nauss85

I haven't really looked into the software for it yet. Was it hard to find? Is it free or do you have to buy it?

dr_bowtie

there is a ton of free software out there... you just have to do a little Googling and reading to see what works...

one of the freeware I got was EasyOBDII which is made by the same people who make all the ScanTool, ScanMaster software.

It is not fully supported by the ELM327 Bluetooth dongle but it does work...

nauss85

May just have to check that out! Hopefully (fingers crossed) I won't have a need for it for it for a while.

Warlockk

The Ford EECIV wasn't really designed to be tuned. All the information is basically hard charts. The sampling rate of the processor was too slow to do any real time readings. My instructor was saying the other day that is why often you have a symptom that doesn't trigger a cel like it should. Intermittent error don't stay on long enough for the system to read then verify then save as a hard code. Obd3 is comming soon. That should be fun.

nauss85

OBDIII? Cool... It makes sense that you wouldn't be able to tune one...after all, how far along were computers in 1987 compared to 2005?

klricks

I know you have been answered that it can't be done but here is some explanation of how the OBDI system works to help you know why:

OBDI is set of self test diagnostic routines. There are 2 levels of testing
1. Key On Engine Off or KOEO
2. Key On Engine Running KOER.
The tests are initiated by shorting two pins on the OBDI connector. The test sequence will actuate most of the engine emission system sensors, solenoids etc. When the tests are completed the computer sends out codes to indicate the results of the testing. The codes are simple 2 or 3 digit numbers. The codes are read by the operator watching a flashing light bulb. (Something like ship to ship signalling Morse code with a search light in WWI). Or you can purchase a code reader that will capture the flash sequences and convert them to numbers for you. The KOEO & KOER codes are not stored anywhere after the tests are completed.

In addition to the self tests the computer also spits out any stored codes called Continuous Memory or CM codes. CM codes are stored in the system for ongoing faults. CM codes make the CEL light come on if you have one. Note that before 1988 or maybe 89 there was no functioning CEL light. (There is a space in the dash for the CEL or Emissions light, but it's not connected to anything). So you could have CM codes and not know it. The CM code are spit out at the tail end of the KOEO tests and cannot be retrieved without first doing the KOEO test.

Once you have the codes you have to look them up in a printed chart or shop manual as most OBDI code readers do not have a built in database.

As other have said there is no real time data from the OBDI system.

For more details about how to run the self test and retrieve codes see my web page writeup.. link in my signature.

dr_bowtie

you can look at Live Real Time data using the J3-Service port... problem is that there arent cables widely available...

there is OBD1 software just like OBD2 that does real time live diagnostics...

The ALDL cable for GM is widely available for the same software....Ford just kept it more locked down than GM does....

nauss85

Klricks - thank you for the indepth explanation. Helped clear some things up for me!
Dr bowtie - thank you as well. You guys are great here.