What’s a good code reader for my Z3?
- Thread starter ktnez99
- Start date
This resource by any chance?Hi Colin & Dawn. The cut-off date between ‘early’ and ‘ later’ in terms of OBD 1 and 2 is March 1998, so Creator should be ok on your Dec 98 build car..? The definitive ‘ How to’ guide on all of this is by @NZ00Z3 in the knowledge base. (If I knew how to post a link to it I would)
Before I knew any of this I bought a Creator 310 + for my Sept 97 build 2.8 but it was no good for diagnosing the same problems Dawn has. I still have it, so Dawn you’re welcome to borrow it to see if it works, before you spend money on anything else. (I would say you could have it but I now have Gookah’s 2.8 so I’m keeping it for whenever any of Gookah’s fabulous workmanship breaks down)
Dawn, I’m Shrewsbury and I believe you’re Wolverhampton so not a million miles away. If you’re interested in borrowing it PM me and we can make arrangements.
This is what I have on my laptop
My Z is build date Dec 98. Will any of this valuable info be applicable? I appreciate that you’ve spent an incredible amount of time putting various resources together to help and assist us and thank you immensely for doing this.
Uncertain if these ports are right at the moment Tony as RS232 is different but please hold on to it while more info comes to light.
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- Dec 8, 2011
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- 145
I think that is a VGA port. It is used for a monitor.
R232 port is commonly a 9 pin port and also do come in a larger 25 pin port. Takes me back when I was so proud of making a crossover cable so me and my mate could connect our Amiga’s to each other for a bit of a showdown.
Anyway still a generous offer Tony. As for making a true serial port connection and I don’t know if using the PCMCIA slot on the Acer will work but in theory should https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/17578764...6FB3kPHTJG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Anyway still a generous offer Tony. As for making a true serial port connection and I don’t know if using the PCMCIA slot on the Acer will work but in theory should https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/17578764...6FB3kPHTJG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
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- Dec 8, 2011
- Points
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As you say, this has taken me back to the days when these cars were brand new.
A PCMCIA is more closely emulated to an RS232 than a USB, but it's still not perfect. An RS232 is so old that it's almost analog
.The webpage that I read last night suggested that it works (sometimes), but not others.
It’s a very generous offer from Tony and much appreciated. I shall look into your signpost to EBay too: thank you
Thanks @Pingu I need to sit and go through everything so please expect questions!As you say, this has taken me back to the days when these cars were brand new.
A PCMCIA is more closely emulated to an RS232 than a USB, but it's still not perfect. An RS232 is so old that it's almost analog
The webpage that I read last night suggested that it works (sometimes), but not others.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
It's a 2002 2.2.
Thanks @Nefyn cat I’m trialling your suggestion as @GZed has very kindly offered the loan of a Creator C310+ and will also read up on everything else as I’m going to ensure I don’t have to rely upon garages that don’t have the kit to diagnose a 25 years old car.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
Can't go wrong, then. I have nothing against the laptop-based alternatives, but the Creator is a handy little thing that just plugs in, and has never failed me yet. There, that should have jinxed it.
Hi Dawn, just returned from Post Office. Creator 310+ and a 16 to 20 pin adaptor lead posted to you by first class, ‘signed for’ delivery. Here’s hoping it works!
Fingers crossed and thank you so much!
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Points
- 174
- Model of Z
- 2.2i Sport
It'll work, and a lot easier than faffing about buying a special laptop/software/adaptor that can't be used for anything else. Or maybe it won't.
Interesting suggestion but doesn’t look compatible…