Diagnostic tool?

[PeterAllen]

Anyone have recommendations for a diagnostic tool for an LS1. Kinda looking for a cheap eBay item that will just give me a code but I'm open to other comments. Thanks

[Beejay]

I am interested in this too.

Cheers,

Ben

[renovationinnov]

ill send rebel 1 a email he has just bought 1 for his project
its a unit that will standalone plug & play
or be hard wired in as well

[Rebel1]

Guys, I was originally after something just to show me trouble codes.
Then I found I had a bit of real estate on my dash that needed filling with something.

So I got the scangauge:
ScanGauge - Trip Computer + Digitial Gauges + ScanTools

It shows all trouble codes and can also turn those codes off.

Does a whole heap of other stuff as well which may be handy if you want trip gauges /fuel consumption/alarms etc.

There is a cheaper unit called a Ultra Gauge which does the same thing.
UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

Both units just plug into the OBD11 port.

Scan Gauge is a bit expensive but enjoys an excellent rep.

[Rebel1]

I think this thread is broken.
It shows on the main page that the last poster was renovationinnov and doesn't show that I posted on the 28th at 01:14pm US time.

[Gaz64]

I have a Scangauge fitted to one of my cars permanently. Great piece, but wish is could display EGTs for mine.

[Modena]

I just bought an OBDLink MX WiFi. I chose this one partly because it's wifi, but also because it's recommended to work with Harry's Lap Timer

Obdlink MX Wifi Free 2 DAY Priority Shipping OBD2 II Module BY Scantool | eBay

http://www.gps-laptimer.de/

[sambo]

Let us know how it goes Ben. My L98 won't start when either of the two OBD2 dongles that I have are plugged in. They work on my Volkswagen so I'm thinking it might be voltage drop with the Cobra ECU. They're cheap $25 clones after all.

I captured some footage at Shelbyfest with Harry's lap timer. Will share it once I get around to uploading it on youtube.

[PeterAllen]

I purchased this one suggested by David

Diagnostic tool for Peter

I've plugged it in and all I get is 'P0001'. From the Google research so far it seems that P0001 means the tool needs the car to run so it can get data... but... I can't do anything but have it idle as there is no throttle response! I'm not sure if "run" means having the engine turning over or the car actually move?

[gjkrv8]

Peter,

I have an LS1 equipped Cobra and I use the following with the DASHCOMMAND iPhone app.

PLX Kiwi 2 Wifi | OBD2 OBDII iPhone

Seems to work ok.

Cheers

gregg

[Gaz64]

Peter,

I don't whether this may help, but your OBDii reader may be not compatible.

The car does NOT need to run to read DTCs from the vehicle, just ignition on.

P0001 is an uncommon DTC, not used by many manufacturers.

P0001 Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open OBDII Engine Light Trouble Code | Engine-Codes.com

Certainly not in the DTC list for GM LS engines as noted from Holden SI.

I work as a Senior Tech for a Holden dealership in Brisbane.

[PeterAllen]

Thanks Gary.

The pattern now seems to be it runs halfway through the data gathering phase and then drops out as it can't communicate with key components.

I've swapped some on the components around on my 3 ply electrical board and I'm just wondering if the bodies of the ecu and the DBW module need to be earthed?

[Gaz64]

The ECM case does not need to be earthed, it is normally mounted in a plastic case in the engine bay.

Do you have a PIM, powertrain interface module?

What voltage do you have at the battery with key on?

Do you have access to a Tech 2?

[PeterAllen]

Originally Posted by Gaz64

The ECM case does not need to be earthed, it is normally mounted in a plastic case in the engine bay. Thanks

Do you have a PIM, powertrain interface module? No

What voltage do you have at the battery with key on? Sorry, I can't check until tomorrow

Do you have access to a Tech 2? No

See above

[PeterAllen]

I've been busy with bodywork for a couple of week but I've looked at this issue again.

Can you believe it. Yesterday I bought a second–hand throttle body off eBay and I'm waiting for it to arrive. Today I went down the shed to look at the MAF to see if I could see something there. While I had the MAF off - and the ignition on – I pressed the butterfly and I could move it. My intention was to see if I could start the car and then push the butterfly I might learn something of the problem. I had previously tried – it must have been with the ignition off – but it would not move. Anyway after moving the butterfly with my finger I then pressed the accelerator and I was sure I heard movement in the throttle body. The ignition was still ‘on’ so I hit the starter and pressed the accelerator... Vroooom.

Buggered if I know but I think the butterfly was somehow stuck and unmovable (locked) with the ignition off. Giving it a nudge with the ignition ‘on’ seems to have freed it.

Let me see; engine runs, brakes work, steering connected, when the weather clears it might get driven up the driveway and down the street on it maiden outing... oh happy day.

[Modena]

Peter, I would be disassembling that throttle body and cleaning it up right proper. If it stuck shut, could it not get stuck open? Eeeekk!!

[PeterAllen]

Good point Ben. The thought crossed my mind mainly from a potential wear and durability aspect but you're right I need to prioritise it.

Any suggestions on how to clean it? What kind of bearings are on the butterfly shaft? I don't want to dry them out.

[Gaz64]

Peter,

I would be VERY careful putting your fingers into the throttle body with the key on.

The motor has a lot of torque and will cut your fingers off if it get's commanded shut, which it will at key on engine off.

The blades can jam in the bore at full closed, mainly due to lack of cleaning.

By the sounds of it, you still have a throttle control issue. It could be internal of the throttle body, tps sensors 1 or 2, or geartrain worn etc.

Myself, I would not buy a second hand electronic throttlebody.

You can clean the internal bore and the blade with throttlebody cleaner.

[PeterAllen]

Originally Posted by Gaz64

Peter,
...By the sounds of it, you still have a throttle control issue. ...

Hopefully not. I've only run it the once but it responded to the accelerator okay.

One Youtube clip I viewed about cleaning warned not to manually rotate the butterfly with the ignition 'on' as it could bugger up the programming. Fingers crossed I haven't done that.