OBD-1 PC based scanner

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by delSol-owner, Aug 17, 2006.

  1. delSol-owner

    delSol-owner Guest

    Can someone tell me where I can find information about OBD-1 scanners that
    are suitable for 1993 Honda Del Sol/Civic cars . I am looking for
    FAQ/Howto docs.

    Thanks.

    A Del Sol Owner
     
    delSol-owner, Aug 17, 2006
    #1
  2. delSol-owner

    TeGGeR® Guest



    Your "OBD-I" scanner is a paper clip.

    You short the Service Check connector on top of the ECU with the paper
    clip, turn the ignition ON, then read the Check Engine light flashes.

    See here:
    http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/misc/3173_ICCR_E_14JAN03.pdf
    specifically page 15.
     
    TeGGeR®, Aug 17, 2006
    #2
  3. delSol-owner

    delSol-owner Guest

    Thanks for the pdf. I was hoping for something more substantial, like
    hooking up the serial port of a PC, running some OBD tool, to a diagnostic
    port of the car and collecting performance data. I must be dreaming.:) I
    am specifically interested in learning about which cylinder is misfiring
    during engine idle. What other options do I have? There is no problem with
    CEL.
     
    delSol-owner, Aug 17, 2006
    #3
  4. delSol-owner

    TeGGeR® Guest



    Why do you think you have a misfire? Did you fail emissions on high HC?




    Your ECU cannot store or display that information. I don't know how you'd
    do it on your pre-OBD-II car.
     
    TeGGeR®, Aug 17, 2006
    #4
  5. delSol-owner

    delSol-owner Guest

    When the engine idles the flow of gas out the exhaust is not smooth.
    There are occasional bursts and stops.
    Can I do an ECU mod? I have seen some info at www.ecucontrol.com and
    www.pgmfi.org? Any advise on that would be appreciated.
     
    delSol-owner, Aug 18, 2006
    #5
  6. delSol-owner

    jim beam Guest

    ok, so that's the real issue you're getting at. messing with the ecu
    won't fix that. and diagnostics on the obdcII ecu aren't that
    sophisticated either.

    in relation to the exhaust, the gas flow dynamics are not optimized for
    idling, they're optimized for driving. flow will not be entirely
    "smooth". that said, if the flow is worse than normal, it's easily fixed.
    yes you can, but it's massively expensive overkill and won't fix this
    problem. go to http://boomslang.us/ and read about their conversion
    kits if you want to do it the factory ecu way.

    getting back to your existing situation, check the ignition system and
    oxygen sensor. non-oem sensors are often abysmal and confuse the heck
    out of the ecu - don't use them. fresh ignition components help
    significantly too because the voltage needed to spark an idle mixture is
    greater than that needed to spark a running mixture. weak or failing
    insulation on the plug leads means it may run ok on the freeway, but
    give weak spark on idle. same for old plugs, worn distributor cap, etc.

    lastly, check the ignition timing. when doing it, [with the service
    connector on] check to see whether the timing marks are lashing back and
    forth. if they are, the timing belt could be loose - the ignition
    sensors run off the distributor which runs off the cam. loose belt
    means the whole timing for the vehicle is subject to "noise" and again,
    that affects smooth idle. correct valve lash helps too.
     
    jim beam, Aug 18, 2006
    #6
  7. delSol-owner

    delSol-owner Guest

    How, please elaborate.

    Forgive my ignorance, at boomslang.us I do see parts they are selling
    but no docs that explain what to do with them. Do I need the OBD1 to
    OBD2 Conversion Harness, and then use OBD2 scan tools?
    A friend has offered to let me use his timing light, is that
    the best way to see what's happeining with ignition timing?
     
    delSol-owner, Aug 18, 2006
    #7
  8. delSol-owner

    delSol-owner Guest

    Interesting that you mention a loose timing belt may cause this
    behavior. This problem started after timing belt was replaced.
    I will check ignition timing with a light asap and report back what I
    learn.

    Thanks for the advise.
     
    delSol-owner, Aug 18, 2006
    #8
  9. delSol-owner

    Jim Yanik Guest

    There aren't any diagnostic ports on OBD-I cars.
    Diagnostic port did not come until OBD-II.(1996 models)

    (probably due to the lack of it on OBD-I)
     
    Jim Yanik, Aug 18, 2006
    #9
  10. delSol-owner

    TeGGeR® Guest


    No such thing as "OBD-I"
     
    TeGGeR®, Aug 19, 2006
    #10
  11. delSol-owner

    jim beam Guest

    i did - that's what all the verbage on the oxygen sensor/ignition/timing
    system was about.
    yes. but don't do it because you'll need a second oxygen sensor, the
    obdcII ecu data recorder could be used against you in the event of a
    crash investigation, and you'll be speed limited.
    yes. with the service connector in place, if the belt is loose, you'll
    see the timing marks jumping back and forth. if the belt is tensioned
    correctly, they'll be rock solid - assuming the rest of your ignition
    system is working well of course.
     
    jim beam, Aug 19, 2006
    #11
  12. delSol-owner

    Jim Yanik Guest

    1994-1995 Integras;OBD-I,96-01;OBD-II.

    what do YOU call it?
     
    Jim Yanik, Aug 19, 2006
    #12
  13. delSol-owner

    jim beam Guest

    some of us call it obdC. but i think we all know what you mean.
     
    jim beam, Aug 19, 2006
    #13
  14. delSol-owner

    TeGGeR® Guest



    ODB was the original standard SAE-derived system installed from 1988 to
    1995 in some California vehicles. The rest of the US (and Canada) used
    automakers' own proprietary diagnostics system.

    Starting in about 1994, the entire US was forced by US federal law to begin
    phasing in an updated version of California's original OBD. This updated
    system was known as OBD-II.

    After some thought here, I suppose you *could* logically call the original
    OBD "OBD-I". World War I was not called that until they had a second war,
    so the logic is similar. However, Honda's diag system is not the same thing
    as the original OBD.
     
    TeGGeR®, Aug 19, 2006
    #14
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