obd scan tools
klashniv - July 4th, 2006 at 04:50 PM
does anyone know of a scan tool and software that can diagnose both OBD-I and OBD-II faults?
how do they work, do you plug it into the socket in the engine compartment and into your computer, run the program and click 'read code' and it
tells you the problem or the code number?
am assuming that most ECUs follow the same protocols so one tool should work on all?
an advice from someone in the know will be greatly appreciated.
cheers
seagull - July 5th, 2006 at 01:03 AM
There is a kit on the RS liberty fourm that may help you ( if ) you have a subaru
Its a good read but I dont think I would buy one just yet .
Most just have the fault code that flashes
ratbug - July 5th, 2006 at 06:45 PM
Yeah i've seen those kits as well, but pretty pointless when you can get the onboard ecu light to do the same thing for nothing.
I had a diagnostic tool hooked up to mine a while back, came with adaptors to fit the connectors for different cars, gave me info like timing,
injector duty cycle, water temp, vehicle speed, engine speed, sensor input volts etc.. Not sure if it was OBDI or OBDII. The tool cost $10,000 or
something silly like that.
seagull - July 6th, 2006 at 12:15 AM
wow that is a lot of $ Andew
hows the subaru going Mate ?
neil
GeorgeL - July 6th, 2006 at 06:25 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by ratbug
Yeah i've seen those kits as well, but pretty pointless when you can get the onboard ecu light to do the same thing for nothing.
I had a diagnostic tool hooked up to mine a while back, came with adaptors to fit the connectors for different cars, gave me info like timing,
injector duty cycle, water temp, vehicle speed, engine speed, sensor input volts etc.. Not sure if it was OBDI or OBDII. The tool cost $10,000 or
something silly like that.
|
Pretty much can be done with a laptop computer interface:
http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/AT/AutoTap_OBDII_for_Windows.shtml
Cost: about US$200 for the interface and software. I've seen other software that is cheaper, but not as capable.
I'd probably get in a wreck with all those pretty displays to watch! 
klashniv - July 6th, 2006 at 03:02 PM
i happen to own a JDM 1997 Toyota Corolla (AE110). It works beautifully but being the tinkerer, was hoping to get well versed with OBD by peaking at
it working. Am hoping it will give me a better understanding when I venture into subaru ECU land.
found some valuable info here: http://www.scantool.net
GeorgeL - July 7th, 2006 at 06:41 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by klashniv
i happen to own a JDM 1997 Toyota Corolla (AE110). It works beautifully but being the tinkerer, was hoping to get well versed with OBD by peaking at
it working. Am hoping it will give me a better understanding when I venture into subaru ECU land.
|
About the only thing to know about adapting the Subaru ECU is how to make the ECU think that it is still mounted in a Subaru, not blazing down the
road backwards in some odd German vehicle.
About all the OBD tool does is supply information about what the sensors are reporting to the ECU, which allows you to find and replace bad sensors.
You really can't _do_ anything to the CPU programming other than reset trouble codes.
It would be nice if we could tweak the ECU programming to ignore certain inputs, but the smog czars have made sure that that stuff is locked up tight.
The only way around that is to either supply the correct sensors or to attach some gizmo that makes the ECU think that it is seeing the required
sensor.
Of course, that is what keeps the aftermarket ECU suppliers in business!
George
ratbug - July 7th, 2006 at 10:05 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by seagull
wow that is a lot of $ Andew
hows the subaru going Mate ?
neil
|
Hi Neil, i didnt buy one, just borrowed it from the mechanics. Did it soon after doing the conversion to make sure everything was above board.
Subaru is in hibernation, bit cold to drive... spending my time planning my next subaru project. Might have as many project as you one day
seagull - July 8th, 2006 at 01:30 AM
Yes Andrew I hope you do
WRX bug
RS liberty wagon with 75 mm lift kit made it all my self Jap JDM RS legacy motor & 4444 auto with Suretrack LSD rear , soon to have TT auto
I am going shopping in the morning so I have some more