Is it possible to hack into my Cars engine management system ?

Question

I Have an MR ZR and wondered if it is possible to hack into the engine management system with a laptop. Assuming that serial data is how it communicates with the outside world, where do I find information about all it's data commands etc ?

Thanks in advance

Andy

Answer 1

I don't think you are going to hack into your car's computer, it probably requires special software. But you can get aftermarket chips to install that come with a touch screen that mounts in the car allowing you to select higher performance or higher economy, even while driving. Check out superchips.com Hope this helps

Answer 2

Cracking the code is very hard some reprogramers plug into the data port and allow serial communication thru the programer to a lap top then learning what each fuel and advance table is showing you. There was a great artical in High Performance Pontiac about specific things that needs to be adjusted when reprograming. So I went back to the dyno and squeezed out another 12 hp. Do your air inlet and exhaust up grades first. I could not indentify MR ZR

Answer 3

As said as the ignition is turned on the car does a self diagnostic check and all lights light up then extinguish when it is done. A temporary 'fault' would cause it to be logged on the diagnostics and would not clear until it has its codes read and re set. Go to a different garage if you don't trust that one or get a RAC or AA report on the vehicle before you buy.

Answer 4

I'm not sure about your car but I wouldn't, even if you could. What are you trying to do anyway? Messing with the computer could damage it for life and they're not cheap to replace. I do know some specialty and performance shops should be able to do it. You can monitor a car's engine with a laptop via OBD II but messing with it's programing isn't a good idea, especially for the inexperienced. For monitoring your engine via OBD II with your laptop, AutoEnginuity offers some pretty good software, though it's expensive.

Answer 5

Unless you know what you're doing, DON'T!!
It is possible to alter and reset codes in the ecu, I've just had it done on my Alfa, to optimise it's new sports air filter & exhaust, which liberated about another 20bhp, but it's also possible to completely *rse it up if it's not done by an expert, preferably with a rolling road. If the car's not running right, take it to a garage.

Answer 6

Tricky to do yourself, some mechanics should be able to mod it for you though by reprogramming it, ask the local mechanics.