Still trying to get my 86 programmed right and still having problems. I currently have a Prominator flash-based MEMCAL replacement and a custom calibration by Ed Wright. My ALDL cable is hard-wired into the back of the ALDL connector (so as to avoid needing a shell) and the hardware was bought from a vendor that's been recommended on here (darned if I can remember the name). I'm using (at Ed Wright's recommendation) DataMaster software instead of WinALDL because he can understand the output files better.

My problem is that I cannot get the DataMaster to connect to the ECU. WinALDL works fine and I get all the data I want using my current setup. However, when I try to record using DataMaster, I get the message "PCM SYNC FAILURE - RECYCLING" and a count of attempts. The software DOES recognize the model of ECU when I test it, but it just won't read any data while the car is running.

I can't get any mods to the current MEMCAL burn without good reads, can't get good reads without the software recognizing the ECM, and I'm stuck.

I took the Prominator out and put back my off-the-shelf MEMCAL (I never had a stock one, actually - this is something a previous owner bought from Ecklers or something). I don't have a "real" ALDL cable to try, but since I get data via WinALDL I'm pretty sure my connection is fine.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Many thanks,

[RICHR]

 

Do you have a 10k resistor across pins A & B ?

 

Yes, by adding a resistor with a quick disconnect that connects from pin B to the wire coming from pin A. According to the diagram I saw online, that's how it should work.

However, I think the ALDL box I have already has the resistor; I notice that when I either plug the box in, OR leave the added resistor connected, I lose my MPG displays (they read 0).

[RICHR]

 

Hmm its been a while since I played with WinALDL.
I think its only listening for data at 160 baud.
Datamaster sends a command and listens for the 8192 baud.
Your problem may be that the aldl interface cable is not sending/transmiting to the ECM or the code installed in your EPROM will not talk at 8192. I know ARAP will work.
What is your interface circuit?

 

The cable/interface I'm using came from these guys:
http://www.wotelectronics.com
Although they had a different website when I bought from them.

I have a soft copy of the EPROM code; what bytes tell me the interface speed? Is it possible to tell DataMaster to slow down?

Thanks.
[RICHR]

 

I believe (but have not seen this documented) all the 165 processors in will go into the 8192 mode if the command is received.
You really need to put a scope on your interface circuit to see if the transmit signal is good.
I recall someone had issues with their interface not being able to send properly and built the 2 transistor circuit and all got it working.
I followed your link for your interface it looks like it’s a max232 chip with transistors supporting it. That should be good.
The only other options are to check the datamaster manual. They have settings for timing issues that give your same error (see pages 30,31) but reference this to other 90-93 vehicles.

You can also try TunerPro RT and use the ads file for 160 and the one for 8192. This could give a clue as to what to try next.
http://tunerpro.markmansur.com/

Mask ID ECM Bin Definition ALDL Definition Application
$6E 1227165 6E.xdf 1227165_6E.ads 1989 LB9/L98 F & Y Body
$8D 1227730 Super_8dm2.ecu 1227730_8D.ads 90-91 LB9/L98 F-Body
$32 1227165 32.ecu 1227165_160.ads 86 5.0/5.7 F & Y Body
$32B 1227165 32Bv001.ecu 1227165_160.ads 87-88 5.0/5.7 F & Y Body

 

Thanks. I've used TunerPro in the past and it works, from what I remember (been a while, liked WinALDL better so I just used that one). I'll try it again, and also check the manual again. I saw those comments, but ignored them since they weren't for my year. Maybe that was a bad idea...

[RICHR]

 

Bother. My car apparently does not support 8192 baud mode. I don't even have a wire/pin in port M of the ALDL interface. Is there a way to fool the ECU into putting 8192 baud data over pin E? Or any other suggestions?
Thanks.
[RICHR]

 

Use the 6E code like ARAP.
$6E 1227165 6E.xdf 1227165_6E.ads 1989 LB9/L98 F & Y Body
You will want to disable the cold start injector.
For our reference do you know what your EPROM code is?
It will be four letters. TIA.

 

I have no cold-start injector Disabling it won't change much one way or another. SuperRams have no provision for one now.

I don't know what the EPROM code is; where can I find it?

So you're suggesting to use TunerPro and the $6E masked file instead of the $32. I'll try that next.

Thanks.
[RICHR]

 

Thats what I started with in my 86.
8192 datalogging is no problem.

The EPROM code is a sticker on the factory memcal or maybe the EPROM under the plasic cover.

ARAP is for an Auto. trans. If you have a manual trans try to find the latest 89 Y body code to start from that matches.

 

Ack. I don't have the factory MEMCAL - a previous owner put in an ADS SuperChip.

I'll find the manual-transmission 89 code. This gives me some hope, at least.

Thanks again.
[RICHR]

 

Prom ID 1985-1992 TPI equipped engines

1989 305 (5.0L) "F" body Camaro-Firebird-Trans Am

PromBCC PromCode Scan ID Trans GearRatio Emissions Body
APYM 3493 3471 Auto 2.73/2.77 Fed F
APYR 3506 3501 Auto 2.73/2.77 Fed F
APYS 3509 3511 5 sp man 3.08 Fed F
APYT 3513 3521 Auto 2.73/2.77 Cal F
APYW 3519 3541 5 sp man 3.08 Cal F
APYX 3526 3551 5 sp man 3.08 Fed F
APYY 3529 3561 Auto 2.73/2.77 Cal F
ANYH 9298 9281 Auto 2.73/2.77 Fed F
ANYC 9334 9342 Auto 2.73/2.77 Fed F
ANYR 9338 9351 5 sp man 3.08 Fed F
ANYD 9346 9352 Auto 2.73/2.77 Cal F
ANYU 9366 9381 5 sp man 3.08 Cal F
ANYW 9370 9391 5 sp man 3.08 Fed F
ANYZ 9384 9421 Auto 2.73/2.77 Cal F

1989 350 (5.7L) "F" body Camaro-Firebird-Trans Am "Y" body Corvette

PromBCC PromCode Scan ID Trans GearRatio Emissions Body
AUJL 0577 0541 Auto 2.77 Fed F
AUJM 0580 0551 Auto 3.27 Fed F
AUJN 0584 0561 Auto 3.27 Fed F
ASXB 1875 1851 Auto 2.59 Fed F
APYN 3496 3481 Auto 2.77 Fed F
APYP 3499 3491 6 sp man 3.33/3.54 Fed Y
APYU 3516 3531 Auto 3.27 Fed F
APYZ 3533 3571 Auto 3.07 Fed Y
APZA 3536 3581 Auto 2.59 Fed Y
APZB 3539 3591 Auto 2.73/3.07 Fed Y
ARAD 4868 3881 Auto 3.27 Fed F
ARAP 4194 4131 Auto 3.07 Fed Y
ARAR 4198 4141 Auto 2.59 Fed Y
ARAS 4204 4151 Auto 2.73/3.07 Fed Y
ANYJ 9303 9291 Auto 2.77 Fed F
ANYL 9314 9311 6 sp man 3.54 Fed Y
ANYP 9328 9341 6 sp man 2.73/3.07 Fed Y
ANYF 9356 9362 Auto 3.27 Fed F

 

Looks like ANYP is the closest, given that I have a 4+3 instead of a 6-speed.
Thanks again.
[RICHR]

 

With a 4+3, you would want to use an 87 or 88 4+3 bcc like one of the following:

ABTP, ABTR, ABTU, ABTZ etc. (I have copies of these on hand).

Which O/D do you have MK2 or MH5? There are a few minor differences, but with an 86 it really won't matter since you won't have a 1st gear switch on the trans.

I'm working on a hack to put the 86 first gear detection logic into an 88 ABTR based bin so 86 cars can take advantage of the latest developments and improved 8192 baud scan capability.

It seems to work ok in my car, but I haven't been able to test it yet in an 86 car without the switch to be sure.

If you want to give it a try, PM me with an email address. The basic tune should be in the ballpark for a mild cam/SR car. It will need a bit more PE due to the heads, but that's not a big deal.

 

I didn't see it mentioned, but are you using a USB interface to your computer? DataMaster has a problem using USB and sync.

Earlier model ALDL's had to have external power applied also. I may be way off base with your mods to the standard ECM and ALDL connector.

 

Nope, straight serial cable. My interface doesn't have external power, but I borrowed one that did and it had the same issue.
Thanks.
[RICHR]