Is It Possible?

[nexsuperne]

Hi All,

 

I would like to get the ecu to display all the live information to my laptop whilst driving. Is it possible to see the following?

 

Engine temp

O2 mix

Boost pressure

Exhaust temp

 

What leads/ software would I need?

I already have a standard boost gauge, but after searching on here for a post about where to get the boost reference from, I am now trying to find the ECU. Rumour has it that its behind the clocks?

 

I also have a 52mm Exhaust Gas Temp gauge, which is drilled into the exhaust manifold to monitor exit temps when running high boost to make sure I don't melt the valves.

 

A computerised single display would be a nice touch, if it can be done?

 

Thanks.

[SilverBeast]

I'm pretty sure the ECU on the MKII's is behind the Battery.

[chrispb123456]

Can concur the engine ECU is behind the battery.

 

For live data and all other diagnostics you need to get a Vagcom/VCDS interface cable (under £10 from ebay) then download the free software and other info from ross tech

 

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-GROUP-USB-COM-PORT-OBD2-II-KKL-ECU-DIAGNOSTIC-CABLE-LEAD-WORK-VCDS-LITE-409-/271036790042?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3f1b0d351a

 

 

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

[nexsuperne]

Thanks for the quick responses. Does the ecu have the boost pipe going into it? I tapped into the pipe that goes to the egr, but that didnt seem to do anything, although the engine was warm at that point. I managed to get the pipe for the boost gauge out to just behind the battery, and I could see one ecu box there, but didnt know if that was the one or if it was for the ABS.

 

Is there anywhere else I can tap in to? I am old school in so much that I drilled and tapped a spiggot into the manifold on the Land Rover Discovery diesel that I used to have. But then, there's no electronics (well, unless a solenoid stop valve counts?)

Edited April 21, 2013 by nexsuperne

[chrispb123456]

Answers to your questions.

 

1. Does the ecu have the boost pipe going into it?       No not on the Mk 2 the MAP sensor is attached directly to the air charge pipe, you would need to tap into this pipe or drill and tap the inlet manifold.

 

2.  I tapped into the pipe that goes to the egr, but that didnt seem to do anything,       The EGR valve works on vacuum not pressure!!

 

3.  and I could see one ecu box there, but didnt know if that was the one or if it was for the ABS.    The ABS module is mounted to the hydraulic control unit behind the engine coolant bottle

[nexsuperne]

Thank you for the excellent response. This is obviously one of the better forums on the www. I will drill the manifold later. I have also ordered the vagcom lead, so will have a look at that.

[inchley313]

There are some fantastic "live data" OBD2 apps available on android for very little money and for free!! All you will need is a bluetooth OBD plug which are available on ebay for £15 - £20!

These also work as diagnostics tools to get trouble code data if the engine management light is on and allows you to reset the light if required!! Handy tool if you ask me!!

[gregers]

take a looksie on amazon aswell as some are cheaper then the bay.

[nexsuperne]

I have bought the lead that goes into my laptop, but may well go for the bluetooth to Android option as well, as my smartphone is always in the cradle when I am driving. So now the gauge is fitted, I have noticed that when the engine is cold it boosts to 1.8-1.9 bar, but when warm it is as low as 1.2 bar on full throttle. Is this normal?