ratbug aka toddy101
439 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·
I looked at the VWRX.COM select monitor software. It uses a serial COM port to communicate, only problem is the ECU uses TTL type logic, the computer has CMOS type logic, and they arn't compatible. I ordered a special USB to TTL serial converter, wired it up, but couldnt get it to read even the ROM ID in the ECU. Then further research found other people having no luck with the same USB-TTL coverter, others found it to work ok. Also modern USB-Serial converters are a no-go as well. You need to use a laptop with a hard wired RS232 serial port. Software support for USB devices is coming in the new version of the software.
So today went to jaycar, grabbed a handful of components and a prototype PCB board, put them all together, borrowed an oscilloscope from work to verify my circuit was working, hooked it up to the ECU, and bingo, i could read the ROM ID. The ROM ID wasn't recognised by the software, however doing a memory dump i quickly found that the addresses which were for an 95 wrx sti seemed to match up, so used it's lookup table... And the result.
This is the memory dump straight off the ECU.
Now if only the old laptop (my new laptop and most new laptops don't have rs232 ports) had a working battery I could drive around and do some logging, will have to get a laptop-car power adapter.
One thing I found interesting, the 1sr radiator fan didnt turn on until the ECU thought the temp was 96 deg. It then turned them off at 88. Havn't got the manual in front of me, but thought it was lower than this.
Thunderanch Riot with Subaru 2L Turbo
Manxter with FA20turbo
Click here for wiring looms