1 minute read
Cars & Computers
As the VCC 30 year rule creeps into the 1990’s we will see club cars with computers. The full history of ODB is here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-board_diagnostics but the summary is with the USA wanting a standardised system in 1988 as ODB1. As more sophisticated management systems came about there was ODB1.5 but there were a few variations so the US mandated a new ODB2 in 1996. The EU made it compulsory from 2001 (although some adopted earlier) and New Zealand/Australia dragged the chain until 2006. It meant that up until then one had to see the dealer to get a 2004 Commodore checked for example but allegedly one can get an ODB2 cable, swap a couple of wires and is then compatible. So hmmmmmm............
ODB1 A typical system such as on an early-mid 90s car and often all you need is a paper clip. Short 2 terminals together and the Check engine light will flash to give the 2 digit error code. My Rover 416 uses this method.
ODB1.5 Usually a 3pin plug and a 12V input. This requires a computer or laptop and a program to talk to the car. While it needs more hardware also provides much more information about the car including live data while running. For example Voltage temperature, mixture settings and whether there are any faults. Also can be used to reprogram key fobs etc. My Rover 220 turbo has this system.
ODB2 A more standardised system using a 16pin socket. Cheap wireless plugs can be bought that will talk to your phone or laptop to give error codes. Ones with a cable and screen can be bought from REPCO. Jaycar or Supercheap Auto etc.
Stahlcar https://www.stahlcar.nz/ do a conversion cable for pre 2006 GM cars to convert them to ODB2. Contact them if you need a cable for your car and are unsure what you may need.
More extensive maintenance stuff can be done if you get the right software. Software for some cars is very expensive but the program MULTIECUSCAN for my 2004 FIAT was less than $100 (also free version) and does things like bleed the clutch, check clutch wear and the status of sensors without even opening the bonnet. I was able to determine a faulty coil when noticing a misfire. It even told me which cylinder.
I checked a 1998 Mondeo with a cheap ELM327 cable and a free program called FORScan. $23 a year if you want some fancy features.
Graeme Simpson
Reading codes on early ODB with paper-clip
How to talk to your Rover. MG & Landrover even if pre ODB2. Also Lotus & Cateram with Rover engine
How to use a basic ODB2 scanner
Thanks, Graeme
