BMW Scan Tool Windows 10 Not Ready? A Quick Fix Guide

Are you facing the frustrating “Bmw Scan Tool Windows 10 Not Ready” message? You’re not alone. Many BMW enthusiasts and DIY mechanics struggle to get their BMW Scanner 1.4.0 working seamlessly on Windows 10. The good news is, it’s absolutely achievable! This guide will walk you through a proven method to get your BMW diagnostic tool up and running on your Windows 10 laptop, eliminating the “not ready” error and enabling you to diagnose your BMW like a pro.

The common misconception is that BMW Scanner 1.4.0, also known as PA Soft BMW Scanner, is incompatible with modern operating systems like Windows 10. However, the real issue often lies in driver installation. Incorrect or outdated drivers are the primary culprits behind the “BMW scan tool windows 10 not ready” problem. Forget about complicated procedures and endless trial-and-error. This straightforward guide provides the correct steps and necessary files to ensure a smooth installation.

Ready to fix your BMW scan tool and get back to diagnosing your car? Let’s dive in.

Step-by-Step Installation of BMW Scanner 1.4.0 on Windows 10

This procedure focuses on a clean and effective installation, addressing the common driver issues that lead to the “not ready” error. We’ll be using a reliable software package that simplifies the process.

1. Install the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 Software:

   • Navigate to the “PA Soft BMW Scanner” folder within the downloaded software package.
   • Run the setup program to install the main BMW Scanner 1.4.0 application.

2. Clean Up Previous Driver Installations (If Necessary):

   • If you’ve attempted driver installations before and encountered problems, it’s crucial to remove potentially conflicting drivers.
   • Open Device Manager on your Windows 10 system.
   • Look for devices like “USB Serial Port” (under Ports), “USB Serial Converter,” or “BMW Scanner.” If you find any of these with error icons or that seem related to previous attempts, uninstall them.
   • Locate and run the “CDMUninstaller.exe” program, usually found in the “Scanner drivers” folder of your software package.
   • Use the CDM Uninstaller to remove any remaining FTDI driver components. Click “Add” and uninstall any listed drivers.
   • Restart your computer after uninstalling drivers. This is an important step to ensure a clean slate for new driver installation.

3. Install the Correct FTDI Drivers:

   • Go to the “Scanner Driver” folder within your downloaded package.
   • Locate the files named “ftdibus.inf” and “ftdiport.inf”. These are the crucial driver files for your BMW Scanner to communicate with Windows 10.
   • Right-click on each of these .inf files, one at a time, and select “Install” from the context menu.
   • These drivers are digitally signed, so you don’t need to disable driver signature enforcement or enter test mode in Windows. Installing via the .inf files is the recommended method and avoids Device Manager complexities.

4. Connect Your BMW Scanner:

   • Plug the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 module into your BMW’s OBD2 port.
   • Connect the USB end of the scanner cable to your Windows 10 laptop.

5. Run the BMW PA Soft Scanner Software:

   • Launch the BMW Scanner 1.4.0 software you installed in Step 1.
   • The software should now recognize the installed drivers and your scanner module.

6. Ignition and Car Recognition:

   • The software will prompt you to “switch the key.” Turn your BMW’s ignition key to the first position (Accessory or KL1/ACC).
   • The BMW Scanner software should now successfully communicate with your car through the module, and you should be greeted by the main menu, ready for diagnostics!

Note: You’ll need a BMW Scanner 1.4.0 device, similar to the one shown above, for this guide. Standard INPA K+DCAN cables are not compatible with PA Soft BMW Scanner.

Troubleshooting Common “Not Ready” Issues

Even with the correct installation, you might encounter a couple of common messages. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

• “Drivers are not installed” message in the Scanner software:

  • This message indicates that the drivers are either not installed correctly, not installed at all, or the wrong drivers are in place.
  • Double-check that you followed steps 2 and 3 precisely, especially the .inf file installation.
  • For the latest Windows 10 versions, ensure you are using up-to-date FTDI drivers. You can check for the newest drivers on the official FTDI website. Look for “D2XX drivers” and download the software version for the 64-bit version of Windows (Desktop).
  • If you update drivers from the FTDI website, repeat step 3, installing the new .inf files to overwrite any previous versions.

• “Hardware fault” message on the Scanner welcome screen:

  • This message usually points to a connection problem between the scanner module, your car, or your laptop.
  • Verify that the scanner module is firmly plugged into your BMW’s OBD2 port and that the USB cable is securely connected to your laptop.
  • While rare, inspect the scanner cable and module for any physical damage.

Important for older BMWs: If your BMW has the classic round 20-pin diagnostic port under the hood, you’ll need a 20-pin to OBD2 adapter cable (like the one shown above) to connect the BMW Scanner 1.4.0.

Conclusion

Don’t let the “BMW scan tool windows 10 not ready” message stop you. By following these steps and using the correct drivers, you can successfully install and use your BMW Scanner 1.4.0 on Windows 10. Enjoy the power of DIY BMW diagnostics and take control of your car maintenance!