I sent a message to Craig to get his thoughts, but figured I'd post it here too in case one of the more computer savvy folks may know something...

For whatever reason, the Ostrich doesn't want to run properly unless it's plugged into the USB on the laptop, and the laptop has to be on and running. Otherwise the check engine light (CEL) comes on and the ECM goes into some sort of limp mode with no codes being thrown.

I've tried numerous scenarios to try to narrow down what might be happening...

- Ostrich plugged into laptop... Power down laptop while engine running - CEL comes on. Power laptop back up, CEL goes away.

- Unplug USB cable from laptop or unplug it from Ostrich while engine running - CEL Comes on. Plug it back in, CEL goes away

- Shut engine and keyed ignition power off. Unplug laptop from Ostrich. Start engine up and the CEL comes on. Plug Ostrich back into laptop and CEL goes away.

- Everything off.... Ostrich out of the car. Upload a calibration to the Ostrich. Install Ostrich and start car... CEL comes on. Plug laptop into Ostrich, CEL goes away.

I've tried multiple USB cables, both my ribbon cables, different USB ports on the laptop, changed the Ostrich battery, etc... Behavior is always the same. It needs to be plugged into a running laptop in order to not cause the ECM to throw the CEL.

No such behavior with the chip extender (though obviously you can't plug it into a laptop). But it points more of a finger at the Ostrich.

Other than that, the Ostrich still runs like a champ.

Any thoughts?

 

even though you changed the battery it seems like potentially the ostrich doesn't have power until you have the usb plugged in and it is powered up by the laptop... do you have the original memcal also plugged in and it is starting in backup mode vs the ostrich program?

 

Hmmmm.... good point. I hadn't considered the power aspect of it. Ill have to check the wiring connections on my external battery i wired up to it last year.

 

I checked the internal battery connection i made to install the external battery. I do get 3.1V at the connections on the PCB, so that at least tells me its getting battery power at the PCB without the USB hooked up.

 

Ok, feeling pretty dumb...

Craig Moates emailed me back (on a Sunday morning no less) saying I should check the switches. Sure enough somehow one of them got out of position. They're recessed below the outer housing so I have no clue how that happened (maybe why I never considered it).

Any rate, all is good now.

As always Craig is the man when it comes to customer service.