Engine Management Light

luisabel9090

Junior Member
Messages
30
Well, back to the OBD reader, received today, and the only message I can read is "Failed to connect".

Too late at night to start the engine, but seems should be OK just with ignition ON.

I followed the procedures as described in the manual. Wondering now if the device does not work.

Any ideas?
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,547
It depends on what you're trying to read. Some stuff will work with the ignition on, some needs the engine running.

C
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
Well, back to the OBD reader, received today, and the only message I can read is "Failed to connect".

Too late at night to start the engine, but seems should be OK just with ignition ON.

I followed the procedures as described in the manual. Wondering now if the device does not work.

Any ideas?
needs to support KWP 2000 protocol, thats the one the car responds to, does it go through a series of different protocols when trying to connect? and you are right it should connect and get some info with ignition on but engine not running.
 

luisabel9090

Junior Member
Messages
30
So that is the reason.

The device does not work with that protocol. Had no idea about this. Thought if OBD2 port available, then any device would serve.
Maybe I can send it back and get this learning lesson for free.
Though the suggested device does not serve, I anyway thank your comments.
Now that winter is coming I will take the 3200 to the specialist in Madrid and have this issue sorted out.
Regards.
Luis
 
Messages
6,001
On my QPV :-
you plug it in
turn it on
the diagnostic illuminates
turn ignition only on
the diagnostic 'talks to the car'
menu appears to read codes etc.
I appreciate it is not the same car or diagnostic but the hierarchy may be of use
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
I find the cheap generic code readers work well, the will scan through 3 or 4 protocols until they find the one that connects.
 

Mr S

Member
Messages
821
Mine was a £10 ebay special, but noticed ECP's sell it also, but never asked the cost. Its red with a black cable. Works a treat
 

luisabel9090

Junior Member
Messages
30
Thanks again for your comments.

Lesson learnt, but feel reluctant to buy another device. Will spend day to take the 3200 to Madrid and have this checked by the specialist while the annual inspection is performed.

After all the 3200 has behaved all these years I have enjoyed and apart from maintenance, the only problem has been the starter motor.

Bearing in mind the car and the brand reputation, I feel lucky.

Again, thank you very much.

Luis
 

luisabel9090

Junior Member
Messages
30
I got news from the specialist.

Same as the 2020 year news, not so good, at least this time bad news are not related to one´s health.

One error is the outside air temperature, which seems to be used by the engine control for injection purposes.

The other, which is no longer showing, is related to the infamous throttle body (a problem I thought I would not have on my 2001 model year car), or the throttle valves control, for which I am told there are two. He will check again tomorrow, but I am starting to feel uncomfortable.....

Any experiences?
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
I got news from the specialist.

Same as the 2020 year news, not so good, at least this time bad news are not related to one´s health.

One error is the outside air temperature, which seems to be used by the engine control for injection purposes.

The other, which is no longer showing, is related to the infamous throttle body (a problem I thought I would not have on my 2001 model year car), or the throttle valves control, for which I am told there are two. He will check again tomorrow, but I am starting to feel uncomfortable.....

Any experiences?
I had a 2001 car, it needed a throttle body. Being a 2001 car doesn't make it immune, just easier to read and clear fault codes.
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
outside air temperature sensor is a little button sticking out from under the drivers side mirror, and its quite well known for failing. its still available i think and is not expensive but is fiddly to replace and can take a while so garage bills can be more than you would think.
Throttle body is still 19 years old on your car so its possibly not a complete surprise that its got problems. They are notorious, there are a few options for refurbishment and repair mike at Maserati shed still does it, Xmodex in Canada can rebuild them and so can I if it helps. I also have the option to modify and rebuild newer Volvo units and these seem to work well too, so you have a few options on the Throttle body, don't panic!