Connection issues?

[Chillidoggy]

Tried to connect the car up to the laptop yesterday, but no dice. But I can't work out if it's the laptop, or the lead. The lead (has a jack plug connector in line) did come from Nige, a member here, so I'm guessing it was working when he had it.

The laptop is an old one, Toshiba SP6000, running XP, and has only ever been used for engine diagnostics using a port other than the USB connection. Although Espritmon and Freescan programmes load up ok, it doesn't seem to want to connect to either.

 

Anyone in my area got a cable or laptop that I can try, before I rush out and buy new ones?

[Sparky]

Gissa call if/when you're at the car and plugged in...

[Chillidoggy]

Just sat in the white van having a cuppa/bacon roll and reading the Sport (typical British workman).

 

I'll give you a call in about 30 minutes.

[Sparky]

Thanks for the heads-up.  I'll try and keep to single-syllable words.

[Chillidoggy]

Progress report: After updating the laptop USB drivers I managed to get a connection to Espritmon via the boot plug. Freescan didn't want to work though, as I couldn't get it to see the COM6 port.

The two plugs under the glove box, one marked as alarm, wouldn't connect. I've ordered an 3.5mm extension lead so I can run it through the seatbelt slot, with the laptop on the passenger seat. I might put a couple of photos up of the plugs if I get time.

As Espritmon seems to be the better programme, it now remains to read the instructions, have another play, and work out how to save a file for examination by someone who actually knows what they're doing! Probably won't have time for that until next weekend, though.

[nigeninja]

I had it plugged in under the glove compartment mate and it worked fine,i do seem to remember some problems to get it to work at first but once I got it going it work every time all the time there after.

 

Not much help I know but the cable deffo ok mate  

[Chillidoggy]

It's not the cable Nige, that's fine, it's the plug under the dashboard. Looks like it's never been used before, maybe it needs a bit of cleaning up.

[Bibs]

It's much further from the ECU, not uncommon for it not to work. 

[Chillidoggy]

Bad connections en route? Or just the distance the tiny bits of current has to travel, maybe?

Here's the plug I found, I think this is the right one -

[Vanya]

The passenger footwell plug on my car is also a bit off compared to the boot one - the wires on the back aren't too robust and need to be redone. Try wiggling them around and see if it connects sporadically after that, then you'll have your answer.

 

Did you find the plug dangling loosely or was it plugged into its "holder" down there?

[Chillidoggy]

It was plugged into a black plastic socket that is bolted to the back of the glove box, from what I could see, anyway. That's what made it so difficult to locate because purely by feel, it felt like it was plugged into something substantial, rather than simply loosely hanging down like the other diagnostic plug in the boot. The alarm plug also has a black cover, taped on the loom next to it.
 
The wires look to be robust enough, though. But as Bibs suggested, people can sometimes have problems with those plugs.

[dodge1979]

Sometimes my lead plays up I have the one thats got a jack plug connection half way along it..I finds it needs wiggling there sometimes to get a connection..

[Chillidoggy]

As I said, the lead works fine from the connection in the boot, it's the footwell plug that doesn't seem to want to play. I will have another go at it at the weekend, though.

[Vulcan Grey]

Bad connections en route? Or just the distance the tiny bits of current has to travel, maybe?

Here's the plug I found, I think this is the right one -

That is not the correct plug.

[Chillidoggy]

In that case the search continues.

[Chillidoggy]

Actually, it would really help me if someone could post a photo of their dashboard plug. I'm getting old, and decrepit, so I'm not entirely suited to the Lotus position!

[Vulcan Grey]

Should look like this blue one

 

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/42882-not-wants-to-startelectrical-problems/page-2

 

[Chillidoggy]

Thank you for the plug picture Travis, but I can't see it too clearly at all. Also, my car is an S4s, with the revised wiring loom. Given some of the comments about the original fitting of the wiring loom, I'm wondering if I'm actually looking in the wrong place for the plug, it's probably under the driver's side!

[dodge1979]

No mine is under the passenger side .but you do need to look for it! Assume the lotus position im afraid...

[Chillidoggy]

I've ordered an LED camera off e-bay that plugs into a laptop. That way I can poke it around under the dash to search for the plug without risking a stay in hospital.

[Bibs]

Forward facing camera on your phone and a torch?

[Chillidoggy]

Tried that, mixed results. Well, shit results, actually!

The other thing is that the cable cam might be useful for poking into other inaccessible areas. Looking at the condition of your nuts, for example. I'm not as supple as I used to be, and it might help that.