Has anyone successfuly used the EASE DIAGNOSTICS Windows based scan tool to connect to an AURORA? Having trouble getting mine to connect to a 1995 Aurora.

Not familiar with the EASE software, but am familiar with PC/car diagnostics.

What type of cable is used with this setup? Does the computer end have a 9-pin serial or a USB type end on it? If serial, can you verify that the serial port on the laptop (i am assuming you are using a laptop) is turned on and live?

If you are using a USB to Serial converter, it may conflict with the program, depending on how it was written, and how it addresses the serial port. In this case, try a different laptop, one with a built in serial port.

In all likelyhood, there is nothing wrong with your cable, or the car. It has to be in the configuration of the computer and software. Sorry I cant be of more help, maybe a better description of the exact problem is in order?

Thanks for the fast reply.

My laptop does have a 9 pin serial port and I have used the same tool to connect with other OBD2 vehicles successfuly. The 1995 Aurora seems to be a different animal with an OBD1 ECM and an OBD2 data link connector.
I am using an OBD2 cable but the software is trying to connect using an ALDL protocol (8192). It is receiving data OK but cannot decipher it. I can trace the serial port to see the handshaking going on but it seems like they are not speaking the same language. I tried changing the tool to 1996 Aurora (which is fully OBD2 compliant) but it did not help.

I have no tech support for the tool as it is too old (about 2000 vintage).
The documentation says it should work but it doesn't.

It's what is sometimes called OBD 1.5, used on GM cars from 94-95 it has an OBD II connector as you mentioned, but reads as OBD I. So your scan tool seems to be doing the correct thing, reading codes in ALDL format...I have no idea why it wouldn't work.

I don't see why you couldn't contact the company through HERE though...or have you already done that?


TOC Admin
Brando

edit....oh, I see....

Yes...exactly. They want to charge for support.

This is an interesting problem but with GM keeping thier protocol information proprietary, the end user cannot figure out how to decode the information that is coming from the ECM in order to figure out what the problem is. So we are at the mercy of the toolbuilders.

I dont see how anyone could build thier own software without knowing the decodes either. The only thing common about the OBD2 interface is the actual connector itself. Everything behind it is kept secret to make money for the dealerships and scan tool builders.

If it is ALDL, using a new style connector, have you tried winALDL? Its a free program, and if it can decypher what is happening, then you can start to make some assumptions. Sounds like your program is having some problems. If the ecm is running in the car, its hard to think it might be the car's fault.

Do you have the means to try another laptop? Doesnt sound like the problem, but sometimes programs run differently on different computers.

WinALDL does not support the 1995 Aurora 4.0 L .

The EASE scan tool is one of the very few tools that claims to support all of the 5 different computers in the Aurora. You can find others, including the TECH 2 which is undoubtedly the best but they all cost big bucks compared to the EASE tool. The only thing is....It refuses to work on my Aurora. Maybe I will go car used car shopping and bring the tool with me. I wonder if the dealers would have a problem with that?

that would be majorly funny! the dealer would probably be watching you like a hawk! I bet not many people go around and run a diagnostic on the engine before a test drive!