First pscan session ...

[Mykel]

Okay, it took me a while to get it all running (couldn’t get my family to borrow me one of their MacBooks for the Garage ), but now I’ve made it. Have secured one of the said MacBooks for myself now, as our son has bought a new one for uni. Clean install of the latest OS (Yosemite) and X11, then Philip’s software, which runs nicely! Thanks a lot for your good work and keep it up, I’d like to be able to marry ECUs to the car, program key fobs and modify Pektron BCU settings once

So I hooked the device up to my Steppy this afternoon and this is what it found:

Looks like I’m up to another engine harness swap … all these errors can’t simply be faulty sensors, I’m afraid.

[fatbaldingoldgit]

Would be worth clearing them and see if they reappear....they may be old errors...

[Rob Bell]

That's true - we need to figure out how MEMS records current versus historic errors, as the Pscan doesn't currently distinguish between them

[Mykel]

The error memory had last been cleared a couple of months ago and about three weeks ago I had the MIL coming on for a day. Cleared itself though. But I do have some issues with the engine anyway, eg when warm the tickover takes some time to settle properly. The revs jump up and down from 1,400 to just over 500 for about half a minute.

As all the errors refer to “circuit malfunctions” and I’ve been there before with Lilibet, this sounds very suspicious.

[talkingcars]

That's true - we need to figure out how MEMS records current versus historic errors, as the Pscan doesn't currently distinguish between them

I don't think one can except by clearing it and seeing what comes back again.

[Mykel]

Hi James,
my other diagnostic kit (CDP+) will show whether an error code is “historic” or was recorded during the present session. I think Textbook does the same. Anyway, wiring faults such as breaks and shorts will almost always be historic as they mostly occur irregularly.

[Mykel]

After going for a 110 mile open top “test drive” on New Years Day and some more (albeit shorter) journeys for work on Friday and Saturday, I took the laptop out to the car this afternoon for a new check. What should I say, all the recorded errors have disappeared and a new one comes up: P0170, fuel trim malfunction. I did have this one before, when the fault memory was last cleared, but it wasn’t in the list from Wednesday. From memory this is usually connected with a knackered lambda or blowing exhaust pre cat.

As I said, there are issues with an unstable idle when I stop at traffic lights. Also, the emissions test was only passed last year with some tricks applied re the post cat O2 sensor. So it seems that there is something in the making in the exhaust region. The cat itself is quite rotten and the flex pipe may not be in the best of conditions, too. I have a used s/s one as a replacement but wanted to keep the old one until Cully (the TF) will be back on the road in April, as there are a couple of other areas on the car that would benefit from some TLC as well.

[Rob Bell]

Hopefully that should be all there is to fix then Michael? Fingers crossed...

My other MGF, "Naughty 7" needs to come off road soon for body work restoration and a suspension refresh. Whether it gets the forced induction engine at the same time I am not sure - but one thing for sure: I will need to find somewhere with enough space to take the car apart safely. The in-law's front drive may not be an option this time (Can't imagine why? )

[Mykel]

If I were a nagging type of person I'd suggest to get that dusty dungeon attached to your house re-converted to a garage.

[Rob Bell]

Well, if I cleared that space, then it would make space for a 1929 M-type Midget... Our house was built in 1927, so only cars of this vintage actually fit in it!

MGF *might* fit - but only if you had the roof down and clambered out over the boot lid: certainly no space to open the doors!

[Mykel]

Hm, point taken, Rob. What about making it a drive through then and putting up a 4x6 metre garden shed? I am sure Yimmy wouldn't mind ...

[Rob Bell]

She would... to make it drive through, we'd have to loose part of the kitchen!

[john_g]

Rob whereabouts are you ? Anywhere near me? John

[talkingcars]

Rob whereabouts are you ? Anywhere near me? John

He could be, where are you John?

[john_g]

Near edenbridge .. South east is a big area though. I rent a lock up on a farm and the farmer may be able to do something ..

[Rob Bell]

Thanks John

I'm in Muswell Hill, North London unfortunately. You're in a lovely neck of the woods though - jealous!

I think I need to find a friendly farmer in Hertfordshire...?

I'll drop you a PM