Obd-ii

[t2000gts]

where can one find out more information on OBD-II? i'm a newbie at this, and i'd just like to know what the entire fuss is...if the damn thing is preventing me from modding my car, i might as well figure out what it is :mad:

[Phil C]

OBD-II is On Board Diagnostics 2nd generation. Basically at it's heart the system is what we eventually ended up with from our good old check engine lights of old. Through a combination of technical advances and legislative BS we now have a system that will not only tell you if there is a real problem with your car but also if there is a potential problem with the EMISSIONS of your car. Don't put the gas cap on tight enough...check engine light. Disconnect a vacuum hose...check engine light. Catalytic converter getting old and worn out...check engine light. Air flow outside of expected ranges...check engine light.

All cars sold in America have been legislated to have the OBD-II system since 1996.

OBD-II isn't all bad, the extensive sensor suite used by the system is what allows our engine to do everything it does. Without OBD-II we wouldn't have a lift equipped car that runs 11.5:1 compression on pump gas.

[VZV21]

http://www.obdii.com/

[GTS LAID]

a 2zz service manual will certainly teach you a whole lot about OBD-ii

[Griffin]

Short version:

OBD2 referes to a set of government mandates with regards to the standardization of technologies for monitoring operatign and diagnosing Gas powered internal combustion engines and their emissions systems.

Griffin

[t2000gts]

ok, cool...so if OBD-II has been around since 1996. what's the problem with making aftermarket ECU stuff?

[Griffin]

Originally posted by t2000gts
ok, cool...so if OBD-II has been around since 1996. what's the problem with making aftermarket ECU stuff?

Because OBD2 only covers the basics of how to monitor emissions and what format the data must be available in for scan tools.

Things like the performance maps for the VVTi and VVTLi, fuel curves, spark maps etc. are entirely non-standard black box tech. It also doesn't regulate the language or workings of the ECM with regards to how it uses the data it collects or what kind of sensors it uses to collect that data. Toyota spent years developing and tuning the technology, its a tough nut for a small aftermarket company to crack. Especially when if the company screws up and toasts an engine they are out probably 15 or 16 grand.

Griffin

[VZV21]

OBDII has been around since about 1994.

[t2000gts]

if everyone knows OBD-II inside out, but the VVTL-i/VVT-i stuff is mysterious....why can't Apex'i or someone easily make a Power FC-type unit for the US market since they already have one overseas? the only difference would be the OBD-II stuff, correct? and that should be a no brainer...

is it just demand?

[EzRidA]

There's no point for them to release it if they don't know how to contriol the VVTI and VTTL. If they release as just a replacement ECU then that's all it is. I don't think any significant gains can be made until they crack the black box technology.

[t2000gts]

Originally posted by EzRidA
There's no point for them to release it if they don't know how to contriol the VVTI and VTTL. If they release as just a replacement ECU then that's all it is. I don't think any significant gains can be made until they crack the black box technology.

you can alter the VVT-i/VVTL-i maps i'm pretty sure and a bunch of other things. it's just that nobody knows WHAT to alter them to...

correct me if i'm wrong someone. i think M SPEC has it on his car.

and the rev limiter, and diagnostic, plus afc tuning functions alone make it worth a grand to anyone with a 7800rpm limiter. and you don't have to hack up your stock ECU or wires and stuff i think.

[Griffin]

Originally posted by t2000gts


you can alter the VVT-i/VVTL-i maps i'm pretty sure and a bunch of other things. it's just that nobody knows WHAT to alter them to...

correct me if i'm wrong someone. i think M SPEC has it on his car.

and the rev limiter, and diagnostic, plus afc tuning functions alone make it worth a grand to anyone with a 7800rpm limiter. and you don't have to hack up your stock ECU or wires and stuff i think.

Its more complicated than that. The problem is people don't even know what to set them to as a baseline - duplicating Toyotas maps isn't as simple as just yanking and copying the code. If I recall AEM or someone tried to make a programmable ECM and have up after a couple engines had them FINALLY getting BACK to factory horsepower.

Griffin