HOWTO- Code Scanner & Read Engine Parameters

[aefron88]

This post will explain how to hook up your PC to the ECU of a Hisun/Coleman/Etc UTV to be able to read error codes & engine parameters for troubleshooting purposes.

This is applicable to all small engines using the Delphi MT-05 ECU. This should cover all fuel injected Hisun models, as well as various other Chinese FI engines, as the Delphi MT-05 ECU seems to be the favored ECU solution.

Even though we get actual engine error codes to display on the dash, sometimes we have “pending codes” (not yet confirmed by the ECU) or other intermittent issues that are hard to diagnose, for example a poorly connected sensor that may give intermittent false readings, or a sensor that’s putting out bad date, but not bad enough for the ECU to realize.

The setup requires 2 cables, which are available for around $25 combined, a PC with a USB port, and some charityware software called “HUD ECU Hacker”. This gives the same functionality as the $300 dealer code scanner for a fraction of the price.

In searching I found info about HUD ECU Hacker, but I have yet to see info anywhere about how to hook it up to a Hisun, so I took the leap and bought some cables, and made it work. I will show a step by step of how to do so in post two.

I will be breaking this down into 2 posts:

• Delphi ECU Info & Overview (This post)
• System setup & use

Delphi ECU Info (Skip ahead to the next post if your eyes glaze over technical details)

The Delphi MT-05 ECU was developed to allow small engines to use fuel injection. A fuel injection system requires feedback from various sensors to operate efficiently. This feedback allows the adjustment of ignition timing, fuel injection volume, etc to efficiently and cleanly produce the most power possible from a given engine.

The MT-05 ECU has a number of sensors that are required for proper functioning including; Coolant temp, crankshaft position, intake temp, intake pressure, exhaust O2, throttle position, as well as some other optional sensors that are used on more complex vehicles.

From the sensors the ECU adjusts: Fuel injector timing/pulse, Idle air control valve, and ignition coil

The Delphi MT-05 puts out diagnostic data, however it is not ODB2 like a modern car, where is where it gets tricky reading it. There are three options, there is an old 16 bit piece of software Delphi has that is not able to run on a modern computer, there is the motorscanner tool for dealers ($300), or there is freeware HUD ECU Hacker with the proper cables.

[aefron88]

In order to connect with the ECU we need two cables. The first is a USB ODBII cable. HUD ECU Hacker’s documentation has a lot of different confusing options, but here’s what I went with and managed to get working, the cable is called “VAG KKL” it is a USB to ODB2 cable. It is available from a variety of sources for $10-15. The second thing we need is a “6 pin delphi to ODB2” adapter cable. It is also available for a similar price. In my case I ordered both from ebay, but there are other sources.

Once we have our cable in hand we need to find the plug it in on your machine. My personal rig is a Coleman UT400, but the wire location should be similar for all Hisuns. My cable was located under the middle of the seat area. Just inboard of the battery, where the main wire harness split loom runs.

The cable is a 6 pin (3x2) with a dust cap. Remove the dust cap and plug in the 6-pin end of the Delphi adapter cable.

Note: When I was done, I left the 6-pin adapter connected, and zip tied it so it now runs to in front of the battery for easier access in the future.

Next download and install HUD ECU HACKER DOWNLOAD

Open HUD ECU Hacker on your PC

It should prompt you to choose a driver to install. This particular cable uses the “CH340” driver (First choice on the menu) click to install, once installed hit the X in the corner to go back to the main page

Once the driver is installed plug in the USB Cable, and plug the ODB2 end into the 6 pin adapter. The red led on the adapter should light up indicating it has power.

Drop down and pick a com port on the main screen, it should show the VAG KKL adapter as a com port. Click connect on the main menu. It will pop up a bunch of fast scrolling text indicating it is connecting.

Once connected you can click through the various tabs to see different data sets.

The main menu also has the option to show fault codes, clear fault codes, reset the EPROM back to factory.

The other function that may be helpful is recording a log file. You can record a log while operating the unit, and come back later and replay it to try to better diagnose what is happening.

Within the various pages you will see the reading from each sensor. Sometimes a sensor reading will be off enough to cause running issues, but not enough for the ECU to realize its an issue. For example if the engine thinks it’s really warm, but its actually cold, it may not inject enough fuel to start.

There are also more advanced functions, like adjusting fuel mapping, but that is beyond the scope of this tutorial.

Full HUD ECU Hacker Documentation (Very technical reading)

If you find this helpful give me a comment below or a thumbs up.

[WhiteLightning]

Ordered some cables today!

[aefron88]

Goodluck and let me know if you run into any issues.

My cables took the slow boat from China, so hopefully yours go a little faster.

[WhiteLightning]

Says they should hit the mailbox between Aug. 1st and 4th. So we will see.

[Greg Kilgore]

Great info ordering cables NOW. And printing out the posts.

 

Made an adapter to read data from my OBD1 computer on my old S10 so this should be doable.

 

THANKS.

[techno10]

Ordered cables to give this a try. Thanks

[Rainman]

I have a 2021 Coleman UT400 and have trouble starting it when cold. It was recommended on the UTVBoard to adjust the valves and another small engine tech suggested resetting the ECU, but not having much time to do this I took it to my mechanic, who said he works on UTVs.

He has had it for 2 days now, going on 3 days, and said that they got it started a few times without any problem and he sees nothing wrong. Of course when I got there, it would not start, so he's keeping it another day (day 3) to look it over again.

He stated he did not think the valves needed adjustment and the choke was working, and he felt the ECU did not need to be reset, as it should have been set properly at the factory. He suggested I should step on the gas pedal while starting and not as mentioned in the manual, as that would position the choke.

He said it seems like something electrical and also a gas/fuel mixture problem, since the plug shows carbon deposits only 2 hours after a new plug was installed, as well as the tailpipe and O2 sensor having carbon deposits. He said he could not tell because what the exact problem was because he could not connect his scanner to check out any faults, etc.

So with all that said, will using the Delphi MT-5 ECU along with the setup as mentioned above give me some lead way into my problem?

Just to make sure I have the correct hardware/software, here are links I found. Are these what you suggested, as there seems to be various versions available?

Not sure what part this is

Delphi MT-05 ECU: https://www.ebay.com/itm/134459306627?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:1b1ZL4xL4S7mlaVytmJ8gjQ96&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=134459306627&targetid=1644837434603&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9005405&poi=&campaignid=20125739985&mkgroupid=149128855676&rlsatarget=pla-1644837434603&abcId=9312975&merchantid=603885579

Software: https://netcult.ch/elmue/HUD ECU Hacker/

VAG KKL USB ODBII: https://www.amazon.com/OBDII-Vag-Com-Diagnostic-Interface-VAG409/dp/B0BZVRPVND/ref=asc_df_B0BZVRPVND/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=673702569586&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4940700528128545758&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005405&hvtargid=pla-2203853459465&psc=1&mcid=afb8cfd0acfe333dbd9c5967e4259230

“6 pin delphi to ODB2” adapter cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/385982814422?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:19OIZi_0IQ-y-avml0UQCLw80&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=385982814422&targetid=1644837435763&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9005405&poi=&campaignid=20125739985&mkgroupid=149128855676&rlsatarget=pla-1644837435763&abcId=9312975&merchantid=561540586

... and is there anything else besides the above needed?

Thank you!

 

 

[Onebad54]

Will this let you change Idle speed ?

 

[Rainman]

3 hours ago, Onebad54 said:

Will this let you change Idle speed ?

 

Me personally, I'm not sure, as I haven't bought the cables and set this up yet. But according to what I understand, this basically will just function similar to an OBD2 scanner, which just gives you a reading on how your rig is functioning. It should be able to show any malfunctions that could be causing idle issues.

[Greg Kilgore]

Rainman, 

Every now and then my Axis 500 has to have gas pedal pressed a little to start.

When that happens. I let it run for 30 seconds or so.

Then shut it down.

Wait 1 minutes.

Turn key from "off" to "on" but not attempting to start. Just until I hear the fuel pump kick on.

Then I shut it back off.

Repeat this cycle 5 times within 30 seconds.

After the 5th cycle. Leave it off for 30 seconds.

This resets the ECU.

After that the machine starts and run fine.

Maybe have to do this once every 3 months.

 

Hope this helps 

[Rainman]

13 hours ago, Greg Kilgore said:

Rainman, 

Every now and then my Axis 500 has to have gas pedal pressed a little to start.

When that happens. I let it run for 30 seconds or so.

Then shut it down.

Wait 1 minutes.

Turn key from "off" to "on" but not attempting to start. Just until I hear the fuel pump kick on.

Then I shut it back off.

Repeat this cycle 5 times within 30 seconds.

After the 5th cycle. Leave it off for 30 seconds.

This resets the ECU.

After that the machine starts and run fine.

Maybe have to do this once every 3 months.

 

Hope this helps 

Thank you - I will definitely keep this in mind and give it a try.

I did finally find out why I was previously having problems starting my Coleman. I had my mechanic take a look at it and after having it there four days, he narrowed it down to contaminated gas. He said the tank had a lot of water in it. Seems that when I purchased it, it didn't have a gas cap and Tractor Supply had a rag stuffed in the filler tube. They said the cap was missing, so I can assume that's how the water got in the tank. The tank was cleaned out and a new spark plug and gas filter installed. Starts great now and hopefully will continue to do so.

[aefron88]

On 12/6/2023 at 7:41 PM, Rainman said:

I have a 2021 Coleman UT400 and have trouble starting it when cold. It was recommended on the UTVBoard to adjust the valves and another small engine tech suggested resetting the ECU, but not having much time to do this I took it to my mechanic, who said he works on UTVs.

He has had it for 2 days now, going on 3 days, and said that they got it started a few times without any problem and he sees nothing wrong. Of course when I got there, it would not start, so he's keeping it another day (day 3) to look it over again.

He stated he did not think the valves needed adjustment and the choke was working, and he felt the ECU did not need to be reset, as it should have been set properly at the factory. He suggested I should step on the gas pedal while starting and not as mentioned in the manual, as that would position the choke.

He said it seems like something electrical and also a gas/fuel mixture problem, since the plug shows carbon deposits only 2 hours after a new plug was installed, as well as the tailpipe and O2 sensor having carbon deposits. He said he could not tell because what the exact problem was because he could not connect his scanner to check out any faults, etc.

So with all that said, will using the Delphi MT-5 ECU along with the setup as mentioned above give me some lead way into my problem?

Just to make sure I have the correct hardware/software, here are links I found. Are these what you suggested, as there seems to be various versions available?

Not sure what part this is

Delphi MT-05 ECU: https://www.ebay.com/itm/134459306627?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:1b1ZL4xL4S7mlaVytmJ8gjQ96&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=134459306627&targetid=1644837434603&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9005405&poi=&campaignid=20125739985&mkgroupid=149128855676&rlsatarget=pla-1644837434603&abcId=9312975&merchantid=603885579

Software: https://netcult.ch/elmue/HUD ECU Hacker/

VAG KKL USB ODBII: https://www.amazon.com/OBDII-Vag-Com-Diagnostic-Interface-VAG409/dp/B0BZVRPVND/ref=asc_df_B0BZVRPVND/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=673702569586&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4940700528128545758&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005405&hvtargid=pla-2203853459465&psc=1&mcid=afb8cfd0acfe333dbd9c5967e4259230

“6 pin delphi to ODB2” adapter cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/385982814422?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr=1&amdata=enc:19OIZi_0IQ-y-avml0UQCLw80&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=385982814422&targetid=1644837435763&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9005405&poi=&campaignid=20125739985&mkgroupid=149128855676&rlsatarget=pla-1644837435763&abcId=9312975&merchantid=561540586

... and is there anything else besides the above needed?

Thank you!

 

 

You just need the VAG-KKL and the 6 pin adapter. Those I can confirm work, other ODB-II solutions may or may not work I have not tried them.

[aefron88]

On 12/9/2023 at 4:31 PM, Rainman said:

Me personally, I'm not sure, as I haven't bought the cables and set this up yet. But according to what I understand, this basically will just function similar to an OBD2 scanner, which just gives you a reading on how your rig is functioning. It should be able to show any malfunctions that could be causing idle issues.

There are some configuration settings that can be changed, I believe idle speed is one of them. It can also adjust fuel mapping if you really want to squeeze those extra 0.2 ponies that these things are likely capable of, but I'm not brave enough to play with that.

[Greg Kilgore]

I did buy the cable and downloaded the program. I just haven't had time tinker with it. It's running fine. Got the thing paid off last month. Have over 2500 miles on it. Kinda acts like the CVT belt needs a little love. (When it gets a little warmer outside). Other than the rear drive shaft issue I had last year and the fuel filter. Have done nothing except change oil and added fuel. 

 

I did add a few things that I just wanted to. LED lightbar, temp gauge, volt gauge, dual overhead cab fans (going to downsize to just one).

Have some things left to add/make/move. Like doors, heater to install(got it just need to find time), oil pressure gauge(got it just need find time) upgrade the charging system, move air intake to under hood, sound deadening under center console. Windshield wipers got one but it's a POS manual. Going to add a power one. Sound system. Whip lights. I'm tired just listing and thinking about it. 😂

Then maybe a shim to get a little more power and then the computer thing.

By them will probably need tires. 😂

Sorry to ramble. But if I do mess with the computer I'll post and ask a ton of questions.

 

Y'all be careful and have fun.

[Rainman]

On 3/7/2024 at 10:52 AM, Greg Kilgore said:

I did buy the cable and downloaded the program. I just haven't had time tinker with it. It's running fine. Got the thing paid off last month. Have over 2500 miles on it. Kinda acts like the CVT belt needs a little love. (When it gets a little warmer outside). Other than the rear drive shaft issue I had last year and the fuel filter. Have done nothing except change oil and added fuel. 

 

I did add a few things that I just wanted to. LED lightbar, temp gauge, volt gauge, dual overhead cab fans (going to downsize to just one).

Have some things left to add/make/move. Like doors, heater to install(got it just need to find time), oil pressure gauge(got it just need find time) upgrade the charging system, move air intake to under hood, sound deadening under center console. Windshield wipers got one but it's a POS manual. Going to add a power one. Sound system. Whip lights. I'm tired just listing and thinking about it. 😂

Then maybe a shim to get a little more power and then the computer thing.

By them will probably need tires. 😂

Sorry to ramble. But if I do mess with the computer I'll post and ask a ton of questions.

 

Y'all be careful and have fun.

 

Wow, I'm still trying to get to my first oil change, with just under 20 hours and I think still under 30 miles on the machine. I did more idling than driving, I guess. I read some place the first oil change should be 10 hours or 100 miles, so I'm over with one but well under the other.

If you get a chance, post some pictures of your upgrades.

Have a great day ...

[Greg Kilgore]

Rainman,

Here are some of the posts. Pics included in them. 

 

https://www.utvboard.com/topic/13490-coolant-temp-volt-and-oil-pressure-gauge/#comment-53640

https://www.utvboard.com/topic/12598-cooling-fan-not-just-for-radiators/

https://www.utvboard.com/topic/13070-axis-air-box-elimination/

 

https://www.utvboard.com/topic/9395-2022-axis-same-as-hs500-seat-adjustment/