This device is designed to connect the car interface with the computer interface and convert the streaming signals that go along the K- and L-lines to the USB format. It is possible to purchase this device in any auto parts store for a fairly reasonable price. In the event that it is possible to make a K-Line adapter with your own hands, first of all you need to purchase accessories and have a reliable information base.
The operation of an electronic device significantly reduces the risk of potential damage to car systems and timely informs the driver about it. In this article we will talk about using the K-Line adapter, as well as how to make it yourself.
Main application
The KL-Line adapter is used for diagnostic work and determining the operating parameters of engines on foreign cars, as well as domestic cars that are equipped with electronic control units for engine systems.
After connecting the adapter and running the appropriate program on the computer, the following diagnostic operations can be performed:
- Carry out in-depth diagnostics of engine systems.
- Detect and read trouble codes.
- Use the full range of service functions (drying spark plugs, engine warming up).
It is also possible to control and monitor systems during movement:
- Current voltage in the car's on-board network.
- Engine speed and temperature.
- Fuel consumption control.
- Speed indicators.
- The current state of various sensors and the causes of their malfunction.
- Movement time.
- Kilometer traveled by vehicle.
Software
Diagnostics with a K-line adapter is possible only with special software that will match the brand of the car.
Diagnostic measures on domestic GAZ and VAZ cars are often carried out using the Open Diag program (1.3.9). It is the latest version, perfect for VAZ, UAZ, GAZ car models.
Also, for the diagnosis of VAZ models, the Motor-Tester and Diagnostic Tool v 1.3.1 programs are used.
Motors equipped with an electronic fuel injection control system with IKAS-5.4 control and their modifications, as a rule, GAZ and UAZ, are diagnosed with an adapter using GAZ-DIAGN software.
Inspection of imported cars is carried out using various diagnostic programs that correspond to this manufacturer. As a rule, they are rarely interchangeable due to the design features of engine systems. So, for cars of the Chevrolet brand, the provision of Chevrolet Explorer v 1.6 is excellent. With this program, the K-Line adapter can read information about the status and operation of engine systems, automatic transmissions, and chassis. This software has various modifications and the ability to work on many Chevrolet models.
The cars of the manufacturer "Daewoo" are diagnosed using the Research Daewoo program and its modifications.
Software Features
For computer diagnostics of vehicle systems, there are many different programs. In turn, such contribute to the correct conduct of diagnostic operations. Also important is the vehicle they are used on. It is for these basic parameters that programs differ from each other.
The Motor-Tester software, the VAG-Tool, the Com K-Line VAG and Uniscan adapter have different characteristics, a unique interface and are designed to work with certain car brands.
Types of programs
Cars manufacturer VAG (Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, Skoda including) with an electronic fuel injection system work with the program VAG Com. K-line adapter reads and processes the information of all engine components, which allows to prevent and eliminate various malfunctions in a timely manner.
Diagnostic tool "Motor-Tester" is widely used for diagnostic operations of domestic transport systems.
It is not whimsical and can be used in almost different conditions. Through the
K-Line adapter, the software takes readings from the electronic control unit. At the same time, it is possible to save indicators that the tool visualizes both in digital equivalent and in graphical form.
Uniscan is a program that has established itself as a more universal one. It can be used on vehicles manufactured in the United States, Asia and Europe with a year of manufacture up to and including 2001. By downloading this program to a computer, you can easily carry out diagnostic operations of machine systems and determine with high accuracy the cause of a malfunction of a particular part.
How to make a K-line adapter yourself
This tool can be made with your own hands. A simpler circuit is on Com, but due to the lack of this connector on laptops, it is less practical and therefore unpopular.
As for circuits with the ability to connect via USB, this is not the case here. They are more practical, but have a complex design. To facilitate this task, craftsmen began to use a data cable from unusable mobile phones.
For work, we need the following tools and materials:
- USB data cable.
- Soldering iron and soldering accessories.
- Radio parts.
- A computer.
Device assembly features
The assembly process of the circuit can be carried out in three ways: using a breadboard, with the manufacture of a printed circuit board and by mounting. In this review, we will talk about how to make a K-Line adapter with do-it-yourself wall mounting, according to the schematic image, using a cable from a mobile phone. In the radio parts store or in the old computer unit, you can find transistors VT1 and VT2, as well as other radio components.
We use the diode VD1, it is important that with a low voltage drop. To protect against interference, it is important to install a C1 capacitor on the adapter.
After the circuit is assembled, go to the data cable.
First, download the K-Line driver for the PL2303 adapter with the ability to support non-standard speed. After the driver is installed, you must connect the cable and make sure that it is working. In this case, it will appear in the device manager on the computer display. Next, you need to remember under what value it is attached. To check the port, you must install the B&B Com Test.
Data cable: connection and conversion
The next operation concerns the conversion and connection of the data cable. To do this, you need to disassemble the plug from the side of the phone and solder it. We determine the functionality of the wires. To do this, connect the cable to the computer and run the program. Next, select the appropriate Com port. As a rule, the black wire of the cable corresponds to a negative value and should be dialed to the body of the USB connector. Then, using a voltmeter, you need to find a wire whose value will correspond to 3.3 volts. Measuring the voltage on it, you need to write something in the corresponding program window. If the voltage readings change, this means that the cord corresponds to the TxD pin.
Then we connect it to the two remaining ones, and when connected to the correct wire in the program window, previously entered information will be copied. This is the output of RxD. Once the values are set, they should be soldered according to the diagram.
Before turning on the K-Line adapter, it is important to make sure that the device is installed correctly and that there are no short circuits in the circuit and wires.
Health Check
Check the operability of the device as follows.
We connect the adapter to the computer port (after supplying it with 12 W) and using the same program we check. If the information that is entered in the upper window is duplicated, the device is working and it can be connected to the electronic control unit for the car.
Hidden device features
K-line adapter is used not only as a method of additional diagnostics of machine systems, but also for the implementation of the firmware of the power unit control unit. On certain brands, firmware is made through the diagnostic plug, while on others it is necessary to dismantle the engine control unit itself and upgrade it. As a standard firmware program, the original version of Gionix is supplied, which has worked well on Lanos Euro-4 vehicles.
So, we found out what the K-line adapter is for, and how to make it with our own hands. As you can see, this is a very useful device for every motorist.