Peake Research R5/FCX3 Fault Code Reader

The Peake Research R5/FCX3 code reader was purchased on EBay and the user manual can be found here:

 http://www.peakeresearch.com/manuals/FCX3-manual%201.0%20NA.pdf 

The scanner can determine fault codes for BMWs between 1987 and 2000.  With the additional Peake AB03 adapter cable the device can work with cars built between 1987 and 2007.  The information below is believed to be reasonably correct.  The intent of the blog is to create an overall reference guide for older model BMW EV conversions.  If readers note errors or areas that need correction or further elaboration to be useful, then please send a comment(s) and the corrections will be incorporated as much as possible.  

Picture DSC02196 of the Peake R5/FCX3 display

Picture DSC02195 of the Peake R5/FCX3 base with 6 gold colored pins.  The pin at 1:30 is OBD II pin 20, 3:00 is OBD II pin 19, 6:00 is OBD II pin 17, the pin below the 6:00 pin is OBD II pin 7, 7:30 is OBD II pin 16, and 9:00 pm is OBD II pin 15.  This base directly plugs into the BMW diagnostics plug in the motor compartment.

BMW 20 Pin OBD II vehicle diagnostic pin out (car side) used for years 1988-2000's.  In the 1992 BMW 325i, this socket was located in the motor compartment on the passenger side adjacent to the firewall.

 

Pin            Signal                                              Description

1                Engine Rotation Speed                   TD

2                OBD II Diagnostic
7                Oil Service and Inspection Reset
11              External Starter turn On
14              Battery Power
15              ISO 9141-2 L Line                          RXD - Diagnostic Data Link
16              Ignition + 12 V
17              ISO 9141-2 K Line                           n/c ?
18              PGSP                                                Programming Line
19              GND
20              ISO 9141-2 K Line                          TXD - Diagnostic data link

The VIN for the 1992 BMW 325i is WBACB3315NFE09631 and the codes can be found in manual Table K10 for VDS CB33.  The fault codes and their descriptions were copied from the user manual and listed below. 

 

CODE     FAULT DESCRIPTION

1              Electrical Fuel Pump Relay

2              Idle Speed Actuator (close)

3              Fuel Injector, Cylinder # 1

4              Fuel Injector, Cylinder # 3

5              Fuel Injector, Cylinder # 2

6              Fuel Injector, unknown

8              Check Engine Lamp

0C           Throttle Position Sensor

10            Camshaft Sensor

12            Output Stage, Group # 1

13            Output Stage, Group # 2

17            Ignition Coil, Cylinder # 2

18            Ignition Coil, Cylinder # 3

19            Ignition Coil, Cylinder # 1

1A           Control Unit Supply

1d            Idle Speed Actuator (open)

1F            Fuel Injector, Cylinder # 5

20            Fuel Injector, Cylinder # 6

21            Fuel Injector, Cylinder # 4

24            Evaporative Purge Control Valve

25            Oxy Sensor Heating Relay

29            Air Mass Sensor

2E            Output Stage

30            A/C Compressor Control

32            Ignition Coil, Cylinder # 4

33            Ignition Coil, Cylinder # 6          

34            Ignition Coil, Cylinder # 5       

36            Battery Voltage / DME Main Relay

37            Ignition Output Stage

3E            EML Signal

3F            Torque Converter Clutch Lockup

40            Ignition Timing Intervention           

43            Crankshaft Sensor

46            Oxy Sensor

49            Vehicle Speed Signal not present

4C           Idle CO Potentiometer                 

4d            Intake Air Temperature Sensor

4E            Coolant Temperature Sensor

51            DWA Input

52            Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR)

53            Intervention, ASC

55            A/C Compressor

64            Output Stage

C8           DME Control Unit

C9           Lambda Control

Cb           Fault code memory error

CC          Stall protection

 

The Peake AB03 adapter cable (picture DSC02199) was also obtained so that the Peake Research R5/FCX3 can be used with newer BMWs (up to year 2007).

 

 

Picture DSC02199 of the  AB03 Adapter that adapts the 20 pin BMW socket to a standard OBD II 16 pin socket. The 16 pin plug on the left uses 6 pins.  Pin 8 is at the top left, and pin 16 is at the bottom left.  The round plug attaches to the bottom of the R5/FCX3

The description of the pin assignments of the 16 pin OBD II connector is listed below.

Pin      Signal                                Description

1         Bus Positive

2         ODB II Diagnostic

3

4         Chassis ground

5         Signal Ground

6         CAN High

7         K Line

8

9

10       Bus Negative

11       External Starter Turn On

12

13

14       CAN Low

15       ISO 9141-2 L Line           RDX Data Link

16       Ignition +12 V

 

 

The R5/FCX3 was successfully tested on a 2003 BMW 325i, and on a 1993 BMW 318is, and on a 1997 318i, and useful information was extracted in each case.  The device was then connected to the 1992 BMW 325i EV conversion project and it was humorously wondered how many error codes would be displayed.  Sadly, the instrument was absolutely stupefied, and it refused even to speak!  Once the rats nest of disconnected wires in the motor compartment have been trimmed, sorted, and all short circuits eliminated, then perhaps the device will consider waking up!