Need Direct Scan Help

[1 quik6]

UPDATE: PROBLEM SOLVED!



I received a Direct Scan setup from my brother/parents for christmas this year. I finally got the car out of storage for the summer and have been trying to get everything set up for the first time. I did read the directions and I drafted a computer specialist to help set everything up. He and I are now both stumped.

The software was loaded into the computer without any problems. I modified the ECM and got the cables hooked up with no problems. When I try to use the real time display I recieve the message "Harware NOT detected! Retry?" I of course hit yes and the message pops right back up. I have no data being entered with the car running the tach and all gages on the direct scan show zero.

The car does run fine so I don't beleive the ECM has been damaged. I thought their may be some trace element of the flux on the ECM causing the problem but the troubleshooting chart shows different symptoms for that problem.

My computer guy tried to call Conleys Performance because that is the support number listed but they said they don't offer phone tech support for the direct scan. They referred us to the web site that has the same trouble shooting as the installation manual.

The manual and web site say, "Check all connections and ensure the key is on. The DirectScan software auto detects if the hardware module is installed and power is applied to the ECM. Ensure the (1) ECM cable is connected to ECM and Harware module, (2) the PC interface cable is connected to Hardware module and PC parallel port, and (3) the key is on."

I have followed all of these steps with complete failure. My computer has windows 98 and is getting old so I tried a different windows 95 computer. Same problem. I'm sorry I've made this thread so long just thought you'd need background info to make an accurate suggestion.

Thanks for any advice.

Eric

 

[TurboDave]

Hmmm, "Harware NOT detected! Retry?" usually always means some type of connection issue. Double and triple check the connections, especially at the ECM and computer. Are you plugging the ribbon cable onto the computer properly (pin 1 in the proper direction)? I'm at work so can't remember which way the red tracer on the ribbon should be facing.
Are the edge connections on the ECM truely clean?
You aren't pushing the connector too far onto the ECM edge are you (that's possible to do)?

 

[1 quik6]

I did check the ribbon direction. The connections are tight because I even turned the thumb screws in tight on both the computer and the harware module. I never thought of the ECM connector being on too far. I'll go try it!

 

[1 quik6]

Kick A**!!! It worked. I had the connector pushed to far onto the ECM. Thanks Turbo Dave!!

Now for Test and tune!

Eric

 

[TurboDave]

Kick A**!!! It worked. I had the connector pushed to far onto the ECM. Thanks Turbo Dave!!

Now for Test and tune!

Eric

What I usually do is get a fairly small nylon wire tie (1/8" or narrower), and cut the bit end off far enough down the tie to make it the proper length and slip it down into the ribbon connection before sliding it onto the ECM edge connector. That keeps if from getting pushed on too far. A round toothpick works well also, although it may need some "thinning" to get it down into the edge connector.