TT Diagnostics Port

V8 Diagnostics Port

The Soarer has a complex self diagnostic system, the simple readout is displayed on the bottom of the combination meter (speedo), more in depth interrogation can be performed using the diagnostics mode. This is accessed by inserting a jumper (short length of wire or "U" shaped paper clip into the Diags Port (shown above) shorting out the relevant terminals.

The following article courtesy of Steve Janda, Startrade:

"Engine diagnostics can be run by placing a jumper in the engine diagnostics connector between E1 and TE1 terminals (for location of terminals see the label inside the diagnostics connector cover). A straightened up paper clip can be used as a jumper but must be inserted very deep in the terminals. In case of Soarer GT or LTD without the EMV screen, when ignition is switched on error code/s will be displayed in the combination meter on the LCD screen normally showing the time. At first a Japanese message appears indicating the diagnostics mode and when SCROLL button is pushed repeatedly, condition of engine ECU and transmission ECT will show as either Good or N/G (no good). If N/G appears, wait for up to 2 minutes for the display of the actual numerical error code/s. If more than one error code is stored, all will be shown in succession with breaks between them. For example, Code 78 shows problem with the Fuel Pump Control Signal."

Fuel Pump ECU Issues:

The fuel pump ECU switches the fuel pump between 9v Low fuel delivery and 12v High fuel delivery depending on the running conditions.

Soarer Fuel pump ECU with cover off:

All the components and circuit board are epoxy bonded making component replacement bloody difficult or near as damn it impossible to achieve without breaking something

ECU Symptoms:

The car failing to start when warm is normally the first indication that the fuel pump ECU is playing up, some time afterwards it might exhibit other faults, misfire under load (fuel starvation), starting up and then dying, this can be quickly checked out using the routine below. A replacement ECU is about £180 +vat, I managed to get a secondhand one for £70 from a breaker and it is working fine. The ECU is located behind the passenger rear side panel (the arm rest bit), take out the rear seats and side panel, the ECU is bolted to the frame, (15 minute job).

The following article courtesy of Steve Janda, Startrade:

"The fuel pump can be forced to operate in the high voltage setting by placing a jumper in the engine diagnostics connector between FP and +B terminals (for location of terminals see the label inside the diagnostics connector cover). A straightened up paper clip can be used as a jumper but must be inserted very deep in the terminals. This function is useful for checking that the fuel pump is not faulty (it can be heard running with the ignition on) and also to make the car mobile in case the fuel pump ECU is faulty. We strongly advise against driving the car for prolonged periods with the jumper inserted as the current draw of the pump in its high setting is about 7.3A and the pump may not have been designed to handle the load permanently and may overheat and seize, creating more (expensive) problems. At idle and under light loads the engine may be running rich due to increased fuel pressure"

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