Engine Diagnostics
Discussion
I've seen lots of engine diagnostic software and interface leads for sale on E-bay, and thought it would be a handy setup to have for when things go wrong. I've been told that TVRs plug straight into the Range Rover diagnostics, which I assume is just OBD1. The trouble is, I don't know which interface lead to get, or where to plug it in if I do get one, because there are no obvious multi-plugs hanging around in the passenger's footwell.
Is anyone able to shed any light on the subject?
Thanks in advance,
Dan.
Is anyone able to shed any light on the subject?
Thanks in advance,
Dan.
You want a fault code reader for the 14CUX ECU.
Theres a unit called a "test book" but this was a Range Rover main dealer unit that cost ££££££. The Lucas fault code reader is still fairly expensive I understand.
However this classified advert is for someone who has one for rent: -
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=41975&s=7
For the cost to buy -vs- amount of actual use I'd just be tempted to keep this guys number handy.
Bear in mind you're only going to get basic fault codes out of this, and nothing funky like in OBD-II systems.
Sy
Theres a unit called a "test book" but this was a Range Rover main dealer unit that cost ££££££. The Lucas fault code reader is still fairly expensive I understand.
However this classified advert is for someone who has one for rent: -
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=41975&s=7
For the cost to buy -vs- amount of actual use I'd just be tempted to keep this guys number handy.
Bear in mind you're only going to get basic fault codes out of this, and nothing funky like in OBD-II systems.
Sy
RPI engineering sell diagnostics for the 14cux system, which work with a Laptop pc.
www.rpiv8.com/rovacomlite.htm
mike
There are two levels of diagnostics available with the 14CUX.
At the basic level, there is the Lucas "Fault Code Display Unit" part number PRC7067. This was fitted to all North American Spec (NAS) Land Rover (Disco, RR, Defender 1990-1995) vehicles by law, since you are not allowed to lock customers into franchised dealers only.
This gadget is about the size of an overgrown cigarette packet, and displays a two-digit number on the side to indicate any faults. Last week these became officially obsolete, but you can still get them on eBay from North America. It's a pity because I used to do a good trade in these to the far corners of the world!
Fortunately for us, most Griff and Chimaera were built with NAS engine looms. This means that they nearly all have the special socket to plug the reader into. If you don't have one, they can be easily retro-fitted.
On a more sophisticated level, there is the Land Rover Testbook, Autologic, Rovacom, and Lucas PDL500. These will display fault codes and live data readings. However they are very expensive, and hard to justify for personal use alone.
I was wondering if there was any interest in a piece of PC software and an interface box, to do this job at a much lower price. This would just be to provide fault codes and live data reading, and maybe operate the stepper and fuel pump. Since I have all the source code for the 14CUX including the communications protocols, it would be possible for me to do it.
Now I have experience of writing multi-processor real time operating systems for military Avionic systems, but I've never done any Windows programming (yet)! A simple interface box is required, which would be part of it. Looking at the price it would have to be around £100-150 to make it worthwhile. Since the old PRC7067 was £115+VAT it doesn't seem too outrageous. What do you think?
At the basic level, there is the Lucas "Fault Code Display Unit" part number PRC7067. This was fitted to all North American Spec (NAS) Land Rover (Disco, RR, Defender 1990-1995) vehicles by law, since you are not allowed to lock customers into franchised dealers only.
This gadget is about the size of an overgrown cigarette packet, and displays a two-digit number on the side to indicate any faults. Last week these became officially obsolete, but you can still get them on eBay from North America. It's a pity because I used to do a good trade in these to the far corners of the world!
Fortunately for us, most Griff and Chimaera were built with NAS engine looms. This means that they nearly all have the special socket to plug the reader into. If you don't have one, they can be easily retro-fitted.
On a more sophisticated level, there is the Land Rover Testbook, Autologic, Rovacom, and Lucas PDL500. These will display fault codes and live data readings. However they are very expensive, and hard to justify for personal use alone.
I was wondering if there was any interest in a piece of PC software and an interface box, to do this job at a much lower price. This would just be to provide fault codes and live data reading, and maybe operate the stepper and fuel pump. Since I have all the source code for the 14CUX including the communications protocols, it would be possible for me to do it.
Now I have experience of writing multi-processor real time operating systems for military Avionic systems, but I've never done any Windows programming (yet)! A simple interface box is required, which would be part of it. Looking at the price it would have to be around £100-150 to make it worthwhile. Since the old PRC7067 was £115+VAT it doesn't seem too outrageous. What do you think?
and surely pay for itself quickly in time saved. 
If the PC will require an interface box it would seem simpler to me to build all the functionality into the box and forget the PC. Would think knocking out a bit of dedicated code to run on an eight bit Micro would be less painful than something windows based. Out of interest how do you envisage the PC talking to the box RS232, USB or the Parallel port ?
Mark Adams said:
Now I have experience of writing multi-processor real time operating systems for military Avionic systems, but I've never done any Windows programming (yet)!
Writing Windows programs is much easier than people think. The programming language and APIs do all the hard work for you.
Accessing hardware devices directly is a tad trickier and sometimes the operating system gets in the way. However anything is possible and there are plenty of Windows techies who can help.
I would have though you could sell many more at the £60 price range (given that the hardware component is probably only £10-15) than at £100+. Once you get to £100, I'd rather pay for an hour of your time as and when required. That way I get you, your considerable experience in interpreting the results and the use of YOUR fault reader!
Ian A.
I'd be very interested in one of these Mark. A PC based system with a hardware I/F box sounds like a good method.
I assume that you're talking about connecting via the RS232 from the ECU? What "live data" would be available with this method?
Something I've thought about which would be very useful is a "break out" facility from the main ECU connector to attach scope probes to to get real time data on what's happening to the I/O. Although I guess you would have to be very careful about damaging I/O by carelessness, it seems to me that this is the ultimate diagnostic tool.
Whatdya think?
I assume that you're talking about connecting via the RS232 from the ECU? What "live data" would be available with this method?
Something I've thought about which would be very useful is a "break out" facility from the main ECU connector to attach scope probes to to get real time data on what's happening to the I/O. Although I guess you would have to be very careful about damaging I/O by carelessness, it seems to me that this is the ultimate diagnostic tool.
Whatdya think?
Sorry guys I completely missed this one! I have to confess it had dropped off the radar. Thanks for the reminder.
BTW I already have a DOS based program that was written by someone else. Although I know the guy who wrote it, I have lost touch with him. It's his copyright, so I can't just sell that.
However I think a Windows version would be much better.
BTW I already have a DOS based program that was written by someone else. Although I know the guy who wrote it, I have lost touch with him. It's his copyright, so I can't just sell that.
However I think a Windows version would be much better.
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