I just started using Diacom-p and have a few questions, mostly DOS related
I beleive. I'm trying to record stuff, but don't know how to make a file in dos, much less retrieve info. Also, how do I get back to windows once I exit diacom? I am using an old thinkpad so I can leave it in the car and not worry about it.
I have an 86 vette and have to use a special cable as well as a gmecm /f start up in diacom-p in order to "read" my car. I am a little disapointed in that it doesn't read in actual time. All actions are delayed. When I record, will I see a frame by frame?
Is there a link or something with better directions than diacoms 1980's book when everyone semi understood dos? :confused: :confused: :confused:

 

I just run it from the disk, it really makes life easier that way (always use a copy, not the original disk).
doing it this way lets you save data onto the disk (it will have a good amount of free space, I reset my record time to about 200-250 and can save about 8 runs). with the data saved on the floppy you can use it on a desktop (much more comfortable for studying, printing out and comparing).

I tried putting it on the hardrive, but it was hard to find the saved data runs once your back in windows (a puter expert might not think so, but I found it darn near impossible).

to run it from the floppy:
exit windows,
then type "A\:"
(that should put you in the floppy drive)
then type in "diacom-p"
you should then have the diacom start up menu.

to make life easier you can put your vin number in as a default (so you don't have to enter it each time).

once your linked to the vehicle, and have recorded some data (by hitting the space bar) you still have to save the data to disk to keep it (save buffer) you can look at it with out saving (page up, page dwn or graph up to 3 fields), but if you re-link to vehicle you will lose that data.

the page up and page dwn will give you a fame by frame of all the data fields. the graphing feature will let you select up to 3 fields and it will graph them (all frames of just those 3 fields).

 

Thanks for the info.

I'll try this out tonight if I can escape the family for a few minutes.

I have real high block learn numbers (150-160) in cells 1-6. The intergrator is 126-130, so I've driven it a few times.

I am looking for an intake leak, but I can't find one.

I unplugged the IAC when it read "0", turned the throttle blade till it idled around 500rpm, set the TPS to .6v, then plugged the IAC back in. The IAC read about 60, so I opened the throttle blades till the IAC read 20, then reset the TPS again. The IAC has never given me a reading of "0". This would kind of indicate to me that there IS NOT an intake leak. At idle it is able to match the "desired idle" at around 20 steps, but the idle is slightly surging.

I have some trouble codes which I have listed in a previous post in "tech/performance".
I have "auto exray" as well and it only reads the last two trouble codes.
When I drive the car without anything plugged into the ALDL, I get no "check engine" light.

The car runs great anywhere above idle, lots of power and good block learn and intergrator readings above cell 6. I can't seam to run the car in cells 3,4 and 5, it kinda skips them.

This all ads up to a confusing problem for me. Please reply with ANY ideas cause I'll try anything.
:confused: :crazy:

 

I run and save diacom to the hard drive-when reviewing data only I've found that it's easiest to just open diacon from the ms-dos prompt-works fine for reviewing.
The cells will "pass thru" quickly-so it may seem as if it never hits certain cells-nothing to worry about. I've changed my blm cell rpm and maf boundaries so I end up seeing/ "using" more cells.
What yr is your car/ecm again???
And what are the codes?
Looks like you do have a few mods from your sig pic-so ignore the "book" method of adjusting idle-just open/close throttle blades untill your iac steps are about 20 to 30 at idle warm, then readjust tps volt. where you want it.
If your blms and ints are close to 128 cell six and up, then just adjust in the lower rpm/load-maf table or ve table; wichever you're running.
To double check for vac leaks-have you tried using quick start? It can find the hidden leaks-just be real carefull where you spray it!!!
But it is common with many mods to end up lean on the lower maf table or two.
Hmmm, just rereading your post-the iac should be able to read 0 if you keep opening the blades.....not sure what's happening there....does it surge at idle?

 

I can open the blades and get it to read "0". The car is an 86, and from what I've been reading in the archives,the 86 is a pain in the ECM.
Codes are:
23 Manifold air temp sensor low
46 Vehicle anti theft failure
45 Oxygen sensor rich
42 Electronic spark timing monitor error
41 Cylinder selection error

Like I said earlier, the auto xray reads only the last two codes.

 

OK, seeing your codes rang a bell....went and found your other post-that code 41 still makes me think there is a wiring problem...since you already tried the stock prom and it's still there. Do you have a spare ecm you could swap?
Also on vac. leaks....do you have a heat shield for the power brake booster? Look close at the side of the booster near the headers....see if it melted. Mine did!
Actually the 86 is very tunable. Just use a 32B or 6E code in it.

 

I wish I had a ECM to try...

I'll check the brake booster cause the surging seems worse all the time.

I'm new to fuel injection computer wrenching so forgive me when I say I don't know where to use a 32B or 6E code.

Oh yea! Almost forgot... I checked the grounds to the block, and the bolt was
barely started!!! I thought I had my problem, but no such luck. Nothing changed.... Maybe I damaged the ECM?


[Modified by severe-1, 12:26 AM 12/24/2002]

 

I think driveit may be on to something,
I looked up the codes in the 86 service manual (worh every penny if you can find one) and the one common cause for codes 23, 45, 41, 42 is faulty ECM or wiring/connections.
although it may be possible that one thing is causing the other codes (side effects), it dosn't seem likely though.

BTW, you can use the MS-dos window to run the floppy too (just for viewing, not for linking)


[Modified by ol,RJ, 12:22 AM 12/24/2002]