We often read about engine problems here on this forum but there are ways to solve them. IMO, there's nothing like a full scan tool to diagnose and pinpoint what is wrong. The Fiero Store came out with an affordable scan tool that works with your laptop that will monitor all sensor parameters dynamically and provide diagnostic information that will help pinpoint what's wrong. 85-88 V6 ECM ALDL Monitor Tool
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Looks very cool! Have any experience with the unit? If be inclined to purchase it. The only issue for me is that my only machine running Windows is a Mac Mini that I'd have to haul outside with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse! Maybe it could just become the shop computer 😂
The only issue for me is that my only machine running Windows is a Mac Mini that I'd have to haul outside with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse! Maybe it could just become the shop computer 😂
Another option... Older laptops can be had for next to nothing!
I finally put out the cash and bought one. Mine is the other one with the cd. I agree with Patrick. Older laptops are the way to go. I take mine out to the car, put the laptop on the passenger seat, connect the cable, fire up the laptop and away you go. I got my laptop free from work way back around 2005-2006. It’s a Dell Latitude D610. For mine, you can install it as long as you have Windows 7, 8 or 10. I don’t regret putting out the money for it. Ya, it’s a little pricey (for what you get) but it’s a great tool. It’ll come in handy next time when either of my Fiero’s misbehaves. Kit
My review of that Fiero Store Scan tool shows that it provides a total look at the Fiero V6 engine operation. It shows both numeric values of all sensor outputs and graphic representation . We often get dozens of posts here asking what is wrong with my engine? Best that we can do is guess and suggest. With this scan tool the diagnostics will pinpoint the problem saving time and money that might be spent on the wrong replacement parts. We have scan tools for all the engine swaps that were done here. HP Tuners is for all OBDII engines like the 3800SC and our personal vehicles. We use the Actron III for a detailed look at the 4,9L in the ragtop, all stock Fiero engines and OBDI engine control. While I enjoy helping members solve their engine problems an investment in this scan tool greatly helps diagnostics.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
We often get dozens of posts here asking what is wrong with my engine? Best that we can do is guess and suggest. With this scan tool the diagnostics will pinpoint the problem saving time and money that might be spent on the wrong replacement parts.
So often we see posts here, by new members who've shot the parts cannon at their bad/non-running Fiero, and who are now here desperate for some advice. It just blows me away that people will spend hundreds of dollars on the wrong parts... yet not spend less than $100 for a diagnostic tool which will greatly narrow down if not pinpoint the actual problem.
So often we see posts here, by new members who've shot the parts cannon at their bad/non-running Fiero, and who are now here desperate for some advice. It just blows me away that people will spend hundreds of dollars on the wrong parts... yet not spend less than $100 for a diagnostic tool which will greatly narrow down if not pinpoint the actual problem.
Could not agree more that working in the blind using the "buy hundreds in parts and see what happens" approach ends up being the most costly. The technology is there to fix many problems with very little effort, money and minimal skills.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
We often read about engine problems here on this forum but there are ways to solve them. IMO, there's nothing like a full scan tool to diagnose and pinpoint what is wrong. The Fiero Store came out with an affordable scan tool that works with your laptop that will monitor all sensor parameters dynamically and provide diagnostic information that will help pinpoint what's wrong. 85-88 V6 ECM ALDL Monitor Tool
This tool was developed by Paul Romsky. It's being sold by the Fiero Store. I have one that I obtained from Paul before the Fiero Store began selling them. The tool is excellent.
Just a note of reference. The Fiero Store scan tool is only good for the 2.8L Fiero V6 right now. It does not work with the 2.5L four cylinder Duke engine
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Great points about this thread about laptops, diagnostics, etc! I'm guessing that, aside from not having to fashion your own cable (maybe not a huge deal for as an audio electronics enthusiast), that its output is more user-friendly (graphics) and insightful than this older free software. If I end up buying the Fiero I'm looking at, I'll be getting one of these tools.
I don’t have the Paul Romsky version but I do know the “other” one does include two separate programs for the V6 and the 4 cylinder. For my version I believe it doesn’t work on the later 4 cylinders with DIS. Kit
P.S. I found out my version was created by a gentleman who lives in Germany.
I am the creator of the Fiero GT ALDL Monitor Adapter and GUI that is sold from The Fiero Store (TFS).
I am currently borrowing IL4 ECMs from enthusiasts so I can support the IL4 Fieros as well.
I just borrowed the 1985-1986 IL4 ECM, but I didn't realize it used edge connectors, so I can't use pogo-pins on the bench top sled/fixture I am making for it. I designed 3D printed connectors for it. They are being made by JLCPCB and I should have them in a few weeks.
My GUI is free, so you can go to my website and download it before buying the adapter. You can playback a recording that comes with it as an example to see how it records/playbacks/displays/graphs data.
I used to provide schematics and parts list for building your own Adapter. But they are more involved than most. Most adapters are fairly simple and read the ALDL data pulses as pseudo RS-232 Data frames. They are a bit cheezy IMHO, but they work.
Mine uses an Adafruit Trinket M0 microcontroller that actually measures the ALDL Data pulses and sends ASCII '1's or '0's over USB at high speed for the GUI. It's very reliable and accurate. I wrote all the code for the GUI and Adapter, so they "play" perfectly together.
My Adapter can set all 4 ALDL Modes at the click of a mouse: No switches, resistors, jumpers, or cable changes:
NORM DMALDL DMFACT DMDIAG
It has a multicolor LED for status. It has a Jack to power the Fuel Pump remotely. It can monitor the SES signal (if you add it to your Fiero's ALDL Connector). This allows the GUI to count and display Error Codes for you. It also can monitor the TCC signal since Automatic Transmission Fieros have that signal. If you have a Manual Transmission, you can wire in the Shift signal on that pin for monitoring. It's Fuse protected for added durability. I designed the entire hardware/software/firmware suite. Each one is built personally by me by hand.
So it's not just a read only cable like most, my GUI interacts with the Adapter. In fact, the Adapter can simulate ALDL Data, but that was mostly for my development use. But that feature is helpful to demo the GUI in the general sense.
I designed the 3D printed Connector "clam shell" to lower cost and to get the wiring connections I need (most ALDL connectors on the open market don't have all the pins wired). I even punch my own brass pins for it.
The components come from a reputable supplier (Digikey) and my local ACE Hardware Store.
It used to be a lower cost, but retail markup is unavoidable. I can no longer sell them direct per my contract with TFS.
[This message has been edited by Romsk (edited 06-05-2025).]
I used to provide schematics and parts list for building your own Adapter. But they are more involved than most. Most adapters are faily simple and read the ALDL data pulses as pseudo RS-232 Data frames. They are a bit cheezy IMHO, but they work.
Mine uses an Adafruit Trinket M0 microcontroller that actually measures the ALDL Data pulses and sends an ASCII '1's or '0's over USB at high speed for the GUI. It's very reliable and accurate. I wrote all the code for the GUI and Adapter, so they "play" perfectly together.
My Adapter can set all 4 ALDL Modes at the click of a mouse: No switches, jumpers, or cables changes:
NORM DMALDL DMFACT DMDIAG
It has a multicolor LED for status. It has a Jack to power the Fuel Pump remotely. It can monitor the SES signal (if you add it to your Fiero's ALDL Connector). This allows the GUI to count and display Error Codes for you. It also can monitor the TCC signal since Automatic Transmission Fieros have that signal. If you have a Manual Transmission, you can wire in the Shift signal on that pin for monitoring. It's Fuse protected for added durability. I designed the entire hardware/software/firmware suite. Each one is built personally by me by hand.
So it's not just a read only cable like most, my GUI interacts with the Adapter. In fact, the Adapter can simulate ALDL Data, but that was mostly for my development use. It is helpful to demo the GUI in the general sense.
I designed the 3D printed Connector "clam shell" to lower cost and to get the wiring connections I need (most ALDL connectors dint havevall the pins wired). I even punch my own brass pins for it.
The parts come from a reputable supplier (Digikey) and my local ACE Hardware Store.
It used to be a lower cost, but retail markup is unavoidable. I can no longer sell them direct per my contract with TFS.
can you do some modifying to the data to make it read other gm v6 stuff...maybe obd1.5? was looking for a scan tool for my s10 to read live data and its hard to find one for less than a used snap on red brick
Sorry, I have my hands full with just Fieros. I wrote the GUI 10 years ago to troubleshoot my 1987 GT. I started selling the Adapters direct a couple of years ago, and now they are sold through TFS since February.
The ALDL data for EVERY car that used ALDL (and some are not GM) is just not documented. I have to reverse engineer everything. I have been told to use the TurnerPro GUI to lookup all the conversion data. I may do that, but again, just for the Fiero.
Sorry, I have my hands full with just Fieros. I wrote the GUI 10 years ago to troubleshoot my 1987 GT. I started selling the Adapters direct a couple of years ago, and now they are sold through TFS since February.
The ALDL data for EVERY car that used ALDL (and some are not GM) is just not documented. I have to reverse engineer everything. I have been told to use the TurnerPro GUI to lookup all the conversion data. I may do that, but again, just for the Fiero.
For the Chevy S10, I recommend TunerPro.
oh i get it but tuner pro (except the paid version) isnt what im looking for. ill keep dealing with the ancient version i have that im modifying for my use
I have an older ALDL serial port cable and also an even older ALDL parallel port cable. Is it possible to convert for USB from either the serial port or parallel port cables? I realize they probably wouldn't work with this GUI discussed here but it would be nice to be able to continue using them.
Cartercarb, What does my GUI do that makes it something you seek rather than use Tuner pro?
Reinhart, I don't know much about the parallel port cables. I think they are very similar to the serial port cables except they put the data on one of the data pins (possibly D0). There are small Adapters that you can plug in (or hard wire) to a serial cable to convert it to USB. When I converted my first serial cable I made, I just wired a Parallax Serial/USB adapter to it. There are many sources of these. The Parallax one is: Parallax USB-Serial Adapter
[This message has been edited by Romsk (edited 06-05-2025).]
My GUI originally was designed to work with the common Serial Cables that most of us built from the web years ago. In fact, the code is still in the GUI for them but they convert ALDL 1s and 0s to ASCII characters (I forget which) and mine converts to ASCII characters '1' and '0' (which has a more logical sense). I could re-enable that code so my GUI will work with Serial Cables (for PCs with serial ports) or with a USB Adapter attached (for PCs with USB ports)... but here's the rub: Serial cables won't understand the commands my GUI sends to the Adapter... those old cables work one way (read only), they are not interactive. So they would sort of work, but you would have to set the ALDL modes by manually applying various resistors between GND and the Mode pin on the Fiero's ALDL Connector. And because the serial cable does not interact with my GUI, all sorts of errors would show up. It would sort of work, but you would get a lot of "flack" from the GUI reporting comms errors with the serial cable (that simply won't respond to commands).
This is why my cable evolved to having a tiny microcontroller inside it. I can change the code in it to continue to evolve. For example, when I start to support 1988 Fiero IL4 ECMs, my Adapter has to switch to 8192 ALDL baud AND be commanded to request each ALDL Frame (very interactive)... because it is an intelligent microcontroller inside, I will be able to do that with small design changes to my Adapter (connect pin M to pin E, and some microcontroller code changes), the GUI will need more significant changes for that.
Paul
[This message has been edited by Romsk (edited 06-05-2025).]
FYI very few scan tools will read the transitional OBD 1.5 codes. Cadillac 4,5l/4.9L and later 3.4DOHC swaps have these ECM.s The one that will scan these ECM are some versions of AutoXray, Actron and Snap On. There also seem to be few scanner that can interface with the DIS 4 cylinder Fiero ECM's.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I don’t have a 4 cylinder Fiero but I will assume it’s the removal of the distributor and in its place is coil packs and a crank trigger setup. But I could be wrong… Kit
[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 06-06-2025).]
FYI very few scan tools will read the transitional OBD 1.5 codes. Cadillac 4,5l/4.9L and later 3.4DOHC swaps have these ECM.s The one that will scan these ECM are some versions of AutoXray, Actron and Snap On. There also seem to be few scanner that can interface with the DIS 4 cylinder Fiero ECM's.
my scan tool works with my 1987 2.5.it shows the info.it won't clear the codes though.
None of Fiero ECMs that use 160 baud can have their Error Codes (ECs) cleared via the ALDL because the protocol does not receive commands, it only spits out data. The only way to clear ECs in those ECMs is to remove 12V power to the ECM for at least 1 minute. Removing the ECM Fuse will not do this, it has to be power to the ECM that comes from the ECM Fusable Link.
There are two normal ways to do this: 1. Disconnect the Negative side of the Battery for 1 minute (radio settings will be lost). 2. If there is a single wire connector on the ECM Fusable Link (near the battery) disconnect it for 1 minute (radio settings not effected).
The 1988 IL4 ECMs use 8192 baud and I am told they do receive commands. But I do not know if there is a command to erase ECs on that ECM. I am expanding my GUI to support 4 cylinder Fieros, but I haven't gotten to that ECM yet, so it is a big unknown to me.
You have a 1987 IL4 Fiero, it's 160 baud, no command to clear ECs.
Paul
[This message has been edited by Romsk (edited 06-08-2025).]
None of Fiero ECMs that use 160 baud can have their Error Codes (ECs) cleared via the ALDL because the protocol does not receive commands, it only spits out data. The only way to clear ECs in those ECMs is to remove 12V power to the ECM for at least 1 minute. Removing the ECM Fuse will not do this, it has to be power to the ECM that comes from the ECM Fusable Link.
There are two normal ways to do this: 1. Disconnect the Negative side of the Battery for 1 minute (radio settings will be lost). 2. If there is a single wire connector on the ECM Fusable Link (near the battery) disconnect it for 1 minute (radio settings not effected).
The 1988 IL4 ECMs use 8192 baud and I am told they do receive commands. But I do not know if there is a command to erase ECs on that ECM. I am expanding my GUI to support 4 cylinder Fieros, but I haven't gotten to that ECM yet, so it is a big unknown to me.
You have a 1987 IL4 Fiero, it's 160 baud, no command to clear ECs.
Paul
i did end up unhooking the battery.the cars a 87.the check engine light was on sometimes.i tried to read the codes but came up with 'no codes found'.so i swapped in a 1988 computer i had and was able to read the codes.
I don't know much about the parallel port cables. I think they are very similar to the serial port cables except they put the data on one of the data pins (possibly D0). There are small Adapters that you can plug in (or hard wire) to a serial cable to convert it to USB. When I converted my first serial cable I made, I just wired a Parallax Serial/USB adapter to it. There are many sources of these. The Parallax one is: Parallax USB-Serial Adapter
Thank you that was basically my question. So I need a special controller like what you linked to and can't just use a serial to usb cable like I would use to hook up an old serial cable mouse to a USB port?
Regarding error code clearing, which someone else mentioned, I thought it would be kind of useful to hook up a switch in the cabin that would remove power from the ECM to clear the codes without having to go back to the battery junction area. Should be rather easy..just need to find the wire that goes back to the disconnect back there and splice in by the ECM as well and put a switch in.
