NCS expert not getting VIN

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 01:50 PM

Hey I installed the INPA/NCS expert software package from Bimmer geeks yesterday and everything seemed to work.

Today I wanted to read the ECU to get the file for coding but when I open up NCS expert and START then Select Chassis after that it asks me to input my VIN. I guess it's not reading the car then?

My INPA does show the 2 black dots as OK. If I use ISTA D or INPA to read the error memory I can read it and clear codes.

After I get the VIN popup on NCS expert then my INPA black dots aren't full anymore.

Anyone has any idea? Pretty sure it was working yesterday night when I gave it a go. I din't read the ECU but I was able to select chassis and have my VIN show up in NCS expert.

Hmm....

ctuna · 01-30-2019, 01:59 PM

I guess you said you can read the Vin from Inpa
and Ista?
If you run Inpa and its connected and it reads the Vin
in NCS then you are still connected . I don't believe
NCS has any dot indicators for power and connection.

That why everybody suggests getting Inpa going before
running NCS.

If it reads the car and lets you clear codes you are connected.
Always drop back to Inpa to check your connection if you have doubts.
If it doesn't connect recheck the cable setting in the Control Panel.
If you are running inside a virtual machine you will have to check all
the connections between it and your apple pc.

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

I guess you said you can read the Vin from Inpa
and Ista?
If you run Inpa and its connected and it reads the Vin
in NCS then you are still connected . I don't believe
NCS has any dot indicators for power and connection.

Yeah exactly INPA and ISTA reads my VIN.

I tried rebooting my laptop still not working.

I guess I'll reinstall the software then.

Sensible_ · 01-30-2019, 03:07 PM

You don't have a JB4 installed do you?

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

I guess you said you can read the Vin from Inpa
and Ista?
If you run Inpa and its connected and it reads the Vin
in NCS then you are still connected . I don't believe
NCS has any dot indicators for power and connection.

That why everybody suggests getting Inpa going before
running NCS.

If it reads the car and lets you clear codes you are connected.
Always drop back to Inpa to check your connection if you have doubts.
If it doesn't connect recheck the cable setting in the Control Panel.
If you are running inside a virtual machine you will have to check all
the connections between it and your apple pc.

Ok I'm sorry I confused what I was doing yesterday. I've got more info now.

If I load the profile (I use Revtor's, not sure what profiles do anyway) then go START and then Select Chasis (I do E89) my VIN does load.

But if I do Enter ZCS after I get this popup, if I input nothing and click ok I get the second image.

It's when I am doing Enter ZCS directly that it prompt for my VIN, and if I enter it I suppose it would also prompt for the GM SA and VN as it's doing the other way which I don't know what those mean?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

You don't have a JB4 installed do you?

No, no JB4.

Sensible_ · 01-30-2019, 04:00 PM

This doesn't seem right. Did you install the bimmer geeks package correctly? You copied the 3 folders to your base directory which overwrite the existing EDIABAS, EC-APPS, NCSEXPERT folders?

The last time I checked the bimmergeeks package it only comes with 2 profiles. Factory coding and coding profiles. Keep it simple, just use those files. They are fine for the average user.

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

This doesn't seem right. Did you install the bimmer geeks package correctly? You copied the 3 folders to your base directory which overwrite the existing EDIABAS, EC-APPS, NCSEXPERT folders?

The last time I checked the bimmergeeks package it only comes with 2 profiles. Factory coding and coding profiles. Keep it simple, just use those files. They are fine for the average user.

Yes that's what I did.

I just reinstalled it aswell same issue.

For the profiles I followed a video with a link to them. I guess I'll reinstall again and use the stock profiles but still.

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

This doesn't seem right. Did you install the bimmer geeks package correctly? You copied the 3 folders to your base directory which overwrite the existing EDIABAS, EC-APPS, NCSEXPERT folders?

The last time I checked the bimmergeeks package it only comes with 2 profiles. Factory coding and coding profiles. Keep it simple, just use those files. They are fine for the average user.

Ok I've tried again with both profiles that come installed and no go.

It can read the VIN if I do Start select chasis

But if I do Enter ZCS it asks for my VIN if I did not already did slect chasis.

If I did select chasis then my vin is already filled in so I click OK and get the popup showed in my screenshot img.

Man I feel like I'm so close to coding I don't understand why it's not working. Everything else seems to work.

ctuna · 01-30-2019, 04:43 PM

Bimmergeeks download does not come with Revtors
profile. The two profiles provided are enough to do anything
in regards to coding and VO changes and for default coding.
If you go searching on the net there is a chance you may find
revtors profiles but they may not be at the right rev level
to work with the NCSexpert rev level from the bimmergeeks
site. This confused me to.

Use the manipulation profile for coding its the same as revtors
coding file.

As Sensible said.

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Bimmergeeks download does not come with Revtors
profile. The two profiles provided are enough to do anything
in regards to coding and VO changes and for default coding.
If you go searching on the net there is a chance you may find
revtors profiles but they may not be at the right rev level
to work with the NCSexpert rev level from the bimmergeeks
site. This confused me to.

Use the manipulation profile for coding its the same as revtors
coding file.

Those still don't work. I've tried them above. You probably were typing as I replied lol.

ctuna · 01-30-2019, 05:29 PM

http://codinge90.com/getting-started/

If Inpa is working go right down to NCSexpert in this link.

Sensible_ · 01-30-2019, 05:56 PM

Hang on. Why are you using the 'Enter ZCS' option? The ZCS is not for the e90 chassis. It's used on older vehicles. Pre 2002 I at a guess.

Please write the exact steps what you are doing...

Once you load your VIN and VO by selecting your chassis and then either CAS or FRM, you press the 'Back' button. This takes you to the coding screen where you can select which ECU to code and which job...

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

Hang on. Why are you using the 'Enter ZCS' option? The ZCS is not for the e90 chassis. It's used on older vehicles. Pre 2002 I at a guess.

Please write the exact steps what you are doing...

Once you load your VIN and VO by selecting your chassis and then either CAS or FRM, you press the 'Back' button. This takes you to the coding screen where you can select which ECU to code and which job...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

http://codinge90.com/getting-started/

If Inpa is working go right down to NCSexpert in this link.

Oooohhhhh ok this is my problem I think.

Based on the guide ctuna also linked and I double checked videos on coding, I never get the VIN/ZCS/FA button that everyone uses. I even went through the guide you linked for NCS Expert creating that profile and everything to verify that is checked already is.

So... the problem is definitely I'm missing the VIN/ZCS/FA . What could be wrong tho that I don't have that?

Here is what it looks like. If I do start and select chasis that's what I'm tlaking about that the vin loads. But VIN/ZCS/FA still doesn't show up.

Sensible_ · 01-30-2019, 06:58 PM

Forget about the words. Sometimes the profile changes them. So you are doing this?

Open NCS
Load Profile (Bimmergeeks one)
F1
F3
- choose e89 from list
OK
- choose CAS module
OK (VIN and VO should be populated)
F6

You should now be at the coding screen...

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

Forget about the words. Sometimes the profile changes them. So you are doing this?

Open NCS
Load Profile (Bimmergeeks one)
F1
F3
- choose e89 from list
OK
- choose CAS module
OK (VIN and VO should be populated)
F6

You should now be at the coding screen...

Holy shit this worked! I was able to get the FSW_PSW.TRC file and now looking at it in NCS Dummy.

I was so focused on the exact button saying and never really tried to go back. Wow alright! Sweet!

I wonder why my buttons are different even tho I was using the same profile.

How much battery does writing back the file take? Do I really need a battery charger if my car isn't giving me a low voltage warning? Should be fine?

Sensible_ · 01-30-2019, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

Forget about the words. Sometimes the profile changes them. So you are doing this?

Open NCS
Load Profile (Bimmergeeks one)
F1
F3
- choose e89 from list
OK
- choose CAS module
OK (VIN and VO should be populated)
F6

You should now be at the coding screen...

Holy shit this worked! I was able to get the FSW_PSW.TRC file and now looking at it in NCS Dummy.

I was so focused on the exact button saying and never really tried to go back. Wow alright! Sweet!

I wonder why my buttons are different even tho I was using the same profile.

How much battery does writing back the file take? Do I really need a battery charger if my car isn't giving me a low voltage warning? Should be fine?

The guides you are following are old now and are as factory.

The bimmer geeks version has simplified it.

You should use a charger / power supply. If you do t have one then most modules can be coded with the engine running.

It takes seconds to code. However half an hour of work in total might be too much for your battery. Why take the risk?

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-30-2019, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

The guides you are following are old now and are as factory.

The bimmer geeks version has simplified it.

You should use a charger / power supply. If you do t have one then most modules can be coded with the engine running.

It takes seconds to code. However half an hour of work in total might be too much for your battery. Why take the risk?

The car's ignition is only while I was reading the file. I go back inside since it's pretty cold.

ctuna · 01-30-2019, 07:50 PM

If your battery is in good shape coding shoudn't be a big issue.
However the cold might be.
I put my car on a battery tender once a month or maybe after
a diagnostic or coding session. Just don't let the resting voltage
on the battery get much under 12.2 on an ongoing basis.
Get a Ctek battery tender.

01-30-2019, 01:50 PM	#1
TheMidnightNarwhal Major General 2652 Rep 6,283 Posts Drives: 11' 335is DCT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Gatineau, Quebec iTrader: (0)	NCS expert not getting VIN Hey I installed the INPA/NCS expert software package from Bimmer geeks yesterday and everything seemed to work. Today I wanted to read the ECU to get the file for coding but when I open up NCS expert and START then Select Chassis after that it asks me to input my VIN. I guess it's not reading the car then? My INPA does show the 2 black dots as OK. If I use ISTA D or INPA to read the error memory I can read it and clear codes. After I get the VIN popup on NCS expert then my INPA black dots aren't full anymore. Anyone has any idea? Pretty sure it was working yesterday night when I gave it a go. I din't read the ECU but I was able to select chassis and have my VIN show up in NCS expert. Hmm....
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01-30-2019, 01:59 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I guess you said you can read the Vin from Inpa and Ista? If you run Inpa and its connected and it reads the Vin in NCS then you are still connected . I don't believe NCS has any dot indicators for power and connection. That why everybody suggests getting Inpa going before running NCS. If it reads the car and lets you clear codes you are connected. Always drop back to Inpa to check your connection if you have doubts. If it doesn't connect recheck the cable setting in the Control Panel. If you are running inside a virtual machine you will have to check all the connections between it and your apple pc. Last edited by ctuna; 01-30-2019 at 02:05 PM..
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01-30-2019, 03:07 PM	#4
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,505 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	You don't have a JB4 installed do you?
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01-30-2019, 04:00 PM	#6
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,505 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	This doesn't seem right. Did you install the bimmer geeks package correctly? You copied the 3 folders to your base directory which overwrite the existing EDIABAS, EC-APPS, NCSEXPERT folders? The last time I checked the bimmergeeks package it only comes with 2 profiles. Factory coding and coding profiles. Keep it simple, just use those files. They are fine for the average user.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2019, 04:43 PM	#9
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Bimmergeeks download does not come with Revtors profile. The two profiles provided are enough to do anything in regards to coding and VO changes and for default coding. If you go searching on the net there is a chance you may find revtors profiles but they may not be at the right rev level to work with the NCSexpert rev level from the bimmergeeks site. This confused me to. Use the manipulation profile for coding its the same as revtors coding file. As Sensible said. Last edited by ctuna; 01-30-2019 at 04:55 PM..
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01-30-2019, 05:29 PM	#11
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	http://codinge90.com/getting-started/ If Inpa is working go right down to NCSexpert in this link.
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01-30-2019, 05:56 PM	#12
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,505 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	Hang on. Why are you using the 'Enter ZCS' option? The ZCS is not for the e90 chassis. It's used on older vehicles. Pre 2002 I at a guess. Please write the exact steps what you are doing... Once you load your VIN and VO by selecting your chassis and then either CAS or FRM, you press the 'Back' button. This takes you to the coding screen where you can select which ECU to code and which job...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2019, 06:58 PM	#14
Sensible_ Colonel 529 Rep 2,505 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	Forget about the words. Sometimes the profile changes them. So you are doing this? Open NCS Load Profile (Bimmergeeks one) F1 F3 - choose e89 from list OK - choose CAS module OK (VIN and VO should be populated) F6 You should now be at the coding screen...
	Appreciate 1 TheMidnightNarwhal2651.50 Quote

01-30-2019, 07:50 PM	#18
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If your battery is in good shape coding shoudn't be a big issue. However the cold might be. I put my car on a battery tender once a month or maybe after a diagnostic or coding session. Just don't let the resting voltage on the battery get much under 12.2 on an ongoing basis. Get a Ctek battery tender.
	Appreciate 0 Quote