Hey,

1/ Does the 93 FD have a OBD port or not ?
From what I've read, the answer is no, just a diagnostic port under the hood, right ?
I'm asking because I found some topics where people use the OBD port on their FD (not series 8) > https://www.rx7club.com/haltech-foru...eader-1117419/
Anyway,

2/ I'd like to monitor the basic engine details with a small device, if possible. That's why an OBD reader would be great, a scanGauge, CAN gauge, or whatever capable of reading the engine ECU. (I like the Apexi remote, I just don't want to change my stock ECU)
Does such a device exist ?

 

In theory, the under hood diagnostic port can do what you want. Mazda had an advanced code reader (the DTS-1000) that hooked up to it and could display a lot of info. There was also a Japanese company that made a device like you are thinking that could read codes and show sensor outputs.

However both of those devices are SUPER SUPER rare. I don't think I've ever even seen one for sale.

The FD is NOT OBD-2 whatsoever. There is no way any of the common code readers will work.

Really the only option is a PowerFC and Commander. Even if you have a bone stock car, the PFC will make the car run better and make more power (and no 3000 RPM hesitation) but it can be a big investment if you don't really need it.

Besides that, I would just do the common boost gauge/water temp gauge, those are the things you really should keep an eye on as far as engine data.

Remember, the FD's stock ECU is SUPER basic, even the PowerFC doesn't display all the parameters modern ECU's in cars can do with OBD-2. If you suspect you have a problem with a sensor you can use a multimeter and back probe the wiring connector to the ECU to see the sensor's output for testing purposes.

Dale

 

Well, I'm also considering the Apexi ECU. Does it work flawless with 100% stock car ? Or will I need a remap or something ?
but as you say, it's a big investment just for a couple monitoring gauges
Thanks.

 

The "base map" that comes with a new PFC is fine for a stock or mildly modded car. IIRC there's also a sticky in the PFC section from DaleClark on how to install and get it set-up. It's not complicated. Follow it and you shouldn't have any issues. On the Commander (I recommend the newer OLED versions) you can real-time monitor most parameters of import and see peak values as well.

 

Well, the new OLED looks definitely way better to me as I want to use it instead of regular gauges, I need something easily readable.
almost like logging values. Sounds great!
Even if I really wanted to stick to stock, I'll definitely consider that Apexi. Hopefully I'll find a second-hand one.

here is the link for the installation procedure from DaleClark : https://www.rx7club.com/power-fc-for...fc-faq-573647/
unfortunately, the link to the .pdf doesn't work anymore, too bad.

 

Banzai has my FAQ on their website -

http://www.banzai-racing.com/store_i...owerFC_FAQ.pdf

Dale

 

the DTS 1000 was $10,000 in 1992, so most dealerships didn't get one in the first place. i've also never seen one. my friend did, Mazda sent them one, and the dealership owner saw the price and sent it back.

if you're interested in learning Japanese, the Power FC is way more capable than most people know. it can do some pretty sophisticated data logging.

 

 

The PFC actually provides more data than the average user wants or needs. I install PFC's all the time and usually set the commander up to monitor 4 items for the owner. Boost, Knock, water temp, air temp. Anything more and they don't pay attention to any of it. It is great as a diagnostics tool with the sensor/switch screen. Even here on the forum, whenever anyone has a problem with their car, if they say that they have a PFC, the first thing I ask for is screen shots of the monitor screen. I have save many people a trip to the mechanic by just seeing that a sensor is unplugged.

 

It would be pretty awesome if somebody made a device to convert the signal/data from OBD1 to OBD2, because it would open up a whole butt-ton of possibilities for monitoring and display. I've poked around, and I've seen things advertised as such, but nothing I'd bet was trustworthy.

P

 

this is exactly what youre asking for

https://shopgreddy.com/collections/e...ducts/16001604

they make them for the fd. its plug and play so long as youre using the stock ecu but as mentioned already, the power fc can do this as well.

 

I don't believe they make the Informer Touch for the FD. A lot of shopping type sites say it will work since it's a "universal" product but since the FD does not have OBD-2 it won't work. Even later Japanese FD's don't have OBD-2.

The RX-8 does and it will work on an RX-8.

I did a Google around and didn't find an adapter or anything for the FD. It would need to plug into the diag port under the hood.

Dale

 

OBD II stuff is really complicated, you basically need to add routines to the ECU to send out the legislated parameter ID's (PIDs). There's also all the emission related stuff. And unless you want to use an outdated protocol like K-line, you need to add a CAN network. Mazda didn't want to dump the money into it, and they got away with it in other markets until the Rx-8 came out.

 

I bought one of the Mazda 17 pin to 16 adapters, it does not work of the FD. The pin assignment is incorrect. I also tried to manually wire my OBDII scanner into the diagnostics box, I can get the scanner to turn on simply enough with the battery and ground, but it will not communicate with the ECU via MEN, TEN or FEN

 

Interesting, I always wondered if one of those adapters would do anything. Thanks for letting us know! I have a feeling the protocols are just way too different.

Dale

 

Honestly, the PFC commander will do/tell you most of what you need to know, it's just sort of cornball looking and awkward to mount. Even if it was the exact same screen and buttons, but arranged as a single-din unit, it would be a lot better. Several people are working on PC or tablet driven interfaces to double-din monitors, but nothing yet that seems idiot proof enough for someone like me.

P

 

If they would have put the PFC Commander in the same form factor as the S-AFC or AVC-R that would have been a true winner.

Dale