Can I use a diagnostic cable on my v6 in my hiace? + real time engine diagnostics?

[thek]

vn s1 v6 in toyota hiace van.

i'd love to be able to get the info (mostly the error codes) from the diagnostic cable set up.

Is it possible to do this? Where do I plug the cable into?

Also, is there anyway to run the diagnostic cable with a hand controller type thing (small led screen etc) that shows whats happening with you motor in real time as you drive?

thanks

[Cheap6]

No reason why not. Near the ECM should be a 6 pin (ALDL) connector. Unless this has disappeared during the engine conversion, it's simply going to be a matter of plugging a cable into that, as per the donor Commodore, to connect to a Notebook. (A PC will work but be of limited utility).

If the notebook doesn't have a DB9 or DB25 port, you will need an RS232 to USB adaptor cable too.

To just get the codes, a paper clip will do. Search the 'How To's' for that.

If using the cable, you will need software to convert the data stream into something readable. WinALDL is one and free, EFILive is another. (To pre-empt another question, unless it has been fixed, WinALDL doesn't convert the speed signal into km/h correctly. X it by 5/8).

The TechEdge site has some very good info. on the Holden ECM and on making a cable, as does the EFILive site. With both you have to do a bit of searching around though. You can buy a cable instead.

It's on here somewhere but the ALDL connector matches a Hyundai Excel taillight connector (and a few Toyota ones) if you are making one.

The easiest way to read the data while you drive will be with a laptop. The data can be seen in real time (well at least as quick as it is sent by the ECM; about once every 1.2 seconds for VN).

[vnv8driver]

The diagnostic hand controller sells for around 5-600 dollars and does exactly the same as a cheapo diagnostics cable. Look on ebbay and you should find one for 50-60 bucks.

The cable connects to a plug as mentioned above which in a commodore, resides with the ecu so it will be in the vacinity of where the ecu is located. I recommend using tunerpro RT over winaldl, mostly because of the extra features you get for free but i have also noted slightly differant readings with the 2, and when using another program called efilive v4, the results from efilive were the same as tunerpro, so im sure it was winaldl that was innacurate.


If all your chasing is an error code log then dont bother just use a paperclip and short out the 2 required pins, theres a guide to do it in the how-to section on this site.


By the way, do you surprise alot of people with the hiace when taking off at the lights ?

[thek]

thanks for the info guys. my ecu is mounted behind my seat and there does not appear to be this connector you guys speak of anywhere near it. guess ill go out and have a good proper look all over the van for it.

and yeah the van goes alright. maybe a few surprises at the lights lol

[centy]

about 250mm up the cable bundle is were the connector sticks out.