COLORADO RIVER Computer Club Info

UPDATED: September 18, 2008

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The APCUG Conference in Las Vegas for 2007 was a great success in many ways. Our ACPUG Officers and Volunteers did a great job with all of the sessions. The venders that sponsored us did great in presenting all of their new software and hardware.

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AUTOMOBILE COMPUTERS

By Bob Elgines elginesz@rraz.net

Is your Engine Check light on? Do you need a smog test? Is your engine running rough? Is your transmission shifting improperly? Did you know you can read your automobile computer results with a simple plug in device?

All autos from 1996 and newer have common plugs and codes mandated by the Federal Government. Some late 1995 models are also equipped with this type of computer and will have on the label under the hood "OBD II" listed. Prior to 1995 some Engine Check Lights in the car were on timers or mileage meter, and would come on after 50,000 miles and really had nothing to do with the operation of the engine or computer.

"OBD II" is the model of your Powertrain Control Module (PCM) -- terminology for the on-board automobile computer that controls engine and drive train. Some automobile models will use more sensors and controlling devices than others. There are Continuous Monitors, such as Misfire, Fuel System, and Comprehensive Components, and Non-Continuous Monitors, such as EGR System, O2 Sensors, Catalyst, Evap System, Secondary Air, and A/C Systems.

New car dealers charge you $100 to plug their reader in called a diagnostic test, and guess at what to replace. An example is EVAP codes can appear for several things such as leaky hoses, gas cap, EVAP solenoid, EVAP pump, etc. All these have to do with the evaporation of fuel from your gas tank. They will replace them one at a time charging you labor and diagnostic charges for each item, that can be $200 plus parts for each replacement.

Simple code readers start at $40 at Harbor Freight. The next model up costs $80 to $90 and the difference is more readings, memory and allows updates via the web (there have not been any updates since 1999). Top models  will cost $200 to $250, but allow you to plug the results into your computer via a USB connector giving you much more information and possibly allowing some adjustments.

Most Data Link Connectors (16 pin) are under the dash just left of the steering wheel. Below-right is a basic definition of how to understand the codes that you will read. There are at this time 7000 different codes with several being for Diesel engines only. You have Generic Codes and special Manufacture Codes. Below is an example of a readout on a PC of the more expensive model readers.