I did a search for MPCS and HDS but didn't receive any hits.

Anyone have the MPCS service connector? See page 22-112 of the service manual for a picture. It looks like a jumper cable to me. Anyone know how much it costs or where I can get it?

Similarly, can I use an ordinary OBDII code reader instead of the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System. How much is an HDS or a good OBDII code reader (I've seen several advertised at Pep Boys & Kragen).

TIA

 

Which tool are you talking about? (I'm away on business, so I can't look at my Helms manual). But if you're talking about the tool I think you are, as that page number sounds familiar, that is a diagnostic tool for the Drivers/Passengers multiplex unit. All it does is jump two wires together, to put the multiplex unit in debug mode, and it chimes the DTC with the chime built into the drivers mux unit. This is different than an OBD-II scanner, which plugs into the diagnostic port.

For the latter, I use an Auto-Tap OBD-II scanner. Works very well.

 

I think you answered my first question. Assuming it is a jumper, I can just use some test leads with aligator clips.

It also sounds like the HDS is just their version of an OBD-II scanner. The Auto-Tap looks very interesting. Far more powerful than the $90 handheld units. Did you order from their website or do you know of a discount retailer?

TIA

 

I ordered from two different stores including the autotap website. I did because, both stores declined my credit card. I tried twice at each store, same results. I called my bank, and they said the orders were approved, and didn't know why the store said it was declined. I later found out, I had 4 autotaps in the mail

Turns out both stores use the same credit card processing software. I told them about the glitch, hopefully they fixed it. I noticed the autotap website lowered their price, so it's 10 bucks cheaper than what I paid for it. (I got the USB one)

(You have a notebook to plug it into right?)

The AutoTap is awesome. I also have a GM vehicle, so I got the one with the GM extended paramters. It tells you stuff about timing advance, knock retard, etc, with the extensions. I asked the guy at autotap, about the possibility of having extended parameters for Acura and stuff. He said if there is enough interest, they would gladly do it. (So pipe up, and say you're interested )

The generic parameters are still decent. Tells you stuff about engine temperature, rpm, engine load, etc. Also lets you read all the DTC codes, and clear/reset, etc. Even has a capture mode, so you can plug it in, and drive down the freeway or whatever to reproduce something, then play back the log files, and see what the ECU reported at time of failure or whatever.