1990 Vette, ECM won't talk to my laptop.....

[90Black on Black]

Title says is all. Here is the setup. I have the Craig Moates software, and the proper cable to connect the rs232 serial port to to the aldl connector (ground in pin A, 8192 data pin M). I've got the serial port configured on COM 1. The Moates software is in ECM Diagnostic mode, COM 1, 8192 data, ECM 730. When I go to actually look at the values, the program wants to establish a link before I continue. Here is where I'm stuck. I've heard both: some say you have to have the ignition ON, but the car OFF to establish the link, then start the car once the link is established (then view and log the data). Others say, the car has to be RUNNING to establish the link? :crazy: So...which is it?? (i.e., what is the proper sequence of events?) TIA!!!

[Wildride]

Using the Craig Moates program, I have linked to my 90 both ways. Ignition On-Engine running and Ignition On-Engine NOT running. It didn't seem to make any difference.

One thing about the Moates program-it is unhappy with some versions of Windows. The laptop I use has Windows ME as its operating system. To use the Moates program the computer must be booted in the "Safe" mode. Then it works great. Other options are to use a Win 95 or Win 98 boot disk and operate from there.

[corvette90]

hi

have the same problem..my pc will not connect..i have to say, i use an usb to RS232 adapter, but it seems to work, checked it out via oscilloscope...

how do i boot in "save" mode, can somebody explain me..

another thing is, if i run the moates software under win98, i got no square form waves in the osci, if i run under xp, i get them..kinda starting sequence...

can somebody give me tips??

thank you

[90Black on Black]

Okay, I tried safe mode - to no avail. However, booting normally, I disable all other communication devices, leaving only the Serial on COM1. When I use the moates software to connect, when it attempts to connect, the CAR's dash display's "SYS"..then goes back to normal after the software finishes trying to connect (but never gets a link). Any suggestions??!?

2.) Safe mode. When booting your machine, press f8 (or is it f5) right after the BIOS finishes its check..you should get a bunch of boot options, one will be safe mode.

TIA

[JackDidley]

What laptop do you have? My Dell refuses to comunicate with an rs232 adaptor.

[90Black on Black]

It's a Dell Latitude (sp?). 1ghz, Win2k pro. I assume it is communicating..because when I try to get a link, I get a 'SYS' flash on the dash....but never establish a link. :mad :mad :confused:

thoughts?

TIA

[JackDidley]

Im using an Inspiron. Dell says I need a Targus port replicator. Im still looking at options.

[corvette90]

maybe theres an aftermarket chip in it..

talked to a friend yesterday, and he mentioned that some aftermarket chips block the "reading out" of the ecm..

this mada me thinking, because, once a trained gm service technician tried connecting to my car with tech1---and failed..

are there aftermarket chips out, that look like stock??
how can a stock chip be identified??

thank you!!

[h rocks]

My 90 ZF has a hacked PROM in it and both the GM Tech1 and my Ease PC Scan Tool picks up everything.