Codes on my laptop or PDA?

I have a 1988 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup and I would like to monitor the ECM data through the diagnostic connector while the engine is running. I understand there are expensive electronic tools to do this, but I was wondering if there is cabling and software available so that I can do this with a laptop or PDA? Where can I get more info on the net? I'm very computer literate, just not as they relate to cars.

Thanks! Dan

Reply to
Dan
Loading thread data ...

============================ I just researched this same thing.....The cabling and software are just as expensive as the scan tools. Also, being that your truck is OBD 1, there are very limited choices for the software. Being that I was looking for something that did OBD1 and 2, you might have better luck. Just search for "OBD1 software" in Google you should find some stuff.

Reply to
Scott M

Check out e-bay. There's tons of them on there.

Randy

Reply to
RDM

Look into the Sears catalog. I seem to remember some electronic tools that plug into computers. May not be what you want or you can try a MAC or other tool rep.

Bruce

Reply to
Bruce

Try "Winaldl" it's free and will send lots of info to a laptop which you can log and look at later. For the interface cable you need a soldering iron and 5 bucks for parts, very simple.

Reply to
BCarney147

I have to agree with WCarney. Try "Winaldl" I have it and its free and the cable is easy to Make.

Reply to
Mastermech

where can I find info on Winald1? I tried google and got nothing.

Reply to
Brian Jones

Check your spelling again winaldl you used a one (1) instead of ell (l)

Reply to
Stephen Young

There are tons of information on the Internet regarding GM ECM systems. For example -

formatting link
I have a 1988 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup and I would like to monitor the ECM data

Reply to
Tom B.

Ha ha hot dang!!! This thing really works!!! I put the cable together, installed the software and it works like a charm! Fantastic! I'm going to write this guy a check. This is better than the $600+ diagnostic tool at Shucks (at least for my needs) and all for price of a used laptop that you can get for $200 - $400. Costs nothing if you already have one. Now all I have to do is capture the data when the problem happens.

Here's web site:

formatting link
Works for me. Thanks for your input everyone!

Dan

snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (BCarney147) wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@mb-m07.aol.com:

Reply to
Dan

Dan, You built the cable yourself? I was interested in this product but I'm not electronically inclined enough to build the cable from the instructions on the page. I can use a solder gun and have a steady hand, just can't read schematics. Would it be possible to detail me in on the cable? If not, it's cool, I'll hit up one of those links they recommended. Thanks

Reply to
Tzihuac

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.