The Bmw Scanner 1.4.0 Pa Soft Obd2 Diagnostic Tool is a popular choice for BMW enthusiasts and DIY mechanics looking to delve deeper into their vehicle’s systems. This tool provides access to a wealth of information, from reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to performing basic coding and adaptations. This guide will walk you through the functionalities of the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, helping you understand its menus and capabilities to effectively diagnose and maintain your BMW.
Getting Started with BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft
Before you can start diagnosing your BMW, you need to connect the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft to your vehicle and computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Connection
Ensure your BMW is turned off. Locate the OBDII port in your BMW, typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Connect the PA Soft 1.4 cable to the OBDII port and the USB end to your laptop or computer.
Step 2: Launching the Software
Once the cable is connected, locate the “BMWScan140” shortcut on your computer and double-click to open the PA Soft 1.4.0 software. The initial screen should appear, ready for connection.
Alt Text: The startup screen of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft software, displaying a user interface with connection options.
Step 3: Ignition and Connection
Turn your BMW’s ignition to the “ON” position. In the PA Soft 1.4.0 software, click the “Continue” button. The software will initiate the car identification process, displaying modules like IKE (Instrument Cluster Electronics) and LCM (Light Control Module) as it connects.
Alt Text: BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft software showing the car identification process, listing identified modules like IKE and LCM during OBD2 connection.
Step 4: Main Menu
After the identification process completes, click “close” to access the main menu of the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft. This is your central hub for navigating the tool’s various diagnostic and coding functions.
Navigating the Main Menu
The main menu of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft is designed to be relatively straightforward, offering quick access to key functions.
Alt Text: The main menu interface of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft diagnostic tool, featuring sidebar navigation and top menu options like Scanner and Units.
Key Navigation Elements:
- Sidebar (Car ident, Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Scan!, Clear DTC, Settings): These options are also accessible via the “Scanner” button at the top, providing different views and functionalities.
- Units: This button at the top provides access to individual modules within your BMW, such as DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EGS (Electronic Gearbox System), and more.
- View Log: Allows you to view a log of your current diagnostic session. This feature can be toggled in the settings.
- Support/Help: These buttons are less commonly used for basic diagnostic tasks.
Understanding Sidebar Options:
- Car ident: Re-runs the car identification process, similar to what happens upon software startup.
- Page 1: Displays the module list starting with DME.
- Page 2 & Page 3: These pages continue the list of modules available for scanning and diagnosis.
Alt Text: BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft software interface displaying Page 2 of the module list, showing various electronic control units.
Alt Text: Page 3 of the module list in BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, extending the module options for in-depth vehicle diagnostics.
- Scan!: Initiates a scan across all modules for error codes. You can also scan individual modules for more focused diagnostics.
Alt Text: The “Scan!” function screen in BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used for scanning all vehicle modules for diagnostic trouble codes.
- Clear DTC: Attempts to clear all detected diagnostic trouble codes across all modules.
Alt Text: BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft interface showing the “Clear DTC” function, used to erase diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle’s systems.
- Settings: Access the settings menu to view scanner and driver status, disable car identification on startup, and manage log saving.
Alt Text: The settings panel of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, providing options to configure scanner behavior and disable startup identification.
Exploring Key Modules for Diagnostics and Coding
BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft allows you to access and interact with various electronic control units (ECUs) or modules within your BMW. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly accessed modules:
1. DME (Digital Motor Electronics):
The DME is the engine control unit, managing critical engine functions. Exercise extreme caution when making changes in this module, as incorrect modifications can negatively impact engine performance or reliability.
Alt Text: BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft interface for the DME module, displaying options for memory reading, error checking, live data, and reprogramming.
- Read memory: Functionality is not clearly defined within the software, use with caution.
- Errors…: Read and clear both current and historical error codes stored in the DME.
- Live data: Monitor real-time engine parameters. Page 1 provides a set of data, and “+ data group” leads to Page 2 with additional live data options.
Alt Text: BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft showing DME module’s Live Data screen, Page 1, displaying real-time engine parameters for diagnostics.
Alt Text: DME module’s Live Data screen, Page 2, in BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, offering additional groups of real-time engine data for monitoring.
- Reprogramming: Allows for odometer adjustments (use responsibly and legally) and resetting EWS-DME adaptations, which is useful when flashing a new DME or tuning.
Alt Text: Reprogramming menu within the DME module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, providing options to adjust odometer and reset EWS-DME adaptations.
- Internal HEX-Editor: Provides direct access to DME memory for advanced users. Use with extreme caution and only if you fully understand the parameters you are modifying.
2. EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System):
The EWS module manages vehicle security and immobilizer functions.
- Coding data: Access settings like gearbox type. For manual transmissions, you can disable the clutch switch.
Alt Text: Coding data options in the EWS module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, allowing configuration of settings like gearbox type for security systems.
- Keys: View the status of keys coded to your BMW. You can disable keys if needed, for security purposes.
Alt Text: Key status screen within the EWS module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used to manage and view the status of programmed vehicle keys.
3. SRS (Supplemental Restraint System):
The SRS module controls airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.
- Errors…: Clear SRS error codes, often triggered by disconnecting airbags with the battery connected.
Alt Text: Error codes interface in the SRS module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes related to airbag systems.
- Live data: View real-time data from airbags and restraint systems.
Alt Text: Live data display in the SRS module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, showing real-time information from airbag and safety restraint systems.
- Coding data: Configure SRS equipment and features.
Alt Text: Coding data options within the SRS module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, allowing configuration of safety equipment features and settings.
- Reprogramming: Access the “Crash data” option to potentially read or clear crash data buffer (use with caution, functionality may vary).
Alt Text: Reprogramming menu in the SRS module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, including options for crash data management, intended for advanced users.
4. IKE (Instrument Cluster Electronics):
The IKE module controls the instrument cluster. This module is popular for customization.
Alt Text: Main menu of the IKE (Instrument Cluster Electronics) module in BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, providing access to EEPROM read/write and coding functions.
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Read/Write EEPROM: Read current cluster settings and save them as a backup (.bin file). Write modified settings back to the cluster. Always back up your original EEPROM before making changes. Use the Internal HEX-Editor to modify settings.
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Internal HEX-Editor: Modify hexadecimal values directly. Used for advanced customizations like temperature gauge and speedometer correction. Refer to online guides for specific modifications like temperature gauge calibration and speedometer correction.
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Coding data: Access various cluster features under “Recoding”. “Standards” menu is generally self-explanatory. “Check/control, warnings” allows customization of warnings and chimes.
Alt Text: Coding data and Recoding options in the IKE module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used to customize instrument cluster features and settings.
5. LCM (Light Control Module):
The LCM controls vehicle lighting.
- Coding data: Access “Light coding” for lighting options.
Alt Text: Coding data options in the LCM (Light Control Module) of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used to configure vehicle lighting settings.
Alt Text: Light Coding menu within the LCM module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, providing detailed settings for vehicle lighting configurations and checks.
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Cold/Hot check, BC message, PWM value: Advanced settings related to light checks and PWM values, often used when installing aftermarket lights like LEDs to prevent error messages.
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Lighting options: Configure daytime running lights and other lighting features.
6. ZKE (Central Body Electronics):
The ZKE module manages central locking, windows, and alarm functions.
- Coding data: Access “Recoding” to configure window, locking, and alarm behavior.
Alt Text: Coding data and Recoding options in the ZKE (Central Body Electronics) module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used to configure central locking and window functions.
Alt Text: Equipment and options settings within the ZKE module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, allowing customization of vehicle equipment and convenience features.
- Equipment and options: Enable or disable features like convenient opening/locking (rolling windows up with the key fob), central locking functions, automatic locking, and antitheft system (DWA) settings.
7. RAD (Radio):
The RAD module controls the car radio.
- Coding data: Access “Recoding” to configure radio features like RDS (text display), AF (automatic frequency tuning), and key-specific radio settings.
Alt Text: Coding data and Recoding menu in the RAD (Radio) module of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft, used to configure radio features and settings.
Conclusion
The BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft OBD2 diagnostic tool is a powerful and cost-effective solution for BMW owners to perform diagnostics, read live data, and customize certain vehicle settings. While it offers extensive capabilities, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and understand the functions before making changes, especially within sensitive modules like DME and IKE. Always back up your original settings before performing any coding, and consult reliable guides and forums for specific procedures. With careful use, the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 PA Soft can be an invaluable tool in your BMW maintenance and DIY toolkit.
