Thread: On-Line diagnostics - what a good idea

What ECU? [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

Sounds good, what software would you use and from where?
If you have to buy a copy for legal purposes, I would imagine it would be some fairly serious $$$ involved.

Otherwise it would clearly help a lot of people who continue to self maintain their vehicles and want to keep their hard earned from the stealers / servicers.

Dave.

Dave, I've got no idea about how to do this [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] I just think that if it can be done it would be a good idea. Let's hear from the technophiles.

Neither do I [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

Sit back and enjoy the show....

Dave.

now all we need is a diagnostic computer.....



the theory is great....not too sure about reality though.....
sounds to good to be true...

though if it happens im in....

<span style="color:blue">I reckon if there were 30 people prepared to subscribe to the scheme by buying a cable, that would probably generate enough funds to set this up. I'm sure there must be someone there who works at a dealership who can advise on which software to purchase. Anyway, we'll see what our market research (poll) indicates about the viability of this scheme. It's just crazy enough it might work :wink: </span>

Without knowing any specifics about the Testbook system and LR ECU's, off the top of my head, here's probably what could be done...

Problem 1 - Communicating with the LR ECU
I don't know what computer protocol the LR ECU uses, so extracting information and "talking" to it may be a large problem. Some uber nerd would have to write a specific program just to "talk" to the ECU. This maybe hard as the protocol maybe internal to LR and LR aren't that willing to provide the details. This generally takes a LOT of time (6 months of trials and testing etc) Even worse is IF the ECU won't talk to a computer without a special card in the computer. In that case, forget about the whole project and shell out the $$$$ for a Testbook system.

Problem 2 - Sending the information to the Testbook over the net.
Generally speaking live "talk" between computers is difficult, as special programs would probably need to be written for computers at both end in order to communicate effectively over the net (there maybe 100s of reasons as to why this can't be done too!). This is hard and more development time is needed.

Problem 3 - What's the point if you can't fix the problem
Diagnosing is all well and good, but most computer controlled engines and associated hardware can't be disassembled easily by the average home mechanic. So, you'll probably end up having to take it to a dedicated mechanic anyways! :?

HOWEVER,
IF LR use simple protocols, problem 1 maybe eradicated, however, problem 2 may be a larger than usual difficulty as no doubt, the Testbook system would probably be configured for close communications (5m of copper cable between Testbook and ECU), thereby making the lag associated with comms between the two unacceptable.

A more simple solution would be to have a program written that emulates the Testbook system. This would be far easier to distribute, but maybe hard because of Testbook intricacies (as in problem 1) :roll: .

That's my rather erratic thoughts for you! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

Conclusion: Would require uber nerd with LR ECU (maybe a couple) and lots of spare time to do. :wink:

I've heard that some people run the diagnostics to a LCD screen in the car (flip stereo style screen) and can see any problems with the Land Rover as they arise.

If that can be done, why not communicate the same info over the www?

If you knew what was faulty, that would give you [1] peace of mind, [2] and ability to budget a fix [3] reduced running around times.

Maybe I'm just ahead of my time. :roll:

The cheapest LR diagnostic package I have seen is called ROVACOM LITE, if you do a search on the web you can read all about it.

You buy the software and adapters as modular units to suit the models of Land rovers you need to diagnose. It runs on any PC or laptop. I think it now comes with wireless adapters so you don't need to lug the laptop all around the workshop.

I think to buy the necessary bits and pieces for my RR would cost about $1500 - $2000. Hard to justify for personal use, when I can hook up to a test book for $30 (my local LR dealer charges $30 for a hook up and diagnosis reading / fault clearing )

I think to get an idea like this off the ground you would be better investing in something like ROVACOM LITE where all the hard yards have already been done by the experts.

Creating a web or dial up link to it would probably be the easier part.

Just my opinion