ECU Cable + Questions

[Curdster]

I am trying to buy the cable to conect up the ECU. Can any one help. I have tried the Clever Trevor website but it does not look like they stock them anymore. Found some of Fleabay, but not sure what I am looking for.

www.mytuscan.co.uk suggests I need a 'USB to Serial Cable' can this be a standard such as the following?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-RS232-Converter-Cable/...

Very new to this so not even sure where I will find the ECU connector in the car. Can any one help.

Got the EFI Warning on the dash, no error codes and assume I have to connect up to see the fault and clear the warning. There has been no obvious things like water/washing as just come back from a 4 hour motoway drive with no issues so car fully heated up, although a sluggish turnover at restart following overnighting in the garage, but still fired up. Can I /should I still drive the car without knowing what the fault could be.

[Chewitt]

I used a similar cable in mine - no problems just check you have a driver for altering the usb port configuration and I think the ECU port is a male too so you will need an adapter to the male lead as in you amazon link.




if its sluggish turning over it is likely to be battery - when mine was dying it threw up EFi faults every time I started it. New battery=no more faults.



ediited coz I'm blind today!

Edited by Chewitt on Friday 3rd April 11:32

[Curdster]

Chewitt

Thanks for the advice. If it is the battery and I change it, is the only way to re-set the fault code to use the cable and diagnostic software?

Also, do you know where the port on the car is?

[S6PNJ]

Curdster, check the parts and accessories classifieds as there may be an advert or two in there for ECU cables. This might be a good link: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/946616.htm

Failing that, PM me and we can chat.

For the connection, you should have a flying lead somewhere near your fuse panel - mine was tucked up above the fuse panel - it will (or should) have a 3 socket connector on it. If you don't have one of these, then you might be able to conenct a 9 pin DIN cable direct onto your ECU. You'll need to take the case cover off - more details here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I'm away this evening/Sat but should be around Sunday

[Chewitt]

if you have to plug directly into the ecu be warned it is a pain in the arse to get at

I have not had to reset EFi fault codes the recharged or renewed battery erradicated them from the pod. I haven't ECU'd up since to clear them from the ECU (not sure if they are actually stored if they are a battery issue?) If you replace the battery then I think this will "clear" the ECU anyway.

the 3 pin connector flying lead thing is the best route to go. I bought 3 loose male pins from maplins and used these to get a connection out of the flying lead - This is then hard wired into a 9 pin serial connector that I can put my usb cable into! Cost a sight less than Clev Trev one but mucho fiddling. If you weren't in Slurrey I'd lend you mine.



the black connector on the right is the sort of thing to find in the dash of the Tusc. The pictured cable would get you from the car to a serial port but it's likely your laptop will only have USB so you would still need the usb serial cable. This is the sort of cable you would "buy" - I nicked the pic from another posting.

Try recharging the battery first - esp if it was sluggish after the run. My "old" battery caused all sorts of minor grief.

Edited by Chewitt on Friday 3rd April 12:41

[Curdster]

Guys thanks for all your help here. I will get the battery done as a starter and buy the lead out of pure interest. S6PNJ, how do I go about ordering this from you?

[S6PNJ]

Send me an email and I'll reply back with detail etc, or just click on the classified link where it says 'email me'

Cheers!!

[Curdster]

S6PNJ. I have sent you a couple of emails, not sure sure if you are getting them. All my memeber contact ones are going straight in to my spam box. Need to try and get this issue sorted before next Thurs if possible.

[S6PNJ]

Curdster, have received your emails but as per my post I said I wasn't going to be around Fri/Sat, I wasn't ignoring you. I've sent you a reply so have a look and see what you think.

Cheers!!