fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

For example, If there was a malfunction, or a computer code was generated, can the guy reading the computer get the date & time it happend? Can they also get what else the engine, tranny, etc, was doing at the same time the malfuction, or code was generated? Can a tech look at the computer info from the car, & tell by the readouts how the car's been driven?(hard, soft, etc) Lastly, would pulling the batteray and/or fuse erase that info from the car's computer?

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Bump,

Anyone?

CLBean

I think you're used to regular computers... sadly car computers aren't as polished as their desktop/laptop counterparts... your check engine light is set by a code from a particular sensor, so all the Scan Tools see is a code, or bunch of codes. That really is all they can tell. The code is a number, and they have a decoder that says that error code 12345 is caused by the misfire monitor, meaning you're getting too many misfires, and as a result you're emitting too many noxious gases and exceeding emissions, or something like that... they can't tell the time the code was set, and it says nothing about how the car was driven (although some codes are set when you drive the car incredibly hard - Try to drive a Manual Ford Ranger really hard, (last year's model), and you can get it to set a code). The memory is flashed, so pulling the battery shouldn't do anything.

So in summary, it is just a code, and that code translates into something...

CLBean

Oh yeah, they can also do some tests with the Scan Tool... run some diagnostic tests...

NSX-Tuner

Below is a sample of what info is available from the computer:

• Active Alerts: No trouble codes detected
• MIL Light (OBDII Data): off
• Ignition Timing Advance (ATDC) (OBDII Data): 20 deg
• Battery (on): 14.3 V
• Battery (off): 12.4 V
• Calculated Load Value (OBDII Data): 39.2 %
• Engine Speed (OBDII Data): 2642 RPM
• Engine Coolant Temp. (OBDII Data): 183 degF
• Intake Air Temp. (OBDII Data): 95 degF
• Abs. Throttle Position Sensor (OBDII Data): 16.1 %
• Short Term Fuel Trim, Bank 1 (OBDII Data): 3.9 %
• Long Term Fuel Trim, Bank 1 (OBDII Data): -5.5 %
• Fuel System Status/B1 (OBDII Data): closed
• Intake Manifold Abs. Pressure (OBDII Data): 37 KPa
• Oxygen Sensor Location (OBDII Data): B1S1 B1S2
• Bank 1 Sensor 1 Fuel Trim (OBDII Data): -1.6 %
• Bank 1 Sensor 1 Voltage (OBDII Data): 0.740 V
• Bank 1 Sensor 2 Fuel Trim (OBDII Data): -2.4 %
• Bank 1 Sensor 2 Voltage (OBDII Data): 0.800 V
• OBD system type (OBDII Data): 1
• Keyon time: 835 sec
• Run time: 180769 sec
• Resets: 10

Now what all this means is anyones guess unless you have the service manual.

-g

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

That's what I need to know. If there was a code, would it have the date, & time it occured.

NSX-Tuner

When I pulled a couple of fuses on the fuse block to do some roadlamp wiring, I got the following alert:

Alert Name: P0560
Initial Read, Odometer: 02/10 15:53, 1121
Last Active Read, Odometer: 02/10 15:53, 1121
Message: Engine's electrical system may not be working properly System Voltage Malfunction

Now I've got a device on my car that monitors, reports and logs vehicle status (computer diag. and location) remotely in real time via a secure website. But there may be more basic aftermarket products that can tap into the computer and give you a report on vehicle status.

-g