26 replies to this topic

[xrocketengineer]

Ivan:
I am looking for the listing of the information from the "components" section of the ACR when connected to the SPi. If you have the ACR2 then this is a transcription process which is very tedious as there is no downloading of saved screens to a PC.

I am curious if the components section lists the same components with the same data or if the ACR uses a different data set for the MEMS 1.9 in the SPi.
[/quote]

Terry:
I tried the components as you suggested but with the engine not running. I tried to attach an Excel file with the results but it is not allowed. However, a Word file apparently is Ok.
Hope that this helps.

Ivan

Attached Files

•  components.doc   32.5K   161 downloads

[tmsmini]

Thanks for the update. I will add it to the web site.

I have the original PDFs fro SP as they used to be posted on their website. Too bad they don't have something with the same detail for version 3 pod and higher.

I am also interested in the Service Reset for the Spi as I believe that with certain models the CO can be adjusted.

Terry

[elvisthepizzaman]

I have finally fixed the cable 3021400 issue of having communication errors while the engine is running. Thanks to Terry for giving us a glimpse at the old style cable which gave me the ability to diagnose the problem with the newer white end one.

It turns out that the newer cable is designed to be a universal fit for the cars that are listed for it and to make it universal S&P put in a few bits to compensate for the different pinouts of the other cars. The problem is that they put a diode between the ground pin at the diagnostic socket and the wire that goes to the ACR4. This diode is not up to the task while the engine is running and it tends to cut out quite often leading to the "unable to establish communications error". The fix is simple. Unsolder the black wire from the circuit board and solder it directly to the ground pin #4, bypassing the diode. This gives perfect communication when the engine is running.

Attached Files

•  DSCF5902edit.JPG   420K   127 downloads

Edited by elvisthepizzaman, 16 July 2009 - 01:31 AM.

[davidb]

I have finally fixed the cable 3021400 issue of having communication errors while the engine is running. Thanks to Terry for giving us a glimpse at the old style cable which gave me the ability to diagnose the problem with the newer white end one.

It turns out that the newer cable is designed to be a universal fit for the cars that are listed for it and to make it universal S&P put in a few bits to compensate for the different pinouts of the other cars. The problem is that they put a diode between the ground pin at the diagnostic socket and the wire that goes to the ACR4. This diode is not up to the task while the engine is running and it tends to cut out quite often leading to the "unable to establish communications error". The fix is simple. Unsolder the black wire from the circuit board and solder it directly to the ground pin #4, bypassing the diode. This gives perfect communication when the engine is running.

ive tried this mod and it works i was also having the same problem thanks fo the good advice
ive purchased my arc 4 from a dealer on ebay .when i told him there are a few people on this forum after diagnostic test kit he said to send him a link to this forum in a email as he might be interseted

[rsrich]

Hi,
As an ex SP design engineer I may hopefully be able to clarify a few points, as it is a subject that I've seen crop up a few places and indeed in conversation.

A bit of history behind the reason for the diode:
When the original ISO9141 and J1962 specifications were produced for the communication protocol and the design of the 16pin connector, certain pins were designated with specific functions, to provide for example, 12V battery supply and ground connections on certain pins. Two ground pins (4&5) were designated one to Signal Ground and one to Chassis Ground. Clearly the intention was to use the signal ground to supply the diagnostic tool and reference the communication signal. Unfortunately, Rover being Rover, in the early days chose to fit Chassis Ground pins only in the Diag connector in some models. This forced SP to have to accomodate ground connection on either pins 4 or 5 to ensure the handset would work on all vehicles. The diode was introduced in light of some experiences with the potential to draw current between the two ground pins if both were fitted and at significantly different voltage potentials. The diode prevented ground current backfeed between the two pins (if both were fitted) whilst being able to provide a ground return path for the handset and comms signal when the wrong ground pin was fitted. The diode is perfectly "up to the task" in this respect.

The problem with comms occurs specifically on MPi cars due to the borderline comms signal levels on that particular model with engine running, being aggravated by the additional small volt-drop created by the diode in the ground return. My belief is that the same problem does not occur with similar SPi cars for example, just MPi.
To minimise this problem it is perfectly valid to link pins 4&5 directly together, as it seems likely that you guys are predominantly working on mini's with only one ground pin fitted in the comms connector. This will give the best chance of being able to maintain comms with the engine running.

To communicate with the engine systems, only pin 7 is reqired for the comms connection, hence why the black cable works on all. The white cable was developed to cover more applications later on in respect of ABS, Airbag, etc, some of which were connected to other pins in the diag connector.

Hope this helps and explains the situation a little.

Regards
Rich

[tmsmini]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Terry

[Gabor]

HI All,

The information above is very useful, but I am missing some bits. From wich version of the pod is possible to scan/program the Airbag, the aircon and most importantly the alarm and immobiliser key setup?

Can you please help me out?

Thx

G

Edited by Gabor, 25 January 2021 - 01:46 AM.

[FlyingScot]

HI All,

The information above is very useful, but I am missing some bits. From wich version of the pod is possible to scan/program the Airbag, the aircon and most importantly the alarm and immobiliser key setup?

Can you please help me out?

Thx

G

See my post #129 in this thread https://www.theminif...e-reader/page-9

FS

[Gabor]

@Mini Docs,

 

Thank you so much for the link. It was also very useful, however I have three things wich is not clear for me. would you be sok kind to help me out?

 

I quote them from your previouse post:

 

#1

"MAP and iMAP systems have the same functionality as Rover V4 pods, and if you have the iKeys pod AND PIN you can add extra key fobs and code the 5AS alarm box to the ECU (which will be a problem to come in the future)"

 

What is IKeys pod and pin? This is another type of pod with a sort of code wich is needed to program? Is this the part of the Rover V4 pod or a sepaprate unit?

 

 

#2

"The functionality varies between set ups and cars e.g. On Rover (1) and later pods for SPi on early model SPi you can do an engine tune up, set idle speed and CO however later (so called closed circuit with active catalyst) you cannot but you can set up the throttle cable." 

 

How to identify if my late SPI from 1995 is closed circuit or not?

 

#3

"On Rover V3 you can calibrate the stepper motor on both SPi and MPi systems."

 

This functionality is in the RoverV4 pod as well?

 

Thank you for your time and effort

 

Gabor

[FlyingScot]

@Mini Docs,

 

Thank you so much for the link. It was also very useful, however I have three things wich is not clear for me. would you be sok kind to help me out?

 

I quote them from your previouse post:

 

#1

"MAP and iMAP systems have the same functionality as Rover V4 pods, and if you have the iKeys pod AND PIN you can add extra key fobs and code the 5AS alarm box to the ECU (which will be a problem to come in the future)"

 

What is IKeys pod and pin? This is another type of pod with a sort of code wich is needed to program? Is this the part of the Rover V4 pod or a sepaprate unit?

 

iKeys was a separate software option which could be added into the iMAP pod. Even if it is present (which unless it was originally bought it won't be) you need to enter a PIN code each time to use the software - this is only necessary if you need to "match" the 5AS to the ECU - for example one unit is replaced. 

 

 

#2

"The functionality varies between set ups and cars e.g. On Rover (1) and later pods for SPi on early model SPi you can do an engine tune up, set idle speed and CO however later (so called closed circuit with active catalyst) you cannot but you can set up the throttle cable." 

 

How to identify if my late SPI from 1995 is closed circuit or not?

 

 

​The easiest was is to check at throttle pedal in the car and look for the throttle switch.  

 

#3

"On Rover V3 you can calibrate the stepper motor on both SPi and MPi systems."

 

This functionality is in the RoverV4 pod as well?

 

Yes it it present on V4, V5 as each software version added to the previous. 

 

Thank you for your time and effort

 

Gabor

 

See my answers above to your questions

 

FS

[Gabor]

Hi,

@Mini Docs,
 
Thank you so much for the link. It was also very useful, however I have three things wich is not clear for me. would you be sok kind to help me out?
 
I quote them from your previouse post:
 
#1
"MAP and iMAP systems have the same functionality as Rover V4 pods, and if you have the iKeys pod AND PIN you can add extra key fobs and code the 5AS alarm box to the ECU (which will be a problem to come in the future)"
 
What is IKeys pod and pin? This is another type of pod with a sort of code wich is needed to program? Is this the part of the Rover V4 pod or a sepaprate unit?
 
iKeys was a separate software option which could be added into the iMAP pod. Even if it is present (which unless it was originally bought it won't be) you need to enter a PIN code each time to use the software - this is only necessary if you need to "match" the 5AS to the ECU - for example one unit is replaced. 
 
 
#2
"The functionality varies between set ups and cars e.g. On Rover (1) and later pods for SPi on early model SPi you can do an engine tune up, set idle speed and CO however later (so called closed circuit with active catalyst) you cannot but you can set up the throttle cable." 
 
How to identify if my late SPI from 1995 is closed circuit or not?
 
 
​The easiest was is to check at throttle pedal in the car and look for the throttle switch.  
 
#3
"On Rover V3 you can calibrate the stepper motor on both SPi and MPi systems."
 
This functionality is in the RoverV4 pod as well?
 
Yes it it present on V4, V5 as each software version added to the previous. 
 
Thank you for your time and effort
 
Gabor

 
See my answers above to your questions
 
FS

Thank you so much for your answers time and effort. You helped me a lot! :)

Gabor

[Gladyscooper]

Hi, this thread is getting quite detailed in areas I hope I don’t need to worry about! 
 

I have a 97JDM mini which has SPI fuelling and MPI ignition systems, which pod should I use with this Frankenstein car?

 

It is smoking and hunting at the moment and not getting past the MOT. 
 

any ideas welcome