More Advice for a Novice - Don't Shout

[D1ckie]

Hi

Don't shoot me down in flames and this is a basic question (i think) but I'm a Cerb fan, not a mechanic, and need some help.

I have read a lot on here about the software for the ECU and thought I should have this, but is it a dangerous piece of software for someone who is a novice or is it simple to use? If its simple to use where do i get the software. I've seen the site which lists all the manuals and software etc but which software do I need, I have a late 2004 4.2?

Also, I'm getting a strong smell of petrol when using the car, especially at low speeds but can't find any leaks so wondering if its running rich.

Finally, my last Cerb popped and banged like a good un, but my new one doesn't. Why??

Thanks

[SlvrCrb]

NOT ANOTHER NOOB QUESTION....

Only Joking

The software is invaluable for diagnosing any problems, you can then make the necessary adjustments under the bonnet using the software to then assess your adjustments and tune the engine further, but at the very least it gives you direction in solving problems. The software alone cannot make the majority of the adjustments for you, it simply outputs the results of the under bonnet adjustments. The software you need for the '04 cerb would be the later version and iirc it's the yellow cerb in the background??...although I replaced the background with a nice picture of my own car instead Just look for the file ending *.bmp in the software folder and replace with your own.

Link to New Software

Sounds like it's running rich from what you say, but if you hook up the software it'll show you exactly what's going on and help you pinpoint the problem to either tackle the adjustment yourself or you can save the log and email it to your indie for diagnosis before taking the car in.

Edited by SlvrCrb on Wednesday 5th November 14:40

[Steve_T]

If you just use the software to inspect what's going on you can't do much harm with it, but if you do get it and can persuade your local servicing agent/dealer's mechanics to give you a bit of a walk through on how they use it, it'll make much more sense to you. Another thing you might not have considered is if the filler neck for the petrol tank comes unstruck you can get a petrol smell in the car. Worth a quick check.

Cheers,

Steve.

[D1ckie]

SlvrCrb said:

NOT ANOTHER NOOB QUESTION....

Only Joking

The software is invaluable for diagnosing any problems, you can then make the necessary adjustments under the bonnet using the software to then assess your adjustments and tune the engine further, but at the very least it gives you direction in solving problems. The software alone cannot make the majority of the adjustments for you, it simply outputs the results of the under bonnet adjustments. The software you need for the '04 cerb would be the later version and iirc it's the yellow cerb in the background??...although I replaced the background with a nice picture of my own car instead Just look for the file ending *.bmp in the software folder and replace with your own.

Link to New Software

Sounds like it's running rich from what you say, but if you hook up the software it'll show you exactly what's going on and help you pinpoint the problem to either tackle the adjustment yourself or you can save the log and email it to your indie for diagnosis before taking the car in.

Edited by SlvrCrb on Wednesday 5th November 14:40

Thanks - that'll keep me busy this weekend

[Byker28i]

I tend to use the newer (yellow background) software -> here http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dave.hinns/software.h...

Plus there's a useful write up by Peppe on how to use on a speed6 engine, which gives a useful overview.

If you pull down the new hires Engine section (number7) from here: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dave.hinns/workshop.h...

then it tells you the TVR way on how to use the software.

Always good to get working so you can see just what's going on.

[chim500nj]

D1ckie said:

Hi



Finally, my last Cerb popped and banged like a good un, but my new one doesn't. Why??

Thanks

I read somewhere that the 4.5's were mapped for more pops and bangs than the 4.2's you can however like mine put a Sports Exhaust on it while still retaining the cats and this will give you the desired effect..

[Mr M]

Might be a good idea to get the fuel lines checked over by someone in the know. Had the nearside rear wheel off a few weeks ago and although in the engine bay the lines look fine, there is cracking in the lines where it goes into the what I assume is the fuel pump... which I must get looked at. Not sure I'd want to use the car if it had a strong smell of petrol in the cabin.

[HarryW]

Mr M said:

Might be a good idea to get the fuel lines checked over by someone in the know. Had the nearside rear wheel off a few weeks ago and although in the engine bay the lines look fine, there is cracking in the lines where it goes into the what I assume is the fuel pump... which I must get looked at. Not sure I'd want to use the car if it had a strong smell of petrol in the cabin.

I had those fuel lines changed along with the pump too.

[cerberawill]

If it's running rich the plugs will be blackened, but not too sure how accessible plugs are on Cerberas?

[cupra20v.t]

quick question:

how do you run a log and save it? as i would like to have mine analysed before i start to strip it over winter.

I want to replace all broken parts etc so it will run like a dream when i put it back on the road but at the moment i cant see what parts are dicky, i feel a lambda sensor may be down but need confirmation.

[SlvrCrb]

cupra20v.t said:

quick question:

how do you run a log and save it? as i would like to have mine analysed before i start to strip it over winter.

I want to replace all broken parts etc so it will run like a dream when i put it back on the road but at the moment i cant see what parts are dicky, i feel a lambda sensor may be down but need confirmation.

Shamelessly copied and pasted from the help files


Help on Real-time Logging

To select real-time logging use the WINDOW menu at the top of the screen, or "click" on the real time logging title box using the left mouse button. The real time logging window shows the inputs and outputs of the ECU as they are happening (i.e. in real time). You can choose which parameters you wish to log from a menu accessed by pressing the RIGHT HAND mouse button, when the cursor is on the real time logging screen.

You can record your logging session by "clicking" on the record box on the screen. The blue box should now flash "RECORDING" in red. To end your recording "click" on the stop box (current data will continue to be displayed in the logging screen) To replay the recorded data, "click" on the replay box.

Maximise the logging screen by "clicking" on the up arrow at this screen. To further enhance viewing you can zoom in on a section of screen by holding the left mouse button down and drawing a box with the cursor. Releasing the mouse button will zoom the screen to the box that has been drawn. After zooming press escape to return to the logging screen. If a large amount of data has been logged, you can scroll through it using the left or right arrows, to find the section of interest. Control and arrow will scroll quickly.

If you wish to keep recorded data permanently, you must specify a file name under which it will be kept. To do this press the right mouse button and choose "change filename". "Click" on the filename box, then type in your chosen file name followed by .rtl e.g. test1.rtl If you do not specify a filename, a temporary file called Temp1.rtl will be used. This will be overwritten next time you log something. Logged data can be replayed without the ECU connected. The cursor can be used to point to any part of the logged trace and the logged data at this point will be shown in the box on the right hand side of the screen.