Can't connect to my ECU
Discussion
I know much has been written regarding this subject and I've just about fried my brain reading it and trying to see where I'm going wrong. I have a 1997 4.2 Cerbera. I have looked everywhere for a 3 pin adapter without any luck. There is a 2 pin adapter on the ECU which I understand is for a code reader? Nevertheless I've connected a DB9 connector directly from the ECU Serial port to my laptop/tablet via the USB port. The USB port is Com1. I just can't get the ECU and my Laptop to connect. I'm running Windows 8 and the software that came with the DB9 lead which I guess tells the the tablet the lead configuration?
I'm not very computor savvie and getting out of my depth a little. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not very computor savvie and getting out of my depth a little. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Have you looked here? http://www.tvr-cerbera.co.uk/ that links to here http://www.tvr-cerbera.co.uk/software.html and here http://www.tvr-cerbera.co.uk/wiringdiagrams.html
You can try my software, which is free and works with the newer windows versions:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If you're running the windows software and using com1, I don't think the software defaults to com1.
There is a way to change the com port pressing one of the function keys but I can't remember which one.
Also the car has to be ready to run. For the software to connect, so ignition on and immobiliser disabled
There is a way to change the com port pressing one of the function keys but I can't remember which one.
Also the car has to be ready to run. For the software to connect, so ignition on and immobiliser disabled
Ok well I connected up to my ECU using EvoOllie's program using my tablet via my USB port and the ECU's Serial port. Sadly no joy. I was using Com1 although I did try the others to no avail. As I said before I'm not particularly computer savvy but it seems to me the there just not linking up. Are all USB leads the same (in my case a DB9 cable? My wife has a large Laptop with a Serial port although its large and bit cumbersome I guess I could get a serial to serial cable made up to the specifications published on this forum?
Any advise greatly appreciated. Just please bear in mind I'm a child of the1950's (the late 50's I hasten to add) so please keep any techie talk simple.
Regards Mike
Any advise greatly appreciated. Just please bear in mind I'm a child of the1950's (the late 50's I hasten to add) so please keep any techie talk simple.
Regards Mike
I believe this is quite a common problem, but possibly more to do with the usb-serial adapter. . .
Ref SPD Motorsport :: http://www.sbdev.co.uk/FAQs/Management_systems.htm...
Although they are talking specifically about the MBE697, the same thing applies to the 941/970
The first adapter I tried wouldn't work, but this one does - at least on my comp (DELL XPS17 - windows 10)
http://www.tronicore.com/en/usb-serial-adapter-xs8...
Keep persevering and good luck.
Ref SPD Motorsport :: http://www.sbdev.co.uk/FAQs/Management_systems.htm...
Although they are talking specifically about the MBE697, the same thing applies to the 941/970
The first adapter I tried wouldn't work, but this one does - at least on my comp (DELL XPS17 - windows 10)
http://www.tronicore.com/en/usb-serial-adapter-xs8...
Keep persevering and good luck.
Mike, How are you getting on?
If you're still struggling I'll see what spare cables, usb adaptors etc I have and can send you them.
I have kept an old dell laptop with a serial port and the old program on just for this, but I think my wndows 10 laptop works well with EvoOlles programs and USB. I'll try it all out this morning.
The previous owner cut a hole in the lid of the ecu box so it has a permanent fitted serial cable, which is tucked up the passenger side under the dash. Always easy to connect to.
You can always use the RS-AJP if you have a android device that supported. Again you need a usb to serial but it's handy to have if you're away from home.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If you're still struggling I'll see what spare cables, usb adaptors etc I have and can send you them.
I have kept an old dell laptop with a serial port and the old program on just for this, but I think my wndows 10 laptop works well with EvoOlles programs and USB. I'll try it all out this morning.
The previous owner cut a hole in the lid of the ecu box so it has a permanent fitted serial cable, which is tucked up the passenger side under the dash. Always easy to connect to.
You can always use the RS-AJP if you have a android device that supported. Again you need a usb to serial but it's handy to have if you're away from home.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Byker28i said:
You can always use the RS-AJP if you have a android device that supported. Again you need a usb to serial but it's handy to have if you're away from home.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
It's not worth trying the RS-AJP app with anything other than the specific USB-Serial cable that Aide recommends.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I tried several cheaper cables first with no luck, as soon as I bought the more expensive cable that was specified it worked perfectly.
It is also worth repeating that the immobiliser must be off and the ignition must be on, even though the engine itself doesn't need to be running.
Just run through the various options on mine.
Old MBE program won't run on a modern OS like windows 10, works well under XP. It only recognises Com1 and Com2 (press F10 to change), but there's a lot of options on it, graphing etc. This could be where your wifes old laptop comes in handy.
EvoOllies MBE tool runs great on Windows 10, recognises all serial ports including USB to serial.
This works great with this USB to serial
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0030IT780/ref...
Then you just need a normal male to female serial lead and as previously said the engine has to be ready to run. Ignition on and press the button on the imobiliser to prime the fuel pump, turn on the ecu etc.
If you need, drop me a email with your address and I'll put a lead and my usb to serial in the post
Old MBE program won't run on a modern OS like windows 10, works well under XP. It only recognises Com1 and Com2 (press F10 to change), but there's a lot of options on it, graphing etc. This could be where your wifes old laptop comes in handy.
EvoOllies MBE tool runs great on Windows 10, recognises all serial ports including USB to serial.
This works great with this USB to serial
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0030IT780/ref...
Then you just need a normal male to female serial lead and as previously said the engine has to be ready to run. Ignition on and press the button on the imobiliser to prime the fuel pump, turn on the ecu etc.
If you need, drop me a email with your address and I'll put a lead and my usb to serial in the post
Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragement. Thanks Biker for your generous offer and I may take you up on it if all else fails. I think the next thing is liberate the wifes lap top and install it in the garage. Get myself a Serial to Serial port cable and try again. Thanks again everyone.
Mike
Mike
Hi All
Connected up my wife's Steam driven Lap Top and "Hay Presto" the Cerb loves it. The official TVR program works OK but flashes every few seconds which makes it difficult to read. However, EvoOllies program works faultlessly. Now the work starts, the lambda sensor for 2,4,6,8 (Right hand side I think when sitting in the car) shows 0.0v and nothing else. The program is showing zero oil pressure, but I'm not overly worried as 2 days ago the drivers window went up for no apparent reason and the oil light came on!!! I put the window down and carried on because the pressure gauge is operating normally and the MIL light is silent. The oil light remains off at start up but comes on after a few minutes of driving. I'm guessing the sender is broken or TVR electrics?
The car runs drives and idles faultlessly. so hopefully nothing major.
Connected up my wife's Steam driven Lap Top and "Hay Presto" the Cerb loves it. The official TVR program works OK but flashes every few seconds which makes it difficult to read. However, EvoOllies program works faultlessly. Now the work starts, the lambda sensor for 2,4,6,8 (Right hand side I think when sitting in the car) shows 0.0v and nothing else. The program is showing zero oil pressure, but I'm not overly worried as 2 days ago the drivers window went up for no apparent reason and the oil light came on!!! I put the window down and carried on because the pressure gauge is operating normally and the MIL light is silent. The oil light remains off at start up but comes on after a few minutes of driving. I'm guessing the sender is broken or TVR electrics?
The car runs drives and idles faultlessly. so hopefully nothing major.
Good news.
Oil pressure, what's the gauge read?
Windows going up could be dirty contacts on the mag switch inside the door. Undo the two self tappers on the small metal plate at the bottom rear of the door and the switch will come out with a mass of two wires that eventually comes to a plug. Clean these contacts.
Although I also had a broken wire in the door that caused similar issues.
Check out the Tvr cerbera site for wiring diagrams
http://www.thetvrsite.com/
Oil pressure, what's the gauge read?
Windows going up could be dirty contacts on the mag switch inside the door. Undo the two self tappers on the small metal plate at the bottom rear of the door and the switch will come out with a mass of two wires that eventually comes to a plug. Clean these contacts.
Although I also had a broken wire in the door that caused similar issues.
Check out the Tvr cerbera site for wiring diagrams
http://www.thetvrsite.com/
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