Ultimate DIY Guide: Manual Swap for BMW E46 with Vehicle Order Coding
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Installing INPA Software
- Understanding the Vehicle Order
- Differentiating Pre-Facelift and Post-Facelift Cars
- Reading the Vehicle Order from Modules
- Modifying the Vehicle Order
- Recoding Modules
- Clearing Error Memory
- Clearing Adaptations
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Conclusion
Recoding the Car's Vehicle Order for a Manual Transmission
Are You tired of having an automatic transmission in your car? Do you want to convert it to a true manual car? In this article, we will guide you through the process of recoding the car's vehicle order so that you can get rid of the automatic transmission and enjoy a manual driving experience.
Introduction
Recoding the vehicle order is a necessary step if you want to convert your car from automatic to manual transmission. The vehicle order is a list of all the modules installed in your car, and it varies depending on the specific features of your vehicle. By modifying the vehicle order, you can remove the modules related to the automatic transmission and ensure that all modules in your car communicate properly with each other.
Installing INPA Software
Before you start recoding the vehicle order, you need to have the INPA software installed on your computer. INPA is a program that allows you to communicate with the modules in your car and make changes to their settings. You can easily find the INPA software online and install it on your computer. Additionally, you will need a K+DCAN cable, which you can purchase from eBay or other online marketplaces.
Understanding the Vehicle Order
The vehicle order is a complex list of modules that determine the functionality of your car. Every car has a unique vehicle order, and it includes modules such as the instrument cluster, light control module, and transmission control module. The vehicle order is stored in different modules depending on whether you have a pre-facelift car or a post-facelift car.
Differentiating Pre-Facelift and Post-Facelift Cars
To determine whether your car is a pre-facelift or a post-facelift model, you can check the production year. Pre-facelift cars were produced before 2002, while post-facelift cars were produced in 2002 or later. The modules in pre-facelift cars that store the vehicle order are the instrument cluster (KMB) and the light control module (LCM). For post-facelift cars, the modules are known as AKMB and ALSZ.
Reading the Vehicle Order from Modules
In order to modify the vehicle order, you first need to Read it from the Relevant modules in your car. For pre-facelift cars, you can read the vehicle order from either the KMB or LCM module. For post-facelift cars, you need to read it from the AKMB module. After reading the vehicle order, you will see a list of modules and their corresponding option strings.
Modifying the Vehicle Order
To modify the vehicle order, you will need to use NCS Expert, a program that allows you to make changes to the modules in your car. In NCS Expert, you can edit the option STRING of the vehicle order and remove the module related to the automatic transmission. You will need to delete the corresponding hex code and recalculate the checksum.
Recoding Modules
Once you have modified the vehicle order, you need to write it back to the relevant modules in your car. For pre-facelift cars, you need to write it back to both the KMB and LCM modules. For post-facelift cars, you need to write it back to the AKMB and ALSZ modules.
Clearing Error Memory
After recoding the vehicle order, you may encounter errors in the modules. To resolve these errors, you can use INPA to clear the error memory of the modules. This will delete any stored errors and ensure that the modules are functioning properly.
Clearing Adaptations
In addition to clearing error memory, it is also recommended to clear adaptations in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) module. This will reset the adaptations to their default settings and ensure that all modules are properly configured for a manual transmission.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the recoding process, you may encounter some common issues such as communication errors with specific modules or persistent error codes. This article provides troubleshooting tips to help you overcome these issues and successfully recode the car's vehicle order.
Conclusion
Recoding the vehicle order is a crucial step in converting your car from automatic to manual transmission. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the INPA software, you can ensure that all modules in your car are properly configured for a manual transmission. Enjoy the freedom and control of driving a true manual car!
Highlights
- Convert your car from automatic to manual transmission
- Modify the vehicle order to remove modules related to automatic transmission
- Use NCS Expert to recode modules and ensure proper communication
- Clear error memory and reset adaptations for optimal performance
- Troubleshoot common issues to successfully recode the vehicle order
FAQ
Q: Is it possible to convert any car from automatic to manual transmission?
A: In most cases, it is possible to convert a car from automatic to manual transmission. However, the process can vary depending on the make and model of the car. It is recommended to consult with a professional or refer to car-specific guides for more information.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to converting a car from automatic to manual transmission?
A: Converting a car from automatic to manual transmission may require extensive modifications and can be costly. Additionally, it may void any existing warranties and could affect the resale value of the car. It is important to consider these factors before undergoing the conversion process.
Q: Can I use any K+DCAN cable with the INPA software?
A: It is recommended to use a K+DCAN cable that is compatible with your car's make and model. Different cars may require specific cables to ensure proper communication with the modules. Consult the INPA software documentation or car-specific guides for the appropriate cable for your car.
Q: How do I reset adaptations in the DME module?
A: To reset adaptations in the DME module, you can use INPA or a similar software tool. Access the DME module, navigate to the adaptations section, and select the option to clear adaptations. This will reset the adaptations to their default settings.
Q: Can I recode the vehicle order without using NCS Expert?
A: NCS Expert is a commonly used software tool for recoding the vehicle order. While there may be alternative methods available, it is recommended to use NCS Expert for accurate and efficient recoding. Consult car-specific guides or forums for alternative methods if desired.