Ebay Diagnostic cable - Worth buying?

[Vee-ard]

Been tempted to buy one of these off ebay for a while now. Is it worth it? only comes with EFILive eval. version. Anyone got one? thoughts, feedback?

USB ALDL Diagnostic Kit HOLDEN Commodore VR VS VT VX VY - eBay, Other, Car, Truck Parts, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 15-Oct-10 00:17:36 AEDST)

[acarmody]

Yeah I got one from that guy. Awesome to have. Really worth it when you want to check trouble codes.

[94VRtuff]

Yep have the same one, very handy to have a good investment,Bob.

[mischa]

Holly crap! I made one from spare parts I had from computers and a bit of CAT5 cable, no way is it worth that much!

If you do a search you can find a thread that describes how to do it.

[Brett_jjj]

Holly crap! I made one from spare parts I had from computers and a bit of CAT5 cable, no way is it worth that much!

If you do a search you can find a thread that describes how to do it.

If its USB ,you should see if you can post up a schematic so everyone can make one.Im looking to buy one at the moment too for data logging,but Id prefer to make one.I made a serial version ages ago.Cost about $5 for the parts from dick smiths,it works great,but I havent been able to find a schematic for a USB version.

[94VRtuff]

I didnt pay that much for mine, he has had them on sale before for about 90, and thats not a bad price for the complete package, especially if you have no idea about how to make one. Mine basicly paid for itself the first time i used it, so if you cant make one and can get it a bit cheaper i say go for it, Bob.

[Bizmark]

How do these diagnostic programs work? Do you have the car running with the diagnostic cable hooked up to a laptop? I wouldn't mind picking up a cable if its simple enough for the average joe to understand all the data the program spits out.

[Brett_jjj]

Check out this site I found,they sell the same things.And with efilive trial version 4 you can just google it, download it, and use it for free.---ALDL OBD1 OBD cable OBDI OBD2 engine codes---Ive been thinking about buying one,so Ive been looking around at the prices.These are in the USA ,so I dont even know if they will work here.I think old mate there on ebay is a bit expensive though.

[itchy123]

OBD Diagnostics, Inc. - ALDL (GM OBD1) Cable with 16 pin Connector

im guessing this is the one for a vs commodore ?
if so might get one as its alot cheaper than the ebay ones

[Vee-ard]

From what I know, The connection in commodores is a 16 pin OBD2, but communicates in OBD1 protocol to the ECU.

Its not enough to buy an OBD1 Cable, or an OBD2 cable it wouldnt work.

You need an OBD1 cable with a 16 pin (OBD2) connector?

...I Think.

Quote from http://www.aldlcable.com/:

"There are other styles of connectors, but the 12 pin OBD1 connector shown above is the most common. Some 1994-95 cars have the 16 pin OBD2 connector (shown below), Corvette's, Camaro's, and LT1 cars among them. Even though it is an OBD2 connector, it has an OBD1 system behind it on these 94-95 cars. If you have a 94 or 95 car with the 16 pin connector, we sell 16 pin connector shell cables for it here."

[Brett_jjj]

From what Ive read, these cables are for the GM vehicles fitted with the 16 pin OBD2 type connector,but still use the OBD1 diag system.(VR/VS are in this category).OBD2 uses the same 16 pin connector,but if you connect an OBD2 diagnostic scanner to the connector to try to read OBD1 codes,it obviously wont work.Ive seen a couple of people who have been caught out like this because the connector is the same as OBD2 on these cars, theyve bought an OBD2 scanner thinking because the connector is the same,that it would work ok.

[itchy123]

................................

[ChoppaReid]

OBD Diagnostics, Inc. - ALDL (GM OBD1) Cable with 16 pin Connector

im guessing this is the one for a vs commodore ?
if so might get one as its alot cheaper than the ebay ones

sorry for the rehash, but did any1 work out if this cable can do VS if using the right software pack on pc (presume software has to read obd1)

[Z2TT]

Hi,

I'm wondering what sort of data this diagnostic kit lets you log exactly, which outputs or does it only show error codes?
How does it differ in function to the Tech2 or something which is like $1400?

As in what it can and cant do?

[The1]

you can view all sensors in the ecu,bcm,pcm,abs and do data logging of these sensors with say efilive

Above this a scan tool can program keys, retrieve security codes, run tests on sensors, run engine load tests, view and clear history fault code tables, test lighting, check for blown fuses, diagnose/view srs data and faults and loads more.

[deanos70]

would these work ok on a vt 5.0 Equus Products, INC. can get them landed in aus for around $250

[The1]

vt 5L are aldl i think 5.7L is OBD2

[deanos70]

cheers mate

[ChoppaReid]

you can view all sensors in the ecu,bcm,pcm,abs and do data logging of these sensors with say efilive

Above this a scan tool can program keys, retrieve security codes, run tests on sensors, run engine load tests, view and clear history fault code tables, test lighting, check for blown fuses, diagnose/view srs data and faults and loads more.

So, is this saying "Yes" to my question ??????? (is this cable suitable for use on VS series with appropriate ODB1 software on a pc ?
(no one really seems to be answering that yet)

[Vee-ard]

So, is this saying "Yes" to my question ??????? (is this cable suitable for use on VS series with appropriate ODB1 software on a pc ?
(no one really seems to be answering that yet)

I ended up buying this kit, but got it for $80.

Yes, suitable up to VT 5.0, also suitable up to VX & VY V6's only.

Kit comes with everything you need to get it working on your VS. Also, you will need a laptop. you cant cart a PC around by extension cable in your car.

[ChoppaReid]

I ended up buying this kit, but got it for $80.

Yes, suitable up to VT 5.0, also suitable up to VX & VY V6's only.

Kit comes with everything you need to get it working on your VS. Also, you will need a laptop. you cant cart a PC around by extension cable in your car.

THX Vee-ard.
will hunt one down soon.
PS: have a laptop, but would be interesting to try the 'desktop on a power cord' theory) hahahahahha