Reading the ECU

[alec172]

I am looking into getting myself something to read the ECUs. I dont own a shop or work in one so $$$ can be an issue.

I tumbled accross AUTOTAP and other devices. Does anyone know what is the best for domestic use? I would like to have something that can enter data as well, not just read (although reading is the main reason).

(i originally posted this thread in MAZDA but I may be more appropriate here)

Thx

 

[blynzoo]

"entering data" is flashing. That takes work. There are a bunch of things that can "read" the code, but it's gonna come out as nonsense. You need a translator for the Mazda/Ford programming language, which means you have to know what the code says. Normally car companies dont like people (specifically independent shops) messing with the ECU. I am sure it's available for a price, but I dont know if I could afford it. My suggestion would be to talk to mazdaspeed/corksport or someone like that and see if/how they go about reading/flashing the ECU.

 

[alec172]

I though that with OBD II, the codes are standard; i.e. cylinder 1 misfire is the same code on a volks and a Protege (correct me if I am wrong).

Then it's just a matter of troubleshooting the fault.

 

[perfworks]

reading and flashing are two different things like blynzoo mentioned.

the only ones that have the rights to reprogram anything is ford
now mazda obviously will have the ok to do it but no one will reprogram this ecu. from what i understand it is illegal. but some companys are trying to " break in " to the language to make chips available .
probably not in the near future though.

 

[alec172]

So any device would be ok to use just to read the ECU right? Would it be able to clear stored faults? Got any preferences?

 

[perfworks]

it should but i dont know off hand. i will find out though and let you know.