Triumphrat

Hotboppincat · 12-09-2012, 03:02 AM

Hi,

I am looking to augment my tool kit with an EOBD fault code reader for my 2012 Thruxton.

I have been looking on ebay, and there are loads of different ones, varying prices (and, I suspect, verying quality too!!)

The cheap ones seem to be in the 20-25 quid range. I have posted a pic of the type I am looking at.

Anybody got any recommendations for a reasonably priced one that will actually perform the task it is supposed to?

I live in the UK

dam1 · 12-09-2012, 04:20 AM

tell me if i'm wrong but why don't you just buy an ODB2 cable and use Tuneecu to read the fault ?

Far cheaper and more useful .

Hotboppincat · 12-09-2012, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dam1

tell me if i'm wrong but why don't you just buy an ODB2 cable and use Tuneecu to read the fault ?

Far cheaper and more useful .

As in using a laptop or something?

Sorry fella, I'm new to engine management systems!

Hotboppincat · 12-09-2012, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotboppincat

As in using a laptop or something?

Sorry fella, I'm new to engine management systems!

I checked it out, it looks like something I could use as well later on when the warranty has expired and I am in a position to fiddle with the tuning, but I really wanted a simple tester just to identify faults at this stage, and not only on my bike, but also on my Wifes CBF. Thanks for the input though.

Forchetto · 12-09-2012, 05:31 AM

I have one of them as well as two pieces of software that do similar things but far more comprehensively and a lot easier.

The first is "DealerTool" This is OK for most servicing, throttle body synch and seeing what the sensors are reading, idle speed setting, etc, but "Tune ECU" knocks them both into a cocked hat.

Once the initial difficulties of loading the correct FTDI driver, downloading NETframework for Windows etc and finding a reliable cable, all made easier if the instructions and advice here and in the software's site are thoroughly read first, things are plain sailing.

Just because TuneECU can get into the ECU in a deep manner it doesn't mean you have to. If you're afraid to delve, just use the Diagnostics and tests facilities on it. It's superb.

For what it's worth, read my opinions of these items, starting with the OBDII code reader/scanner and its limitations (important things like throttle body synchronisation and second O2 sensor and second MAP sensor readings are absent) in paragraph 5 of this post:

http://www.triumphrat.net/ecm-and-fi...nnevilles.html

Hotboppincat · 12-09-2012, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dam1

tell me if i'm wrong but why don't you just buy an ODB2 cable and use Tuneecu to read the fault ?

Far cheaper and more useful .

Apologies, having read Forcetto's posts I am now a little more aware (about double the O2 sensors that are on a car), I think you are right here.....I am now searching for a lead. Thanks.

Hotboppincat · 12-09-2012, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forchetto

I have one of them as well as two pieces of software that do similar things but far more comprehensively and a lot easier.

The first is "DealerTool" This is OK for most servicing, throttle body synch and seeing what the sensors are reading, idle speed setting, etc, but "Tune ECU" knocks them both into a cocked hat.

Once the initial difficulties of loading the correct FTDI driver, downloading NETframework for Windows etc and finding a reliable cable, all made easier if the instructions and advice here and in the software's site are thoroughly read first, things are plain sailing.

Just because TuneECU can get into the ECU in a deep manner it doesn't mean you have to. If you're afraid to delve, just use the Diagnostics and tests facilities on it. It's superb.

For what it's worth, read my opinions of these items, starting with the OBDII code reader/scanner and its limitations (important things like throttle body synchronisation and second O2 sensor and second MAP sensor readings are absent) in paragraph 5 of this post:

http://www.triumphrat.net/ecm-and-fi...nnevilles.html

Thanks for that, I have downloaded TuneEcu and am now studying it. It's amazing what these Engine Management systems do! I will get a lead. Unfortunately, my prior experience of bike systems was limited to a fault finding kit that comprised of a strobe light, multimeter, and a lightbulb with 2 bits of wire soldered to it.....back to school I go!!!

Thank you very much for your help.

Forchetto · 12-09-2012, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotboppincat

I am now searching for a lead. Thanks.

Don't go for a cheapo one from ebay if you can, some are a bit dodgy. Read the stickies about TuneECU first:

http://www.triumphrat.net/ecm-and-fi...ps-and-tricks/

Lead advice is on this sticky, my own recommendations are on post 3, both of them being UK sellers, TTP and LONELEC:

http://www.triumphrat.net/ecm-and-fi...e-caution.html

Forchetto · 12-09-2012, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotboppincat

I have downloaded TuneEcu and am now studying it.

If you can open the program it means that your PC already has NETframework installed correctly, I think. The only hurdle left is the cable driver. The ones that come with the cable or the one that windows will insist on loading won't work. It has to be the driver recommended on the stickies here or in TuneECU site.

Just for laughs download a sample tune from the site, say 20191 which is a standard Factory tune , open it in TuneECU and see all those numbers, airflow, ignition timing curves, etc pop up. It's a bit frightening at first to realise how easy it is to change those figures (and indeed cock everything up...)

.

http://www.tuneecu.com/Twin_OEM_Tune_list.html

But, as I've said, you can limit things to the Test and diagnostic screens if you want.

Hotboppincat · 12-09-2012, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forchetto

I have one of them as well as two pieces of software that do similar things but far more comprehensively and a lot easier.

The first is "DealerTool" This is OK for most servicing, throttle body synch and seeing what the sensors are reading, idle speed setting, etc, but "Tune ECU" knocks them both into a cocked hat.

Once the initial difficulties of loading the correct FTDI driver, downloading NETframework for Windows etc and finding a reliable cable, all made easier if the instructions and advice here and in the software's site are thoroughly read first, things are plain sailing.

Just because TuneECU can get into the ECU in a deep manner it doesn't mean you have to. If you're afraid to delve, just use the Diagnostics and tests facilities on it. It's superb.

For what it's worth, read my opinions of these items, starting with the OBDII code reader/scanner and its limitations (important things like throttle body synchronisation and second O2 sensor and second MAP sensor readings are absent) in paragraph 5 of this post:

http://www.triumphrat.net/ecm-and-fi...nnevilles.html

Is this one suitable do you think?

Many thanks.

Kev

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-OBDII-...item2323da307b