Diagnostics Connector

[Guest DBAG]

Hello all,

 

To come back to the question about diagnostics, does anyone know if the diagnostics connector on a 1997 Galaxy TDI 1,9 Liter is an ODB2 connector?

 

I would like to buy a cable, but don't know which cable is compatible. :angry:

 

Thanks a lot

 

Adam

[Guest neil_wiles]

The diagostic connector on all Galaxy models are most definitely OBD2 compatible but Ford have their own diagnostic software as the protocol on the early models pre-2001 is of Fords own setting, however the later models are fully EOBD compatible software as well.

 

Autotap can supply a PDA package to read the diagnostic codes.

[Guest DBAG]

Thanks very much for the info. Can you maybe tell me where i can find the connection on the car?

 

Adam

[Guest DBAG]

Found it! It is under the ash tray in the middle consol. :angry:

[_dg]

Can anyone reccomend the cheapest supplier for the interface and cable?

 

I found one for $79 from a US site, but wonder if there's anything cheaper

 

Cheers

[Guest DBAG]

The most inexpensive I have seen it is on Ebay. for around 10-20 pound.

[Guest SA Intruder]

It MUST have opto-isolation, not direct connection. Cheap ones do not.

 

BE CAREFUL and BE WARNED - you WILL destroy the Engine ECU and any others you have (Autobox/ABS etc).

[Guest DBAG]

To SA Intruder-

 

That's the first i have heard about harming anything on the car by reading the diagnostics. Can you explain opto-isolation? I am being put on the spot a little bit by this, because i just purchased a connector... :rolleyes:

 

I don't have anything on the car that i want to change, like chip tuning, i merely want to read out the error codes, and just think that this thing could someday be worth it's weight in gold if I ever have a problem.

 

Appreciate it much,

 

DBAG

[Guest SA Intruder]

Opto-isolation eliminates DIRECT connection between the OBD and your PC.

 

It also warns you about "K-line" problems which may exist and cause problems and won't harm your PC or car.

 

Your unit may well have it, or not.

[_dg]

I have noticed some leads - one stated as having opto-isolation, the other as having "Electronic Protection against short circuits using dedicated ISO K-L line driver IC"

 

Would it be correct in assuming that isolation protection is needed, but it does not have to be opto-isolation?

[Guest SA Intruder]

The second option stops damage, but means it may not work either.

 

Tends to be the reason why the more expensive links are more expensive...they work under all conditions in all applications.

[Guest DBAG]

The connector I have ordered consists of an interface with the odb2 and a com output for connection to a pc, how can I know that it is no direct connection? There is a little box (interface) between the two connectors with LED's.

 

Does anyone else have one of these things, or are they just something that everyone dreams about, but doesn't REEALLY want to connect it to their Own car?

 

:rolleyes:

 

I spoke with a gentleman that had the same one, from the same person, and he said he had no problems with it.

 

Thanks

[NikpV]

Where have yu ordered yours from and do they do a USB version?

[Guest DBAG]

I got mine from an Ebay auction. Here is thier link: www.tdi-tuning.ag.vu . I have seen USB versions also, but they are mostly much more expensive, and I can't see the data transfer rate of the ODB 2 connection being much faster than a COM. Maybe 9.600 baud or so.

 

I would maybe wait for the next answer from SA Intruder before buying anything, though...

[Ivor_E_Tower]

(gulp)

I think I may like to become a "crouched technician".....

[seatkid]

What is EOBD?

<snip>

 

EOBD checks are also likely to become part of the annual MOT test, either alongside or integrated into the emissions test. Any vehicle with the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated or with any recorded faults, including intermittent faults, will fail the test.

<snip>

 

It is expected that it will also become an offence to drive a vehicle with the warning lamp on.

<snip>

 

The biggest concern with the system is the misfire monitoring. Many misfires that are illuminating the MI lamp are being caused by basic engine mechanical faults that repair technicians are overlooking. This is leading to unneeded replacement of components such as spark plugs, leads, distributor caps, ignition coils, etc. before the problem is correctly diagnosed. On top of this the system has been designed to pick up very small misfires that may appear to be symptomless as the vehicle driver cannot feel them, and they are very difficult to pin down to any fault.

<snip>

:huh: Crickey! :o

 

Soon it will not be worth keep a car longer than 3 years! The annual MOT is getting out of hand now and is in danger of becoming an open cheque book for unscrupolous dealers (because many failures now are down to the "personal opinion" of the tester) :unsure:

 

 

On the other hand maybe I'll just hold on to my 98 model when this EOBD starts failing every new car...

look at those posts referring to high (1000 rpm) idling speed on 2.0 litre models as OK / not worth fixing - these would be failures under a EOBD embracing MOT?

[Ivor_E_Tower]

..and what about when tyres over 5 years old will cause an MOT failure, as is being discussed (allegedly) by the eurocrats?

Time to seriously consider emigrating outside of the EEC.

[Guest neil_wiles]

Sorry about the spelling gents but it was an informal document that I thought would provoke some interest....

 

Still the thought of an MOT failure due to a "blinking bulb" is better than having the MOT inspector write on the failure sheet that the vehicle "MUST HAVE A NEW RACK"

 

I didnt think that a tester could decide how a fault should be resolved just that the fault existed and is sufficient to fail the MOT.

 

Comments ?

 

:o :huh: :o :unsure: :o

[Guest DBAG]

Ok, fellas now I have had the OBDii connector for a week and done some pretty extensive testing with it and come to the conclusion that it is the next best thing to sliced bread...

 

All of the data that one can extract. It's incredible. With a shareware version of VAG-COM there are some options that are locked, but the cable was worth the money, just to do the error reading. I only had one error, that the brake lights were sporadic, a problem that I fixed 2 weeks ago. Really a lot of fun to watch the engine data whilst driving. (O.K., riding)

 

All of the data can also be protocalled into a file that is graphed bye VAG-COM AND saved as a *.CSV file, that one can open with Microsoft Excel.

 

However, I still haven't brought myself to erasing the error. Still a little jittery about an eeprom reading command. Reading eeprom is much safer than writing...

 

To SA Intruder- can you please tell me where i can find the options on the EGR?

 

Thank you

 

I wish you all a good day!

 

Adam

[seatkid]

Still the thought of an MOT failure due to a "blinking bulb" is better than having the MOT inspector write on the failure sheet that the vehicle "MUST HAVE A NEW RACK"

 

I didnt think that a tester could decide how a fault should be resolved just that the fault existed and is sufficient to fail the MOT.

 

Comments ?

Neil - He has stepped beyond the bounds of what he can do. He can write "rack leaking" or "rack excessive play/wear", i.e. the grounds on which he failed it. But not a specific requirement for work to be done.

 

There are specific instructions in the MOT on what components should be checked and what for. For instance only front outer CV's can be failed - not the inner or rear.

 

He obviously has done this with a view to forcing you to having it repaired in his garage.

 

What is wrong with the rack anyway? A second MOT elsewhere could save you loads? At least get a second opinion.

 

MOT Testers are the same monkeys that service your car.

 

I personally know of two MOT's where the tester(s) failed something that another tester passed with flying colours (and not a borderline job either - because I asked) - just for the

[seatkid]

To SA Intruder- can you please tell me where i can find the options on the EGR?

I think SA means http://www.tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-7.html