ECU address

Post queries regarding your Mk3 Cavalier's fuel system (including ECUs) and exhaust here
User avatar
btcctroy
Mk3 Cavalier Rust Buster
Posts: 3760
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:27 pm
Location: Oldham

Re: ECU address

Post by btcctroy »

humbucker wrote:
Telegram Sam wrote:Obvious query in the circs: Did you have to / were you able to find the "address" of the idle control in the ECU in order to do this, and if so how? I haven't yet been back to Mark since relaying Robsey's info to him but plan to do so in 1 week.

Is the setting of the idle control something quite different from what controls the smoothness or jerkiness when you are chugging along in a queue @ 10 - 15 mph, and can this be adjusted also?
No, I simply plugged in the Tech 1 and changed the idle speed rpm under the 'adjust idle speed' option in the relevant menu (as Robsey describes above).
I wasn't sure if other parameters could be set
....with a brew and my favourite biscuits.
User avatar
humbucker
Club Admin
Posts: 9298
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:42 pm
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
Contact:

Re: ECU address

Post by humbucker »

btcctroy wrote:
humbucker wrote:
Telegram Sam wrote:Obvious query in the circs: Did you have to / were you able to find the "address" of the idle control in the ECU in order to do this, and if so how? I haven't yet been back to Mark since relaying Robsey's info to him but plan to do so in 1 week.

Is the setting of the idle control something quite different from what controls the smoothness or jerkiness when you are chugging along in a queue @ 10 - 15 mph, and can this be adjusted also?
No, I simply plugged in the Tech 1 and changed the idle speed rpm under the 'adjust idle speed' option in the relevant menu (as Robsey describes above).
I wasn't sure if other parameters could be set
Yes, you can adjust lots of stuff with it. It's a pretty comprehensive unit tbh, not to be dismissed as a simple fault code reader. It's also able to read and adjust electronic chassis stuff, program digidashes, trip computers etc. Many options are engine / ECU specific (I often plug it into other people's cars and see a whole range of new options appear before me).

Once you've tuned everything, you can save it as a snapshot so that if you lose data through changing values or the ECU is reset, you can just load your saved settings on to the ECU.

I also have a genuine Tech 2 with both Vauxhall and Saab cards (and a genuine CANdi module). That takes things to a whole other level.
User avatar
btcctroy
Mk3 Cavalier Rust Buster
Posts: 3760
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:27 pm
Location: Oldham

Re: ECU address

Post by btcctroy »

Would love to have a look at it
....with a brew and my favourite biscuits.
User avatar
humbucker
Club Admin
Posts: 9298
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:42 pm
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
Contact:

Re: ECU address

Post by humbucker »

You can read all electronic stuff with it tbh, whereas the paperclip test is limited to the main ECU. So, tinker with alarm systems, keys, autobox ECUs, 4x4 ECUs, ICE etc. You can change injector pulse rates, all sorts.

The Tech2 will do loads more - even change colour of information displays, enable cruise control, any electronic systems basically. And I've found that it treats the Saab and Vauxhall models very differently.

I also have a Tech 1 (as opposed to my Tech1a) that features all the connections for Isuzus. I bought it cheap from an Isuzu dealership closing down as the handset was mint. At some point I'll create another cable and switch it to Vauxhall use.

My Tech1a has a writable master cartridge, so I can save all the info on all my cartridges to this one master unit without having to swap cartridges all the time. I think the only one that I'm missing is the Lotus Carlton specific one. I even have a dedicated Omega B cartridge (although I bought my Tech2 for use on those cars) and a couple of OBDII adaptors.

Tech 1a also features lots of output plugs and connectors to plumb it straight into third party diagnostic machines and laptops. Cool kit.
User avatar
btcctroy
Mk3 Cavalier Rust Buster
Posts: 3760
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:27 pm
Location: Oldham

Re: ECU address

Post by btcctroy »

Wow thats certainly a good bit of kit to have. I liked messing with megasquirt when I had it on the cav. I managed to build a tune which worked quite well. Was a good Learning exercise. Doesn't mean I'm any expert as it was just the pure basics
....with a brew and my favourite biscuits.
User avatar
humbucker
Club Admin
Posts: 9298
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:42 pm
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
Contact:

Re: ECU address

Post by humbucker »

They pay for themselves by the amount of time saved when looking into a fault - no chasing problems. Rather than having to guess what's up, you just plug it in and let the machine tell you straight away! Tech 2 was particularly useful on our 2.2 Astra Coupe as there is no pedal trick or paperclip test available on those engines.

Also, they're great tools to take with you when buying a Vauxhall. For example, when buying my second Cavalier Turbo, the seller assured me that every electrical component on the car worked without fault. I didn't accept that to be true, so I plugged the Tech 1a into it. Hey presto, lots of faults! That was £500 knocked off of the asking price straight away. The machine never lies lol :lol:

It paid for itself and then some on that occasion!
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

I can only suppose that whatever software that Mark @ Automark is using needs to know the "address" in order to do its stuff - it is re-mapping, something which I had been under the impression previously could not be done with engines of this vintage (as opposed to re-chipping). I will ask him the name of his software when I next see him, if it's Tech2 or something else. Either way it would indeed be interesting just to see what Tech2 might discover in my motor (like why the new fan + sensor only cut in this afternoon in town when the needle was well into the red, shock horror)
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
humbucker
Club Admin
Posts: 9298
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:42 pm
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
Contact:

Re: ECU address

Post by humbucker »

Tech2 is for newer OBDII compliant Vauxhalls (mostly post 2001). Tech1 is for earlier cars and works with Cavaliers. Both will cost between 40-60 quid per readout / use at a main dealer, and the same again for each hour spent as they try to work out how to use the kit!
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

And you were about to add how much you charge on my next visit south :) ... I'll settle for Tech 1 (A)
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
humbucker
Club Admin
Posts: 9298
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:42 pm
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
Contact:

Re: ECU address

Post by humbucker »

Lumpy idle is also experienced on V6 engines when fitting four 'G' camshafts. It's a common side-effect of the higher lift cam. Not necessarily anything to worry about, although I guess a tweak to the idle speed to compensate won't hurt. You might want to double check the possibility of altering it with Tech1 though, before shelling out for your garage man to measure an infinitely long ball of string. As Paul says, if the SEH's idle speed value is hard coded, then it won't be possible to adjust with a Tech unit, but if it's like the later engine management software, then it should be a simple plug and play alteration. I guess the only way to find out is to plug a Tech1 in to the car, although I wouldn't doubt the word of Robsey or Paul on matters such as this. If Paul says that he seems to recall the SEH's value being hard coded, then the chances are that it is!
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

I guess it will be up to Mark @ Automark what software he has, he comes across as pretty clued up, and if the ECU is or is not hard wired (how hard is hard?!). Can I tell from the engine or serial or VIN number?
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
humbucker
Club Admin
Posts: 9298
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:42 pm
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
Contact:

Re: ECU address

Post by humbucker »

It will be whatever ecu/software manages the seh
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

Automark completed his tweaks this morning. The ECU is indeed hard coded which means that there are limits to what Tech 1 can do. He does however have some very sophisticated software that can write to or re-program the ECU**. Except that to complete the job [tick over adjustment] he needs to find the "Damos file" in my Bosch chip part no 1267 356 421 [the ECU number is different: 0261 200 378]. I hope this means more to you Mk 3 Forum tech experts than to me. If however this is still too much smoke and mirrors then he suggests that I try the Vectra Forum in Germany!

** This could be what Robsey is referring to with

The only way you could do it via an "address" is if you were looking at the hex data tables in the Eeprom.
You would need to find the exact parameters within the hex tables that control the idle speed.
and adjust / modify the specific values to suit.
You may need to use an algorythm to "reveal" these parameter values
.
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: ECU address

Post by Robsey »

Indeed - there are some fantastic minds in Germany, The Netherlands, Romania and Bulgaria.

A few hours on Motortalk.de is enough to have your brain cells begging for mercy.
Have you tried googling Damos?
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: ECU address

Post by Robsey »

I can see lots of threads about the Damos files for the Fiat derived Vectra-C 1.9CDTI 120 (8valve) EDC16 engines.
I put in "Damos File 20SEH", but the search engine got lost on a Samsung S2 website.

Best info appears to be buried inside a Spanish or Turkish web site.
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

I was speaking just this afternoon to a shop in Ncl about getting a Samsung S2. If I go ahead I will specify a 20 SEH.

No immediate joy on Google but the Motor-Talk tip looked promising tks and I have followed it up. I don't rate my abilities to communicate in Turkish and Spanish on hi-tec things like ECU addresses :(
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: ECU address

Post by Robsey »

I have no idea where Galaxy S2 GTI-9110 and Opel Vectra-A GT 20SEH can be confused...
but hey!, stranger things have happened.

btw - I think my old S2 was easily as good as my current S4 Mini.
(Especially the predictive text - the S4 is pants and writes total gibberish.)
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

In know where to come for help next time I have problems with texting, when the Cav 3 moderator is not looking.

Whilst waiting for a response from Motortalk I was wondering if there is not a central Bosch helpline / website somewhere which would give access to the real gurus in Switzerland, Germany or wherever. I will do a google.
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

For those in a similar search situation to mine I have stumbled on what might be a promising specialised forum for these circs:
ECU Tuning Forum
http://www.ecuedit.com
I have posted my query and will report back if there is a positive response!
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: ECU address

Post by Robsey »

It will definitely be useful to know if and how they can help you.

They definitely hold a Damos file for your ECU.

Your search criteria is -
Opel
Vectra (as in Vectra-A).
2.0

It found a file directly matching your hardware number - 0261200378.
So things are looking promising.
Just a matter of finding someone who knows the specific attributes and their locations within the Damos file.
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

Sounds like you have sussed out their system more than I have. I just posted my headache in the Damos sub-forum and am awaiting a response (passively)! If I can actively find out the address for myself so much the better
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: ECU address

Post by Robsey »

Not really sussed much out, but it helps to know that in Europe the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 is called an Opel Vectra-A.

And an SRi appears to be called a GT.

I noticed some pop ups at the bottom of the forum page.
One of them was for Bosch.
It then asked you to key in make, model and engine.

You are then able to buy the relevant Damos file for €16.

I presume whoever uploaded the Damos file would have an idea of the file format and what all the characters in that file mean or do.
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

Interesting and what you say tallies (not surprisingly) with my investigations on German forums to date. Whether purchasing the Damos file would have the same effect as locating and tweaking the original on my chip - that's getting into deep technical water ...
In the interim I tried simultaneously the other tack: The Bosch Automotive technical helpline number is 01895 878 197 (Merseyside accent for anyone that can understand it): "We are for aftermarket sales only. What you've got is an ECU manufactured as an OEM part by Bosch to Vauxhall's spec. If you want to know what software it contains you'll have to get that from Vauxhall".
Back to the drawing board: Where the something do you find within the Vauxhall / Opel / GM colussus the technical boffins who might know something about Cavalier / Vectra-A GT software??
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: ECU address

Post by Robsey »

I have always found Vauxhall to be very obstructive and unhelpful where it involves changing a vehicle away from factory specification.

I once changed the head unit in the wife's Vectra-C from a basic radio and cd (CD30) to radio, cd and sat nav.(CD70)
They did not only refuse to help, they denied it was possible.
As it happens I can and have done this myself to several Vectra's and my Cavalier using OpCom / Vauxcom and some wiring changes where necessary.

Sadly Opcom / Vauxcom will not do the tweaks you want.
You need an expensive program called WinOLS or similar...typical price is about €1600.

There is also mention of converting to xdf format.

If your friend converts to xdf format, then all the addresses and parameters become clear.

see this link for a discussion on xdf file creation..
I tried to paste a file here, but it was huge!!!.

Topic is here -
see Spen's post No. 13.

http://www.nefariousmotorsports.com/for ... 77.0title=


Not being funny, but if your mechanic is half as clever as he keeps telling you that he is, then he would have easily found the links and info that I did.

Prior to your Damos comment earlier, I had never heard of this stuff.
User avatar
Telegram Sam
Registered user
Posts: 1134
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:03 pm
Location: Brigadoon (Co Durham)

Re: ECU address

Post by Telegram Sam »

Encouraging!! :(

I'm hoping that if it's just a "simple" question to Vauxhall re where the Damos file is to be found they might be cooperative - provided that I can find the right bod / department who is technical enough to ask.

I have to assume that the software that Automark has is up to the job. He didn't want to disclose the name but said that it was Italian. Make of that what you will.

xdf format. I'll pass on that one.
'91 H-reg SRi "130" manual hatch 8-valve non cat with mods
Post Reply