tts datamaster-- just downloaded, installed on vista, followed vendor recommended install for Vista. I can't record anything-- i just get a "run-time error.... Overflow". What the heck? I can find nothing via google searching on this error. I get the same error when I try to authorize it or whatever. Program actually dies. All i want are my DTCs. I used their ALDL cable test to make sure it wasn't the cable and that worked fine. There is no where in the TTS Datamaster software where you designate your COM port which seems weird (or at least I can't even get that far).

I have Freescan but it is saying No Codes. I am not sure it is telling me the truth! Cause I have a no start situation and the check gauges & SES light is staying on with key on (engine off).

Any ideas on the Datamaster thing?

 

Sounds like a problem with the program, probably a conflict with a file it is trying to use, causing the runtime error and terminating the program. Since you are running Vista, this is pretty much normal. It's a giant pile of garbage. Good luck getting it to work.

As for the Freescan, are you sure you actually have codes? A no start situation doesn't mean that the PCM will throw a code. Also, you have no information on what your vehicle is. Hard to determine what might be the problem without the vehicle info.

 

You need to install and run Datamaster in XP compatibility mode , go to this site and there is a link at the lower left side of the screen "
http://www.ttspowersystems.com/DataMaster.html

To install DataMaster on a PC running Vista:
Before running the setup program right click on it. Select Properties from the list and
then click the Compatibility tab. From there, pick the default Windows XP SP2, click
on the 'Apply' button and then click on the 'OK' button.
Now run the setup program to install the DataMaster program.

Also the SES and Check Engine lite will stay on untill engine starts. Are the fans running when it will not start (indication of DTC error )..Does the engine crank and not start - or - no crank.. if no crank is the VATS lite on (it should go out 5 secs after key is turned on ) . If it cranks then you may have an ignition or opti code. Does the fuel pump run 2 seconds whenever the key is turned ? Freescan is a generic software package, not vehicle specific for DCT failures you need to get the Datamaster running to see failure codes.

 

as i said, i followed the Vista steps, which is running in compatibility mode for XP. no luck.

i now believe Freescan is reporting correctly. there are no codes. it is the coil or ICM causing the no start I am 95% sure, we will know tonight.

someone previously (not in this post) gave me some bad advice on the SES light in Key On Engine Off state.

i concur the problem is probably vista related.

thanks.

 

I had a no start problem when I finally got my 94 Z28 engine replaced and everything hooked up. First problem was incorrect wiring to the coil. After correcting that, it still wouldn't start. Ended up being the tune. For some reason, I replaced the PCM and forgot to load the proper tune. Try loading up the stock tune if nothing else works. It'll save you a days worth of diagosis, which is what it took me to figure out my problem.

As for Vista, just get rid of it. Wipe the drive and load XP. You'll be MUCH happier in the long run. Trust me, I do this for people all the time on their new PCs. There is a very good reason Microsoft is trying to get WIN7 out ASAP.

 

Actually, that isn't correct. Freescan is vehicle specific, you just select in inside the program, rather than having different programs like TTS Datamaster does. It has an entire DTC table list and even gives you the name of the specific codes. It certainly doesn't have all the extra and very nice options TTS does (like saving an entire datalog and being able to play it back, as well as modifying the tables and such), but it will give you pretty much all the data you need.

 

My problem was a bad ICM. Simple to diagnose and replace. I wasted a lot more time on the laptop with TTS DM.

It was not throwing codes, Freescan was correct.

Never could get TTS Datamaster to work, so to heck with it.

Vista gets worse the longer I use it. I HAVE to have it though as I occasionally do tech support for my company and need Vista for some situations. MS got it right with XP Pro, that's a great OS. Vista has a few nice features but overall blows WRT performance. If it weren't for compatibility I'd just as well run a Linux flavor OS for everything.

 

Slick, glad you got it running...

Doom Master, thanks for the feedback, I'm going to crank FreeScan back up today and see what I missed.. Probably never gave it a thorough enough test after I got hooked on DataMaster. .. Bob D.