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A while back as a father son team we bought a wrecked 1994 Z28 with LT1 and 4L60E. The drivetrain with electronics are now transplanted in a 1979 Malibu wagon. The project is going well.
I'm setting up ALDLdroid screens. On one of the screens I want to list maybe 8 or 10 DTC status indicators for quick reference. In your opinion, what are the most common 10 DTC's that come up on these engines? I can make additional screens if you think the 10 limit is too low.
We still have to tidy up the harness securing and finish split loom install but here's a few pics.
Sorry for the delay in this thread showing up. Because of the attachments and length for a first post it got caught in the “moderation” queue and required admin/moderator approval.
I'm probably showing my ignorance here, but what do you plan to show with respect to a “status indicators for quick reference”? Is this simply whether a specific code is set, and if so whether it is stored or active? In any case, rather than the 10 most common DTC’s, I would recommend using a “most critical” criterion, based on potential for damage or serious reduction in performance. DTC 29 for the AIR pump is probably the most common, but it has little potential, if any, of causing damage or degrading performance.
Are you interested in transmission related codes as well? They can be serious, but most do not even turn on the SES light.
I'm probably showing my ignorance here, but what do you plan to show with respect to a “status indicators for quick reference”?
In any case, rather than the 10 most common DTC’s, I would recommend using a “most critical” criterion, based on potential for damage or serious reduction in performance.
No problem on the delay in posting.
You nailed it on my intention. I have a MIL on the dash and if it comes on, I want a quick reference to see what's triggered it. And yes, your assumption that I prefer "most critical" rather than most common is correct. Thanks for recognizing and improving my quest for information. Critical based on potential for damage or serious reduction in performance is exactly what I would like. Including transmission codes is a good idea too. I could do a screen for screen for engine and a screen for transmission if needed to keep crowding down.
So, considering my goal, what would be the most useful indicators to have available for quick reference? Non detrimental smog related stuff is necessary for sure.
Just some food for thought. One of the most useful scan tools I have used for real time display is the ScanMasterLT1. I purchased that a couple years after I bought my 94 Formula brand new. It taught me more about the workings of the PCM than any other source. Based on that, I developed a document on using the ScanMaster, which I later modified to be more generic. The document is available in this link:
At the end of the document is a list of useful references for learning more about the GM approach to engine management. Additionally, the factory service manual has a ton of useful info on the specific codes, troubleshooting charts, etc. You can download a free copy of the 1994 FSM here, courtesy of GaryDoug:
GaryDoug has also developed a scanning/data logging software specifically for the 93/94/95 OBD-1 LT1. The most useful data logging software I have found. I review these data logs for members, helping them track down the sources of problems. Software is free, but requires a cable:
I'd like to learn more about the ALDLdroid app you are using. Will you be using your phone to display the data real time as you drive?
The ScanMaster was useful, in that ihad a single line LED display that could selectively display one or two sensor readings or PCM parameters. Screens were selected by touching a small button on the face of the display. I had this permanently on top of my steering column. One screen displayed all set codes in sequential order, if there were any. Agree it was useful to know immediately exactly what caused the SES light. Note also that there are odes that do not turn on the SES light, including most of the transmission codes. My knowledge of the transmission codes in limited, as my Formula originally was equipped with the T56 6-speed manual.
I'll be happy to get you some details on ALDLdroid in the context that I'm using it. I'm just now setting it up so It's probably good I spend a little time with it first. The swap meant I lost the mechanical drive for the cable driven Malibu speedometer. This is the main reason I set up ALDLdroid, so I could display PCM data on vehicle speed. It's serving that purpose well and the cost was not much at all. Add all the other features and it becomes even more useful. I sniped a used Lenovo mini tablet on ebay for $40 which is a dedicated display device for the car.
Although ALDLdroid can datalog and tune in real time, I'm already utilizing TunerPro, EEhack and Flashhack and I've been doing the bin modifying, flashing and all that. We're setup pretty good I think. I'm considering the electronic cable drive motor too for the speedo but that component is a bit pricey. so I have not pulled the trigger on it.
I think I settled on this as a main dash screen. It's real time obviously. I can add other screens with many other indicators. We have other mechanical gauges including tach already so dont really need that on the droid display. We mainly needed it for the speedometer.
If I get an MIL I can click the three little dots in the upper right screen and select a complete lineup of all the real time data. There I can check to see whatever code might be listed.
