MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

[AMMO DAWG]

I have a 5.7 with MEFI 4 EFI that is throwing a code 81 by my low tech LED scan tool I put together. I really want to have the capability to scan and monitor the engine via a laptop like I can do on my old truck. I spent several days searching and googling and have come to the conclusion that you either buy a high priced cable and software or take it to a mechanic with software and cables. I was surprised how little is available, basically OBD2allinone for 195.00 to just scan only one type ECM or Rinda which is well over 500.00. Conversely, for OBD on auto's theres all kinds of freeware and chief cables to allow the shade tree guy like myself to monitor and diagnose for little money.

So so many smart computer and electronics folks out there I'm shocked so little is available. Like to hear if anybody has found any other solution. Don't get me wrong, not being cheap just think that lots of boaters on are limited budgets and like to do as much as possible on their own. I'm sure I'll get hammered with "get carburetoror", but I do like EFI, unfortunately when it does go TU, it's hard to chase down. Appreciate and input and like to hear your viewpoint on the subject. Happy Boating!!

 

[Don S]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

Get the basic scan tool from Rinda $400
Rinda Technologies - MerCruiser Scan Tool Spec.
http://www.rinda.com/acro/tech_specs_v6.pdf

I have used dealers units, laptop sofware, and I always went for my Rinda Techmate
It can be updated and you only have to buy the harnesses you need for your boat. It will also work on newer ECM's should you get one of the newer boats with other than MEFI.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

TunerPro and TunerPro RT - Professional Automobile Tuning Software

You still need the cable but TunerPro should work. If i could source a cheap cable it would be a very attractive option.

 

[Don S]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

It doesn't even mention MEFI that I can see in your link, only automotive.

MEFI stands for Marine Electronic Fuel Injection.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

Code 81 on the MEFI 4 EFI system is associated with a variety of system faults (12 faults to be exact). The scan tool is necessary and should display specific details on the type of code 81 that is set.

MEFI-4 Diagnostic Manual
Once you have the codes, and have decoded them, it can be very useful to have a good quality diagnostics manual to help with diagnoses and repair. PCM Marine Engines have an excellent manual, which includes full diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, sensor operation data, and more. It's a must-read for any MEFI-4 owner / operator. Download by clicking the link below. For code 81 see pages 5-122 through 5-146 Diagnosis.

MEFI 4 / 4B DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL - GoBookee.net

Very helpful link,
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

Thanks all for the replies. Guess I'm destined to shell out the bucks and pick up a scan tool. Attached is what I was looking for, but for a MEFI connector instead of an OBD connector. Guess if it was easy many would have done it already. Thanks for the links, lots of good information. Have any of you tried the OBD2allinone for MEFI 4?

AD
OBD2 diagnostic cable pinout | OBD Store

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

It doesn't even mention MEFI that I can see in your link, only automotive.

MEFI stands for Marine Electronic Fuel Injection.

TunerPro User Forum :: View topic - Run fuel pumps with Tunerpro RT

You will find tunerpro does indeed work with mefi...Once you get passed the password

une Your MEFI Controller:

MEFI Scan & Tune, MEFIburn, MEFI tuning, Ramjet

TunerPro is a free, donate-if-you-like-it tuning platform aimed at making tuning easier and cheaper. TunerPro started life as GMECM Edit, and debuted in early March of 2003. TunerPro has since grown into a very robust tuning tool.

We have developed two versions of control definitions to work with TunerPro, the Standard Edition and the Professional Edition. There are hundreds of parameters that can be tuned in a MEFI controller, however, only a handful are typically used. We have selected this typical parameter set for the MEFI Scan and Tune Standard Edition. The full parameter set is overwhelming for all but professional tuning applications, so for those pro users, we have MEFI Scan & TuneTM Professional Edition. For complete details and screen shots of TunerPro, see our TunerPro page and Mark Mansur's TunerPro.net webpage

 

[Don S]

Re: MEFI 1 thru 5 Scan Tools

Thanks all for the replies. Guess I'm destined to shell out the bucks and pick up a scan tool. Attached is what I was looking for, but for a MEFI connector instead of an OBD connector. Guess if it was easy many would have done it already. Thanks for the links, lots of good information. Have any of you tried the OBD2allinone for MEFI 4?

AD
OBD2 diagnostic cable pinout | OBD Store

The OBD2 won't work, it's not for what you have. Your DLC is 8 pin, your OBD has 16 pins. How you going to hook it up??????

All of the other above links costs more than the Rinda.
The OP doesn't want to reprogram his ecm, he wants to read it and use as a troubleshooting tool.