Code reader for Veccy C

[Nurb608]

Just wondering if anyone in Victoria has a code reader that will work with the Veccy C or if anyone can recommend one to buy that will work? Holden want to charge me $110 just to hook it up! I'd rather give a member some money to use theirs or buy one.

[stevedee3]

Here's something I posted on another forum (http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44548) - you may find it helpful...
To read ECM diagnostic trouble codes on the Bosch ECM for a 3.2 V6 petrol engine (Z32SE):


Ignition off
Fully press both the brake and accelerator pedals
Turn key to Run (but not crank!) position


The MIL (engine malfunction light) will flash to indicate the trouble codes. The individual digits will be indicated by short flashes with a pause between digits. A longer flash will appear between trouble codes. At the end the light will stay on. If no diagnostic codes are stored the light will just keep blinking.

As an example, I disconnected the engine cooling fan connector. The following sequence of flashes appeared when the instructions above were followed:

1 long flash
1 short flash, 4 short flashes, 8 short flashes, 1 short flash
1 long flash
1 short flash, 4 short flashes, 8 short flashes, 3 short flashes
1 long flash
1 short flash, 4 short flashes, 8 short flashes, 2 short flashes
lamp stays on until pedals released


This can be interpreted as the following codes:

P1481 = Fan Control 1 Circuit
P1483 = Fan Control 3 Circuit
P1482 = Fan Control 2 Circuit


I'm pretty sure that this method will only read ECM trouble codes. For codes set by other modules you will still need some sort of specialised fault code reader tool (e.g. a Tech 2).

Also, this may or may not work on other engine controllers - I can only say that it works on the Z32SE controller.

[Nurb608]

Yeah, i saw that post and gave it a try. Got a fault for the fan stage 1 but the other codes included the light flashing ten times making the code too long.

[stevedee3]

Yeah, i saw that post and gave it a try. Got a fault for the fan stage 1 but the other codes included the light flashing ten times making the code too long.Ten flashes means a zero.

[Nurb608]

Ah, ok, that makes alot more sense now. Don't i feel like a tool :)

[Nurb608]

OK, this is what I've found at it doesn't look good.

P0100 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P1381 Variable Cam Timing Overadvanced (Bank #1)/ Misfire Detected - No Communication with BCM
P1700 Transmission Indeterminate Failure (Failed to Neutral)

[nuggz]

Yikes

thats a nice list you've got there :rolleyes:

P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
probably accounts for the other 2


P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P1381 Variable Cam Timing Overadvanced (Bank #1)/ Misfire Detected - No Communication with BCM

[auzvectra]

changed ur spark plugs lately??

[Nurb608]

Spark plugs were changed 16,000kms ago. The only thing I could think was possibly with the pod filter, it's playing funny with the MAF sensor, then somehow causing a timing issue???

[auzvectra]

hhmm well that rules that out.
was gonna say if the plugs have just been done it may have a vac leak ;).
seems like a tricky 1. the hot film afm dont normally have an issue with pods unless u over oil them.

[nuggz]

Im guessing it wouldn't be due to the pod

P0100 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction

to have those together would probably indicate electrical fault someone along the lines

[Nurb608]

Im guessing it wouldn't be due to the pod

P0100 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction
P0115 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction

to have those together would probably indicate electrical fault someone along the lines

I think the coolant temp fault is due to the slow leak I am getting at the moment that i can't find, unless it is leaking into the wiring :eek:, but lets not think like that :)

There was a guy in the UK that had the same issue with his gearbox getting stuck in 5th in limp mode and ended up being related to the MAF somehow, i'm hoping it's the same issue otherwise this is gonna cost me a bit.

[nuggz]

or you could take out the dash bulb
and sell it while it still moves :D

[Nurb608]

or you could take out the dash bulb
and sell it while it still moves :D

lol, i think the Mrs would kill me, we need the bigger car for the kid. I'd be happy to go back to my v6 cali, well, turbo maybe:D

[lithium]

thats a long list of fault codes, it seems unlikely all those components failed simultaneously. possibly the ECU has pooed itself?

it might be best to take it to Holden for something like this, they'll tell you straight away if its the ECU

[stevedee3]

or you could take out the dash bulb
and sell it while it still moves :DI think a Veccy C uses the LCD in the tacho if it detects that the MIL is open circuit :p