the display will change to
    _teSt_ _0._. You don't want to pause here and 'drop
    into' this test 0 because if you let that happen you
    will be booted right out of test mode entirely. So you
    jump in with however many short presses you need to
    move through the index to get to the test you want.
    You can stop at any one, even 1 and 2 (which won't be
    any different in unlock mode). You can back-out of any
    test you are in (and get to the index) with a 'long
    press'. While in the index another long press will take
    you right out of test mode entirely. If this happens
    you become 'locked' again and have to do the 'unlock'
    thing all over again.

    I'll skip the other tests for now and get right to the
    only one (besides 21-RESET and 19-UNLOCK) that allows
    you to change anything: test 20 - fuel factor. While
    unlocked step up to _teSt_ _20._ as described above
    and allow it to 'drop into' _20.0_ You will see
    your current fuel correction factor displayed there as
    a four digit number - probably '1000'; I think that is
    the default. You can sit there and look at it, it doesn't
    start changing by itself. If it is not 1000 you should
    write down what it is for reference. If you want to back
    out without changing it just press and hold the button
    ('long press') until you pop out of test 20.

    Changing this number works like this: If you 'short press'
    once while the number is displayed you change from panel
    20.0 to 20.1 and the '1's digit starts scrolling. When
    it gets to what you want it to be quickly do a 'short
    press' to advance to panel 20.2 - where the '10's digit
    will start scrolling after a second. When that gets to
    what you want quickly do a 'short press' and move to
    panel 20.3 which will scroll the '100's digit(s). When
    that gets to what you want another 'short press' puts
    you back to panel 20.0 where you can admire your efforts.
    If you're happy with what you have set, do a 'long press'
    at this point and pop out of test 20. A furthur long press
    will get you right out of test mode if you're done.
    Before getting out of test mode entirely I usually 'drop
    into' test 20 again just to verify my changes are still
    there. Don't be surprised if this takes a little practice.
    You can go to whichever digit you want to change without
    changing others by quickly stepping over them with quick
    presses of the button. The number has to be between
    750 and 1250 (according to Peter Glaskowsky's 540 OBC
    web page).

    What should you change the number to? Well, a starting
    point would be to do a percentage. If you figure your
    OBC is giving you an mpg figure too high by 5%, increase
    the factor by 5% from 1000 to 1050. It will take a while
    to get it right because you should change it right when
    you do a gas fill-up and do a compare at your next fill-up.
    My OBC was high (optimistic) by approx. 1 mpg so I changed
    it from 1000 to 1050. Next two tankfulls the OBC was low
    by .5 mpg so I changed it to 1032. It's still off a
    little so I'm going to set it to 1035. You will probably
    have to check it over several fill-ups to average out
    inconsistencies in your fill procedure.

    Back to the other tests (3 through 18). While unlocked
    you can check out these other displays by 'droping into'
    them. For each one you should try a few 'short presses'
    to see if there are sub-panels in each one before doing
    a 'long press' to back out and select the next test.
    To get the most out of some of them the engine has to be
    running or the car moving. You can start the engine or
    shut it off and stay in the computer as long as you don't
    turn the key right off.

    The brief descriptions for each test listed below were
    found in a post in the bimmer.org E39 forum by 'slc1230'
    on October 21,1998. Some of these may be wrong or changed
    since that was back in 1998. (stuff in brackets are my
    comments):

    - test 3 (3.0-3.1)is european inspection data
    - test 4 (4.0)is momentary fuel consumption
    - test 4 (4.1)is fuel consumption per hour
    - test 5 (5.0-5.1)is distance consumption
    - test 6 (6.0-6.2)is fuel level inputs
    - test 7 (7.0) is coolant temp
    - test 7 (7.1) is outside temp
    - test 7 (7.2) is engine speed (digital tach!)
    - test 7 (7.3) is vehicle speed (digital speedo!) (kph)
    - test 7 (7.4) speed again, matches optimistic speedo (new-2001 only?, 530 only?)
    - test 8 (8.0-8.3)is hex codes
    - test 9 is battery voltage
    - test 10 is country code
    - test 11 is cluster code
    - test 12 is not used
    - test 13 is gong test
    - test 14 (14.0-14.6) is error memories
    - test 15 through 18 not used

    Compare the above with the info on the 540 OBC at the
    web site I noted at the beginning of this essay.
    Last edited by jamesdc4; 12-24-2009 at 01:07 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Here's some interesting info...Edwin from the Netherlands (e38 forum) just posted 2 videos on how to UNLOCK the High Instrument Cluster...after so many people still not understanding how to follow the written instructions. Here's his two videos...again, this is for the HIGH instrument cluster and will work on the e46/e39/e38/e53:

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXrWrkEqClU[/ame]
    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHpX2sBm_o8[/ame]

    And here's the written instructions (for the HIGH cluster) that's been posted for years that also includes what the TESTs are and how they appear in the display.

    INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO UNLOCK THE OBC (on the high instrument cluster)

    Here is the procedure to unlock the system to get access to all 21 tests: (you're basically adding up the last 5 digits of your car's VIN...then you go to TEST #19 and enter the sum/value of whatever number you just came up with )
    • Turn ignition to position 1 (position II can be used but the FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT warning stays on and won't relinquish the display until you buckle up )
    • Push right button in the instrument cluster and keep it pushed. You will first see "Check Control OK", some seconds later you will see "Test Nr.01"
    • Push the left button on the instrument cluster to see the car's identification number. Add the 5 digits together and write down that number, you will need it for unlocking all the functions. Example: DG23278 will lead to 2+3+2+7+8 = 22
    • Push the right button until you see "Test Nr.19"
    • Push left button until you see the number that is equal to the one you calculated above
    • Push right button again

    Now you will have unrestricted access to Test No.3-21. If you made an error in the procedure mentioned above, Test No.3-21 will only display Lock:ON

    List of TESTS:
    1. Display Car's identification number, HW/SW version, construction date
    2. Instrument cluster test...lights & gauges
    3. Current consumption (liters/hour)
    4. Average consumption (liters/100 km)
    5. Current range
    6. I think this is remaining fuel in tank. Three sets of numbers: A/B/C. And I've noticed A+B=C.
    7. Engine RPM / Coolant Temp (C)
    8. Current Speed (kph)
    9. System voltage at Term. "R" (Battery Voltage with engine NOT running || Alternator w/engine running)
    10. Country/Language (US, Spa, Ger, Jap, etc.)
    11. Units am/pm
    12. Average Speed
    13. GONG
    14. Date of Software Mask
    15. Production Diagnosis
    16. Oel Temp (oil temp...but nothing will display)
    17. Display Vehicle Specific Data
    18. Alarm Changeover (cont. vs. intermittent OBC chime)
    19. Lock/Unlock
    20. Correction factor for fuel consumption (nicht ändern!)
    21. Reset all defect codes


    This is what appears in the display:
    1. Several numbers and data
    2. [Dispay Test]
    3. VBR: x,x (liters/hr)
    4. RW-VBR: x,x (liters/100 km)
    5. RW: x (km)
    6. T: (liters)
    7. TMTL: x,x (liters) / KTMP C
    8. V: x (kph)
    9. UB: xx,xx (V)
    10. LAND: 2=USA, 3=I, 4=E, 5=J, 6=F, 7=CDN, 8=AUS/GOLF, 0=D, 1=GB
    11. EINHEIT 1: B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, BA, BB, BC, BD, BE, BF, B0, B1 EINHEIT 2: [similar to above, I didn't want to mess with it]
    12. VANK: xx,x (kph)
    13. GONG
    14. ROM:
    15. DIAG: 01 01 000 E3
    16. OEL TEMP (only words appear, the actual oil temp won't display because there's no oil temp sensor)
    17. PROM: 00 12, 01 37, 02 18, 03 E6, 04 02, 05 B3, 06 FF, 07 7E
    18. HORN: DTON or [DTON flashing]
    19. LOCK: ON
    20. KVBR: 1000
    21. RESET
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    540
    My Cars
    '14 550/M, '03 540/M
    .
    Last edited by f10_M550i; 12-20-2009 at 04:06 PM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    West Michigan
    Posts
    14,422
    My Cars
    98 540iA (Prd 11/97)
    Quote Originally Posted by yodamel View Post
    it's actually the HIgh OBC procedure that I was referring too. Again it's Test NR. 19 that unlocks the Computer by entering a code, Not Test NR. 3, and Unlocking the computer is not done by simply selecting OFF, you must enter the code to complete it.
    Hope this clarifies.
    My unlock procedure is identical to the procedure depicted in Q's first video link.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    WA
    Posts
    343
    My Cars
    01 540i 6sp, 00 ws6
    Mine unlocked just like the video showed.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Quote Originally Posted by yodamel View Post
    it's actually the HIgh OBC procedure that I was referring too. Again it's Test NR. 19 that unlocks the Computer by entering a code, Not Test NR. 3, and Unlocking the computer is not done by simply selecting OFF, you must enter the code to complete it.
    Hope this clarifies.
    I think you are confused about something (I've yet to figure out exactly what). I couldn't grasp what was "wrong" in your first post...and you've further confused me as to what is still "wrong". :

    No one is denying that TEST #19 allows you to LOCK or UNLOCK the OBC...it is stated in the written instructions...and the VIDEO actually shows that if the OBC is LOCKED and you go to one of the TESTs that you can't open and the display shows "LOCK: ON"...you can enter the magic "sum" by pressing the LEFT button...the numbers will increase with each press of the button...and the OBC will unlock just as if you had gone to TEST 19.

    If you don't believe any of the written instructions or the video Edwin just filmed...go to TEST 19 and re-LOCK your OBC. Then follow the procedure on the video by trying to do TEST 3 (or any of the other TESTs that you're locked out of when the OBC is LOCKED). When you see LOCK:ON appear (when trying to do TEST 3 thru TEST 18 & TEST 20 {not sure about Test 21 for obvious reasons} on a locked OBC)...go ahead and PRESS the LEFT button until the "sum" of your last 5 VIN digits appear...then press the RIGHT button to enter that sum. I bet you that your OBC will UNLOCK just like Edwin's did in his video.

    As far as your statement about "you can't just press the "OFF" button...I must have missed something in a previous post because I don't remember reading where it did not say that you have to enter the "sum" to unlock the OBC. :

    Again, try LOCKING your OBC (go to TEST 19 & press the left button until LOCK: ON appears)...then follow the simple instructions Edwin posted...and you'll see that you can directly enter your car's VIN "sum" if the OBC is locked and you try to do a TEST that requires the OBC to be unlocked. The only TESTs that can be performed with the OBC locked are TEST 1, TEST 2, and TEST 19.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    540
    My Cars
    '14 550/M, '03 540/M
    ...
    Last edited by f10_M550i; 12-19-2009 at 02:06 PM.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Quote Originally Posted by yodamel View Post
    Look I am not confused about anything. You are confusing yourself.

    My original post is accurate. The written procedure on the other thread said the code entering is done on Test Nr. 3, not Test. Nr. 19.

    I was simply pointing that out!

    Furthermore, I sais nothing about not believing the video. The video is awesome.
    Where is this "other thread"? You speak of it, but you don't tell us or provide a link to where it's located. Yes, I admit that I'm confused...but it's by this thread you started...it made no sense because you refer back to something that you read and wanted to correct...but we (or at least me) don't know where this info was that you read???
    Last edited by Qsilver7; 12-18-2009 at 04:05 PM.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Costa Rica
    Posts
    6,709
    My Cars
    Blown 528i, KE30, Pathy
    Confusing thread is confusing...

    Quote Originally Posted by yodamel View Post
    Look I am not confused about anything. You are confusing yourself.

    My original post is accurate. The written procedure on the other thread said the code entering is done on Test Nr. 3, not Test. Nr. 19.

    I was simply pointing that out!

    Furthermore, I sais nothing about not believing the video. The video is awesome.
    Yodamel: You can unlock your OBC in any Test that requires it to be unlocked, be it #3, #5, #80, #145... maybe that's what it's still not clear.
    Last edited by crdiscoverer; 12-18-2009 at 04:12 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    Resident Third World Country Advisor

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    540
    My Cars
    '14 550/M, '03 540/M
    ...
    Last edited by f10_M550i; 12-19-2009 at 02:06 PM.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    539
    My Cars
    2003 530iA Sport
    Quote Originally Posted by yodamel View Post
    Look I am not confused about anything. You are confusing yourself.

    My original post is accurate. The written procedure on the other thread said the code entering is done on Test Nr. 3, not Test. Nr. 19.

    I was simply pointing that out!

    Furthermore, I sais nothing about not believing the video. The video is awesome.
    It would have been helpful if in your original post you indicated the thread/original source of the text you disagreed with.

    I don't see how this thread is adding anything of value, I have unlocked
    my High OBC using these instructions.

    Congratulations my friend....you are the first person I have ever seen on all the different BMW forums I patronize that has ever talked in such a rude manner to Q.

    Q has consistenly proven himself to be tremendous resource with an over abundance of patience and knowledge, he is a highly valued member of the BMW online communities, this is sad day on this forum
    2003 530iA Sport - Titangrau Metallic/Schwarz Montana
    Build Codes: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW. Born on date: 09/02, Dingolfing, Deutschland
    |NAV MKIV WAZE | PP | CWP | Xenons | Style 42s | Rear Shades | OEM ULF Bluetooth | Euro Armrest | Beisan Vanos Seals | OEM Aux Input |

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Arida Zona
    Posts
    30,108
    My Cars
    z3
    ^^^Seriously... respect your fellow board members. Nobody here is wrong, Q knows his stuff, you are just making a mockery of the instructions by ignoring repeatedly Q's clarifications and continuing to repeat the same stuff. You can unlock the OBC from ANY TEST that needs to be unlocked. THIS INCLUDES #3 AND #19.

    Going into my TENTH YEAR of providing high quality reproduction BMW fabrics!

    PRICE CUT on ALL FABRICS
    Offering the best prices on the best quality reproduction fabrics!

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Costa Rica
    Posts
    6,709
    My Cars
    Blown 528i, KE30, Pathy
    Quote Originally Posted by jagerhund View Post
    Congratulations my friend....you are the first person I have ever seen on all the different BMW forums I patronize that has ever talked in such a rude manner to Q.

    Q has consistenly proven himself to be tremendous resource with an over abundance of patience and knowledge, he is a highly valued member of the BMW online communities, this is sad day on this forum
    This.

    If you mess with Qsilver7 you're messing with all the members of this forum.
    Resident Third World Country Advisor

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    West Michigan
    Posts
    14,422
    My Cars
    98 540iA (Prd 11/97)
    Clarifications are always welcomed here on BF.c.

    As far as Q's value, I was at Costco the other day and couldn't find the Windex. Q appeared from nowhere and told me it was on isle 462.
    Thanks, Q!
    Last edited by jamesdc4; 12-18-2009 at 05:04 PM.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Thanks fellas...you make me feel really valued.

    But give yodamel a little slack...his original post was intended to be informative. I'll choose, for now, that he mistook the posts for "clarification" not in the way they were meant....that happens sometimes.

    To yodamel...if you would just try it for yourself...you'd see that if you RE-LOCKED your OBC (go to TEST 19)...then go to ANY test except 1, 2, or 19...and try to open a TEST...you'd get LOCK: ON in the display...and right there from that point...you can start pressing the left button and enter your car's "sum"...and the OBC will UNLOCK.

    Just try it...and you'll see that we're correct in that if the OBC is locked...you can UNLOCK it from any TEST other than the three that don't require the OBC to be unlocked (1/2/19).

    ...I was at Costco the other day and couldn't find the Windex. Q appeared from nowhere and told me it was on isle 462
    Last edited by Qsilver7; 12-18-2009 at 05:16 PM.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    West Michigan
    Posts
    14,422
    My Cars
    98 540iA (Prd 11/97)
    I forgot to add that Q provided me with Costco's floor plan with the path to aisle 462 clearly marked by yellow lines and a blow up photo of a windex bottle just in case.
    Last edited by jamesdc4; 12-18-2009 at 05:25 PM.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Costa Rica
    Posts
    6,709
    My Cars
    Blown 528i, KE30, Pathy
    Quote Originally Posted by jamesdc4 View Post
    I forgot to add that Q provided me with Costco's floor plan with the path to aisle 462 clearly marked by yellow lines and a blow up photo of a windex bottle just in case.
    He also has the instructions on how to unlock your bottle of Windex, you know?
    Resident Third World Country Advisor

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    539
    My Cars
    2003 530iA Sport
    Quote Originally Posted by jamesdc4 View Post
    Clarifications are always welcomed here on BF.c.
    Concur
    2003 530iA Sport - Titangrau Metallic/Schwarz Montana
    Build Codes: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW. Born on date: 09/02, Dingolfing, Deutschland
    |NAV MKIV WAZE | PP | CWP | Xenons | Style 42s | Rear Shades | OEM ULF Bluetooth | Euro Armrest | Beisan Vanos Seals | OEM Aux Input |

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Mississauga, Ontario
    Posts
    16
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 530i, auto

    Low OBC

    Hello, I've low OBC and can unlock (temporarily) using the test_19 to open all test functions. However when I switch ignition Off & On the OBC locks itself automatically & I've to go through the test_19 again to unlock it. Is there any to keep the low OBC unlocked, permanently?
    Thanks

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    West Michigan
    Posts
    14,422
    My Cars
    98 540iA (Prd 11/97)
    Quote Originally Posted by Cool 530i View Post
    Hello, I've low OBC and can unlock (temporarily) using the test_19 to open all test functions. However when I switch ignition Off & On the OBC locks itself automatically & I've to go through the test_19 again to unlock it. Is there any to keep the low OBC unlocked, permanently?
    Thanks
    The OBC should remain unlocked until power from the battery is cut. You may have some sort of electrical issues. Check your battery connections at the terminals/posts. You might want to use test #9 to check your battery state of charge.

    (Table image courtesy Qsilver7)

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Hmmm, I wonder if I should email this to Yodamel. He left the forum because he felt unappreciated...and he did PM ME and apologized for the "tone" he took in one of his replies.

    I tried to persuade him to stay...but he felt attacked...and I see now that he deleted his replies in this thread.

    But as all of us tried to tell him...if the OBC is locked...you can UNLOCK the OBC by going to TEST 3. He apparently still was thinking that we disagreed with him wanting to "correct" the previous instructions as he felt they were wrong...and that you had to go to TEST 19 to unlock.

    But as serendipity HAPPENS...I was looking thru some PDF documents and actually ran across the BMW tech info on how to UNLOCK the (high) OBC...and just like we tried to explain to him...if the OBC is LOCKED and you try to run a test other than 1, 2, or 19...you will be taken directly to TEST 19!

    Check out the instructions in the 1st bullet (•) under UNLOCKING TEST FUNCTIONS:
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •