AutoDyno Installation

Always disconnect you battery before working on any vehicle.  Please make sure you have your radio security code before dong so.  

 

Overview:

1. Installation Overview
2. Disconnect Car Battery
3. Access ECU
4. Finding Your Wires
5. Locate/Connect VSS Speed Wire
6. Locate/Connect RPM Speed Wire
7. Locate/Connect Power
8. Locate/Connect Ground
9. [optional] Locate/Connect Throttle Position Sensor
10. Reconnect Car Battery
11. Install Software
12. Connect AutoDyno to Notebook Computer
13. Test Unit

 

General Installation Overview

We highly recommend having a local speed shop or car stereo installation shop perform the installation.  You will find their rates comparable to a car stereo install. 

 

1. The AutoDyno System requires a Notebook PC to be connected to the AutoDyno hardware box at all times to collect data. 
2. We require you to install a 12v 1-5 amp fuse inline with the 12v Power wire [White/Orange stripe].  Use any common blade or glass fuse.  This fuse is not provided with the AutoDyno kit.
3. We recommend you solder the wires for the best possible connection.  Using wiretaps will work as well; they are just not as reliable for long term installations.
4. Make sure everything is in the box: [See Chart A]

 

General Installation Overview

Diagram [Chart B] illustrates the general installation of the AutoDyno Module in most vehicles.

 

Disconnect Battery

Please see owners manual for directions .

 

Access ECU

Locate your vehicles ECU and wiring schematic for the ECU. This can be accomplished by purchasing the factory workshop manual, Chilton’s, etc.   This illustration [Diagram 1] describes the wiring for most vehicles.

 

Wire Colors

Wire Description Wire Color +12volt Power White/Orange Chassis Ground White/Green Speedometer VSS Blue RPM Signal Orange InputA (usually Throttle Position Sensor) White/Brown InputB* White/Blue InputC* Green InputD* Brown *AutoDyno Pro Only

 

Auto Dyno Wiring Harness

The Auto Dyno Wiring Harness [Listed as “Modular RJ45 Wire” in Diagram A] will be used to connect the Auto Dyno module to your vehicle.  The 8 wires will need to be stripped and soldered to the corresponding vehicle wires.  In some cases this wire may need to be extended.  We recommend purchasing a longer CAT5 RJ45 wire from your local computer store in the correct length, is the included wire is not long enough.  If you purchase a wire from a local computer store, you will need to cut off one of the ends and strip back the wire before installation.

 

Finding Your Wires

You can also find this type of documentation online.  Some good sources include: [Not affiliated with BahnTech]

 

Rostra.com  http://www.rostra.com/techsupport-main.asp

Honda and Acura owners can try the Tech Library at:   http://tech.hybridgarage.com/

Technical Information for Mobile Electronics Installers:  http://www.the12volt.com/ 

Some vehicles have the VSS and RPM wire going into the Cruise Control module under the hood, usually cabled to the throttle body.  This might be a good place to access the needed wires as well. 

 

Locate/Connect VSS Speed Wire [Blue]

The VSS Wire [Blue] carries the speed signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor [VSS] to the ECU and Speedometer.  This signal is usually a 0-12v Pulse that changes with vehicle speed. This wire color and location varies depending on Make and Model of vehicle.  Please consult your workshop manual or other means in the Finding Your Wires section.

 

How do I know if I have found the VSS Wire? 

Answer:  The VSS Wire will have a pulsed output that varies with vehicle speed.  The recommended test method is to install the AutoDyno and have a friend drive the vehicle forward slowly.  The Green LED will blink at a rate proportionate to the vehicle speed.  If the pulsing varies with speed you have the correct wire.

*Note:  The Green LED pulses every second or so briefly to let you know the AutoDyno Module has 12v Power and Ground, don’t confuse this with the Green LED blinking that varies with speed generated from the VSS wire.

*DONTS:  Don’t try and drive the vehicle and locate the speed wire.  Never operate a vehicle and AutoDyno at the same time.  Have a friend drive while you test the wire.

 

Locate/Connect RPM Wire [Orange Wire]

The RPM [Revolutions per Minute] Wire [Orange Wire] carries the motor rotational speed signal from the engine to the ECU and Tachometer.   There may also be a RPM wire from the ECU to the Tachometer in some vehicles.  This signal is usually a 0-12v Pulse that changes with engine speed. This wire color and location varies depending on Make and Model of vehicle.  Please consult your workshop manual or other means in the Finding Your Wires section.

 

How do I know if I have found the RPM Wire? 

Answer:  The RPM Wire will have a pulsed output that varies with the engine speed.  This should vary at the same rate as the Tachometer.  The recommended test method is to install the AutoDyno and have a friend start the vehicle.  Vehicle motion is not required to test the RPM Signal.  The Yellow LED will blink at a rate proportionate to the engine speed.  If the pulsing varies with the Tachometer and engine speed you have the correct wire.

*Note:  The AutoDyno will work without connecting the RPM wire, although it will not be able to update the following items:

HP & TQ / RPM Graph

Torque / Time Graph

RPM / Time Graph

RPM Indicator on Gauges

*DONTS:  Don’t try and drive the vehicle and locate the RPM wire.  Never operate a vehicle and AutoDyno at the same time. 

**DONTS:  Do not connect the RPM wire to any voltage source above 15v.  It will destroy the AutoDyno module.  High voltage sources are present after the coils, in the plug wires, at the plugs, etc.  Connecting to any of the aforementioned wires will destroy the AutoDyno without blowing the AutoDyno fuse.

 

Locate/Connect Power [+12v]  12v=[White/Orange stripe]

Install the 12v Power wire to the AutoDyno [White/Orange stripe].  Finding a Switched [On with ignition switch] 12v wire in your Vehicle should be very easy.  We recommend using the cold side [no voltage when fuse is removed] of your radio fuse. This does not eliminate the need for a fuse on the AutoDyno 12v Power line.  You should use a switched 12v source as to prevent current draw on your battery when the vehicle is not in use.  This wire color and location varies depending on Make and Model of vehicle.  Please consult your workshop manual or other means in the Finding Your Wires section.

 

 Locate/Connect Ground [GND]   Ground=[White/Green stripe]

The ground wire [White/Green stripe] should be connected to the chassis of the vehicle, preferable where the ECU is grounded.  This will give the best readings on the 0-15v A/D InputsA-D Lines. This wire color and location varies depending on Make and Model of vehicle.  Please consult your workshop manual or other means in the Finding Your Wires section.

 

 [optional] Locate/Connect Throttle Position Sensor [TPS] [White/Brown stripe]

This wire is important because it enables the AutoDyno unit to automatically start recording when the accelerator pedal is depressed to a pre-defined limit.  This allows for full hands free operation.  This wire can easily be located going in to your ECU or on the throttle body under the hood near the intake of the manifold.  It is best just to locate the wire on the wiring diagram and connect it.  This wire color and location varies depending on Make and Model of vehicle.  Please consult your workshop manual or other means in the Finding Your Wires section.

 

How do I know if I have found the Throttle Position Sensor [TPS] Wire? 

Answer:  The Throttle Position Sensor is an easy one to verify.  Just connect a Multimeter in Voltage 0-20v mode to the wire you think is the TPS wire, and the ground of the Multimeter to a convenient chassis ground.  Then turn the ignition to the on position, but don’t start the car.  Push the gas pedal to the floor, the meter will read somewhere between 0-0.5v with the pedal at its resting position and 4-5v fully depressed.  If the voltage does not vary with the throttle, you have the wrong wire selected.

 

Reconnect Vehicle Battery

Reconnect vehicle battery text

 

Install AutoDyno Software

 

PC Requirements:

Feature Min Tested  Recommended Processor Speed PIII 866 Pentium 4 Memory 64Meg 128Meg Free Hard Drive Space 10M 20M 9 Pin Serial Ports 0* 1 Portable Battery Powered Notebook** YES YES Video Resolution 800x600 1024x768 Operating System 98 SE W2K, XP, NT4 * If your PC does NOT have a serial port you will need to purchase a 9 Pin Serial to USB Converter ($30) from Best Buy, Frys, etc or order one from us. **The AutoDyno system requires the AutoDyno Hardware and a Notebook PC to collect the data.  Without the PC in the vehicle you cannot collect data.  This was a design consideration to keep the total system cost low.

 

Installation:

On your product CD, open AutoDynoSetup.exe and follow the directions.

Please check for software updates on http://www.BahnTech.com/Downloads, or after your software is installed you can automatically update your software to the latest version by selecting the dropdown [HELP / Check For Program Updates], this will automatically update your software to the newest version.

 

You can also check for the newest version of this document at:  http://bahntech.com/products/Auto_Dyno/installation/default.asp

Or download the word version at:

http://bahntech.com/products/Auto_Dyno/installation/AutoDyno.Installation.doc

 

 

Connect AutoDyno to Notebook Computer

 

Test Unit

1.      Launch AutoDyno from Program Manager

2.      Select Tools / Options from dropdown menu

3.      Select the General Tab

4.      Select Com Port

a.       Start with 1, and then look at the bottom of the main window.  It will say “Not a valid com port” if a COM port does not exist on that port.

b.      If you do not see “Connected” in the Gauges try the next com port

c.       *Make sure the “Use program Off Line” check box is NOT CHECKED.  This box is to use the software on a PC without the AutoDyno hardware attached.  Usually to look over your data later.

 

5.      Once connected you will need to calibrate your speedometer and RPM

a.       If you car is in the Tools / Options / Test Run Information dropdown you might not need this calibration.  We have included some popular vehicle calibrations.

b.      Calibrate RPM: Select Calibration / Calibrate Tachometer dropdown.

                                                               i.      Start Car

                                                             ii.      At a stop with the car safely in Neutral, slowly bring the RPMs up to 3000 and hold them there

                                                            iii.      With the RPMs at 3000 press the Calibrate button

                                                           iv.      Verify calibration by making sure the “Current RPM” window is showing your vehicles correct RPM.  If not, repeat from step ii

c.       Calibrate Speed:  Select the Calibration / Calibrate Speed dropdown.

                                                               i.      Have a friend drive your vehicle to 60MPH [*Never use AutoDyno while operating a motor vehicle.  It is dangerous and distracting]

                                                             ii.      At 60MPH press the Calibrate button. 

                                                            iii.      Verify calibration by making sure the “Current Speed” window is showing your vehicles correct Speed.  If not, repeat step ii.

6.      Now setup Hands-Free operation by first testing your Throttle Position Sensor [TPS].  Connecting your TPS is optional, but allows you to use AutoDyno in Hands-Free mode.

a.       In the Gauges window find the display marked [A].  This is InputA (0-15v) and is used for the TPS sensor (usually 0.5-4.5v). 

b.      With the engine off, push the Throttle to the floor.  The [A] readout should rise from (0-1volt) to (4-5v), and should vary with the throttle position.

c.       If the value displayed in [A] does not vary with your throttle, please check wiring as described above in the Hardware Installation portion of the manual.

d.      If the value moves, note the maximum value (usually 4.5v or so)

e.       Open Tools / Options / General-tab / Testing section, select the Start Test Automatically radio button.

f.        From the InputA-D drop down list, select InputA.

g.       Set the Threshold Value to just below your maximum value we noted above, i.e. 4.3volts. 

h.       Now when you are driving and the throttle is depressed near its maximum position the AutoDyno software will automatically start recording data.  It will record for a preset number of seconds.

i.         This duration is controlled by the Automatic Test Duration field and is defaulted to 30 seconds. 

7.      You are now ready to begin collecting data.  Here are a few pointers:

a.       If you want to collect 0-60, ¼ mile etc, make sure you start your test from a complete stop.

b.      Do not violate state or federal laws while you collect data.

c.       Try and keep the test duration to a manageable time, it makes the software much faster.

d.      If you want true 0-60, ¼ mile data don’t select Drag Strip Rollout in Options.  This will give you a “shallow start” and the first 12 inches of time will be ignored, just like on the drag strip.

e.       Take some time to make sure your aerodynamic information is accurate.  If you don’t know what your cars Cd or Frontal Area might be, do a Web Search.

f.        Make sure your vehicle weight is accurate.  Your vehicle weight must be accurate for your HP/TQ data to be accurate.  There are public scales, especially at dumps, etc.

g.       Make sure you have the Temperature, Humidity, and Alt Pressure close to correct.  The SAE J1349 correction will change your HP/TQ based on this data.

h.       Only change the data Conditioning parameters to reduce noise.  These settings are optimum for 95% of the vehicles tested.

i.         Items changed in the Options window are changed in REAL TIME.   Pressing Cancel will not reclaim your settings.

j.        If your PC starts to become unresponsive or AutoDyno starts acting strange, just close AutoDyno and re-launch it.  If this does not help, please restart your computer.

 

 

Troubleshooting Guide

 

Hardware

Symptoms	Possible Cause	Suggestions
No LEDs light up	No Power	Check Power	Use Voltmeter to verify
		Check Ground	Use Voltmeter to verify
	Incorrect power polarity	Make sure you have the +12v and Ground hooked up correctly	Use Voltmeter to verify
	Wrong wires connected to power	Verify wire color	See Diagram 1
LEDs does NOT blink with Speed	Incorrect wire connected	Verify AutoDyno wire color	See Diagram 1
		Verify ECO or Car wire color	See workshop manual
	No power to unit	Test unit power	Remove and reinsert RJ45 connector.  Both LEDs will blink briefly.
	Poor Ground	Verify Ground	Use Voltmeter to verify
LEDs does NOT blink with RPM	Incorrect wire connected	Verify AutoDyno wire color	See Diagram 1
	No power to unit	Verify ECO or Car wire color	See workshop manual
	Poor Ground	Test unit power	Remove and reinsert RJ45 connector.  Both LEDs will blink briefly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Software

Symptoms	Possible Cause	Suggestions
Not Connected in Gauges Display	No connection to AutoDyno Hardware	Check Power to AutoDyno hardware	Remove and reinsert RJ45 connector, LEDs should blink briefly
		Check RS232 Cable	Make sure the cable is firmly connected
		Verify COM Port is correct	From Tools / Options / COM Port try changing the com port
			From Hardware manager in Windows, verify you have selected the correct COM Port
AutoDyno Speed and RPM don’t match my Vehicles readings	Not properly calibrated	Recalibrate Speed and/or RPM	Under Calibration / Calibrate Speed and/or Calibrate RPM, recalibrate your speedometer *Don’t attempt to drive and use AutoDyno.
	AutoDyno Hardware not interfacing with your Vehicle properly	Verify hardware Speed and/or RPM wiring to your vehicle and the AutoDyno box	See Hardware Installation instructions
	PC Too slow	Verify PC meets or exceeds minimum requirements	See Computer requirements list
Horsepower and/or Torque reading LOW	Vehicle information may be inaccurate	Check vehicle weight, Frontal Area, Drag Coefficient, etc in Tools / Options	Have vehicle weighed.  Make sure you add your personal weight and the weight of passengers
	Not factoring in Aerodynamic Drag	Make sure the check box is selected to factor in Aerodynamic Drag	At seeds above 45 this will have a significant impact on measurements
Horsepower and/or Torque reading HIGH	Vehicle information may be inaccurate	Check vehicle weight, Frontal Area, Drag Coefficient, etc in Tools / Options	Have vehicle weighed.  Make sure you add your personal weight and the weight of passengers
	Not factoring in too much Aerodynamic Drag	Verify your vehicles Cd and Frontal Area is accurate	At seeds above 45 this will have a significant impact on measurements

 

 

Hardware Specifications

Model	AutoDyno [BT-AD11]	AutoDyno Pro [BT-AD12]
Input	Speed
	RPM
	InputA - Throttle Position*	InputA - Throttle Position or 0-15volt A/D, 100 Samples/Second
	*Used for activation, will not collect Throttle Position data.	InputB – 0-15volt A/D, 100 Samples/Second
		InputC – 0-15volt A/D, 100 Samples/Second
		InputD – 0-15volt A/D, 100 Samples/Second
Output	RS232 Serial [9 Pin Interface]
	Green LED [Power indicator when it blinks every second] [Speed VSS Pulse Indicator when it blinks proportionately with vehicle velocity]
	Yellow LED [RPM Indicator.  The Yellow LED will blink proportionately with the vehicle RPM indicating received pulses]
Power	Voltage:  9-14 Volts
	Current:  200 milliamps Max
	Ground
Physical	Net Weight:   4oz
	Size:  1.68x2.767x0.924 Inches
	Operating Temperatures:  -40 to +85 C
Safety	Never use Auto Dyno while you are operating a motor vehicle
	Never use a computer while operating a motor vehicle
	Do not violate local or state laws while using Auto Dyno

 

*BahnTech is not liable for Damage done while operating a motor or for any other reason.  Please use the throttle position sensor or a passenger to control AutoDyno.  The driver should never operate AutoDyno.

 

Support is available through email from support@bahntech.com