ECU error code software?

[jimmyV8]

Just wondered if there is any software available that would allow me to plug my laptop to my ECU and check for error codes rather than buying a specific device? Cheers

[Pupp]

If you have a steam powered lappie perhaps...

Never heard of anything off the shelf and imagine the Lucas coding is pretty bespoke. There are aftermarket readers available and the OEM LR ones come up on ebay pretty frequently

[Cider Andy]

The only such kit is professional gear and what's available is very expensive. I think there's a couple of diagnostic systems available (Rovacom Lite springs to mind). There's also a Lucas developer kit that will run on a laptop which I believe you can use to modify the bitmap on the fly then write it to a chip: all I know is the kit is extremely rare and only a few tuners have it.

'blitzracing' knows more about it.

[bigdods]

I picked a reader up from the US on ebay for £50 plus import duty (about £15) a few weeks back. They often go for a lot less. On UK ebay expect to pay about £100.

Or you can hire them , cant recall who but there's a PH'er hires them for £10 a week I believe.

[Vixpy1]

To be fair, an error code on the Lucas ecu can mean anything from an overheating problem to the toast is ready

[spend]

Vixpy1 said:

To be fair, an error code on the Lucas ecu can mean anything from an overheating problem to the toast is ready

I've heard they are very adaptable, hairdryers & the like.. The old chestnuts about cooking on the Y-piece...

I had never realized the LouCuss could manage a toaster though.

Bet the Emerald & KMS boys are dead sick now

[Vixpy1]

spend said:

Vixpy1 said:

To be fair, an error code on the Lucas ecu can mean anything from an overheating problem to the toast is ready

I've heard they are very adaptable, hairdryers & the like.. The old chestnuts about cooking on the Y-piece...

I had never realized the LouCuss could manage a toaster though.

Bet the Emerald & KMS boys are dead sick now

It was THE feature to have in 90's

[spend]

Vixpy1 said:

It was THE feature to have in 90's

.. and the coffee maker clicks on as you pass 140

[Mark Adams]

Vixpy1 said:

To be fair, an error code on the Lucas ecu can mean anything from an overheating problem to the toast is ready

Actually Charlie - the Lucas diagnostic is very accurate and rarely wrong. Somtimes it's more that people don't know how to interpret it.

The separate code reader is a useful piece of kit, and no laptop is required so it can be left permanently connected. Many of my clients in remote parts of the world like this feature, especially in places where you wouldn't take a laptop. Many competition users like it too because it's instant information on the spot - far quicker than farting around with a laptop.

If you want live data then you need either a Sun code reader (typically £500 on eBay) or a Rovacom Lite.

I have to say I do get heartily sick of all the anti-Lucas bx I read on Pistonheads, usually from people who know nothing about how it works. That's why I only bother to visit every two or three months.

[blitzracing]