I posted this on the ZR Registry too, but FYI, for those curious about the kind of data available to you when you use a scanner or better yet, one of the tuner s/w packages and a laptop.

This is some new test data I gathered this morning on my "new" 90 Z to test the scanner s/w upgrade, and get my first peek at what is really going on in my "new" ride.

This table shows 37 different measurements recorded and arranged in columns separated by 1 second time intervals. You can see at a glance what was going on and when. One of the surprises is O2 sensor cross counts; the left is higher than the right sensor. That may not be a problem at the current level, but something to keep an eye on in the future - especially if it starts running rough and reverts to "open loop" operation!

Beats the hell outta a alligator clips and "dash diving", huh?



FWIW,

P.

 

Scanners are neat tools to have and use when troubleshooting or tuning vehicles.

 

paul what sys are you using i know tuner but what does sw mean

 

The sys (system?) I'm using is AutoXray's EZlink 1000 (obsolete, but still supported) and their EZ-PC 500 software (new).

The scanner will gather and interpret codes, clear codes, monitor a single sensor real-time, snapshot all (37 for the '90 OBD-I "Z") measurements, and monitor/catalog real-time all measurements and update until the user triggers and event where the scanner saves the previous 14 seconds and records the next 14 or so.

The EZ-PC software will display the table you see, and also graph any single or several of the measurements for a visual comparison (e.g. throttle opening vs. O2 sensor results, etc). And, the s/w will access the internet for firmware/software updates and downloads. The data will export into Excel, for example (what you're looking at is an Excel spreadsheet w/imported data), in case you want to do some custom graphs or whatever.

Of course this is "ho hum" to many on this board and tuners especially. But, I remember the level of frustration I had with a couple of mechanics I has the "pleasure" of dealing with when I bought my '95 Vette. I went thru the "dash diving" ALDL routine, trying to figure out what was going wrong. But, the problem (that time) was intermittent and it wouldn't throw any codes. Buying the scanner was like walking out of a cave into the sunlight!

It was the best single tool I ever bought for my Vette. I often see folks asking what this or that code means or see recommendations to short this or that ALDL pin...makes me cringe. (Not to put down using a simple paper clip and a code table to see what codes are thrown. When it works it works!...But, that method is like looking at the heavens thru a long straw! )

If one sees an AutoXray EZ Link 1000 on Ebay (or whatever), with updated s/w it will work on our C4s thru 95 (with the OBD-II cable for the '95 - available from AutoXray), and would be worth every penny! If you have a 96, then you will need one of the newer scanners, or a laptop with a package on it that accommodates OBD-II.

Hope this helps!

P.

 

thanks paul i have otc 4000 now, is the autoxray alot better. the 4000 is not bad but there is no upgrades for it but maybe there is none for a 90 corvette let me know if the diff. is worth it and i will keep a eye on flebay thanks geo. ps that is what i thought about getting used laptop and some kind of software pack.

 

I'm not familiar at all with the OTC scanners. As for AXRay scanners, the 5000 series looks like it will handle the heavy lifting for the C4s. They go for about $600, but all you need to do is troubleshoot a couple problems and it will have paid for itself in frustration alone!

P.

 

Here's a screen shot of the one I use on my 95. It's a datamaster TTS log for my LT1. This program can do just about anything and in real time. You can choose what data you want plotted on the graph. It's also recorded to be played back later, emailed to a tuner, etc.. It's about $220 for the cable and software.





I use PCMFORLESS and TunerCat for tuning.