TunerPro RT Logging

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 10:59 am

I just got my ALDL cable and downloaded TunerPro RT. I have the cable hooked up to my 90 buick 3.3L car. The program says I am connected, I created a log file and click record and it says its recording. I click stop and it asks for some notes and I click ok. I can press play and the very bottom of the screen says play and clicks off some numbers. However I don't see any data on the screen? How do I see the data? I'd actaully just like to watch it as I collect it. I think I have the right .ads file. How do I get the data to show up on the screen?

Also my packet error count is always climbing. I'm using the 6d.ads file from the tunerpro website.

Thanks
"Newbie"
Chris

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 1:04 pm

Okay, so I played around with it a little more and now can see the different sensors. I can connect to the ECU and start logging, but my values never change. I don't find an exact .ads file for my vehicle. 1990 buick century 3.3L V6. I tried a couple that were close. When I use 6D.ads, I get the packet error count climbing. When I use 1227148TBuick.ads, the error count doesn't go up, but I still don't see any values changing.

Help please.

Thanks

Post by **robertisaar** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 4:11 pm

6D is likely WAY off compared to what you need...

90 buick with a 3.3? i'm guessing an n-body? or is it an A? those seem to be the only two platforms to have used the 3.3.

EDIT: i'm blind you stated century, that's an A.

i'll see what i have cooking.

Post by **robertisaar** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 5:38 pm

ADS has been emailed, let me know how it works.

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:59 am

Thanks Robert for sending the file so quickly.

When I tried it this morning it worked, however it would only show real time data with the ign on and the engine NOT running. As soon as I start the engine, the data stops coming. I have tried connecting with the engine running and the program will not connect. It works fine with the engine off though. Any ideas?

Thanks

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 7:38 am

now that's interesting... i'm guessing the packet error counter goes nuts when it's running? i have to wonder if there's any kind of EMI messing with the stream...

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 8:21 am

Yes, if I remember right, packet counter started climbing.

I seem to be going backwards here. this morning when I tried your new .ads file, I could at least connect to the ecm and see the data with the enigne not running, but ign on. I could see the tps change voltage. Now I can't even get it to connect to see that anymore.

I wonder if my ECM is messed up. The whole reason I am trying to get this software working is to trouble shoot a problem with an ill running car. But the strange thing is, there's time when it runs like top and no check engine light. I let it run that way for 30 minutes. Can't get it to mess up. Then I shut if off, let it sit for 15 miniutes and then start it and it runs like crap, check engine light on, etc. It's like some one flipped a switch. So maybe the ECM is taking a crap.

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 8:24 am

that is possible, usually if you smack the ECM when it's running and it makes things change for the better or worse, then it's a sign that it's about to fail completely.

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 8:37 am

I may try that. Here's another piece of the puzzle. I finally got it to connect by disconnecting the battery and reconnecting. The difference I noticed was with the ign on all the idiot lights were on. Before, the high coolant temp was not on. With all the idiot lights on, the program connected and I could see all the data coming through. I could even start the car. It ran for about 45 seconds with data flowing, then the check engine light came on and the data stopped. Then when I shut it off and turned the car back to ign on, the coolant light wasn't on and it would not cconnect. If I cycle the ignition on and off I can sometimes see the high coolant light flicker, but it doesn't want to stay on. Must be gremmlins?

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 8:56 am

well, now we're getting somewhere... do you know how to pull codes with a paperclip? that's going to be the only way to figure out what code it is, and i don't think the SES popping on at the same time you quit getting data is a coincidence.

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:17 am

I've tried pulling codes with the paper clip between a and b and all I get is the default 12 code that flashes 3 times.

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:23 am

hmm.... it's sounding more and more like the ECM or PROM is dying... how easy it to get to your ECM?

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:26 am

Have the ecm in my hands as I write... I don't see any obvious sign on it, but I also don't know what I'd e looking for..

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:30 am

well, get it running, then try either shaking it or smacking it to see if it changes how the motor acts. could be anything from a bad solder joint to a failing discrete component to the 68HC11 failing.

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:37 am

I have the case apart and it hooked up. If I wedge my finger between the prom and the case, it can get the check engine light to go off and the car runs normal.

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:39 am

interesting... it seems there are bad joints/contacts then.

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:47 am

Now to figure out if its the prom or the ecu. When you order a new ecu from a parts store. Does it generally come with a prom or are you expected to reuse the old one?

Post by **robertisaar** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 9:50 am

it almost NEVER comes with the PROM.

Chris611 · Post by **Chris611** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:01 pm

Well, I replaced the ECM and all seems to be good now. I'm glad that I didn't throw a bunch of money and parts at the car trying to guess at whats wrong. I bought the $60 ALDL cable and downloaded this tunerpro program and was able to partly diagnose the problem.

A special thanks for Robertisaar. Thanks for the .ads file and thanks for getting it to quickly to me. I'm sure it will get used again on this car at some time...

Thanks
Later