Background
Trouble codes may either be "intermittent" or "hard"--(the
fault may be temporary and then reset, or it may be persistent). Temporary problems
cause the "check engine" light (hereafter called ‘the light’)
to illuminate and then, when the fault is fixed, the light will go out—usually
about 10 seconds later. Fault codes will be stored in the computer (ECU) for the
next 50 engine starts. Certain fault codes, when detected, will cause the ECU
to limit the max engine RPM to 4000, to prevent engine damage.
The ALDL
In order to access the error codes stored in the ECU memory, you must use the
Assembly Line Diagnostic Link (ALDL). This is a small blue plastic electrical
connector affixed within a storage socket, which is located under the dashboard
within the passenger’s footwell.
Finding the ALDL
For the standard U.S. LHD car, the ALDL can be found plugged into a square
black ‘female’ plastic housing. This housing is under the dashboard
within the passenger’s side footwell (right side).
For those Brits with Right hookers, the ALDL is in a similar housing located
again in the passenger’s footwell (left side). However, from the Service
Notes drawing, it appears that it will be best found by opening the passenger
glove box past the metal stop, exposing the wiring behind it. Owners have reported
it may alternatively be found by exploring under the dash, behind the glove box
with needing to open it.
Using the ALDL
The dealer’s diagnostic scanner (‘Tech 1’) can be plugged
into the ALDL for digital fault code readout as well as "real time"
diagnostics and sensor readings. The good news is that now there is an alternative;
'ElanScan'. This is a free program that does the same stuff as a Tech 1 with a
laptop PC and an ALDL interface to connect the PC to the car. The program and
information on making or buying an interface can be found here: http://www.astb91.dsl.pipex.com/MountainChipMenu.html
The even better news is that fault codes can be read without any tools! The
hardest part is finding the ALDL, and you’ve already done that, right?!
The ALDL is a square blue plastic electrical connector with 10 holes on its end.
All 10 of these holes are NOT filled with electrical contacts however!
You will need a paper clip or small electrical wire to do the deed! Bend the
paper clip into a "U" shape and read on . . .
Below is a crude drawing of the "end on" appearance of the ALDL.
From the Lotus Service Manual: "If the diagnostic terminal (B) of the
ALDL connector is grounded to terminal (A) with the ignition on and the engine
stopped, the system will enter the diagnostic mode."
Since the end of the ALDL is NOT marked with the little letters,
note that the A pin is the Black wire and the B pin is the Black/White wire!!
First a "code 12" will be flashed by the light to indicate that the
diagnostic mode is active. If no trouble codes are stored, code 12 will continue
to be displayed in succession until the diagnostic terminal is ungrounded. If
one or more codes are stored, code 12 will flash THREE times, followed by a short
pause; then the first trouble code will be flashed THREE times; then the next
code (if any more), until code 12 is AGAIN flashed to complete the cycle.
Codes are displayed by the light quickly flashing the first digit of the two-digit
number, with a short pause before the second digit is similarly flashed. For example,
code 12 would be "one flash—pause—two flashes". Think about
this before you check the code on your car or you will just see a bunch of flashes
and be dumbfounded. Be ready to count the flashes to figure out your
error code!!
Error Codes
Good Luck with your diagnosis!! We will all see "Code 41" sooner
or later. I recommend checking Charlie Wallace’s website (www.charliex.net)
for his discussion of ‘fixing
the CAS yourself.’ The first step in troubleshooting the CAS is to simply
wiggle the connections! Hopefully, this is all you need to do! Also check my CAS
write-up page for further fix info.
Also learn about "ElanScan" HERE, a program for your laptop computer
to interface your Elan through the ALDL connection!
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