Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Scan tool won't connect

so i bought the scan tool from Alex Peper and have used it to pull codes over the past year.

this time, however, it fails to connect. i get a "timeout, no response" message from the OBD2 software whenever i attempt it. the software is set to try all manufacturer protocols when connecting. i have changed nothing on the laptop.

i'm thinking i have two courses of action:
1) reinstall the scan tool software on the laptop
2) check for a blown fuse related to the OBD-2 port

any suggestions?

I had a scanner die on me after about 8 months. I tried everything to make sure I didn't make a mistake, but I ended up sending it back to Alex to test it (after emailing him of course). Not long after a replacement arrived at my doorstep. I just used it to diagnose a CEL on my parents Caravan.

Email Alex. He'll give you some suggestions on getting it working, and if that doesn't work you can ship it back.

I also had that exact problem, however, mine resulted from when the two halves of the red connector had separated.

I eventually found that one of the wires inside had broken.

I was able to pick up a DB-9/modular adaptor at a local electronics shop and repaired it.

I probably have my troubleshooting notes around somewhere.

In the meantime, try the cable and computer on a different Ford vehicle if one is available.

Steve

Doubt it's your problem but check Fuse 24 15 amp interior fuse panel. Speedo working confirms fuse ok.

Some will do this when you select manufacturer specific OBD. Reset the machine first then switch to generic OBD and try it.

I have the Tricom interface/gateway at least I think that's what it's called? I had updated the software rev. and had the similiar problem last year. I ended up re-doing my interface setup. under options/gateway.

Filters
"replies" * requests only, Number or responses-1,
* delete duplicate responses (Tricon-Indo-3)
"All"
"Protocal"
I have everything checked except the bottom two lines
and bottom line degrade level 0
timeouts 3
"interface"
mine are com port 1 , I use Tricom,indo-3
and X used fast tricom,indo-3 is checked.

Hmmmmm looks the lastest Rev. update has GPS for something now on com port X?

Good Luck

Paul

Nevermind - Alex emailed me back and asked me to check if something else was using the serial port since the software was going for port 3, not 1, like it should have. Turns out that my Palm HotSync software had the serial port enabled, even though I have a USB cable and didn't even know the serial port was enabled. So it is working like a charm.

Gotta figure out all the stuff it does - just need some playing time. What a great tool!