OBD-reader and engines management fault codes.

[windywatson]

Hi,
As these vehicles get older more and more jobs need to be carried out on old, tired and failing parts. There are more and more recent posts that are concerning engine faults and often the more technical owners are posting items about the reading of engine fault codes via the OBD socket. So my question I this. Can anyone actually help with the provision of details for the equipment needed etc. I'm interested in getting into this side of things but have no idea what readers and leads etc are available and where from. Details anyone Please?

Cheers

[g8dhe]

The fault codes are designed to be read by the flashing light method, on all but the most recent vehicles. It seems if the vehicles has an engine fault light then its possible that some of the codes (the adaptor plug doesn't pick up all the pins) can be read using the equipment mentioned here http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 99#p615499
however it doesn't work on vehicles that don't have the engine fault light it seems - I suspect that the ECU's are significantly different on the more recent vehicles.

[Driver+Passengers]

I've never really bottomed this out on my vehicle - never had to read a code, though.

The larger block on the connector appears to match what you get if you put "17 pin Mazda connector" into Google - I think I'm correct in saying that it's definitely not OBD II compliant, don't know if it's OBD either - might be.

The most often linked page with more info is this... http://www.philmcfadden.co.uk/MazdaDiagnosticBox.htm

Beyond that, you're into probing the back of the ECU connectors with a multimeter - that's been my approach for a couple of things.

Hope some of that helps.

[GreenBongo]

I've been playing with a 2000 MX5 and Forscan, Forscan uses a proprietary protocol that may well be the same as that used on the later Bongos. It is possible to check it using an ELM tool and hyperterminal, if anyone wants to try it they can PM me for details.

[mikexgough]

will try and come up with a fact sheet for Forscan and what is needed...... been too busy of late with PSA Lexia and VAG com....
Mainly Lexia and Scantool on BX/205/309 plus reprogramming her indoor's C3 sensodrive ..... as well as fault testing Fiat/Pug motorhomes... and resetting a C3 which Citroen main dealer couldn't....