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MG MGF Technical - Plug into OBD-II

Come across this web site posted onto another forum. It's software that will allow you to interrogate your own cars MEMS through the ISO port. The site includes downloads for lists of MG Rover error codes and monitored test results...

http://www.obd-2.com/

Interesting too is the potential to connect your laptop to your car, and download information as you scream round a race track...

Looks very interesting, but I think that this is going to be for MY2000 MGFs and TFs only... :o(

not had a chance to digest the site completely yet - but it certainly has very useful potential :o)
Rob Bell

I thought OBD-2 came out in Europe about 1996 - ie after the MGF was released, so I guess you're right in saying it wouldn't be available until at least the MY2000 update (although the OBD-2 requirement was published well before that date).
The lack of diagnostic attachments for the MGF is frustrating when faced with misfires etc - we have to rely on the competence of franchised dealers.
For the OBD-1 cars, I'd like to see a 'break-out' box approach which gave access to the various sensor / actuator lines (I don't want to break into the harness - just put the break-out box between MEMS and harness). Most signal lines just carry a voltage level which would be easy to monitor (an exception is the crank sensor - and a few others). This could be interfaced to a PC or a PDA.
Anyone seen such a break-out box ?

Steve
Steve

Did I miss something? I can not find any Rover products listed - other than the Defender and Range Rover.

Ted
Ted Newman

Steve, does the Mk1 MGF have an ISO connector??? I was rather assuming that this equipment would not be compatible (hence the need for Testbook) - but I could be wrong.

Ted, there are Rover downloadable error codes etc on the site. The interface and software otherwise is generic, and should suit any vehicle.
Rob Bell

>>Steve, does the Mk1 MGF have an ISO connector???<<
My understanding is that the connector is Rover proprietary - even worse, I believe the signalling protocol is proprietary, though I would like to see this confirmed.
The most useful diagnostic tool I've used on the car is an oscilloscope. A multiple beam scope would be even more useful - I keep meaning to adapt my laptop but I'm just too lazy.
Steve

Found this while trawling using the keyword ISO9141 which is the protocol used for decodong the messages from European cars from 96 on.

<<How do I know if my car is OBD-II compliant?
There are several ways. You know that your car is OBD-II compliant if:

It was sold in the United States, on or after January 1, 1996
It has a gasoline engine, and was built in the European Union on or after January 1, 2000
It has a diesel engine, and was built in the European Union on or after January 1, 2003
It has an "OBD-II Compliant" sticker or plate on the underside of the hood
European vehicles built between 1996-1999 may or may not conform to OBD-II. If you are not sure - ask your dealer, contact the manufacturer, or check the owner's manual.

Vehicles made in 1994-95 may or may not be compliant.>>

Also found http://scantool.net/

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

Sorry <<decoding!>>
Bruce Caldwell

Hi all,
as posted some months ago "Elektor" mag. had a DIY version of the OBD II tool with PCB-layout. The OBD II differs to normal MEMS etc. that now there shall be a common code equal ( or almost equal!) to all vehicles . So no more hard to crack codes like Rovers MEMS...
But this tool only deals with those matters common to cars built after 2000, (dual lambda sondes,one in front and one after the exthaust system) and there should be a separate connector for this OBD II interface. Anyone found that one on the TF ??

BR, Carl.
Carl Blom

Thanks Bruce: very interesting! :o)

Well, there you go. Confirms what we said before- Mk1 MGFs are not OBD-II :o(

But some really interesting stuff there if you have a MY2000 model or later :o) Perfect for data logging on track days ;o)
Rob Bell

http://www.onboarddiagnostics.co.uk/ this is a link that may be of interest.
Also an american company called Alex Pepper makes leads for various systems together with the specific software protocals.
You can get this for most cars,I have not checked the MGT/TF yet.
Joe

Excellent, this
http://www.bath.ac.uk/~ccsjst/mgf/tfobdsocket.jpg
socket on my TF looks suspiciously like
http://www.onboarddiagnostics.co.uk/16pinconnector.htm

jt
John Thomas

Looks like the one doesn't it JT? :o)
Rob Bell

As well as the site Rob found which is US based I found these guys in Swansea who look very good.

http://www.gendan.co.uk/auto/

I quite fancy the Palm version for Xmas

But if you have more devious aims in mind see
http://www.dashfixerfiles.com/index.htm

Now what mileage has that TF done sir?

jt

John Thomas

Bet they don't do "Testbook for Palm" though :o(

>>http://www.dashfixerfiles.com/index.htm<<

Had to laugh at the legal disclaimer: of course everyone who buys these products are using them for legitimate reasons aren't they? Aren't they?? ;o)
Rob Bell

Hi,

Take a look an www.omitec.com,
they seem to do alsorts of stuff for reading
EODB and also seem to say they have done
work for MG and HP.

Perhaps they are the source for testbook !!!

They do a Pocket PC version no Palm . . .

Paul;
Paul Waine

If you like to monitor your car/engine you might aswell go this route : http://www.bbrgti.demon.co.uk/I2000.htm

An optional, PC based, interface is available which enables the Interceptor 2000 to function as a diagnostic tool and simple data logger. For those interested in modifying the Interceptor 2000 to suit their own conversions, an additional software suite is available enabling the entire system to be set up and tuned from scratch.

T

This thread was discussed between 02/09/2003 and 05/09/2003

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