New to Tuning

[Gordon]

I am new to tuning. Engine Power Systems did the initial tuning of the PCM. I am going to install 32 lb/hr injectors. I have the tuning software to do so, but I need to have data logging ability to set the fuel trim. I have everything plugged up and running properly, but I can not get any data to come thru onto the laptop so I can see what my fuel trim is. I probably have something set wrong and it's just something stupid and simple. But if anyone has any information that might assist it would be greatly appreciated. Thank's.

[joecar]

Hi Gordon, welcome to the forum...

Do you have FlashScan V1 or V2...?

Which year/model/vehicle...?

In the scantool, did you:
- click the green connect button (upper left)...?
- do Info->Validate PIDs...?
- goto PIDs tab and select pids...?
- click the red record button (bottom center)...?

Post a screenshots of the PIDs tab.

[Gordon]

I am using EFILive V4 Pro. I am using it on a 94 Camaro Z28.

[joecar]

Ah, V4, I'll move the thread to the V4 section.

I pm'd Tech Support on your problem.

[Tordne]

Do you get any errors reported that might be helpful for diagnosis?

We have previously seen vehicles with aftermarket chips (that don't behave like a factory PCM) where EFILive V4 does not work with them.

[Gordon]

No, I do not get any error messages. I am using the stock chip that was in the PCM. I do not believe there is any error. I believe it is something that I do not have set correctly in the program to read the PCM. I get the green light on the left side of the DTC window, but it is always red on the right side of the window. I have the correct comm port selected and I also have the correct baud selected. But I still can not get any data to come up. Hopefully this information helps.

[Blacky]

Try logging data with the "Max232 Echo" property setting checked and try again with it unchecked. Depending on the hardware/cable that you are using it will either require or not require that setting.

You could also try turning on the menu option View->Show Serial IO. That will provide a more detailed display of what the software is trying to do when communicating with the PCM. That info may offer some clues as to what is happening.

Regards
Paul

[Gordon]

This is what I get when I try it with and without 232baud.

42:27.411: Opening COM3 8228,8,N,1
42:37.503: Check vehicle interface...
42:37.508: Waiting for Aldl bus silence of at least 10ms...
42:37.518: Requesting Max232 interface to acknowlege: $FF,$55,$AC...
42:37.518: Start writing frame
42:37.518: Send: $FF,$55,$AC
42:37.518: Finished writing frame
42:37.518: Start reading frame
42:37.526: Aldl frame header byte: $FF
42:37.526: Aldl frame length byte: $ 0
42:37.526: Recv: $FF,$55,$AC
42:37.526: Finished reading frame
42:37.526: Max232 interface detected OK

42:37.528: Scanning for heartbeat and chatter frames...
42:37.528: Waiting for Aldl bus silence of at least 10ms...
42:37.533: Start reading frame
42:37.643: Com timeout: Expecting frame header byte
42:37.704: No chatter found

And the chatter button on the right is red. It is always red.

[Blacky]

Hi Gordon,

The 94 Camaro should be sending out chatter frames. The chatter indicator will turn from red to green when those frames are detected.

Is it possible that your laptop has a built in modem and that the built in modem is using the COM port that you have set up in EFILive?
A modem can appear to the EFILive software as if it is a max232 ALDL interface. Check in the Windows hardware manager (right click My Computer" and select Properties). to see what COM ports you have available. Maybe you need to choose a different one.

If you are using a USB-Serial converter then it most likely won't work. You'll need a real ALDL-USB cable (www.moates.net sells them) or you need to use a real RS232 serial port.

Regards
Paul

[Gordon]

I am using a aldl cable with a converter that I purchased from Moates. It plugs in up under the dash, on to a small converter box, then to a usb that plugs into the laptop. I am also using a newer laptop with Windows7. I did run into problems using Windows7 with C.A.T.S. Tuner software. I eventually got it to work properly by installing 3 missing activex controls. Don't know if that little bit of information might help or not. I just did some checking and the laptop modem is operating on com3. The EFILIVE Software is running on the same com. I have tried using other coms but it get less when I don't use com3. How can I fix/change?