I just finished setting up a haltech e8. I hooked up the laptop and it wouldn't connect. It kept saying the port was being used for something else, so I restarted and then started closing all the programs in task manager>processes. Still nothing So then I went inside to unplug the ecu (with key off), I plug it back and and turn the key and all my idiot lights turn on. I unplugged everything from the ecu and it still happens.

What do you guys think?

 

The problem is with your laptop. And unless I read your post wrong, the lights should be on in the the key on, but engine not started key position.

 

the lights stay on and do not turn off? I have never seen that before in my car(i guess i had some problems)

I thought my laptop might have been a problem

thx for your response.

 

did you do something to intercept the tach signal, or is the stock tach not hooked up.

I'm pretty sure thats how it knows the car is running.

 

Everytime I try to hook my laptop up it says the com port is being used by another program or something. What do you guys think?

 

How are you connecting to the haltech? through a serial port or a usb to serial addapter?? what brand of addapter? some are known to NOT work. I know personally that the Keyspan works all the time, and the PCMCI ones also. Dont recommend using any others, like those cheap ones on ebay. Also, did you set the same comm ports both in the software and in the adapter port settings?