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Using Diagnostics Using Diagnostics

To start a new tread from earlier, mentioned by Naillmoran, I finished building an OBD (On Board Diagnostics) interface to connect to my 166. Downloaded the Demo version of the ...
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Old 31-10-2005   #1 (Post Link)
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Using Diagnostics
To start a new tread from earlier, mentioned by Naillmoran, I finished building an OBD (On Board Diagnostics) interface to connect to my 166. Downloaded the Demo version of the AlfaDiag programe and connects fine so will buy the full version tomorrow and post what I find out how easy it is to use.
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Old 31-10-2005   #2 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Good work m8! will be interested
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Old 01-11-2005   #3 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
pah! you beat me to it....wonder where my pesky laptop battery has got to - bloody fedex

Cheers
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Old 01-11-2005   #4 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Still awaiting a download code to get the full version of alfadiag. Waiting in anticipation! lol. will post more when I have more to tell!
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Old 03-11-2005   #5 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Am I correct in thinking that my lap top will need an RS232 port/socket to connect the OBD interface cable to the ecu? Just looking at laptops today. None come with anything other than USB socket!
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Old 03-11-2005   #6 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
yeah, i'm pretty sure you need a proper serial port although i seem to remember that you might be able to use a PCMCIA slot serial adaptor but a USB one won't work.....
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Old 03-11-2005   #7 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
AFAIK, most manufacturers of PCMCIA_to_RS232 claim that their adaptors are fully compatible with the regular serial port protocol. I sure hope so, I just bought one a couple of months back, but haven't found the time (or means) to test it properly
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Old 03-11-2005   #8 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
I think that's right - it's the USB adaptors that effectively emulate a COM port which doesn't work with the diagnostics doodah....
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Old 03-11-2005   #9 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
From other threads on the 156 forum that there have been problems with pcmcia cards not delivering enough voltage to operate properly, try http://forum.alfa156.net/forum/ and search for diagnostics.
As for me, I have an interface built, full version of alfadiag, but couldn't read the sensors, but now managed to blow the capacitor as thought it was the wrong way round, so de-soldered it and oh bugger it was the right way round. So now need to source a new one and try again! Bit of a steep learning curve here on diagnostics!
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Old 06-11-2005   #10 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Fixed my interface now, and now sorted out the slight prob with the alfadiag programe, so everything working fine now. Have cleared a couple of fault codes that were present. Will try out the performance and dyno testing bit in the next few days. But so far looks like its been worth the money, a total cost of £70 all in.
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Old 07-11-2005   #11 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Presumably the £40 black cable thingy you can buy has the interface built in?
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Old 10-11-2005   #12 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Originally Posted by CrispDust
Presumably the £40 black cable thingy you can buy has the interface built in?
Some do have the interface built in, but not all. Probably best to use a tried and tested interface. Unfortunately most require assembly so a soldering iron is a must, but its not too difficult to do.
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Old 12-11-2005   #13 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Noticed on ebay that some of the diagnostic software comes with remapping options. Anyone tried or had experience of this?
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Old 12-11-2005   #14 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
i was wondering that as well CD - i think in TS diag you can change loads of settings and i was wondering if it might be possible to set things for max performance when you want and maybe switch back to an "eco" mode when you don't.....i think it's probably beyond me though!
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Old 12-11-2005   #15 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Originally Posted by niallmoran
i was wondering that as well CD - i think in TS diag you can change loads of settings and i was wondering if it might be possible to set things for max performance when you want and maybe switch back to an "eco" mode when you don't.....i think it's probably beyond me though!
Sounds like a bit too much hassle maybe? Also not really sure about remapping a 166TS - part of the appeal to me is that the TS is a nice cruiser. I can see the point for a 2.0 147 or 156 though.

Maybe I'm just getting too old to worry about thrashing Alfas. Ok, i am...
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Old 13-11-2005   #16 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
The CD seem to have some "preset" remaps included.
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Old 14-11-2005   #17 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Is this sort of thing suitable? http://www.ecufix.com/shop/index.php...duc ts_id=181
I have a laptop now.
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Old 17-11-2005   #18 (Post Link)
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Re: Using Diagnostics
Originally Posted by CrispDust
Is this sort of thing suitable? http://www.ecufix.com/shop/index.php...duc ts_id=181
I have a laptop now.
Probably, this is the item I used, sourced from Germany

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWN%3AIT&rd=1

Only prob is you have to solder the components on, not too difficult if your remotely any good with one, I managed it! lol
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Old 21-11-2005