Revisit OBDII software issue

[Brewer]

I am starting a new thread, as the original one is six months out-of-date, and I am now getting serious about buying a PC-based OBDII scanning setup. Most of the reviews seemed to favor the Car Code system, but I am somewhat confused by OEMTECH's posting, regarding the Protocol & cable selection requirement. As he stated, the W22, 8.1L chassis requires the VPW Protocol, and he showed an elaborate cable/connection setup to handle it. The Car Code website, however lists several software options, among which, are the ELM 322, for VPW vehicles, ELM 323 for ISO vehicles, and the ELM 327 "Universal" option ($149). Since all my vehicles EXCEPT the Workhorse W22 are ISO ( Jeep Wrangler, MB ML430, Nissan Altima ), I probably need to get the ELM 327. Is this indeed the right choice?

[oemtech]

There are 5 OBD2 Protocols... I snagged this off the net as it better that what I can compose.

SAE J1850 VPW (variable pulse width - 10.4/41.6 kB/sec, standard of General Motors)

SAE J1850 PWM (pulse-width modulation - 41.6 kB/sec, standard of the Ford Motor Company)

ISO 9141-2. This protocol has an asynchronous serial data rate of 10.4 kBaud. It is somewhat similar to RS-232, but that the signal levels are different, and that communications happens on a single, bidirectional line without extra handshake signals. ISO 9141-2 is primarily used in Chrysler, European, and Asian vehicles.

ISO 14230 KWP2000 (Keyword Protocol 2000)

ISO 15765 CAN (250 kBit/s or 500 kBit/s). The CAN protocol is a popular standard outside of the US automotive industry and is making significant in-roads into the OBD-II market share. By 2008, all vehicles sold in the US will be required to implement CAN, thus eliminating the ambiguity of the existing five signalling protocols.

Now which cable do you get.... It depends on what you want to scan/record and how much you want to pay. The interface box/cable are the brains and it is what costs. Now add in the software for the various protocols. OBD2 Car Code (Alex Pepper) sells an all in one that allows you to scan all the various protocols and the software to do the scan/record.

The ELMxx box is just that, a box and cable no software in most cases. Some companies provide a package deal with software and the ELM box/cable.

Programs like Autotap charge extra for the GM, package or the Chrysler package or the CAN package in addition to the "black box" and software.

Me I opt'd for Alex Peppers solution... all in one for 1 price.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oemtech There are 5 OBD2 Protocols... I snagged this off the net as it better that what I can compose..

Good stuff Dale!

[Whaler]

Miss you Oemy!Anything new with the 6 speed trans temps? Love the Ultra!!!!!

[oemtech]

Just waiting to get a 6 sp for testing. We need to send some cmds to the TCM that uses CAN protocol and get the data stream formatted.

[Duner]

I have the Car Code for my W-22 and would not recommend it for several reasons. I feel it was a waste of my $135.

Of course this is just my experience and yours may vary. I asked Ohmy about the ones he sells and he warned me that CC is quite cryptic to use and had a steep learning curve. But I wanted a large pc display rather than the small ScanGauge II display. I made the wrong the decision.

It takes quite a few minutes (5-10 min) to set up, each and every time and is quite complicated and nothing is intuitive. There is no manual or step-by step instructions. I had to call the owner/designer to get additional info to be able to read the basic 8.1L codes.

The software looks like it was designed for Win 3 in 1995. The window on your laptop is not scaleable, so it will only display a fraction of your screen depending on what resolution you're using. You can only have 2 large gauges and the other four will be difficult to see while driving down the road. As a matter of fact it is designed to use the old 9-pin serial interface which hasn't been on laptops for at least 10 or 15 yrs. So CC sells the usb adapter you must use.

But for me the biggest killer was the random reset where you have to pull over, stop, and redo the initial setup once again. Sometimes this would be just 5 min into the trip, sometimes 20 min, but it always happened. I tried 2 different laptops, and not running any other software. I thought maybe the Earthmate GPS/Delorme mapping program might be causing the issue... but no.

Don't waste your money on CC. A month ago I bought a Scan Gauge II and I like it very much. Very stable and easy to switch readings on the go. No other adapter needed to use on my Suzuki toad. Can read and clear Check Engine Light too.

Happy Trails,
Bill

[oemtech]

Bill is correct... But, for my purposes it does the job when properly setup. But, like any software that can be a real pain. My main purpose was to use it for Ultrapower scans as it provides the ability to scan, record std & enhanced PIDS, convert to metric, and export the the data steam to Excel. Not all scanners have that ability.

I have ELM based Proscan and it does have a better GUI than CC but noit the features and support that CC does. I have also tested PCMscan and OBD2 2007 (ELM based) and they are ok. But, I would not buy them as they don't off what I need.

Probably one of the best laptop programs is AutoTap. Very expensive $199 to start with. Add ons run $99 to $249. They have both serial and USB interfaces available.

For the average use a Scan Gauge II is the best bang for the money. If I can ever get a 6 sp rig to do some testing I think we can get the tranny temp thing fixed.

I have a review of Car Code OBD2 and Proscan on my web site. The bottom line is .... do your home work before you buy. Buy what fits your needs.

[wa7hra]

I use AutoTap which I bought from B & B Electronics. You buy the basic plug in scanner plus the engine specific software. You can also purchase software for other engines than the 8.1. I have been satisfied with it.

See their site at www.autotap.com

Bob, wa7hra

[gg]

Dale,

If you have anymore xguage codes to try on the 6speed tran temp let me know and I'll plug them in.

Thanks for your work on this issue. I had no success from the Scanguage people as of yet.

gg

[oemtech]

Hopefully I will have access to a 6 speed soon as Whaler plans to be in the area and hopefully we can get some test time.

[oemtech]

OK, Whaler was here but we didn't get the code. We did make progress. I got to talk to on of the techs and have his ear so to speak. I have a much better understanding of what we are up against. The short version is we can have up to 65,000 codes!!!

There are 2 ways to fix this...

1) Someone takes their 6 sp coach to them and they can hook up data bus recorder and nail it down.

2) I need someone that has a 6 sp and can key in some codes to email me for some test codes.

[edgray]

DALE: Look in post # 9 above. I think "GG" was saying send them to him and he will plug 'em in. Good luck. ED

[oemtech]

I sent GG a PM with the test codes... Anyone else?

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oemtech I sent GG a PM with the test codes... Anyone else?

dale,
how about engine oil pressure for my 8.1?