Elan scan / Service mode

[tte200]

Can Elan scan be used in service mode – e.g. having the two pins in the socket shorted together and the Elan scan cable connected?

[rip]

I think Geoff will be likely to know the answer. I think the wires you short out to put it ino servoce mode are essential for laptop-ECU communication so I doubt that it would work.

I'm also curious as to why you would want to do this?

[tte200]

I think Geoff will be likely to know the answer. I think the wires you short out to put it ino servoce mode are essential for laptop-ECU communication so I doubt that it would work.

I'm also curious as to why you would want to do this?

one of the wires is used for the laptop

Reason to do this, see what car is doing in service mode, would have thought spark advance should be steady and correspond with what the base timing is set to.
possibly even be able to use to set base timing without timing lamp.

[GeoffSmith]

Service mode is set by linking the diagnostic terminal (pin B) to ground (pin A) whereas ALDL communication takes place on pin G. I don't know if the ALDL comms are still active in service mode (I can't think of any reason why they shouldn't be) but, other than checking that the IAC has been told to fully extend and that all controls are static/inhibited, I can't think what you'll get out of it. You certainly can't use it to set the base timing as ElanScan just reports data assuming the timing is correct.

I have a service mode switch on my ALDL extension lead, but unfortunately I can't try it out at the minute because all my completed interfaces are bagged up and I'm waiting for more parts.

[dapinky]

Obviously the answers above are all blowing smoke up the rectum of the bloke who throws them together for the purpose he intends them to be used for........

....but back in the real world (where bodgery and ingenuity in sufficient quantities will overcome skill and intelligence) - well, my garage anyway...

...yes it can be done, it is easy and USEFULL

I did mine by splicing the 2 wires which go to the pins that you would connect with the paperclip and running the wires to a small rocker switch inside the glovebox - this leaves the ALDL connector unencombered when you plug in elanscan....

...it also means you can get into service mode in about 5 seconds flat from the drivers seat.... (better than looking for a paperclip at the roadside at 4 in the morning)...

But as the rocket scientist clearly knows nothing about the actual purpose of the sophisticated software, I'll tell you what it can do in such circumstances....


It means you can set the idle speed in service mode, and check it out of service mode very easily - without relying on the acuracy of the tachometer....

(or perhaps i'm just a blind deaf fool who doesnt trust the guage on the dash )


On a serious note, it is quick and easy, but not totally necessary - mine is done purely because i can get it into service mode quickly and don't always have elanscan with me - it can make checking everything a bit (lot?) easier, as once in service mode and base timing is checked, flicking it in and out to watch the real-time numbers on elanscan looks impressive to the neighbours!

[theelanman]

having a brain off moment......service mode....
do I put the paper clip in before or after Ive turned the car on (running).....
its been ages and I cant remember....

[dapinky]

I couldn't remember either - but i have a switch fitted in the glovebox so went outside and tried it - it works either way!

With the engine running, connecting the switch puts it into service mode. With the engine not running it starts in service mode

[madbilly]

The EMK manual does describe putting the clip in both before and after starting the car, but I don't know what difference this has other than:
1. Clip in before ignition on will do nothing (I assume)
2. Clip in after ignition on but before starting will tell you the fault codes and do a few other things (you can hear things moving in the engine bay, probably solenoid actuator assemblies) - I think this is called "diagnostic mode" but can't quite remember. You can start the car like this anyway which probably then gets you into the same mode as:
3. Clip in after starting the car, for setting the timing, idle and CO. I think this is called "service mode".

With the clip in I think various operating parameters are not adjusted by the ECU during running, EMK probably says more. I am going to do the same as Dave so that I can see what's happening in service mode to try and work out why I can't get idle speed 950 rpm and CO 1% in service mode but can in normal running.