Tech1A "Waiting on Data" error
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
Tech1A "Waiting on Data" error
I just got a new Tech1a . I am using the GM Powertrain Master Cartridge. Just pulled it out of the box to try it out on my 89 Vette. Put in "8" for engine Vin Code. 89 for year. It asks if the check engine light is steady...YES. Asks if code 12 flashes ...YES. Then I try to pull codes and it just says " waiting" on data. I have tried on three different cars. Yes, key on etc. I have tried with the regular GM adapter and with the "y" body adapter. It will activate field service codes but all other test say "waiting on data:" The tech1a passed all the self tests.
PLEASE HELP!
PLEASE HELP!
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
Do you have the adapter that goes inline on the cable? Its specific to 86-89 TPI and is essentially a 10kohn resistor across A and B on the diagnostic port.
I'm not talking about the definition cartrige
I'm not talking about the definition cartrige
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Try it without the adaptor (assuming it will plug in) - I know I don't need a 10K resistor on mine and I can pull anything I want out of it.
If there is no Check Engine Light, a scanner isn't going to do you any good. It's either open between the ECM and the diagnostic link or the bulb is burned out or the ECM is shot. Pull out your schematic and verify a good circuit with your DVM. On the Vette, you will need to trace it through the Dash as serial data flows on this line for MPG and Range (in fact if those functions aren't working, that's often a sign that the ECM is toast). On a Camaro, I doubt that this is the case, but you will need your schematic to see what the circuit is.
If there is no Check Engine Light, a scanner isn't going to do you any good. It's either open between the ECM and the diagnostic link or the bulb is burned out or the ECM is shot. Pull out your schematic and verify a good circuit with your DVM. On the Vette, you will need to trace it through the Dash as serial data flows on this line for MPG and Range (in fact if those functions aren't working, that's often a sign that the ECM is toast). On a Camaro, I doubt that this is the case, but you will need your schematic to see what the circuit is.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Try turning off the MPG and Range Readouts - make sure the Connector Pins are in good shape - mine have given me fits from all the paperclips I've jammed in them. Try holding the connectors together - wriggling the cable - verify that it will flash a 12 with a paperclip grounding A & B. If that doesn't work, I'd guess that it's the cable or it's hanging between the dash and the link. I know mine hits 99 on the MPG and then goes to Zero right before I get a readout and I've waited a couple of minutes before it responds. I also get a slight increase in RPM if I've got a good contact and when I don't get it, I know there's no communication, so I keep wriggling it around until I see that and then push the scan or capture button.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Sorry, other than what I've posted, I don't have any. I've used a Tech 1 and an Auto Xray on my '89 and both have had intermittent communication issues. I've aways thought it was the connector or the splice from the Serial Data line to the dash that caused the problems. Eventually, both have worked. I haven't had any problems with either on any other OB1's, so I've lean more towards the Dash - it's nothing more than a guess - but with it sending fuel level over this line and then getting the MPG # back, I've always figured that somehow confuses everything else that's being sent for diagnostics. Someone else probably knows better.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,373
Likes: 2,734
Do you have any of the other Tech1 cartridges? I don't have an early TPI to check my Tech1 with but I've got the Mass Storage as well as a TK02050 "GM 87-91 ECM" and an earlier with the same part# but called
"87-90 ECM *PLUS*". I've also got the TA02149 adapter. Might the Tech1 need either one of these Cartridges as well as the adapter and the Mass Storage will not do these cars? I don't proffess to know but the adapter was only required thru '89.
I'd maybe try to locate a TK02050 cartridge I think first before I started tearing into harnesses etc!.
"87-90 ECM *PLUS*". I've also got the TA02149 adapter. Might the Tech1 need either one of these Cartridges as well as the adapter and the Mass Storage will not do these cars? I don't proffess to know but the adapter was only required thru '89.
I'd maybe try to locate a TK02050 cartridge I think first before I started tearing into harnesses etc!.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 25, 2005 at 02:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
I dont have the mass storage cartridge but I have all the powertrain and body catridges (seperate). I have tried THREE different 89 cars all get the same waiting on data message so I am positive it isnt in the car side but has to be scanner side. I pretty much think the 86-89 TPI adapter is bad somehow (although is was new in the plastic). I can make the engine light flash but cannot run ANY test, only get waiting on data. Works flawlessly on all other applications (non 86-89 TPI cars). Have tried with and without adapter. Do you know exactly what the adapter does...is it a pin adapter or just a ohm resister?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
The adapter I am using is "GM PIN E ADAPTER" part# TA02149
I have tried to get data from the car with mt Tech 1A with GM/FORD/CHRYSLER POWERTRAIN P/N 02002248 (GM81-96)
also tried
GM 88-96 CHASSIS P/N 02002252
via GM 12/14 PIN DLC ADAPTER P/N 02001384
Thanks for your input
I have tried to get data from the car with mt Tech 1A with GM/FORD/CHRYSLER POWERTRAIN P/N 02002248 (GM81-96)
also tried
GM 88-96 CHASSIS P/N 02002252
via GM 12/14 PIN DLC ADAPTER P/N 02001384
Thanks for your input
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,373
Likes: 2,734
I think I'd probably find someone with a known good scanner Tech1 or 1A preferably and see if they can comunicate with the car. I'd suggest talking to maybe a "shop foreman" at a "dealer" explain your situation and just see if they'd hookup and see if they're stuff will comunicate! You're not asking them to "fix" anything if theirs won't comunicate. If you were close I'd let you use mine! Hell it's likely warm enough there someone could just go to the car and plug up!
You've "stacked" adapters it sounds like and maybe the error is right there. My cable is GM orientated for GM OBD1 (12 pin) and the TA02149 is the only adapter used.
You've "stacked" adapters it sounds like and maybe the error is right there. My cable is GM orientated for GM OBD1 (12 pin) and the TA02149 is the only adapter used.