Thread: Clearing Faults ? needed

My TD5 D2 has not been near a dealer now for near on 4 years. The nearest one folded some time ago making it a bit of a day out to the next up the line. I am guessing with the various bits that I have had to change and fix like a new suspension compressor and replacement auto gearbox during this time that there may well be a bucket load of 0s and 1s bloating the fault files in the ECUs.

The car appears to be running as well as expected, so is there any benefit in checking and clearing these electronic faults? I remember the service guys would tell you that they cleared so many faults like it was a good thing when I used to take it in. It is now easier for me to service the car myself than drive up the coast and waste a day mucking around not to mention cost. If there is a benefit it may be the excuse I am looking for to get my own nanocom!

Thanks in advance for the collective wisdom.

I had a BMW E36 M3 which had a Motronic ECU similar to a D2.

I replaced the O2 sensors simply because the car had done 140KK, and it ran better once the new ones were installed. I did all servicing myself, tried to buy a scan tool but the USA BMW one did not work on the Australian ECU.

When I sold the car the specialist who wrote up an inspection report found failed o2 sensors code on the ECU, and I explained I had never had the faults cleared. He cleared the codes and they did not reoccur.

As long as the car runs perfectly I see no reason to have the faults read as the ECU will see new components. If there is any problem with the car having the faults read immediately can give an indication of whether the fault is electronic or mechanical.
We all know that ABS faults are different eg three amigos.

However before you sell the car , it is probably an idea to have them read in case already fixed faults show.
Regards Philip A