Connecting your MoTeC display or logger to your vehicle’s OBD2 system opens up a world of real-time performance data, crucial for both enthusiasts and professional racers. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for installing your Motec Obd2 to Display Loom, ensuring seamless integration and accurate data acquisition.
Before diving into the installation, it’s essential to understand the basics. OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) is a standardized system in most cars manufactured from 2007 onwards, and some earlier models. It provides access to a wealth of engine and vehicle data, from engine temperature and RPM to speed and sensor readings. MoTeC systems are renowned for their advanced data logging and display capabilities, making the combination of MoTeC and OBD2 an invaluable tool for performance analysis and vehicle diagnostics.
Locating your OBD2 port is the first step. While there isn’t a universal location, the most common place is within the driver’s footwell, often under the dashboard. You might find it directly accessible, or it could be behind a small cover panel that needs removal. Consult your vehicle’s manual if you’re unsure of its exact location.
This guide covers two primary installation methods, depending on whether your MoTeC Display/Logger arrived pre-configured for OBD2.
Installation Method for Pre-configured Display/Logger
This method is simpler and quicker, assuming your MoTeC device is already set up to recognize OBD2 inputs.
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Initial Connections: Begin by connecting your MoTeC Display/Logger, SLM-C (Shift Light Module – Compact, if applicable), any button looms, and GPS if required. Crucially, do not connect the OBD2 To Display Loom at this stage.
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Powering the System: Use the provided cigarette lighter power adapter to supply power. Plug it into a spare power socket in your vehicle. If your vehicle lacks a power socket, you’ll need to hardwire it. Cut off the adapter, connect the red wire to a fused 12V power source, and the black wire to a reliable chassis ground. This ensures a stable power supply to your MoTeC system.
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Ignition ON and System Check: Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “ON” position. This powers up your vehicle’s electrical systems, including the OBD2 port and your newly connected MoTeC device.
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Activating OBD2 Recognition: Press and hold the red button on the button loom for at least 5 seconds. This action prompts the MoTeC device to check for OBD2 configuration. If your device is pre-configured correctly, the word “OBD-II” will appear on the Display/Logger screen. If “OBD-II” does not display, do not proceed with connecting the OBD2 ECU To Display Loom. Instead, follow the “Installation method – if Display/Logger is NOT pre-configured” instructions below. If it fails to display even after following the non-pre-configured steps, it is recommended to contact your dealer for assistance.
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Final Connection and Completion: If “OBD-II” is displayed, your pre-configuration is confirmed. The final step is to connect the OBD2 ECU To Display Loom. Plug the 4-pin DTMF connector on the OBD2 ECU To Display Loom into the main loom connector on your MoTeC device, typically labeled “ECU”. Then, locate your car’s OBD2 connector and plug in the mating connector from the MoTeC loom.
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System Verification: Turn the ignition to “ON” again. The installation should now be complete. To verify, check your MoTeC display for engine temperature readings. If engine temperature is displayed, your OBD2 connection is successful. If not, and you are using a MoTeC ECU, consult the ECU settings. For other ECUs or persistent issues, contact your dealer for expert support.
Installation Method for Non-Pre-configured Display/Logger
If your MoTeC Display/Logger was not pre-configured for OBD2, you’ll need to use MoTeC’s Dash Manager software to set up the configuration.
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Initial Connections (Same as Pre-configured): Connect your MoTeC Display/Logger, SLM-C (if needed), buttons, and GPS. Do not connect the OBD2 ECU To Display Loom yet.
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Powering the System (Same as Pre-configured): Power the MoTeC system using the cigarette lighter adapter or by hardwiring to a 12V fused source and chassis ground.
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Connecting to Dash Manager: Connect your laptop to the Display/Logger using the Ethernet cable provided with your MoTeC device. This Ethernet connection allows communication between your laptop and the MoTeC system for configuration purposes.
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Launching Dash Manager and Establishing Connection: Start the MoTeC Dash Manager software on your laptop. In Dash Manager, navigate to “Tools” > “Connection settings” and click “Add”. Click the “Search” button to automatically detect connected MoTeC devices. Highlight your device in the connected device window and click “Select”, followed by “OK” on both the “New IP” and “Connection settings” screens. This establishes a connection between Dash Manager and your MoTeC device.
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Creating a New Configuration: In Dash Manager, go to “File” > “New”. Select the configuration option relevant to your specific Display/Logger model and choose the “OBD-II configuration” template. This template provides a base setup for OBD2 data acquisition.
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Sending Configuration to Device: Navigate to “Online” > “Send Configuration”. This action uploads the newly created OBD2 configuration from Dash Manager to your MoTeC Display/Logger, programming it to recognize and process OBD2 data.
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Saving the Configuration: Save the configuration file with a descriptive name, such as “my_obd2_config”. This allows you to easily recall and reuse this configuration in the future. Acknowledge any warnings that may appear during the configuration sending process by clicking “Yes” or “OK”.
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Verifying OBD2 Recognition (Same as Pre-configured): Press and hold the red button on the button loom for 5 seconds. Confirm that “OBD-II” is displayed on the Display/Logger. If it does not display, do not connect the OBD2 ECU To Display Loom and contact your dealer.
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Connecting OBD2 Loom (Same as Pre-configured): Connect the 4-pin DTMF connector of the OBD2 ECU To Display Loom to the “ECU” labeled connector on your MoTeC device. Plug the mating connector into your car’s OBD2 port.
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Final System Check (Same as Pre-configured): Turn the ignition to “ON”. Check for engine temperature display on your MoTeC device to confirm successful OBD2 data integration. If engine temperature is not displayed, check ECU settings (for MoTeC ECUs) or contact your dealer for further assistance.
By following these steps, you can successfully connect your MoTeC Display/Logger to your vehicle’s OBD2 system, unlocking access to valuable performance data for analysis, tuning, and enhanced driving experience. Remember to always double-check connections and consult your MoTeC device manual or dealer support if you encounter any difficulties.
