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Ecutalk alternatives??


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Looking at getting ecutalk but I think because my 4.2tdi has consult port I can't use others like scan gauge or ultra-gauge which are odb compliant.

Are there any others out there or is ecutalk the only option?

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I don't think you'll find anything apart from ECUtalk to suit.

In any case I'd question the need for such device on TD42 anyway, this is a mechanical beast with just rudimentary Engine ECU used really only for support functions like immobilizer, glow plugs control and cold start, EGR control, fuel injection timing engine temp compensation ,A/C cut out control etc., it is not true EDC (electronic diesel control) fuel injection like ZD30 for example. Heck it still has a hand throttle and mechanically operated fuel lever for chit and giggles..

Cheers

Edited by Rumcajs
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I don't think you'll find anything apart from ECUtalk to suit.

In any case I'd question the need for such device on TD42 anyway, this is a mechanical beast with just rudimentary Engine ECU used really only for support functions like immobilizer, glow plugs control and cold start, EGR control, fuel injection timing engine temp compensation ,A/C cut out control etc., it is not true EDC (electronic diesel control) fuel injection like ZD30 for example. Heck it still has a hand throttle and mechanically operated fuel lever for chit and giggles..

Cheers

So what info will it actually give me on a TD4.2i ?

P.S I love my hand throttle - It will make showering warm rather than putting a brick on the peddle to keep the revs up :-P

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I'm not quite sure on TD42, even on my ZD30 the view is not that great as far as I'm concerned. On mine it is Battery Voltage, Coolant temp, (these two are probably most important to me) Engine RPM, Vehicle speed (VSP), Boost pressure (I've got external gauge anyway) Atmospheric pressure (barometer) AFM ratio, Injection pump timing, Turbo actuator position, Throttle pedal position. The inability to support fuel consumption monitoring is a disappointment, distance and time trip meter is ok but rarely used by me. Reading faults and clear them perhaps is another advantage.

I also found it a little odd that all sensor are locked by firmware that is what is displayed for example, there are lot more sensors on ZD30 to see on the software client of ECU Talk than on the unit I would prefer to see fuel temp sensor than for me useless turbo actuator position (I have a manual control of it.)

Cheers

Edited by Rumcajs
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Hmm.. No exhaust gas temp... Battery voltage isnt a concern as I have other means of doing that. Boost pressure would be cool to know. I suppose all I really want to know is how the engines health is when im doing trips towing etc.

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My ecutalk saved my engine this morning!

I drove into work and noticed that my coolant temps were around 90 when I was idling down. They were creeping up instead of down so I knew something was wrong.

Went and checked coolant, top and bottom tanks empty!

Filled it all back up (I carry spare coolant just in case) and took it to my mechanic mate fearing the worst.

He pressure tested the system and found a split heater hose where a hose clamp had been rubbing on it.

Replaced hose, clamps and coolant and away we went.

If I didn't notice the temp climbing on the ecutalk I could have been writing a much more somber post here tonight!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

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Yeah, its a shame the Patrol temp gauge is so useless. :angry: That was one of the reasons for ECU talk purchase.

Cheers

Yeah I agree. My temp gauge was still where it always was - in the middle.

I looked at one of those engine saver alarm things but $190 is a bit steep, might make same thing up one day.

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