OBD II Protocol/ Scanner

[kirk_tx]

Hey guys,  I know I have been MIA on here for awhile.
Been trying to get a new business off the ground.   

Anyways I was wondering if anyone knew what the OBD II protocol is for our boats? Anyone?  MEFI-5(GM only I think)? ECM-555?
Can anyone with a manual tell share?  Or someone with one of the high dollar scanners tell me what protocol it is using?

I know a typical car scanner won't work.   I have one and it doesn't.

I am thinking this marine specific tool might work for our boats.....
http://www.mefi4.com/sc/details.asp?item=mefiscan5

I have a trouble light that just wont go away.  I think it was because of the MAF, cleaned it.  But now I think I need to clear the DTC.  Resetting the power isn't clearing the light.

Kirk

PS - On a side note, my business will provide some benefits for us and our boats.  More info to come when I have something to show.

[Ktown]

Kirk,

Glad to see you back on the forum again.  I have a manual in my storage unit, but I won't be back out there until next weekend.  If you still need it by then, I will bring it home with me and look for your answer.  I know Capt Rick will rent a unit to you if you just need it for your trouble light. 

[kirk_tx]

Thanks K
I am about to leave for a week so no big rush.

As for Capt Ricks computer, its a 150 per week rental charge.
I was hoping for the same price I could get the above unit.  (if they ever get more)

I will probably just end up taking it to Phil dill boats up in North Dallas.

I just hope the manual states what the protocol is.

Thanks,
Kirk

[kirk_tx]

bump...

Can anyone find what the protocol is in their manual?

[Ktown]

Sorry,  I didn't get to the lake this weekend.  My youngest got sick and we didn't make it out. 

Cyclone, do you have your manual at the house?

[kirk_tx]

Anyone? 
I am off the lake until I can get this engine light figured out.

And Phill Dill Boats here is Dallas is COMPLETELY out of the Toyota boat game.
I called them to see if they would hook it up to a computer for me.  "No no no"  Dam

The tech that I talked to there said "You should probably search the internet".....
Thanks alot

[wakejunky]

the only way your gonna get into the computer is if you rent Capt. Ricks tool. OR if you have a vetronix scanner and are willing to buy the Toyota marine card. if you look under the maintenance section in the parts bulletins you will see PIB-04-Diagnostic_Card .. This is what you need for the vetronix scanner. I work for Lexus and Ive tried several different ways including the latest greatest "techstream" laptop. Nothing generic will work. SOrry

What problem are you having? we can diagnosis this by symptoms very easily.

[kirk_tx]

It has to use some protocol.  Even if Toyota invented it, only for these boats.   When you hook it up to this computer that you are speaking of it usually will tell you the protocol that it is using.   
Not looking at anything generic, I am looking for the name of that specific protocol.  Like the MEFI-5, etc.

The problem with diagnosing by symptoms is that the check engine light and limp mode are the ONLY symptoms.

Seems to be running perfectly fine.  (again, except for limp mode)

It may be the MAF sensor but I have cleaned it 3 times and no change.  I hate to pay 100 bucks for a new one, based on a hunch.    Although that is cheaper than a 150 dollar computer rental.  But not if it doesn't fix the problem.

Does a trouble code automatically get cleared when you disconnect the battery?  I guess its possible that the problem has been fixed but the computer is required to clear the diagnostic trouble code?

Thoughts?

[wakejunky]

What do "you" mean by limp mode. limp mode is far from running perfectly fine. the code will clear as soon as you cycle the battery switch.

[kirk_tx]

I have always called it limp mode.  But basically it is when the computer sees that something is wrong (bad sensor, etc) and and only allows you about 30 percent throttle.    It keeps you from damaging the engine.  I am assuming this based on other FI systems I have worked with. 

It doesn't actually limit the physical travel of the throttle but when you give it full throttle it is only giving you 25-30 percent of maximum fuel.    I guess it is possible that the problem is the Throttle position sensor.

OK so I have cycled the battery several times and the trouble light keeps coming back.  So I guess nothing has been fixed.
I think I might try a new MAF this week.

[kirk_tx]

After looking more into the Throttle position sensor, it seems like that is the likely culpret.

However, is the TPS the only thing that will cause limp mode?

Also the question of the OBD protocal still stands.

[wakejunky]

You have one of two problems.

most likely- Throttle lever sensor. Not the TPS.  Test like this . remove air intake tube. have someone move the throttle while you watch the throttle plate if it moves in relation to one another it is not the throttle lever. If it only moves 30% at wide open throttle than its the throttle lever. Key must be on.

second - if the throttle lever tests good it can only be the MAF sensor.

[wakejunky]

oops one more thing. did you correctly install the MAF sensor. one time when i was cleaning it i accidently installed in backwards gave me the same symptoms you are having. the part number should be upsidedown when correctly installed.

[kirk_tx]

Well while you where typing this wakejunky I was outside removing both of those sensors.

I am going to take both to a toyota dealer and get them to test em'

I assume they have the ability to do this?

[kirk_tx]

Glad I called first...
Them:
'We don't test the sensors disconnected from the vehicle'
'Bring the 'car' up here and we will be glad to connect it to our computers and tell you really quick'

Me:
'Uuuh well its a boat, its got a Lexus engine in it'

Them:
'Your kidding right'

Autozone wont test them either, even though it states plainly on their website that they will test throttle position sensors.
Any ideas??? 
I guess I am going to replace them one at a time and hope it fixes the problem.