I took the advice of the board and got a scan tool. It's an old OTC 4000 model and it came with the GM cartridge. I've hooked it up and gotten readings. Already it is very handy. Quality is fantastic. Obviously an old professional grade shop tool.

Overall, a general question. What can I do with this? I see that it has a "road" function. It looks like I can drive around with this thing and observe and record data.

I've already started in on the manual but I think it presumes I already know what it can do and just shows me how to do it. I'd love to know generally what sort of testing I can do.

Maybe there's already a sticky or a thread here but I didn't find it.

 

You can watch live sensor data mostly. I don't think the ALDL supports any bi-directional commands.

Since our TPI is so well supported, the "scan tools" are a bit obsolete. You can do so much more with them. I have a Bluetooth to ALDL adaptor and can use a number of phone apps to interface for live data, etc. Also there is the Moates.net stuff. The AutoProm along with a laptop allows full data logging and real time tuning/emulation.

GD

 

Hold up. WHAT? ...I've never heard of this. What app do you have??? I've moved on to a Holley ECM, but I'd love to know more about a phone app/bluetooth/ALDL adapter for other uses.

THAT...is awesome.

 

Yeah for sure:

http://www.1320electronics.com/products.html

The guy that makes these is super helpful and the price is excellent IMO. I have a custom 89 ROM on my 86 so I went through a few different definition files to get it working but it wasn't that difficult or anything. Works pretty neat - you can use any android tablet or phone as a real time dashboard.

ALDLdroid is the app I used. The builder of these boxes has a free app that works also. Not as pretty but functional.

GD

 

Whoa. Looks cool. I'll check it out.

 

I don't know what works with OBD 1 but for OBD II, you only need an ELM327 connector. I have a bluetooth one and a USB one. I use the bluetooth version for my own vehicle with my phone and the USB one I use it at work with my laptop. OBDII has so much more data to monitor than OBD1

Phone app I use is called Torque. I have a bunch of different laptop software but to talk to cars, I usually use ScanXL. Nexiq LMT also works.

ELM327s are cheap off Ebay.

 

Yep we use the torque app all the time for OBDII. The cheaper ebay adaptors aren't very fast if you want to monitor multiple data streams. There are several for about $100 that are quite good though. PLX Devices makes one of them.

GD

 

I have an OTC 4000 Enhanced that I used to use frequently; not so much anymore. Most of my familiarity with its use is with GM vehicles.

It will read DTC's, clear DTC's (only after ~1990; I know it will clear codes on my 1992 Lumina). It will read real time data (as in road test) and will loop-record and playback (IIRC) 30 frames before and after hitting the record button. It does not support turning on functions such as the solenoids in an electronic EGR valve, ABS or simulate sensor readings to the ECM.

You can setup custom display modes; so you can display only the stuff you want to see. This is helpful when you want to road test AND keep your eyes on the road so you don't have to keep scrolling the display.

Try to make sure that you use the latest Pathfinder cartridge. I think "Pathfinder '99" is the latest one.

You are correct that the documentation assumes you are familiar with how an ODBI system works.

I have not found that it makes any difference, but OTC says you need to use a specific TPI adapter cable to connect to the ALDL. something about the data stream baud rate (?) Look at the cable strain relief; "GM TPI" is molded into the plastic.



This scan tool is minimally OBDII compatible with the correct cable and "Smart Inserts". It wouldn't read some DTC's from my 2003 GMC. I had to buy a "scan tool" from Harbor Freight to be able to read a generic MAF trouble code. It will not read some manufacturer specific DTC's nor can you program stuff like control module functions like door lock sequences, remote window roll up/down, etc.

It's a good, convenient and simple to use tool but it shows it's age.

 

Thanks paulo! That is very helpful! I have an intermittent idle increase issue that I am trouble shooting. I will setup the scan tool to read the items I think might have the most to do with it.