Accessing 2003 Bentley Arnage T ODB2 Fault Codes

[TBM850]

Hi all,

Has anyone with a Bentley had any luck with aftermarket ODB2 scanners/programmers? I've got a fault code that I need to investigate.

I've tried the knockoff VAS5054 tools. Days of mucking around and still unable to connect to the car.

I bit the proverbial bullet and invested in a pretty high end Launch X-431 tablet that says it should be able to access the Bentley's modules.

Unfortunately after multiple scans I can only get to the following:

01 Engine Control Module 1
03 Brake 1

I would have thought that the software would either connect to all the car electrics or not at all, but counterintuitively I seem to only be able to access those 2 modules.

Is there an access code that you have to provide to 01 ECM 1 in order to proceed? Has anyone out there had any luck accessing the Bentley fault codes?

Thanks!

Paul

[jeyjey]

I use this with my '07 Arnage R:

https://www.amazon.com/Vgate-VS600-Diagnostic-Adva...

It won't access the Bentley-specific stuff (such as the alarm system, seat control modules, etc.), but it does fine with the basics. (It's usually the O2 sensors playing up on my car.)

[TBM850]

Thanks for the info but I am specifically trying to access the Bentley functions. I want to see whether an Airbag fault is real or just the result of me putting in a new radio.

[anonymous-user]

It's been nearly a decade since I last spannered on a bentley, so my memory may be a tad fuzzy.

I seem to remember some functions on really late arnage series cars moving onto VAS, but an awful lot were still scan tool specific on an ancient protocols that I went back to the days of the Turbo Rs and the like, even on a last of the line final series.

The Airbags were most definitely scan tool only on a 03 and a case won't be much help. Third party scanners will also be only good for limited OBD II functions like ESP and engine as you have found.

I doubt a third party would have properly emulated the protocols with the limited market and dated tech it was run on.

Long story short, you're gonna have to beg or borrow the use of the proper Bentley scan tool.

https://www.flyingspares.com/shop/rolls-royce-bent...

[TBM850]

Thanks for the reply. I thought that the '03 Bentleys used a lot of the VW/Audi architecture?

[jeyjey]

This is true for most cars of that age. I'd love it if the tools could read the gearbox faults on my '02 Vanquish, but alas, no.

[anonymous-user]

TBM850 said:

Thanks for the reply. I thought that the '03 Bentleys used a lot of the VW/Audi architecture?

The conti GT series cars did, the arnages had more BMW input than anything as can be seen in the HVAC controls and a few other random bits (I seem to remember the rear ashtray having a BMW roundel stamped underneath even on really late cars, but i digress).

Lots of the diagnostic functions then seemed to be on a platform that predated even BMW input. It was the same tool that we would use on Turbo R era cars, complete with very 90s green background UI.

As the cars got more modern input some functions moved onto VAS, but that really started in the post 05/06 tweaks, Even then, I remember on the very latest cars you'd need a vas to do some things, and a scan tool to do others on exactly the same car.

I miss working on them sometimes. So niche and awkward for the sake of it, but with unmatched charm.

An arnage is definitely on my to own list!

[TBM850]

Hmm.. So is the solution to a) live with the faults flashing constantly in the message window or b) to give a blank check to a Bentley dealer on a car that is worth 10% of its original price because it is unmaintainable?
That really seems like a crying shame. The car drives great but I won't be able to get it inspected with the airbag fault flashing methinks.

[anonymous-user]

TBM850 said:

Hmm.. So is the solution to a) live with the faults flashing constantly in the message window or b) to give a blank check to a Bentley dealer on a car that is worth 10% of its original price because it is unmaintainable?
That really seems like a crying shame. The car drives great but I won't be able to get it inspected with the airbag fault flashing methinks.

The car isn't unmaintainable... It just needs the right equipment to maintain it. Same goes with most exotic cars that don't have direct roots with large manufacturers and use slightly odd ball diagnostic protools and equipment.

Most Bentley/Rolls Royce specialists will have the right equipment, approach them to see if you can maybe pay 30-60 minutes of labour for a quick scan and reset, or make good friends with a Bentley tech that doesn't mind doing the odd PJ .

At push you might be able to ghetto your way into the light going off with a battery reset, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[WelshBentleyBoy]

I had a 2002 Arnage T and had a lot of problems updating the Alpine Sat Nav. Every time the unit came out and then went back in the Airbag Light came on. At the time Bentley had a dealer in Cardiff and having established a rapport with the service manager I would pop in, have a coffee and they would re set it. There was no problem with the Airbag at all.
I have now sold the Arnage and Bentley have retreated to Bristol so it would not be so easy now!

[TBM850]

Well that's exactly what happened to me. I removed the old phone hardware and installed a USB phone charger and bingo! Airbag fault. Never touched anything near the Siemens airbag module or wiring.