ALDL software & interface

[StephenA]

Anyone know of any ALDL (OBD1) software for the pre 96 computers? I'd like to be able to read the codes from my 92 on my laptop...
Thanks in advance -Stephen
P.S. - I'll add ALDL & OBD to in progress TDP glossary...

[whatnot]

The paperclip method should work on a 92 and it is free.

[tom.mcinerney]

Yes, to read codes on OBDI doesn't require a scanner. May try "search" feature above for technique. If No Good, visit the Kennedy Diesel web site, there is a tech tip area, with foto/instruction.
Some time ago John Kennedy was intending to market a SW pack that would enable some OBDI work thru a laptop. There are some commercial programs/scanners with some capability/compatibility, most don't cater to diesel market.

[StephenA]

Thanks guys -JK's Tech Tips are great! - the pictures really help. Lots of great stuff on that web page...
Stephen

[StephenA]

On using the paper clip method, does this reset the computer, or will it keep reading the same codes every time pin A is connected to ground (pin B)?

[Kennedy]

The laptop software is still plugging along. The sofware guru was actually here the other day for some goodies, and plans to stop by this weekend or next to spend a day or two working out some details etc.

Basically, we need to do XP and 2000 compatibility tests as well as multiple laptop platform tests and work out some translator power supply issues etc...

[Cowracer]

John,

If you need a beta tester, I know my way around the old PC.

Tim

[john8662]

What no Mac OS X support? just kidding.. I'll just get me a tech 2.

[Kennedy]

It's getting there. Just wanted to let people know it wasn't scrapped. No real need for Betas as most of that work has been done. The software guy owns a OBD1 6.5 so that makes things much easier.

When it is ready, it will be well known, so in the meantime, please withold all inquiries as I will not have the time to respond and don't want to snub anyone.


I'll take a Tech 2 over this any day as the software doesn't do OBD2, BUT the software can do a few things on OBD1 that the Tech 2 cannot!

[StephenA]

I'd like to be a beta tester too... Also, if you have trouble with the software, I can debug.-Stephen

[moondoggie]

Good Day!

Beta testing: I'd certainly apply for the computer-illiterate tester position. With over 10,000 Page members, I bet there's at least 5000 of us that would offer to beta test... I would suspect that John won't have any trouble with that part.

I can hardly wait. All my vehicles are OBD-I & I'm unlikely to own anything newer in the reasonable future, so this could be REALLY helpful, even though I don't own a PC. (Maybe my kid will let me use her notebook, & show me how to use it? Unfortunately I can't tie it to fixing her truck, it's the '89 - limited electronics.)

Blessings!

Brian Johnson, #5044

'82 6.2 1500 4X4 1/2T pickup, 4spd man w/ OD, bone stock, 335K+, "In Rust We Trust"
'89 6.2 4X4 1/2T pickup, bone stock, 145K+
'95 6.5TD 2500 4X4 heavy 3/4T pickup, Gear Vendors Aux. OD, 182K +
'95 6.5TD 1500 4X4 3/4T Suburban, Kennedy exhaust, 203K +

[StephenA]

Hey JK, I just downloaded & printed up your paper clip method & tried it with no luck. I had the two end-terminals inner-most to the plastic the connector bolts to, and one of the pair, (the one on the outside) definitely tested as ground on my VOM. The other only showed 60 or 70 millivolts no matter what...
I went through the proceedure as prescibed, but the SES light never came on (let sleeping dogs lie...?), so I never read any codes (been stalling 5-10 secs after startup; it restarts & runs fine- suspect ignition switch & OPS, maybe lift pump, but please god no, no, not the IP!).
I'm sure I had the right pins with good connections. Maybe my cable is lose at the other end. In any case, what voltages should I be getting? Does the paper clip need a software update? ;)
P.S. Your tech tip pages are very nicely done!
Stephen

[Kennedy]

There isn't much (if any) computer equipment on a 1992 model...

[StephenA]

Hi John- you wrote "There isn't much (if any) computer equipment on a 1992 model..." Does this mean the paper clip method won't work on my truck? It has the scanner interface, so obviously there should be some codes, if not as many as later models. The service manual lists codes for this truck. It is an OBD1 computer...
Regards,
Stephen :eek:

[JohnC]

Teh paperclip trick is to read powertrain codes. A '92 with a manual trans doesn't generate any powertrain codes.

[StephenA]

OK, Thanks everyone- that save me from buying a scanner... :cool: