Auto Tap-What is this?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,209
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From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '13
Auto Tap-What is this?
From what I know abou this product, its like a scanner that plugs into a latop/pc. What does it monitor and what is the extaent of its usage? I've read that you can monitor your A/F ration and timing, all in real time. Can you program with this tool, or is it just for monitoring? Every time i've seen Auto-Tap come up, it has been in a perfornmance tool context. I've already got a code and data scanner, but it doesn't sound like it has the capabilities of the Auto-Tap.
Happy Holidays
Thanks,
89'Bowtie
Happy Holidays
Thanks,
89'Bowtie
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
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From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
Re: Auto Tap-What is this? (89'Bowtie)
89'Bowtie,
The Autotap tool is a PC software scan tool for reading the ECM/PCM (Engine/Powertrain Control Module) that is the "brains" of the fuel injection system. Each PCM has built in ability to send data to the ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostics Link) connector. This data can be "scanned" and displayed either as a specific value or in some other way that humans can use. Unlike a code scanner which only displays a fault condition, the scan tool can display the readings that the PCM sees and the user can then decide if the values that the PCM sees are correct for the operating condition. This ability is called OBD1 or OBD2 (for OnBoard Diagnostics 1 or 2)
For instance, at WOT (Wide Open Throttle) the PCM is not in closed loop, so it does not use the oxygen sensor readings to adjust fuel flow. By reading the O2 sensor values from the scan tool at WOT you can see if you are running rich or lean. You would adjust fuel pressure or change to a different size fuel injector to correct a problem. Similarly, during closed loop you can monitor BLM (Block Learn Multiplier) values to see if the PCM is adjusting fuel flow at the injectors for other problems in the system. Neither of these two conditions would set a code unless they were really excessive problems.
There are several tools like Autotap available. The first thing you need to know before buying any scan tool is "What version of OBD diagnostics does your car have?" In general GM installed OBD1 systems into all 1982 - 1995 Corvettes. There are some 94 & 95 vettes with OBD2 however. For 1996 - current GM used OBD2. An 89 vette would be an OBD1 system. OBD1 and OBD2 are not compatible systems, so although some tools will scan both systems, those tools need a separate software module for each OBD version. The last time I checked Autotap was only for OBD2 vehicles. For an OBD1 vette you still have a several good choices. Check out the following sites:
1) Ease Simulations at http://www.easesim.com
2) Diacom at http://www.rinda.com
3) Autotap at http://www.autotap.com/
4) Do-it-yourselfer EFI page at http://www.diy-efi.org/
5) Sunpro at http://www.actron.com/sunhome.htm
6) New or used scan tools like those offered by Snap-On and OTC which are often sold at good used prices on the auction sites.
Also check out the ECM/PCM Tuning Forum. Those guys are into scan tools big time. A lot of them use Craig Moate's free scan software and buy or make an OBD1 cable (which you need for the ALDL to PC connection).
After you look at the above sites if you decide that you are interested in the Ease Scan Tool, email me directly and I will be glad to send you a complete review including screen captures of the Ease Scan Tool that I use on my OBD1 88 coupe. Ease offers tools for OBD1 and OBD2. As a rep for Ease, I can get you a rebate of 10% on everything you order through me.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Mike
mike_88z51@yahoo.com
The Autotap tool is a PC software scan tool for reading the ECM/PCM (Engine/Powertrain Control Module) that is the "brains" of the fuel injection system. Each PCM has built in ability to send data to the ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostics Link) connector. This data can be "scanned" and displayed either as a specific value or in some other way that humans can use. Unlike a code scanner which only displays a fault condition, the scan tool can display the readings that the PCM sees and the user can then decide if the values that the PCM sees are correct for the operating condition. This ability is called OBD1 or OBD2 (for OnBoard Diagnostics 1 or 2)
For instance, at WOT (Wide Open Throttle) the PCM is not in closed loop, so it does not use the oxygen sensor readings to adjust fuel flow. By reading the O2 sensor values from the scan tool at WOT you can see if you are running rich or lean. You would adjust fuel pressure or change to a different size fuel injector to correct a problem. Similarly, during closed loop you can monitor BLM (Block Learn Multiplier) values to see if the PCM is adjusting fuel flow at the injectors for other problems in the system. Neither of these two conditions would set a code unless they were really excessive problems.
There are several tools like Autotap available. The first thing you need to know before buying any scan tool is "What version of OBD diagnostics does your car have?" In general GM installed OBD1 systems into all 1982 - 1995 Corvettes. There are some 94 & 95 vettes with OBD2 however. For 1996 - current GM used OBD2. An 89 vette would be an OBD1 system. OBD1 and OBD2 are not compatible systems, so although some tools will scan both systems, those tools need a separate software module for each OBD version. The last time I checked Autotap was only for OBD2 vehicles. For an OBD1 vette you still have a several good choices. Check out the following sites:
1) Ease Simulations at http://www.easesim.com
2) Diacom at http://www.rinda.com
3) Autotap at http://www.autotap.com/
4) Do-it-yourselfer EFI page at http://www.diy-efi.org/
5) Sunpro at http://www.actron.com/sunhome.htm
6) New or used scan tools like those offered by Snap-On and OTC which are often sold at good used prices on the auction sites.
Also check out the ECM/PCM Tuning Forum. Those guys are into scan tools big time. A lot of them use Craig Moate's free scan software and buy or make an OBD1 cable (which you need for the ALDL to PC connection).
After you look at the above sites if you decide that you are interested in the Ease Scan Tool, email me directly and I will be glad to send you a complete review including screen captures of the Ease Scan Tool that I use on my OBD1 88 coupe. Ease offers tools for OBD1 and OBD2. As a rep for Ease, I can get you a rebate of 10% on everything you order through me.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Mike
mike_88z51@yahoo.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
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From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Auto Tap-What is this? (89'Bowtie)
Auto x-ray makes a decent cheap scanner will work on OBD I, OBD II or both. None of the scanner products will change parameters in you ecm. To change things you have to pull the prom and change the code.
The ease product looked like a decent tool when I was looking, but it didn't have all the functions available for the 89 ecm. That probably been updated by now, but best to check.
The ease product looked like a decent tool when I was looking, but it didn't have all the functions available for the 89 ecm. That probably been updated by now, but best to check.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Re: Auto Tap-What is this? (Mike_88Z51)
In response to 88Z51 and TWIMC....OBDI came out in 94, (when GM changed
computer designations from ECM to PCM). OBDII came out in 96. It's true, just
as in any model changeover period, some late 95s were equipped w/OBDII.
However, in most instances 94-95 with OBDII (CONNECTORS) were just that. They
were equipped w/OBDI PCMs but had OBDII ALDL connectors. Anything to make
life confusing. :) Pete's comment about 'pulling' computer to make changes does
not apply starting in 94 w/OBDI. Programming is done without physically touching
PCM. Connection is made from PCM (at ALDL connector) to laptop with a special
interface cable. Soooo, when it comes time when the brave (or fool hardy) want
to alter their (late & if it applies) 95 PCM, they will just order an interface cable for
a OBDI PCM with a OBDII 16 pin connector. (plus programming software) :)
computer designations from ECM to PCM). OBDII came out in 96. It's true, just
as in any model changeover period, some late 95s were equipped w/OBDII.
However, in most instances 94-95 with OBDII (CONNECTORS) were just that. They
were equipped w/OBDI PCMs but had OBDII ALDL connectors. Anything to make
life confusing. :) Pete's comment about 'pulling' computer to make changes does
not apply starting in 94 w/OBDI. Programming is done without physically touching
PCM. Connection is made from PCM (at ALDL connector) to laptop with a special
interface cable. Soooo, when it comes time when the brave (or fool hardy) want
to alter their (late & if it applies) 95 PCM, they will just order an interface cable for
a OBDI PCM with a OBDII 16 pin connector. (plus programming software) :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Auto Tap-What is this? (arnold)
Arnold, you really confusing this topic!!
The ability to upload programming changes does not coinside with the change from OBDI to OBDII. Iam not sure when the ecm/pcm gained lost the replaceable chip, and gained the uploadable functionality.
Also so is 89bowtie. I don't know if we are talking about the 89 or the 96 (now that I have look at the sig).
OBD1 has been around forever, and is the type ecm driving the 89. OBDII started in earnest in 96, but the 94 up had the OBDII connector and some of the functionality, this was sort of a hybrid/test situation.
If the intention, which remains unclear on this post, is to change operating parameters or programming on the 89, then a chip change is in order. If the intention is to change programming on the 96, then the parameters must be uploaded to the pcm. An autotap will do neither. It is a scanner, and I believe an OBDII only scanner.
If the intent is to read operating parameters / sensors / status then the Autotap will do this on a 96 (OBDII), but as far as I know not on the 89 (OBDI).
Pete
The ability to upload programming changes does not coinside with the change from OBDI to OBDII. Iam not sure when the ecm/pcm gained lost the replaceable chip, and gained the uploadable functionality.
Also so is 89bowtie. I don't know if we are talking about the 89 or the 96 (now that I have look at the sig).
OBD1 has been around forever, and is the type ecm driving the 89. OBDII started in earnest in 96, but the 94 up had the OBDII connector and some of the functionality, this was sort of a hybrid/test situation.
If the intention, which remains unclear on this post, is to change operating parameters or programming on the 89, then a chip change is in order. If the intention is to change programming on the 96, then the parameters must be uploaded to the pcm. An autotap will do neither. It is a scanner, and I believe an OBDII only scanner.
If the intent is to read operating parameters / sensors / status then the Autotap will do this on a 96 (OBDII), but as far as I know not on the 89 (OBDI).
Pete
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Auto Tap-What is this? (PeteL)
To all that replied,
Thank you, however, maybe i should clerify the issue. I was lloking for information about the Auto-Tap OBD-II scan utility. It is for my 96 Lt1. I already have an OBD-I scanner for my 89'.
I know how the parameters can be changed on OBD 1 and 2 vehicles. My question was wheather or not the utlity can change parameters on OBD-2 vehicles. I have chip burning hardware for the 89', but no software to play around with on the OBD-2 PCM yet on my 96'.
I just wanna know what the utlity can and can't do. I already know it can't change parameters on the PCM. Basically how much of the PCM info do i have access to with the AUTO-TAP.
89'Bowtie
Thank you, however, maybe i should clerify the issue. I was lloking for information about the Auto-Tap OBD-II scan utility. It is for my 96 Lt1. I already have an OBD-I scanner for my 89'.
I know how the parameters can be changed on OBD 1 and 2 vehicles. My question was wheather or not the utlity can change parameters on OBD-2 vehicles. I have chip burning hardware for the 89', but no software to play around with on the OBD-2 PCM yet on my 96'.
I just wanna know what the utlity can and can't do. I already know it can't change parameters on the PCM. Basically how much of the PCM info do i have access to with the AUTO-TAP.
89'Bowtie
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 11,007
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From: Probably in the paint booth....
Re: Auto Tap-What is this? (89'Bowtie)
89',
I am running AutoTap in Arisa (a 96'). You can look at damn near everything & then a few more things. It will NOT allow you to monkey with the settings :( so I coughed up (actually my dad did for Christmas. Thanks dad !!!) $550.00 for LT1_edit for OBDII.
Below is FYI in case you really get into the PCM (otherwise ignore it :D)
I am still learning right now but based on the data I have collected seems to indicate that the earlier fuel trim maps are not the same in the 96' Y body. I am still digesting data but this appears to be the case.
Neal
I am running AutoTap in Arisa (a 96'). You can look at damn near everything & then a few more things. It will NOT allow you to monkey with the settings :( so I coughed up (actually my dad did for Christmas. Thanks dad !!!) $550.00 for LT1_edit for OBDII.
Below is FYI in case you really get into the PCM (otherwise ignore it :D)
I am still learning right now but based on the data I have collected seems to indicate that the earlier fuel trim maps are not the same in the 96' Y body. I am still digesting data but this appears to be the case.
Neal
