180 replies to this topic

[Wazzah]

I have read Flying Scots post on page 8 of this thread.

I have a 98 Japanese SPI with air bag.

It has the 3 pin white connector under the bonnet.

It also has the 16 pin OBD socket under the steering column.

It does not have a key fob.

It has an MPI distributorless block, twin plug NEMS, wasted spark coil pack, and of course SPI injection

Planning on buying a Sykes Pickavant ACR4.

I live in Australia and will be buying from the UK so I want to get this right first time.

Am I correct in assuming that I need the Rover 4 pod as a minimum?

I am a bit nervous about the G2 Pod as these can be wiped and are no longer supported.

Flying Scot suggests that AC4's and Japanese minis connect the OBD.

Advice on what might be the correct lead would be appreciated.

My main use will be to set idle speed.

I have an OBD reader which works wonderfully well on my other cars but does not pick up a thing on the mini.

Thanks in advance

Waz

 

[FlyingScot]

Didn’t see your post sorry.

Rover Pod 4 or iMAP type will allow you to check the airbag. If your not fussed about that pod 3 is fine.

3 pin AMP connector does the engine data

 

FS

[genpop]

mems-rosco from github.com/leopoldg can now read white space separated  (I think ps-scan) logfiles too.

[andrewdjackson]

I have made available MemFCR (Rover Mems Fault Code Reader) for Windows and Macbook on https://memsfcr.co.uk
The application gives live view of the ECU and provides active diagnostics and adjustments and fault code clearing.
You will need to buy the ECU cable from eBay.
 

[Johnmar]

I have made available MemFCR (Rover Mems Fault Code Reader) for Windows and Macbook on https://memsfcr.co.uk
The application gives live view of the ECU and provides active diagnostics and adjustments and fault code clearing.
You will need to buy the ECU cable from eBay.
 

Thank you very much!! Much appreciated!!

[minijules92]

Any clues for the cable on eBay, I’ve taken a look but it’s a jungle out there!

[andrewdjackson]

@minijules92 Google Classic Mini Injection Diagnostic Cable

 

alternatively go to my website and click on the link to buy a cable, which will take you to James Portman who can sell you one.

[genpop]

Hi Andrew,

relating to that post:https://www.theminif...lp-jack-counts/

 

why do you think a jackcount of 80 is too high?

 

Regards

Leopold

[bpirie1000]

Does this go any where near the srs airbag system at all?
Have a constant light needingreolved..

[genpop]

No, but you can draw conclusions about who reads handbooks and technical instructions!

[NLinPEN]

I am following the recommendations on this page on how to build a cable: https://memsfcr.co.uk/ecu-cable/

I can easily find a USB to TTL or RS-232 converter cable. Various versions are available as there are multiple vendors of such chips.

But I am having a hard time finding the TE Connectivity type 172201-1 connector. Everywhere I look I see statements that this part has reached end-of-life and is no longer available. Also the pins for this connector type seems complicated to get.

Any suggestions as to where I can buy this connector?

[NLinPEN]

I am following the recommendations on this page on how to build a cable: https://memsfcr.co.uk/ecu-cable/

I can easily find a USB to TTL or RS-232 converter cable. Various versions are available as there are multiple vendors of such chips.

But I am having a hard time finding the TE Connectivity type 172201-1 connector. Everywhere I look I see statements that this part has reached end-of-life and is no longer available. Also the pins for this connector type seems complicated to get.

Any suggestions as to where I can buy this connector?

I found one seller (a distributor) on eBay. But they sell only per 20 pieces and the price is more than its weight in gold.

In this application I don't really need the original connector which is rugged enough for permanent use in an automotive environment. I will only plug it in when I do some monitoring. If a CAD file would be available then I would be satisfied with a 3D printed replica. All it needs to do is to keep the three pins in position. The pins for this connector are still available.

[68+86auto]

I am following the recommendations on this page on how to build a cable: https://memsfcr.co.uk/ecu-cable/
I can easily find a USB to TTL or RS-232 converter cable. Various versions are available as there are multiple vendors of such chips.
But I am having a hard time finding the TE Connectivity type 172201-1 connector. Everywhere I look I see statements that this part has reached end-of-life and is no longer available. Also the pins for this connector type seems complicated to get.
Any suggestions as to where I can buy this connector?

I was curious recently and noticed the connector was listed as discontinued.

I can think of three other options:

- Buy the premade cables that are for sale.

- buy the pins only or ones the same size and insert them individually. 1980s Toyota OBD connections were like this - I have a lead which is just a couple of pins.

- swap the connector for something else. Obviously this isn't ideal. You could then make a short lead which goes to the original connector so that the correct one can be used too.



Something else to think about is that there isn't much that MEMS will actually report on that can't be tested or determined other ways.

Edited by 68+86auto, 06 July 2025 - 05:00 AM.

[NLinPEN]

I can think of three other options:

- Buy the premade cables that are for sale.

- buy the pins only or ones the same size and insert them individually. 1980s Toyota OBD connections were like this - I have a lead which is just a couple of pins.

- swap the connector for something else. Obviously this isn't ideal. You could then make a short lead which goes to the original connector so that the correct one can be used too.



Something else to think about is that there isn't much that MEMS will actually report on that can't be tested or determined other ways.

 

- The premade cables are rather expensive. Not only the cost of the item, but also shipping to Malaysia (and not all sellers are willing to ship here).

- I was actually thinking of doing your next suggestion: simply plug in the individual pins. It comes with one risk: mixing up the pins and plugging them in the wrong connection. That's what made me think of making some sort of "replacement connector housing", to avoid this.

 

I won't delve into details as to why I want to connect a laptop to see the diagnostics (I don't want to hijack this thread). My initial thought is to see whether the MEMS ECU is receiving all sensor inputs correctly. On top of that I'm just curious about it. I don't think that via this way I can solve the particular problem I'm having with my Mini.

[68+86auto]

 

I can think of three other options:

- Buy the premade cables that are for sale.

- buy the pins only or ones the same size and insert them individually. 1980s Toyota OBD connections were like this - I have a lead which is just a couple of pins.

- swap the connector for something else. Obviously this isn't ideal. You could then make a short lead which goes to the original connector so that the correct one can be used too.



Something else to think about is that there isn't much that MEMS will actually report on that can't be tested or determined other ways.

 

- The premade cables are rather expensive. Not only the cost of the item, but also shipping to Malaysia (and not all sellers are willing to ship here).

- I was actually thinking of doing your next suggestion: simply plug in the individual pins. It comes with one risk: mixing up the pins and plugging them in the wrong connection. That's what made me think of making some sort of "replacement connector housing", to avoid this.

 

I won't delve into details as to why I want to connect a laptop to see the diagnostics (I don't want to hijack this thread). My initial thought is to see whether the MEMS ECU is receiving all sensor inputs correctly. On top of that I'm just curious about it. I don't think that via this way I can solve the particular problem I'm having with my Mini.

 

 

3D printing one would be fine. I've seen automotive connector housings printed before. I wouldn't use them but for a diagnostic plug it would be fine. You don't need a CAD file, just measure the socket on the car. There are probably measurements available anyway.

Edited by 68+86auto, 06 July 2025 - 09:38 AM.