Navigating the world of engine diagnostics can be tricky, especially when dealing with JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles. Many Toyota Supra owners with the 2JZGTE VVTi engine have encountered frustration when trying to use standard OBD2 scanners. These engines, while incredibly robust, weren’t originally designed to be fully OBD2 compliant, causing common scanners to falter. However, accessing your engine’s data for diagnostics and performance monitoring is not out of reach. This guide will walk you through a proven method to successfully connect an OBD2 scanner to your 2JZ VVTi engine.
Understanding the OBD2 Challenge with 2JZ VVTi
The 2JZGTE VVTi ECU, being designed for the Japanese market, adheres to the JOBD (Japanese OBD) protocol rather than the OBDII standards commonly found in US and European vehicles. While it physically utilizes the OBDII connector shape, the underlying communication protocol is different. Specifically, it operates on the ISO 14230 protocol. This distinction is why standard OBDII scanners often fail to establish a connection or provide accurate data when plugged into a 2JZ VVTi equipped Supra. Simply put, while the plug fits, the language spoken is different.
The Affordable Solution: ELM327 and Torque Pro
Fortunately, thanks to insights from resourceful communities like supraforums.com.au and mkivsupra.net, a cost-effective solution has emerged. This method leverages the widely available ELM327 scanner tool in conjunction with the Torque Pro Android application. By manually configuring Torque Pro with the correct communication parameters, you can effectively bridge the gap and access your 2JZ VVTi engine data.
Required Tools
To implement this solution, you will need the following:
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ELM327 OBD2 Scanner: These scanners are readily available online at affordable prices. A Bluetooth enabled version is recommended for seamless connection with your Android device.
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Torque Pro Android Application: This powerful OBD2 software provides extensive customization options, allowing us to specify the correct communication protocol for the 2JZ VVTi ECU. It can be purchased and installed from the Google Play Store.
Torque Pro Configuration for 2JZ VVTi
Once you have both the ELM327 scanner and Torque Pro installed, the crucial step is to configure Torque Pro with the correct settings to communicate with your 2JZ VVTi ECU. This involves adding specific initialization commands within the app’s vehicle profile settings.
Navigate to the “Vehicle Profile” section in Torque Pro and locate the “VERY ADVANCED ELM327” settings area. Within this section, add the following line exactly as shown:
ATIB 96 \n ATIIA 13 \n ATSH8213F0 \n ATSP4 \n 0100Understanding the Custom Settings
Let’s break down what each part of this custom command string does:
- ATIB96: This command sets the ISO baud rate to 9600 bits per second, which is the communication speed required for the 2JZ VVTi ECU’s ISO 14230 protocol.
- ATIIA 13: This sets the ISO (slow) initialization address to 13. Initialization addresses are part of the process of establishing communication between the scanner and the ECU.
- ATSH8213F0: This command sets the header to 8213F0. Headers are used in communication protocols to provide addressing and control information.
- ATSP4: This is perhaps the most critical command, as it explicitly sets the communication protocol to “4”, which corresponds to ISO 14230-4 KWP (Keyword Protocol) with 5 baud initialization and a 10.4 Kbaud communication speed.
- 0100: This final command initiates the data transmission, essentially telling the ECU to start sending diagnostic information.
Conclusion: OBD2 Access Achieved
By implementing these steps, you should now be able to use your ELM327 scanner and Torque Pro to successfully read data from your 2JZ VVTi engine. This opens up a range of possibilities for monitoring engine performance, diagnosing issues, and gaining a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s health.
Disclaimer: This information is based on community findings and shared experiences. While many users have reported success with this method, carparteu.com and the author are not responsible for any issues that may arise from attempting this procedure. Always exercise caution and consult with a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any aspect of vehicle diagnostics or modification. Further research and community input are always encouraged to expand our collective knowledge of 2jz Vvti Obd2 compatibility.
