directscan hardware install

[Weazel]

I recently purchased a DirectScan system (thank you Michael McCoy) and just had a quick question. How long did it take to clean all that plastic coating off, using the swabs and nail-polish remover? I was at it for close to an hour last night, and didn't quite finish. I tried to finish up by using a shoplight, and just managed to knock the remover over.
Anyway I'm just curious, it seems like it's taking a long time. I don't wanna use too much solvent either, because I'm afraid it'll get into the ECM itself. Just thought I'd ask, thanks!

 

[salvageV6]

After your third try you will probably get it right.

I'd say about 2 hours to do a thorough job.

Includes cleanup time.

 

[Weazel]

Alright, thanks a lot!!! I got the plastic all cleared off, and figured I was ready to roll. WRONG!!! Now the damn ribbon cable that I bought at Radio Shack is the WRONG ONE!

It plugs into the back of the box fine, but both connections are the same! And it's the only one they had, or even heard of, at Radio Shack. I got the "Internal IDE Cable", it's a 40-pin conductor ribbon for connecting one or two IDE drives. And it doesn't fit on the back of the damn ECM. Where can I get a cable that will either adapt to or replace the one I currently have?? Thanks a lot to all.

BTW, first time scan tool users, DO NOT buy an incomplete version of the hardest scantool to instal. I'm almost in aneurysm mode here...

 

[TurboDave]

The ribbon cable is proprietary (so-to-speak), requires special connectors that you wont find at your local radio shaft.

Why didn't your's come complete????????

 

[Weazel]

I bought it from a member here, and for one reason or another they didn't have the ribbon cable. I was told it was "the cheap one" and saw in the instructions that it was a 40-pin ribbon cable. So I bought one at Radio Shack. Hmmmm, maybe I should've done more research...
So there's NO way to get this thing hooked up without the cable from DirectScan Hmmm, can't say as I'm happy about that.

 

[salvageV6]

Well if you actually knew where each wire was to go on the ECM you could solder them after cutting off the incorrect cable end.

 

[Russ Merritt]

They're cheap money only ten bucks. conley's perf. plus