scan tools, sensor readings?
 

(04 Cavalier)
I have a Gore Proscan OBD2 interface module, which lets you display
various sensor readings on a PC. Some of these (eg, rpm, TPS, ...) work
fine. But, ...

(1) Some sensors, which I know the PCM reads (eg, fuel tank pressure),
seem not available for display.

(2) Some sensors that the software shows as available (eg, fuel level)
seem not to show any readings.

It could be me, though I'd be the last to know that.

I would appreciate any insight on the availability of sensor data on
various scan tools. The vendor web sites seem to list the obvious ones,
and conclude with "And more ...". Is it just a matter of how much you
pay for the scan tool? ISTM, once you have the OBMD interface and user
screens done, the effort to support additional sensors would be minimal.
Would the PCM would hold back data the OBD? ...

Thanks

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

George wrote:
> (04 Cavalier)
> I have a Gore Proscan OBD2 interface module, which lets you display
> various sensor readings on a PC. Some of these (eg, rpm, TPS, ...) work
> fine. But, ...
>
> (1) Some sensors, which I know the PCM reads (eg, fuel tank pressure),
> seem not available for display.
>
> (2) Some sensors that the software shows as available (eg, fuel level)
> seem not to show any readings.
>
> It could be me, though I'd be the last to know that.
>
> I would appreciate any insight on the availability of sensor data on
> various scan tools. The vendor web sites seem to list the obvious ones,
> and conclude with "And more ...". Is it just a matter of how much you
> pay for the scan tool? ISTM, once you have the OBMD interface and user
> screens done, the effort to support additional sensors would be minimal.
> Would the PCM would hold back data the OBD? ...
>
> Thanks

It comes down to what the OEM allows and what the scan tool company
decides to implement. There are differences even in the pro/dealer level
tools.

In your case I know the OTC/SPX Genisys shows the info you're looking
for. Not sure what PC units show with the exception of actual dealer
level units. Ford IDS, GM MDI, Chryslers StarMobile will show far more
than any generic units will.

--
Steve W.

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

George wrote:
> (04 Cavalier)
> I have a Gore Proscan OBD2 interface module, which lets you display
> various sensor readings on a PC. Some of these (eg, rpm, TPS, ...) work
> fine. But, ...
>
> (1) Some sensors, which I know the PCM reads (eg, fuel tank pressure),
> seem not available for display.
>
> (2) Some sensors that the software shows as available (eg, fuel level)
> seem not to show any readings.
>
> It could be me, though I'd be the last to know that.
>
> I would appreciate any insight on the availability of sensor data on
> various scan tools. The vendor web sites seem to list the obvious ones,
> and conclude with "And more ...". Is it just a matter of how much you
> pay for the scan tool? ISTM, once you have the OBMD interface and user
> screens done, the effort to support additional sensors would be minimal.
> Would the PCM would hold back data the OBD? ...
>
> Thanks

I googled your Gore thing, and for $129, it's doing what I would expect.
The AutoEngenuity software I have for Windows was $1200.00
and will show all modules and all sensors. "Enhanced manufacturer
support" costs a lot more than "Generic OBD-II" which it looks like you
have.

Smoke machines are still $1000 last I looked too, which is essential for
EVAP leaks you can't see with just a flashlight (broken hose e.g).
GW

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

On 8/27/2013 2:54 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
> George wrote:
>
>
> Smoke machines are still $1000 last I looked too, which is essential for
> EVAP leaks you can't see with just a flashlight (broken hose e.g).
> GW

You can buy a cheap smaller Halloween style smoke machine for $50
if your on the cheap...

bob

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

bob wrote:
> On 8/27/2013 2:54 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
>> George wrote:
>>
>>
>> Smoke machines are still $1000 last I looked too, which is essential for
>> EVAP leaks you can't see with just a flashlight (broken hose e.g).
>> GW
>
> You can buy a cheap smaller Halloween style smoke machine for $50
> if your on the cheap...
>
> bob

Great tip Bob.

I had an EVAP class instructor mention that once and forgot all about
it. If anyone has done that, the step-by-step would be a great
thread/page/video for the home-gamer.

GW

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

In article >, bob > wrote:
>On 8/27/2013 2:54 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
>> George wrote:
>>
>>
>> Smoke machines are still $1000 last I looked too, which is essential for
>> EVAP leaks you can't see with just a flashlight (broken hose e.g).
>> GW
>
>You can buy a cheap smaller Halloween style smoke machine for $50
>if your on the cheap...
>
>bob

Or even if "you're" on the cheap ...

--
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Brian Gordon <-- brian dot gordon at cox dot net |
+ Bass: Lexington "Main Street Harmonizers" chorus +
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

On 8/30/2013 3:59 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
> bob wrote:
>> On 8/27/2013 2:54 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
>>> George wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Smoke machines are still $1000 last I looked too, which is essential for
>>> EVAP leaks you can't see with just a flashlight (broken hose e.g).
>>> GW
>>
>> You can buy a cheap smaller Halloween style smoke machine for $50
>> if your on the cheap...
>>
>> bob
>
> Great tip Bob.
>
> I had an EVAP class instructor mention that once and forgot all about
> it. If anyone has done that, the step-by-step would be a great
> thread/page/video for the home-gamer.
>
> GW

Tell me more. I have a friend who could really use a smoke machine, but
doesn't have $1K to spend on new equipment at the moment. (and he's my
friend, but I don't like him THAT much.)

nate

scan tools, sensor readings?
 

Nate Nagel wrote:
> On 8/30/2013 3:59 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
>> bob wrote:
>>> On 8/27/2013 2:54 PM, Geoff Welsh wrote:
>>>> George wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Smoke machines are still $1000 last I looked too, which is essential for
>>>> EVAP leaks you can't see with just a flashlight (broken hose e.g).
>>>> GW
>>> You can buy a cheap smaller Halloween style smoke machine for $50
>>> if your on the cheap...
>>>
>>> bob
>> Great tip Bob.
>>
>> I had an EVAP class instructor mention that once and forgot all about
>> it. If anyone has done that, the step-by-step would be a great
>> thread/page/video for the home-gamer.
>>
>> GW
>
> Tell me more. I have a friend who could really use a smoke machine, but
> doesn't have $1K to spend on new equipment at the moment. (and he's my
> friend, but I don't like him THAT much.)
>
> nate


It isn't hard to make one using a glow plug and a good container.
Basically the hardest trick is getting the smoke through the system
without hurting anything, for that you need to regulate the air down a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbkGhUov74Q


And for one that is SUPER cheap....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRiK2HEA3QQ


--
Steve W.