3.0i M54 Rough idle then cuts out

Had another visit from [ref]bigwinn[/ref] today, armed with his newly acquired software. The theory being that we could fit a compatible DME and simply tell it to ignore the EWS and it would work.
Well, not quite!
New DME fitted and the software found it and all seemed to be going well. However, the check box to disconnect the EWS would not light up as advertised. Tried to fire it up and we still got a whole raft of codes and it wouldn't even start.
So then we noted that we could update the VIN. The DME has 14 slots to put a VIN into. Unfortunately, you can add, but you cannot remove the old one.
We added my car's VIN and when we updated it, sure enough the DME now shows my VIN. Partial success at least and something Stuart can hopefully use in the future.
Now when we checked it would still not start!!!
All the warning lights are out and the only code is a tamper warning for the EWS. (Even though it should be seeing the correct VIN). Car locks, unlocks, alarms etc, so it seems to be a communication issues between the DME and EWS.
Still we cannot access the check box to disable that function.
Out of interest we refitted my old DME. That starts, hunts, eventually dies, resets and runs smoothly for 10 seconds then dies again. Exactly as it did before. Stuart tried to interrogate it but the new software cannot find it - which at least seems to isolate the issue to that DME.
So it at least seems to prove the EWS is not at fault as that recognises the DME and lets the car start.

So where are we now? Stuart ran out of time so he's gone away for a think and to speak to the chap who supplied the software. Pretty sure if we can just sever that check between DME and EWS we'll be winning.
 
Stuart came back this morning. That's 3 return trips from Lincoln to Attleborough for which I owe him big time!
Having sussed out the software issue using his own car he was brimming with confidence.
First pass didn't work but I think that was mostly due to the sun shining on the laptop screen and a check box being missed.
As the process takes about 20 minutes we decided it would be safer to then connect up the battery charger.
Tried again and the software couldn't see the DME!!! WTF?
Tried INPA and it couldn't talk to the car at all.
Much head scratching ensued. I was halfway to fetching my wallet for the fuel and matches when I had a moment of inspiration.
Disconnected the charger and it all worked fine. No idea why, but worth bearing in mind for anyone else doing this kind of stuff.
10 minutes later a purring engine, a smug Stuart and a very relieved me.
[ref]Rix[/ref], I reckon Stuart is going to be ready to sort yours pretty soon if you get in touch with him.

What a relief! The old 'Cheapskate' is still going strong. 8)
 
IRD said:
Very impressive Martin/Stuart. Great result. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Well Stuart really. It was he who bought the software and drove miles to help out. I made tea and became adept at swapping DMEs that's all.
Great satisfaction at tracking it down though. I enjoyed the logic involved and the elation when it fired straight up and purred was great.
I'm hoping this is one of those investigative threads that can help others as our cars get older and the electronics start to play up.
We will certainly be saving DMEs now and I'm pretty sure Stuart will be doing a few more of these.
 
Rix said:
Thanks for the update and yeah I hope so too! If it turns out to be the DME I'm not sure if that makes me happy or not, but obviously it would be great to have it running - both you and me alike!

Rix

Get yourself a new DME

I am routing down country in the next week or so- can pop in and sort yours if needed

Stuart
 
Its been a battle but we won in the end eh

Just a blessing to hear it purring sweetly again!

Now get it MOTd and off the drive there are too many cars popping up to miss out on!!!
 
enuff_zed said:
IRD said:
Very impressive Martin/Stuart. Great result. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Well Stuart really. It was he who bought the software and drove miles to help out. I made tea and became adept at swapping DMEs that's all.
Great satisfaction at tracking it down though. I enjoyed the logic involved and the elation when it fired straight up and purred was great.
I'm hoping this is one of those investigative threads that can help others as our cars get older and the electronics start to play up.
We will certainly be saving DMEs now and I'm pretty sure Stuart will be doing a few more of these.
Considering all this work on the cars has nothing to do with his day job you have got to be impressed by the range of Stuart’s talents. Plus he is such a nice guy willing to help anyone. As I have said on many occasions now I had a huge amount of help from him. There are not many folk who will offer help unless there is something (usually financial gain) in it for them. Stuart is one of those rare people.
 
bigwinn said:
Rix

Get yourself a new DME

I am routing down country in the next week or so- can pop in and sort yours if needed

Stuart

I will get myself looking now! Will drop you a DM if I can grab something suitable - really appreciated:)
 
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