[clug] Linux and Engine Management Systems

[Antony Wuth]

Robert Edwards (Robert.Edwards at anu.edu.au) wrote:
 
> A sort of Linux'y question: anyone on this list played with interfacing to 
> their car's Engine Management System? Care to share your experiences? Any 
> tips on mailing lists/we sites I should look out for? I am particularly 
> interested in Holden Commodore VS series 2 with 3.8l V6 engines, but any tips 
> or pointers would be welcome.

The interface you are looking for is an ALDL (from memory) - I have seen data being
logged from a commodore - basically the stream it sends out is a 8192
(also from memory) serial stream - which will need to be converted to a
'normal' PC serial via a converter such as a max232 chip. 

The protocol is well documented, what isn't is what each manufacturer
uses for each parameter - although a lot if the info you need can be
found / deduced. There is windoze software of variable expense that
*may* help decipher most of the codes.

I have made a adapter circuits for a few people in the past - the board
is really simple & should only cost about $20 in parts (probably less)
http://www.techedge.com.au/vehicle/aldl8192/8192hw.htm might get you
started.

Hope it helps

Antony