Hi TazzI
I've been reading through these threads that you've written ( good stuff ) but I'm still a little confused.
I have a 99 vt 3.8 wagon and am not sure if I should be getting an ALDL cable or ELM327 for it, and/or if one cable will display both live engine data AND faults.
Also I have a MacBook and an iPad, and am not sure what program (if any) might be compatible?
No worries. I really need to redo these "How-To" threads and put the supported vehicles+cables at the top!
So, for your VT V6 (3.8L) commodore, you will want an ALDL cable to read live engine data and fault codes. Suitable software for a WINDOWS PC is TunerPro and Efilive V4.
Unfortunately, to my knowledge,there is no suitable software to use for Holden Commodores on an Apple laptop.
A little confused to now.
So what will OBDlink LX and Torque actually read/do on my VXLS1?
I bought aN OBD2 cable off ebay, maybe 3 years ago, maybe one of yours i can't remember. To retrieve codes with that cable i have to use use the ATSH command followed by another command. It reads all available data as far as i know.
Also have a ScanGauge2, reads data but will not retrieve faults
Dave
No worries dave, first lets just split up what each of those products actual do.
The OBDLink LX is the hardware (the tool) which will interpret your cars information.
And Torque is the application which uses tool, to send "read/write commands" to obtain engine data and fault codes.
The "ATSH" command you stated, is a command that can be used by a program such as the OBDLINK LX. Its all stuff that you dont see, but happens in the background as the application communicates with the "tool".
If it was 3years ago, I doubt that would have been me! I have only begun developing on the LS1/VZ ecus starting last year using the ELM devices to be able to read out Holden Specific engine data and fault codes. But theres no reason why you should have to be sending commands manually, it can all be done using modern software.
Im not surprised that is cannot read the faults. Since almost all programs/apps will ONLY read GENERIC faults. All manufacture specific faults are either ignored, or the application doesnt know how to request them.
What is a safe way to make car throw a code?
Dave
Safe... is a questionable term. Easiest/safest way will be to pull the ecu out, and power it up on a bench. This will throw fault codes since it will be missing vital components (like an engine!). This causes no harm to the ecu, or car.
I have figured out codes up to P0801 are generic, beyond that they are holden/gm specific. Correct? Is according to Rellim code book.
Is there a list of apps/programs that will do all holden ls1 codes?
Dave
Almost all applications on apples/androids will be able to read/interpret "Generic" engine data and fault codes like you have stated. BUT, will not be able to understand, or even request the Manufacture specific fault codes. Even if they could, they probably dont know what each fault code means.
So far, the only holden dedicated application I know of is my own free creation SOE (Software On ELM Street). This will read Holden specific fault codes on LS1's happily :beer chug:
Its still a beta application (although.. with 150+ users), and is being regularly updated for the greatest support.
