Yet Another ECU Software Connectivity Question

[Timmy2TARs]

OK - there are lots of threads on this already but I'm if I can get the ECU talking to my laptop... Here's what I know:

- Laptop running XP
- Using serial port on COM1 (no USB adaptor)
- Three pin fly-lead connection to the ECU (located outside the box)
- Black button, blip keyfob so car's beeping at me
- Software is version 1.72 (yellow cerb in the background)
- My car's a 2003 4.5
- Cable from Clever Trevor

I have tried:

- F10 to switch to COM2 - get error saying can't find COM2
- F5 to disconnect / reconnect - still can't find ECU
- Connecting computer before, after and during software running
- Connecting ECU before, after and whilst car is beeping
- A different laptop
- Running the software under Win95 and Win2K emulation

Given all the past threads I was pretty sure I'd be onto a winner here, but to no avail. My holy grail of getting it to work under VMWare running on my MacBook seems a bridge too far at this stage!!!


Can anyone suggest something I've missed other than trying a different car or cable?

Many thanks

[alinton]

Are you sure thats the right ECU connector?

I thought that round plug was for a TVR diagnostic unit. Maybe you should try removing the ecu lid and using the 9-pin D connector inside.

Unless your ecu is a very new one in which case it won't have the internal plug; Mine doesn't, but I installed a D connector on a flying lead, wired to the relevent pins on the 55-pin main connector.

Also you might like to check that your PC's serial port is mapped to the correct COM port. Go into Device Manager, Ports, Communications Ports, right-click, select properties, port settings, advanced.

Hope this helps!

Andy.

[Timmy2TARs]

There is no 9-pin connector in the ECU box itself - I have the three-pin and a two-pin connector. The CT website does say the cable's for all late AJP8s and having spoken with them I'm sure it's right, so I'm as sure as I can be, but...

Will check the PC though I'm sure it's set properly.

ETA: PC appear to be setup correctly, i.e. COM1 specfiied.

Edited by Timmy2TARs on Saturday 18th August 15:38

[JensenA]

The ECU will only talk to the PC Diags if the car immobiliser is OFF - ie if you pressed the red Start button and the engine would start.

[Timmy2TARs]

Not sure if that's a typo there but startup on mine is black button, no beep, keyfob, beep, black button again to start. Red button is to stop everything.

[Byker28i]

Make sure your Com1 is allocated to the serial port and not a modem, trackerpad etc

[Peppe]

When you press F10, try to change baudrate. As I remember my car uses 4800 (internal 9 pin connection) and my friends 4.5 LW with the same kind of ECU as yours with the external 3 pin connector uses 9600.

[JensenA]

JensenA said:

The ECU will only talk to the PC Diags if the car immobiliser is OFF - ie if you pressed the red Start button and the engine would start.

Freudian Slip, I meant the Black button (I just think Start should be RED)

[amazon]

JensenA said:

JensenA said:

The ECU will only talk to the PC Diags if the car immobiliser is OFF - ie if you pressed the red Start button and the engine would start.

Freudian Slip, I meant the Black button (I just think Start should be RED)

Me too.

[Basil Brush]

If you have infrared or anything similar on your laptop then un-install it. Mine worked a treat after doing that as it was conflicting on com1.

[Byker28i]

Use the device manager to check your com ports settings. Whilst you can move the diagnostic software settings to use other com ports I've found it works great on Com1. It's easier to move your other laptop related ports around to free com 1.

Pull up device manager (Windows key & break, or right click my computer/properties) select the hardware tab, then device manager.

Expand the ports section by clicking the + sign and check to make sure your com port is Com1. Other possibilities might be infra red port, tracker pad (mouse), modem etc.

I use a usb to serial port and have this configured as Com1 when plugged in.

If you need to change the port assignments around, use the port settings, Advanced button.

[Timmy2TARs]

Thanks for all the inputs folks! I'm ashamed to say it's been a little bit of and a little bit of , finally ending with a good old


Oh well, it's not important. I'm off for a instead - will just have to bring my cable and laptop with me to any meets, on the off-chance someone who knows might be around.

[Byker28i]

Whereabouts in Berkshire are you. There's a couple of us work in Newbury...

[Timmy2TARs]

Hi Dave - I'm in Bracknell, working in Maidenhead at the moment. I don't know if you do TVRCC meets but the Berks region one is on tomorrow night. I don't normally go to them but if anyoen fancies earning a pint...

[Byker28i]

Ah sorry - no can do this week...