Can't read OBD2

Hi,

I've visited service with OBD2 scan tool, but it didn't work. It gets "connection loss". When he connected it to his own Windstar everything works perfectly - all scans, diagrams etc come out. What could be the problem? Is there any other way to scan errors? I have a 3.0l 1997 Windstar with analog panel - production for Europe.

Gobowiec :-)
Windstar 3.0l 1997

I don't know about the '97, but it possible to have those symptoms on my '99 due to a blown fuse. In fact, the same fuse also feeds the front cigarette lighter.

???

"When he connected it to his own Windstar everything works perfectly "

Is his van produced for Europe?

I'd verify compatabilty with this OBDII and YOUR van before I'd chase wiring/computer malfunctions.

Maybe 1997 Ford Europe OBDII is slightly different.

Maybe there is a Ford Europe site. Or contact the OBDII mfg-er and check this.

Vehicles produced for Europe are subject to the EOBD standards. Follow this link to determine if your vehicle has the applicable connector.

http://www.nology.com/obd2connector.htm

In Europe OBD2 standard is introduced in 2000 I belive. In US OBD2 is law from 96. Maybe this windstar still doesnt have obd2

Some time passed, and learned new things. First, the other car is an american version. Second, there are american and europe standard for OBD2. The OBD2 reader we use is multi system device and supports both for FORD as well as other standards. We forced an error by taking the air intake sensor off - and suprize - it works. We were able to take error reading, cancel the error, read coolant temperature and so on. After we replaced the sensor - again "connection break". Looks like if there are no stored errors the connection is interrupted, which doesn't seem proper behavior. Now I'm making my own OBD2 reader based on ELM320 chip, hope it will work. My next problem I'll attach to tranny thread.

Thanks,

Gobowiec

I don't know about the '97, but it possible to have those symptoms on my '99 due to a blown fuse. In fact, the same fuse also feeds the front cigarette lighter.

???
what fuse was that - I have been going crazy trying to figure out why my obdII would not work at all - then I read your reply, my cig lighter doesnt work either..... OMG thank you soooooooo much!!!! You made my day! ty ty ty ty ty

Quite welcome.

The 20 amp fuse in discussion, for the "data-link connector", is in fuse position #17 in the cabin fuse box. See your glove box owner's guide for fuse diagram. (Above for model year 1999).

Thank you sooo much - I must have checked every fuse but that one! the lighter is working, I'm on my way to autozone right now to see if my obdII issue is fixed.
Thanks again - you're the best!

Quite welcome.

The 20 amp fuse in discussion, for the "data-link connector", is in fuse position #17 in the cabin fuse box. See your glove box owner's guide for fuse diagram. (Above for model year 1999).


Thanks again just wanted to let you know that my truck is all fixed now. I even replaced the fuel pressure regulator - and shes almost good as new now!

It works! I've build my own OBD2 adapter and connected it to a laptop, and everything works perfectly. The only problem is refresh rate. The software programs I'm using are quite slow compared to SnapOn. It also is very limited in diagnostics. Maybe somebody has a list of strings that must be sent to PCM to get more complex diagnostics (eg. tranny) and how to interpret answers. Or maybe a program that will work through the RS and the adapter? On the SnapOn they show my how the tranny shifts gear, when the lockup works etc. This isn't possible on the shareware programs.

It works! I've build my own OBD2 adapter and connected it to a laptop, and everything works perfectly. The only problem is refresh rate. The software programs I'm using are quite slow compared to SnapOn. It also is very limited in diagnostics. Maybe somebody has a list of strings that must be sent to PCM to get more complex diagnostics (eg. tranny) and how to interpret answers. Or maybe a program that will work through the RS and the adapter? On the SnapOn they show my how the tranny shifts gear, when the lockup works etc. This isn't possible on the shareware programs.


What software are you using? I was going to build one but ended up buying an assembled unit.

I got my interface and software from here: http://obddiagnostics.com/
I wished it would read ABS, AirBags and trannies. Anyone out there know how to do that?

Regards

Dan

I have scantool, digimotolite and scanmaster. None of them can diagnose airbag, tranny etc. Probably in January I'll try to make a new OBD reader which should enable such diagnoses.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but thanks to 12ounce for the #17 fuse tip. A friend of mine just bought a 2000 Windstar with only 57000 miles on it and for some reason we couldn't pull the codes using 2 different readers. The #17 fuse was blown, replaced, and now we can get the reader to connect. Thanks again! Now I hope he doesn't have the dreaded 171-174 problem.