Showing posts with label Car. Show all posts

20260625 A OBD-II Meter for my Bengmobile II at last!

One item off the List...

Finally, after what seemed like Centuries, I have finally gotten a OBD-II Display for VeeChai or in other words, my own car. I know both my Wife's and Daughter's also have OBD-II ports but doing such stuff on their cars would be nuts. There was a reason why I chose Veechai in 2011 as the SE (Special Edition) was the last leg of the G1 production before they start on the next gen cars. This version comes with very nice side skirts, front & bumpers, and a rear wing. The interior is flushed with leather seats, leather steering wheel and a leather gear knob. And its speedometer console uses red leds. Once I get used to it, the meter looks OK, lah.

The Search for a OBD-II Meter

However, the euphoria did not last. With the purchase of the Bengmobile II, I still felt he is a little incomplete. My original Bengmobile had a collection of meters located on both the dash and the a-pillar. There was an Air/Fuel Ratio, a Vacuum meter (NAs can't do Turbo) and a Voltage meter. The Satria was originally a fourth-generation Mirage/ Colt and at that time, OBD-II Tools or meters exists in Dealer premises with the latter only accessible to those who knows where to get them. And does have a Turbo system. Otherwise, it's practically just a non-functional show-off. To overcome this, being young Engineer, we had to drill holes for the oxygen sensor, temperature probes and so on.

The Bengmobile II came to be during the last decade and although OBD Meters were starting to trickle into the local market, it was meant for the Second Generation of the car. Mine was still classified as First Generation and although it does use the OBD system, it was of the Japanese variance, which is called J-OBD. Some have told me that in order for things to happen, there is the need to modify the connectors or something similar. So, it's a non-happening thing because, it would be senseless to open up a RM400 unit to see how it worked.

It was possible to get some via the Internet and the next hurdle would be the unit's compatibility with Japanese cars. So, that literally pushes me back to the same starting point. And that folks, is why that meter was so illusive to me. That was, until just two days ago where, during a normal Internet Group post, someone highlighted one such meter which is available locally. I quickly fired up my B2C platform and lo and behold, the little sucker was being sold for less than that I had imagined. But more importantly, through customer reviews (yes, I do read them), they are compatible with my VeeChai.

The only problem is, information for the Source or rather, the ones doing it has dried up. And suddenly, just yesterday, through a Facebook Group discussion, there was a link to get one of those rare displays. And at a very affordable price to boot.

The package arrived in just about 15 hours...

And the irony is that this meter was so 'common' in Shopee, with the going price was just under an embarrassing sum RM80.00, a fraction of what I was willing to pay long ago.

The Seller even included some free gifts, namely a nice lint free cloth and a sticker bearing their Logo.

There were more things inside the Box such as a small screwdriver, an orange seam opening tool and a spare double-sided foam tape. I was mulling on using the windscreen stand but it makes the meter jut out too much.

Installing the OTP-P6

Well, that was what it was named on the Box. Installing the Display should not be an issue since I just wanted it to be at the bottom right of the A-pillar. All that is needed is to snake the USB cable from the Display down to the OBD-II Socket below. Without removing the covers to the A-pillar, I just dealt with the speaker grille instead.

Using the supplied orange tool, I was able to pry out grille cover. Then using a #10 (aka 10mm) socket, I moved the Speaker out of the way and dropped the USB cable in. Once that is done, I secured the speakers again and gingerly close the speaker grill AFTER I measured the required distance. The grill will be pushing the cables against the a-pillar cover so everything is going to be squeezed tight.

Using the orange tool, I was able to remove the front speaker grille. Yeah, after more than a decade, I can see some deterioration on the speaker.

Using a #10 socket, I was able to remove the 4" speaker so that I can drop the USB cable though the hollow dashboard.

Seriously, this is the first time I've seen a 4", 6Ω, 10W speaker

With that, I rolled up the excess wired and slipped them into the corner of some plastic covers and I'm done. I was expecting to see more connection pins for the OBD-II but then again apart from Power, the pins of interest would be Pins #06 and #14 which could be the ones for J-OBD. However, since I do not have another OBD-2 meter, I am not so concerned anymore.

What else can this meter do?

Through out the Internet, I discovered that this is a HUD P6. Other sellers would spin their own names around the P6 title. Anyway, the shop I bought it from was called imart88. Apart from showing OBD data, this unit also has the following functions which completely surprises me:

1. Alarms for most of the Data,

2. Clear OBD Errors, and

3. Has GPS (for time, and calibration, satellite version of car's speed, altitude, compass and driving time)

This is the image I took from the Meter's box. I kinda like the Yellow Template but the bars on the right is confusing when you forget and just glance at it. You'd think the car's RPM is between 9,000 to 10,000 but it is actually the water temperature.

The ambient light sensor works wonders because the meter is readable during under the bright Sun and not too glaring during night driving.

This is the screenshot I took from the Vendor's Shop and with the firmware version v5.31D, there are now 12 templates instead of 11.

The bottom shows the two ways to mount the Display. The left uses a double-sided tape while on the right, you'd have to use the windshield holder. Although the image shows a square base, mine is a round base with vacuum seal.

In a nutshell, this picture explains the function of the three buttons during normal use. Although the display does look fancy, it is actually a rectangular screen with a fancy plastic bezel on top.

Checking the DTCs

I am not sure about other OBD-II Displays but we're in the 2020's, so they should be able to do more than just display OBD data. And so, mine can scan for DTCs and best of all (OK, that's a little risky) delete them.

By pressing the middle button for more than two seconds, the display enters the PID mode.

Like all 'Universal' OBD-II reading, there are usually some unknown DTCs. If the meter has the Daihatsu or Perodua's databease of error codes, then it would be shown.

This is the only error I could find: P0108.
I will either check the MAP sensor's connection, its connections, and the vacuum hose. Worse to worse, I might need to get a new vacuum hose or, another MAP sensor (Part: 89421-20190?) but that would be another story. For the time being, after clearing it, the car felt more responsive and did not start to jerk when I did almost sudden stops.

Now, if only I have the login details... ha ha ha

Settings

Another feature of this Display is that you can set alarms for most of the OBD Data.

First thing first is to set the Engine capacity from 2.0L to 1/3L

For the alarms, I'd set the Speed limit to 120Km/h because I'm good boy.

20240414 My Right of Way

No one ever goes to Amcorp Mall except for obvious reasons. You either have an Office there or you're dealing with Toys. Or Collectibles. Or well, vintage stuff. The excuse of going to closed/ now open/ about to close/ and still open A&W doesn't even cut it close.

When NSK replaced the outgoing Giant, things changed. This, I suppose would attract the weekend crowds apart form the usual suspects. So, my Wife is quite acceptable to going to Amcorp Mall now, because of that. The only issue is the parking, which is located at the front. Not only were the charges steep but there were quite a lot of those guys carrying small black bags and getting you to buy their spray cans.

So, I showed her another parking area which, despite having a Guard at the Lift Entrance, it is still quite dark. But this is still much better than confronting those spray can guys. However, I am starting to change my mind as we exit the parking area, through the downward winding ramp...


Despite his passenger (girlfriend?) pointing to the 'Exit' sign indicating there are right, the car behind us and I were quite patient. No angry horns nor shouting and eventually, he realised his mistake. We patiently remained on the spot so that he can maneuver safely out of the spiral. Thank goodness both of us were not going too fast and had our headlights on..

I realised what had happened. He obviously had parked in the basement and the only exit is the spiral ramp. In the middle of the ramp, there is an opening on his left (ground level) where he is supposed to get out. But yeah, instead, he continued upwards, where the ramp is now against him. So, if another car followed him, it would be a very difficult stand-off.

The Amosphere

I can say that the place is almost devoid of people. Maybe it was because I arrived at around half past three in the afternoon where most booths are starting to clean up. But then again, about the booths, there were not many around either. So, I can surmise that most are still in the Hari Raya mood. With the clock ticking, it's time for me to finish my mission as quickly as I can...

I was hoping to catch a friend of mine who has a booth set up but he was nowhere to be found today. So, I decided to visit some shops and man, I was so tempted with this one. These are from Haslab before they cut-off small time loyal dealers, forcing us to deal directly with them.

Next up is this wonderful looking Viper. Since I'm a hurry to meet up with my Wife, I did not ask for the price. Looking at the box, it could be a 1/32 die-cast. OK, just Google it. It s an Eaglemoss and the price is, "Oh my God".

Next stop is V Store Collectibles where they deal mostly with 1/6 figures and 1:18 from Joy Toy.


Do I want it? Yes. Will I buy it? I dunno, there's no display space where I'm going.

All bags must be sealed with a cable tie.
I am not sure about the reasoning from NSK but maybe its to make sure Customers do not put unpaid items into the plastic bags form other shops. So, someone must be doing their job to the letter.
Other places would tie the bags first or make sure other bags are properly locked before putting the cable tie.

A small purchase for the spare parts which I will eventually use.

20230416 Sweating all the way to Pudu

Hot Sunday

For the past few days (or was it more than a week?), the temperature outside is hot. Very hot. And today, of all days, I needed to get things done. And looking at my personal scheduling, I am starting to run out of time. So, despite the precautions, I went out, at the time where the Sun is literally above my head.

One: The Bag

Using a battery box as your own 'bag' in a new Job is ridiculous. I don't blame the Guard who checks me out all the time. So would anyone else if they see a guy walking in and out with a battery box in a CAR WORKSHOP. It took me a long time to search for a more suitable bag and finally, against all advises, I have chosen the one which I kinda compromised on the features. I am not going to waste anymore time because of new suggestions and also, repeat the process with Lazada where the prices are not slightly higher but more like crazily higher. Then there is some complications with online bank transfers.

Ugh. The issue is that with the Malaysian bank, I had no issues until most merchants started to use the new fangled app and with me downloading it, I had to wait for an additional 12-hours before it is activated. Yeah, I could have paid using a credit card but it is not a nice idea since I have plans in June.

Two: The Car

I always serviced my car at every 10,000Km if possible. But after checking my old records, the last service was more than a year ago. And I am also way overdue with the Service by 5,000Km. So, it's off to the Auto Shop for some quite consumables.

The Shop told me that for the past one month, the traffic jam outside was unbearable. The road was always deserted. This is mostly due to the Raya Shopping at GM Plaza which is just a street away. And yes, it took me about almost an hour to get here too.

I got all these for MR140, which is a great deal. Because I am not too comfortable with online bank transfers, this was the amount I had in my wallet. I so wanted to try with 5W40 though.

Getting back into the car, I had some spare cash and so, traded the 5W30 with a 5W40. Yay!

First thing is to change the air filter. The last recorded change was about 26 months ago, at the same time I upgraded to Iridium plugs.

Three: Blank opens in Pudu

Since I parked my car next to the crazy traffic jam, why not perform another stupid act by changing Vee-Chai's air filter under the hot sun? I mean, I am already sweating, what's a few more gallons of salt excreted from the body?

Blank opens today and this was formerly a corner lot 7-11 right smack in the busy Jalan Landak/ Kijang intersection.

How to mount your Roadtax

So, ever year, without fail, I have to do this. And if I don't not only would I not be able to drive my car, I would end up with a very messy windscreen. Long ago (since I can't remember when), I did not need to do this, but just slip the piece of paper which we call the Road Tax, under some vinyl sticker and that's it.

But no, some smart-ass thinks that since these pieces of paper are easily 'transferable', some bad hats can swap them with other cars and get away with it. And so, to stop these rascals, the new roadtax now comes with a tamper-proof feature. OK, in a nutshell, its just a perforated vinyl sticker.

Once you stick it on, it'll be a bitch to remove them without destroying the bloody thing. Which means, if you stuck it wrongly, you'll have to live with it for another 364 days unless you do not mind paying for a new one, which, is not as easy as you think.

All is well and the peasants bowed to the new rule, until some idiot had their windscreen smashed. Oh, yeah, imagine the trouble.... and so, to prevent this, and just like every year, if I can remember to tell you, I have come up with a solution...

Step 1
Get a road tax and a transparent window tint big enough to overlap the roadtax

Step 2
Remove the roadtax from the backing paper and stick onto the TINT itself.
Do not stick to the tint's backing plastic.

Step 3
Slowly smooth out the sticker and then, cut the excess tint away.
Note that I am using a slightly darker tint as this was given to me by a friend many years ago before he decided to close his Car Accessory shop.

Step 4
Remove the tint's backing plastic and coat it with slightly soapy water.

Step 5
Place the 'new' road tax sticker onto your car's windscreen and you're done!
So, when you need to remove the sticker, there is no mess. Both the road tax/tint sticker will come off easily

10122014 My First Drive into Singapore!

Well, it finally happened.
My dream (or nightmare) to actually drive in Singapore has finally happened. Whenever I needed to go down to Singapore, it was either the Bus, Rail or Flights but never with my own Bengmobile. There is always this fear that I would be driving down there, lost, and turning in circles while making sure I did not commit any traffic offense with the undercover Police tracking me.

And so, with my new job, and due to some circumstances, I am one of the only two staff remaining who has a valid Passport and a valid GDL License to help in an installation. At first, it was exciting for me not because I can go to Singapore again, but to actually install a System in Singapore. Yep, this will be another first for me.

At first, the plan was to just get to Singapore but in the end, it ended up with me having to use my own car since the Company Vehicle has some complications. So, with me using my Vee-Chai, it would be dangerous since the car would be full of stuff plus two short ladders. Then, my lovely Wife called up and said she had her car serviced so that I could drive it down!

Yeah, this was a big surprise to me. But to be honest, its more of a shock since I never expected this!

My Wife had her car serviced the day before so that I can use it to drive down to Singapore along with the company's tools and equipment.

1300: Reached the Johor Customs Checkpoint. Its just a matter of showing our passports and have RM6.80 deducted from my Touch n Go card.

1302: We're halfway across the Causeway and in my Wife's car!

1302: OK, so I got excited

1303: There is a Jam on the Causeway, maybe because its Lunch hour...

1307: But no, its the Lorry on the right which broke down

1323: This is the nervous and time consuming part. We had to get our Passports examined and fill the white Embarkation card. All the lanes had long queues. Because we had no Entrypass cards, we had to get them at the appropriate VEP/Toll Office.

1335: And so, on to the RED Lane we go since this is also the same lane to the VEP/Toll Office

1344: So, this Mr. Chow took down Mr. Chow's particulars to register for the EntryPass card, which would be 'locked' to my Wife's car. The EntryPass costs $10.00, with a $4.00 value. Once you pass through the Checkpoint, $3.20 would be deducted and you need to top-up before you leave Singapore. Or else.

1413: Hello, Singapore!

1446: Stargek. So close yet so far and our destination is just about 2.4Km away...
However, just to get where we needed to be, I had to rely on my Nokia n8's Nokia Maps. Its not too bad but we did miss two turns and had to take some U-turns since I was a little too paranoid about causing an accident.