| Kris |
Just read the Pocket PC magazine and came accross this: OBDII Meter
It is cheap - $85 only. Anybody out there who tried it? It might be a usefull tool. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
| I'm going to make one of these. The difficult part is the software (and I'm a software developer). The actual hardware is really simple. See if there is a demo software available for you to check out first. |
|
|
| Kris |
| My understanding is that for $85 you actually get software...... |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
| Of course. I'm just saying, you will want to make sure the software is well done. |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
Be careful when they say OBD or OBD2.
So many car uses OBD interface (like USB in your pc).
It is 'universal' but not completely universal. Meaning: some functions are OBD2 standard, but some important features can only be accessed by special tools proprietary to the car.
Hence, to acess the FULL FUNCTIONALITIES of let say the OBD of an Audi (like my car), i still need to use a special obd tools and obd software.
In audi (and VW world), we call them the VAG tools.
I have a set. Basically, it consist of an interface and a software.
The software can be instaled on a pda or a laptop.
The laptop's one have more functionality.
Yes, it can do all sort of things.
Like throtle body adaptations, ecu learning, engine rpm plots real time, reset maintenance lights, test all sensors etc etc.
Try to see here:
Ross tech engine tools
Being said that, dont fall for a "generic" obd tools marketing ploy.
You may bought it, but no necessarily it will do ALL things.
Of course, one day, someone will come out with an OBD tools that is dedicated to access every Murano functions. Buy this one, dont fall for generic ones.
Hope this helps... |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
| With most generic OBD2 (2 is the standard since 1996), you can at least view all sensors realtime, view DTCs (and sensor snapshot) and clear DTCs. Unless you want more functionality, why pay more? A Murano specific version would be a lot more expensive than an $85 generic one. That and the fact you can't buy one yet. |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
will be able to commnicate with Murano's ecu and be used to clear DTCs? If this generic is compatible with Murano's OBD then yeah i think it is a good buy. Even knowing the fact that OBD is unviersal interface much like the USB in PCworld, sometimes for a certain car maker its pin-outs are slightly altered. This will make the generics not 100% compatiblilte.
To my knowledge, i tried to use generic obd2 tools on my audi. It wont work. Went to a mechanic friend and asked whether the car is is OBD2 compliant, and he said: "yes, but not 100% with generic tools.."... weird~
Morals:
1. One should try this obd2 tools on our murano.
I am not saying that it wont work.
2. Specialize obd tools for my audi cost around $200 (including software license). Maybe one day when there is one for Murano, it will cost around that.
3. Dealer's scanner tools cost $1500 - $2500 dollars. Crazy!
4. Our Mo is brand new, so if problem occurs, shouldnt we just bring it to the dealer and have them swallow the cost :rolleyes: Let them DTCs the car.
5. In a couple years, when Mo aged, hopefully there will be OBD2 tools in the market for it. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
The dealers scan tool (Nissan Consult II) is much more than just a code reader. It can interface with every system on the vehicle and switch things on and off and also adjust computer settings.
The OBD2 scan tool you probably see advertised is a code reader for trouble diagnosis. It will usually give a generic OBD2 code, and unless you have a table lookup for the corresponding Nissan DTC, it might not be much help. All vehicles since 1995 have been OBD2 I believe.
The VW tool involving the software and laptop is similar to the Nissan Consult II scanner which lets you adjust everything on the vehicle. I wish there were such an application for Nissan! |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
Correct. All North American vehicles after 1995 (and some 1995s) are compatible with OBD2 (software protocol). There are, however, 3 different physical communications protocols, and pinouts for the connector. Some tools work with all 3, some only with 1. I believe that Nissan uses ISO 9141-2 or ISO 14230-4 (backwards compatible with ISO 9141-2). The other 2 are J1850 PWM and J1850 VPW.
You can probably do everything with the OBD2 protocol that the ConsultII does, but I doubt there exists a software set up to do that. The OBD2 protocol has a LOT of extra "command codes" available for "model specific" items. For all I know, ConsultII is just a REALLY expensive, Nissan specific OBD2 interface. |
|
|
| yoyash |
Question is.. Can this OBD set some of the parameters like Consult can? Like setting delay for auto light and set sensitivity for auto light and other things???
If it can, it is nice |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by yoyash
Question is.. Can this OBD set some of the parameters like Consult can? Like setting delay for auto light and set sensitivity for auto light and other things???
If it can, it is nice
No it can't. OBDII is a diagnosis tool, meaning it will read the code. Consult is a complete code reader which can also change ECU settings. This issue has been discussed many times, if you want Consult II capabilities, you gotta get one yourself (I don't even think you can buy it even if you wanted to pay $4000 for one, as its a dealer only tool). |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
OBD2 is a protocol, a way most car can comunicate. The socket will be obd standard type as well.
Each car manufacturer, even after they claim have adapted the obd2 standard, they will also still have their other protocol proprietary of their own.
Standard obd will be use-able on most post-1996 cars. But you *WILL NOT* be able to access ecu functions, adjustments of throthle body and other cool stuffs dealer can do with their US$x,xxx tools.
IN nissan world, dealer's tool is CONSULT2
IN audi/VW world, we call it VAG tools.
As time goes by, VWs anthusiast and performance shops (example: ross-tech) came out with a mini clone version of the VAG TOOLS which public (owner) can buy for $200. Yes, it is almost 90% fully-funtional as the dealer's. Much more powerful than regular obd tools.
SO let's hope there will be enough demand on CONSULT2's clone for the MOs in 2 to 3 yrs |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by SugarRushMurano
OBD2 is a protocol, a way most car can comunicate. The socket will be obd standard type as well.
Each car manufacturer, even after they claim have adapted the obd2 standard, they will also still have their other protocol proprietary of their own.
Standard obd will be use-able on most post-1996 cars. But you *WILL NOT* be able to access ecu functions, adjustments of throthle body and other cool stuffs dealer can do with their US$x,xxx tools.
IN nissan world, dealer's tool is CONSULT2
IN audi/VW world, we call it VAG tools.
As time goes by, VWs anthusiast and performance shops (example: ross-tech) came out with a mini clone version of the VAG TOOLS which public (owner) can buy for $200. Yes, it is almost 90% fully-funtional as the dealer's. Much more powerful than regular obd tools.
SO let's hope there will be enough demand on CONSULT2's clone for the MOs in 2 to 3 yrs
The Nissan Consult2 has been used by the dealer for many years now (at least since 1997 I think), and even with enthusiast vehicles such as the 350Z, G35, etc... I doubt we will see a clone Consult2 made since its been over 7 years and nothing....
For the VW's the VAG is particularly useful for the 1.8t engines. Perhaps since most Nissans now use the 3.5L V6, aftermarket computer solutions may trickle in, but I think that would overly optimistic thinking. |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
VAG tools is useful for 1.8T, because the engine is more modifiable (turbo, air intake, compression etc). I have the 2.8 Audi and the tools works just fine for standard recalibration of certain thing like timing belt angle, oxygen sensors, other sensors, engine timing etc.
I am still optimistic on clone nissan VQengine tools will be in the market someday. Who knows some one in this forum have enough programing skill, electronic skill and decide that this is a fun project for the wekeends. ...
:rolleyes: |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by SugarRushMurano
I am still optimistic on clone nissan VQengine tools will be in the market someday. Who knows some one in this forum have enough programing skill, electronic skill and decide that this is a fun project for the wekeends. ...
:rolleyes:
The only problem I see with this, is that Nissan probably charges ridiculous amounts for the Consult2 protocol itself. I did see a thread somewhere on FA about needing a programmer to write software for a Consult2, and they had posted a hardware interface design as well as a reverse engineered software protocol. |
|
|
| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by Tyler_Canada
The only problem I see with this, is that Nissan probably charges ridiculous amounts for the Consult2 protocol itself
You probably are right. A few years ago I was called to troubleshoot diagnostic tool for BMW. It run Unix, was size of a small desk and cost $25k! Every dealer had to have one! Nice business for the manufacturer.............. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
It would be nice to see a little competition in dealer diagnostic tools. Then maybe we wouldn't have to pay $80/hour for labour.
Of course then there is the argument, how do you know others are implementing it correctly? And then the counter arg, how do you know <insert manufacturer here> is implementing it correctly?
Oh well, what can you do. |
|
|
| folgersoldier |
For anyone interested I built one of the ISO OBD-2 interface boards from scantool.net. There are three OBD-2 protocols and ISO is what is used on most asian vehicles. I hooked it up to my buddy's honda and infiniti and it worked fine as well.
For the murano it displays your oxygen sensors, air intake temp, cooling system temp, fuel bank trim, fuel loop status, throttle position, rpm, speed, air flow, engine load and DTCs(error codes). There are some other features of the software that have not yet been implemented.
If anyone is looking to buy one I think you can get them on Ebay for around $100 that include the digimoto software which will give you quarter mile times and a virtual dyno. I would also be interested in sharing the software.
It cost about $60 to build it as you have to buy the OBD-2 cable (25) and the chip(15). The board is optional, but I bought it as well as it makes for a nice clean setup.
I haven't generated a code yet just to read it (disconnecting air sensor etc) but I had a code early on and had to have the ecu reprogrammed via consult2.
I imagine the consult just uses encryption combined with the standard obd protocol to prevent access to certain areas. |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
| This is what I'm making too (not for sale though). Unfortunately, I can't use it, as I don't have a laptop, so I'm not in a rush to put it together. |
|
|
| esemes |
| id live one for the virtual dynometer, speed tests, and altering a few software settings (level of light req'd to initiate the uato lights....... NOT the sensativity rather...) |
|
|
| turbodog |
I have an OBD1 tool for my Typhoon. It is a very valuable tool for DIY troubleshooting. $85 for interface software (if you already have a compatible PDA) is a good deal. A stand-alone OBD2 unit goes for about $150, so if you have to go out and buy the PDA, it's not such a great deal.
With it you can read and re-set trouble codes (no longer possible to do with a paper clip, as in OBD1 systems). You can also monitor and record the info coming from any of the engine sensors, and monitor/record the engine control outputs. So, it's more than a code-reader, but it cannot change any engine operating parameters.
I recently had the evaporative emissions system malfunction on my 1999 Camry. Since this trouble code COULD be merely a loose gas cap (sound familiar?), it took one trip to Auto-Zone to clear the code and see if it recurred with the gas cap tight. It did, so then through the Chilton's trouble-shooting procedure to pinpoint the problem, then back to Auto-Zone to clear the code and shut off the 'check engine' light.
Was it worth $150 to avoid 2 trips to Auto-Zone? No, but as the Camry tops 100k mi, and planning to DIY the Murano maintenence/repair, I'll probably get one eventually. |
|
|
| folgersoldier |
Here are some files for anyone interested in Consult. I will probably build my own programmer but I am not a programmer so anyone with the skills It would be nice if you are willing to share.
One is a schematic for the interface.
One is a description of the protocol.
One is a generic nissan ECU Map.
This is the page I extracted them from
http://www.users.bigpond.com/webspace/plms/ |
|
|
| folgersoldier |
| and three is too big |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
| I believe this is for Consult I. Murano's use Consult II. |
|
|
| folgersoldier |
Yep,
I went and took another look at it and it is for one. Oh well, hopefully the ecu map may still help to pull off some obd-II stuff. |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| Whatever happened? anybody know? I am interested in following this up. Thanks GRIP :D |
|
|
| Gonzo |
| Nissan's Consult II Group found him and eliminated him. :cool: |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
| My life has been in utter chaos since I suggested this. I still have the parts, and they're still just parts. I imagine that I'll start having more time once the weather starts to get snowy. |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| Anybody everbought interface cable and OBD software to go with a Palm PDA? GRIP :D |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
I have the vag tools (Audi/vw's obd2 tools) hooked up the the pocketpc and my laptop. I can do almost 90% of the stuffs on ppc like ecu reprograming, DTC reset, o2 and emision system recalibration etc etc. Then the laptop version, using the same interface, allows me to do more advance stuffs. Visit www.ross-tech.com for more detail.
Yet, i have no motivation to do something similar on the murano (yet). The car is still under warranty, there is no point in tinkering on it :) |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| Thanks I'll check out the site. I really don't want to tinker but would like to inspect, etc. maybe adjust lights, see if I can set the DTRL to fogs etc. but not any engine stuff. Thanks GRIP :D |
|
|
| GripperDon |
Looks like they are for European cars only.
From what I can find out so far, the MO requires OBD II PLUS a "CAN UPGRADE" in order to read the data as well as codes. Seems MO added the CAN system sometime in 04. I have not given up but pointers would be helpful. GRIP :D |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
quote:
Thanks I'll check out the site. I really don't want to tinker but would like to inspect, etc. maybe adjust lights, see if I can set the DTRL to fogs etc.
IMHO, generic OBD tools will not enable you to do all these special fucntions on the murano. In order to access such as specific sub routines like adjusting DTRL, lightsensor sensitivity, recalibrate some sensors etc etc, you need nissan obd2 tools (aka the CAN tools).
Generic obd2tools may only allow you to reset some DTCs (diagnostic troubel codes), check oxygen sensor reponse, throtle adaptions, ac check, engine timing/firing kindda thing.
I have been lurking in the sister forum : freshalloy.com and some obd tools forum for awhile now. Couldn't find any murano obd2tools. I guess no one came out with it (yet). I saw some for older Maxima:rolleyes:
And yes, the www.ross-tech.com only sells euro only scan tools.
Sorry for the confusion~ |
|
|
| jaak |
quote:
Originally posted by Tyler_Canada
My life has been in utter chaos since I suggested this. I still have the parts, and they're still just parts. I imagine that I'll start having more time once the weather starts to get snowy.
Hey Tyler, if we throw your parts in with my parts for the audio interface and some solder, and put it in the oven, maybe we'll create a monster!:22: |
|
|
| Tyler_Canada |
quote:
Originally posted by jaak
Hey Tyler, if we throw your parts in with my parts for the audio interface and some solder, and put it in the oven, maybe we'll create a monster!:22:
FrankenMurano!
I'd like to get back to this stuff soon. I tried to read the codes when the check engine light came on after the stereo install, and there were so many I couldn't figure out where one started and the other began. They were all triggered because the guy had pulled the computer to install the crossovers. I just cleared them and the light went away, but I know that using the light on the dash to read the codes is almost useless. |
|
|
| DrMurano |
| VAG and ROSSTECH RULE :2: I wilsh MO's ECU could accept MODS. |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| What is it they rule? They don't offer anything for the MO as far as i can see. Am I wrong? I would really like to buy the right thing. GRTIP :D |
|
|
|
