Understanding your Mercedes-Benz’s onboard diagnostics system is crucial for effective vehicle maintenance and repair. The OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) port is your gateway to accessing this system, allowing you to communicate with your car’s computer to diagnose issues, monitor performance, and ensure your vehicle is running smoothly. This guide provides a detailed look at the Mercedes Obd2 Pinout, helping you understand each pin’s function and its role in vehicle diagnostics.
Decoding the Mercedes OBD2 Pinout: Pin by Pin
The OBD2 connector is a standardized 16-pin interface, but understanding the specific function of each pin, especially within the context of a Mercedes-Benz, is essential for accurate diagnostics. Below is a breakdown of the Mercedes OBD2 pinout, detailing the purpose of each pin as it commonly applies to Mercedes vehicles.
| Pin Number | Pin Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K-Line | Primarily used for communication with various modules including Ignition control (EZS), Air Conditioning (KLA), PTS (Parktronic System), and safety systems like Airbag (SRS, AB). Also utilized for other systems diagnostics. |
| 3 | TNA | Engine rotation speed signal for TD (Turbo Diesel) engines. |
| 4, 5 | GND | Ground. These pins provide the ground connection for the OBD2 interface. |
| 6 | CAN-High | CAN (Controller Area Network) High signal. This pin is part of the CAN bus system, crucial for communication between various electronic control units (ECUs). In Mercedes models W203, W209, W220, W240, R230, and C215 (after 2004), this includes the Airbag system. |
| 7 | K-Line | Diagnostic communication for Engine control (ME/MSM/CDI). This K-Line is specifically dedicated to engine diagnostics. |
| 8 | Functionality may vary; often related to ignition or system-specific functions depending on the Mercedes model and system. | |
| 9 | K-Line | Used for diagnostics of braking systems including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ETS (Electronic Traction System), and BAS (Brake Assist System). |
| 11 | K-Line | Diagnostic communication for Gearbox (Transmission Control Unit – TCU) and other transmission components such as EGS (Electronic Gear Selector), ETC (Electronic Transmission Control), and FTC (Front-wheel-drive Transmission Control). |
| 12 | K-Line | Diagnostic communication for various modules including All Activity Module (AAM), Radio (RD), ICS (Integrated Control System), and potentially other comfort and convenience modules. |
| 13 | K-Line | Specifically for Airbag (AB) diagnostic communication – part of the safety systems diagnostics. |
| 14 | CAN-Low | CAN (Controller Area Network) Low signal. Works in conjunction with Pin 6 (CAN-High) to form the CAN bus communication pathway. |
| 15 | K-Line | Diagnostic communication for Instrument Cluster (IC), KI (Komfortinstrument – Comfort Instrument), TAU (Tachometer Output Unit), and LWR (Headlamp Range Adjustment). |
| 16 | +12V | Power. Provides +12V power supply to the OBD2 diagnostic tool from the vehicle’s battery. |
Understanding this pinout is the first step in effectively using OBD2 diagnostic tools with your Mercedes-Benz. Knowing which pin handles which communication protocol or power supply is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring correct connections.
Mercedes-Benz OBD2 Compatibility: Protocols and Model Years
Mercedes-Benz vehicles, like most modern cars, adopted the OBD2 standard. However, the specific OBD2 protocol used can vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. Here’s a compatibility list to give you a general idea of which protocol might be in use for different Mercedes models:
| Model | Engine | Year (starting from) | OBD-2 Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes A140 | 1397cc, Gasoline (82HP) | 2004 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes A160 | CDI, Diesel (60HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141 |
| 1.7 CDI, Diesel (75HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141 | |
| Mercedes A170 | CDI, Diesel (90HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes A180 | 2, Diesel (80HP) | 2008 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| Mercedes A190 | 1.9, Gasoline (125HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes B | 1.7, Gasoline (116HP) | 2005 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| 2, Gasoline (136HP) | 2009 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes C | 320 cdi, Diesel (224HP) | 2006 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| Mercedes C W203 | 2.2, Gasoline (105HP) | 2001 | KWP FAST |
| 200 CDI, Diesel (85HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141 | |
| Mercedes C W209 | v6 3L2, Gasoline (217HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes C180 | 1.8, Gasoline (109HP) | 2000 | KWP FAST |
| 2, Gasoline (127HP) | 2001 | KWP FAST | |
| Mercedes C200 | 2.2 CDI, Diesel (116HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 |
| 2, Diesel (115HP) | 2006 | KWP FAST | |
| 2.0 CDI, Diesel (136HP) | 2008 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes C200 coupe | CDi w203, Diesel (122HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes C220 | 2.1 CDI, Diesel (143HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 |
| 2.2 cdi, Diesel (150HP) | 2004 | ISO 9141 | |
| CDI, Diesel (170HP) | 2007 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes C240 | 2.4, Gasoline (170HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes C270 | 2.7 CDI, Diesel (170HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141 |
| 2.7 CDI, Diesel (177HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST | |
| Mercedes C320 | V6, Gasoline (218HP) | 2001 | KWP FAST |
| 3.0 V6, Diesel (227HP) | 2006 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes Classe A | 1.4, Gasoline (80HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes Classe B | 2.0 CDI, Diesel (109HP) | 2005 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| 200 CDI, Diesel (140HP) | 2006 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes Classe E | 2.7 CDI, Diesel (177HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes CLK | 3.2, Gasoline (218HP) | 1998 | ISO 9141 |
| 270 CDi, Diesel (170HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141 | |
| 2.6 V6, Gasoline (170HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141 | |
| 1.8, Gasoline (170HP) | 2004 | KWP FAST | |
| 220 CDI, Diesel (150HP) | 2008 | KWP FAST | |
| Mercedes CLK230 | 2.3, Gasoline (197HP) | 2000 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes CLS | 3.5, Gasoline (272HP) | 2005 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| 320 CDI, Diesel (240HP) | 2006 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes E | 220 CDI, Diesel (163HP) | 2007 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| Mercedes E220 | 2.2 CDI, Diesel (160HP) | 2004 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes E320 | 3, Gasoline (215HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST |
| V6, Gasoline (250HP) | 2004 | KWP FAST | |
| Mercedes ML | 4.3, Gasoline (272HP) | 2000 | ISO 9141 |
| V6 3.5, Gasoline (273HP) | 2006 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes ML 270 | 270 CDI, Diesel (163HP) | 2000 | ISO 9141 |
| CDI, Diesel (120HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 | |
| 270 CDI, Diesel (177HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141 | |
| Mercedes ML 320 | 3.2, Gasoline (218HP) | 1999 | ISO 9141 |
| 3.2, Gasoline (218HP) | 2001 | KWP FAST | |
| Mercedes ML 400 | 4, Diesel (250HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes ML 55 amg | 5.4i, Gasoline (350HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes S320 | 3.2 i, Gasoline (224HP) | 1999 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes S400 | 4.0 cdi, Diesel (250HP) | 2003 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes SL280 | 2.8, Gasoline (204HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes SLK | 2.0 KomprGasolineor, Gasoline (163HP) | 2000 | KWP FAST |
| 3.5 v6, Gasoline (272HP) | 2004 | CAN 11bit (500kb) | |
| Mercedes SLK170 | 2.3, Gasoline (197HP) | 2001 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 316 cdi, Diesel (154HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes Sprinter 316 | 2.1, Diesel (160HP) | 2010 | CAN 11bit (500kb) |
| Mercedes V220 | 2.2 CDI, Diesel (122HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 |
| Mercedes Viano | 2.2 CDI, Diesel (150HP) | 2005 | KWP FAST |
| Mercedes Vito | cdi, Diesel (80HP) | 2000 | ISO 9141 |
| 2.2 CDI, Diesel (122HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141 | |
| 2.2, Diesel (111HP) | 2004 | KWP FAST | |
| 3.2, Gasoline (190HP) | 2005 | KWP FAST | |
| CDI, Diesel (95HP) | 2007 | KWP FAST | |
| Mercedes-Benz | 280cdi 3 v6, Diesel (188 HP) | 2006 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz 203K | C180 Kompressor, Gasoline (141 HP) | 2004 | ISO 14230-4 |
| C180 Kompressor, Gasoline (141 HP) | 2004 | ISO 14230-4 | |
| C180 Kompressor, Gasoline (141 HP) | 2004 | ISO 14230-4 | |
| C180 Kompressor, Gasoline (141 HP) | 2004 | ISO 14230-4 | |
| Mercedes-Benz A – Klasse A190 | Gasoline (124 HP) | 1999 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz A 170 | (W169), Gasoline (114 HP) | 2008 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz A140 | Gasoline (81 HP) | 1999 | |
| Gasoline (81 HP) | 2000 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| (W168), Gasoline (81 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| Mercedes-Benz A150 | Gasoline (94 HP) | 2005 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz A160 | Gasoline (113 HP) | 1998 | |
| Gasoline (98 HP) | 2000 | ||
| Gasoline (101 HP) | 2001 | ||
| Gasoline (101 HP) | 2003 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 | |
| Gasoline (101 HP) | 2004 | ||
| Gasoline (101 HP) | 2004 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz A170 | CDI, Diesel (94 HP) | 2002 | |
| CDI, Diesel (94 HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| CDI, Diesel (94 HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| CDI, Diesel (94 HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| CDI, Diesel (94 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| Gasoline (114 HP) | 2006 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz Actros | MPII Bluetec, Diesel (342 HP) | 2007 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse | W168, Diesel (89 HP) | 1998 | |
| Gasoline (101 HP) | 1999 | ||
| Diesel (89 HP) | 2001 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| W168, Gasoline (101 HP) | 2002 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| W168, Gasoline (124 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse 140 | W168, Gasoline (81 HP) | 2003 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz Atego | 818 Bluetec 4, Diesel (175 HP) | 2007 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz B 200 | Turbo, Gasoline (191 HP) | 2006 | |
| Mercedes-Benz B170 | Gasoline (114 HP) | 2007 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz b180 | Diesel (145 HP) | 2010 | |
| , Gasoline (114 HP) | 2011 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 | |
| Mercedes-Benz C 180 | Kompressor, Gasoline (155 HP) | 2007 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz C 220 | cdi, Diesel (141 HP) | 2004 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz C 240 | Typ 203, Gasoline (168 HP) | 2000 | |
| Mercedes-Benz c180 | Gasoline (161 HP) | 2000 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz C180K | Blue Efficiency W204, Gasoline (155 HP) | 2009 | |
| Mercedes-Benz C200 | cdi, Diesel (114 HP) | 2001 | CAN |
| cdi, Diesel (114 HP) | 2002 | – | |
| 2003 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C200T | Kompressor, Gasoline (161 HP) | 2001 | |
| Mercedes-Benz c220 | cdi, Diesel (124 HP) | 1998 | |
| cdi, Diesel (148 HP) | 2006 | ISO 14230-4 | |
| cdi, Diesel (148 HP) | 2006 | ISO 14230-4 | |
| cdi, Diesel (148 HP) | 2006 | ISO 14230-4 | |
| Mercedes-Benz C230 | 1998 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 | |
| 2000 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C320 | CDI, Diesel (222 HP) | 2005 | ISO 14230-4 |
| CDI (W203), Diesel (222 HP) | 2006 | ||
| CDI (W203), Diesel (222 HP) | 2006 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz C350 | CGI, Gasoline (275 HP) | 2008 | |
| Mercedes-Benz CL 500 | W215, Gasoline (302 HP) | 2002 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Class A | 2000 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 | |
| Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 | Kompressor, Gasoline (191 HP) | 1999 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLK 270 | CDI, Diesel (168 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 | Gasoline (215 HP) | 2002 | ISO 14230-4 |
| Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 | W209 M113, Gasoline (302 HP) | 2003 | |
| Mercedes-Benz cls500 | Gasoline (383 HP) | 2006 | |
| Mercedes-Benz E 200K | Gasoline (161 HP) | 2001 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 270 | CDI, Diesel (168 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz E 320 | (W124), Gasoline (223 HP) | 1995 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz E200CDI | Diesel (101 HP) | 2004 | KW 2000 VAG |
| Mercedes-Benz E200CGI | Gasoline (182 HP) | 2010 | |
| Mercedes-Benz E220 | CDI T, Diesel (141 HP) | 2000 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-240 | W211, Gasoline (175 HP) | 2004 | ISO 14230-4 |
| Mercedes-Benz e280 | cdi, Diesel (238 HP) | 2004 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz E55AMG | Gasoline (342 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse | W211, Gasoline (222 HP) | 2002 | |
| Mercedes-Benz G-320CDI | W463, Diesel (222 HP) | 2007 | |
| Mercedes-Benz ML 350 | (w164), Gasoline (269 HP) | 2006 | |
| Mercedes-Benz ML270 | Diesel (161 HP) | 2003 | |
| Mercedes-Benz ML320 | Gasoline (215 HP) | 1999 | |
| Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG | Gasoline (342 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG | Gasoline (342 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz S203 | 220 CDI, Diesel (141 HP) | 2003 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz S211 | Diesel (175 HP) | 2004 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz S500, lang | (W220), Gasoline (302 HP) | 2005 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz SL350 | Gasoline (242 HP) | 2003 | |
| Mercedes-Benz SL500 | R129, Gasoline (302 HP) | 1999 | ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz SLK | Gasoline (215 HP) | 2000 | |
| Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 | Gasoline (135 HP) | 1998 | |
| Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 | Kompressor FL, Gasoline (195 HP) | 2004 | |
| Mercedes-Benz sprinter | Diesel (108 HP) | 2001 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 | CDI, Diesel (128 HP) | 2008 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315 | CDI, Diesel (148 HP) | 2007 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter/NCV3 | Diesel (108 HP) | 2007 | CAN |
| Mercedes-Benz V 220 | CDI, Diesel (121 HP) | 1999 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | Gasoline (124 HP) | 2002 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 |
| Gasoline (101 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| Diesel (90 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| 1.9, Gasoline (124 HP) | 2003 | ISO 9141-2 | |
| Mercedes-Benz Viano | 2.2 CDI, Diesel (148 HP) | 2005 | ISO 14230-4 |
| CDI 2.0, Diesel (121 HP) | 2007 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz vito | Diesel (121 HP) | 2003 | ISO 14230-4 |
| Mercedes-Benz w 203 | Diesel (141 HP) | 2003 | ISO 14230-4, ISO 9141-2 |
| Mercedes-Benz W169 | Diesel (108 HP) | 2004 | CAN |
| Gasoline (114 HP) | 2006 | CAN | |
| Mercedes-Benz W202 | C230, Gasoline (148 HP) | 1995 | |
| Mercedes-Benz W203 | Gasoline (128 HP) | 2001 | |
| (C180), Gasoline (128 HP) | 2001 | ||
| C220 CDI, Diesel (148 HP) | 2006 | ||
| Mercedes-Benz w204 | Diesel (242 HP) | 2008 | |
| Mercedes-Benz W211 / NTG | Gasoline (161 HP) | 1995 | ISO 9141-2 |
Note: This list is a starting point and may not be exhaustive. Always verify the specific OBD2 protocol for your exact Mercedes-Benz model and year.
OBD-2 Protocol Timeline for Mercedes-Benz: A General Guide
Here’s a general timeline for OBD2 protocol adoption in Mercedes-Benz vehicles:
- 1996-2000: Primarily ISO-9141 protocol.
- 2000 – 2002: Transition period, may use ISO 9141 or KWP 2000 (Keyword Protocol 2000).
- 2003 – 2007: Predominantly KWP 2000 or CAN (Controller Area Network).
- After 2007: Mainly CAN protocol becomes standard.
This timeline provides a helpful overview, but always refer to your vehicle’s documentation or conduct specific research for your model to confirm OBD2 protocol compatibility.
Utilizing Your Mercedes OBD2 Port
With the right OBD2 scanner and understanding of the Mercedes OBD2 pinout, you can perform a range of diagnostic tasks, including:
- Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Identify the source of problems by reading error codes from various vehicle systems.
- Clearing DTCs: Reset the check engine light and other warning indicators after addressing the underlying issue.
- Live Data Monitoring: Observe real-time data from sensors throughout your vehicle to assess performance and identify anomalies.
- Component Testing: In some cases, activate or test specific components to verify their functionality.
Having access to your Mercedes OBD2 port and understanding its pinout empowers you to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance, potentially saving time and money on diagnostics.
Essential OBD-II Cable Schemes for Mercedes Diagnostics
For those looking to build or understand the wiring of OBD-II cables for Mercedes vehicles, here are some helpful links to cable schemes:
- OBD-2 ISO 9141-2 (14230-4, KWP2000) simple serial cable
- OBD-2 J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW serial ELM327 cable
- OBD-2 universal ISO 15765-4 CAN, SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230-4 and SAE J1939 diagnostic cable
These resources offer visual and technical details on wiring configurations for different OBD-II protocols, which can be beneficial for advanced users and professionals working with Mercedes diagnostics.
By understanding the Mercedes OBD2 pinout and the associated protocols, you can effectively diagnose and maintain your vehicle, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This knowledge is a valuable asset for any Mercedes-Benz owner or automotive technician working with these sophisticated vehicles.
