Can't connect to my ECU

[Mike Hawthorn]

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.

[Mike Hawthorn]

Thanks everybody its really nice that people are willing to help. And a special thanks to EvoOlli for suggesting his own hard work free. I'll give it a go. PS dont hold your breath waiting I'm not quick when it comes to computer type stuff.

[Mike Hawthorn]

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

[Mike Hawthorn]

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 Hawthorn]

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.

[Mike Hawthorn]

Hi The pressure gauge shows between 40 & 60 and a little lower when hot and at idle. I'll check out the pressure switch and the lambda sense during the week. Once again thanks for your help. Just need to locate the pressure switch now.

[Mike Hawthorn]

Thanks guys, thats one less worry! I'll delve into the back of the engine when I get time and see if thats affecting my dash oil light.

[Mike Hawthorn]

Thanks Mr C that's really helpful, looks like more than an hours work on a sunny evening.. I assume the fuel rail needs to be removed so I'll need new "O" ring seals. I'm guessing you have done the job, is there anything else I should have in readiness?
Thanks as always
Mike

[Mike Hawthorn]

Hi Mr C
Thanks for getting back to me, I'll delve into the problem very soon. I think I'll order up the "O" rings before starting and anything I think makes sence to replace. Also take pictures and make notes of HT and Coil connections. I also have a Lambda problem at the moment and I want to resove it before moving on.
Thanks again.
Mike