K-Line adapter: application, adapter diagnostics. K-Line adapter with your own hands

This device is designed to connect the car interface to the computer interface and convert streaming signals that go along the K and L lines to the USB format. You can buy this device in any auto parts store for a fairly reasonable price. In the event that it is possible to make the K-Line adapter by oneself, first of all it is necessary to purchase the components and have a reliable information base.

The operation of the electronic device significantly reduces the risk of possible damage to the auto systems and promptly informs the driver about it. In this article, we'll 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, you can perform the following diagnostic operations:

• Carry out in-depth diagnostics of engine systems.
• Define and read fault codes.
• Use the entire volume of service functions (drying spark plugs, warming up the engine).

You can also monitor and monitor systems while driving:

• Current voltage in the vehicle's on-board network.
• Engine speed and its temperature.
• Control of fuel consumption.
• Speed indicators.
• The current status of the various sensors and the cause of their malfunction.
• Time of movement.
• Kilometer traveled by the vehicle.

Software

Diagnostics K-line adapter is possible only if there is special software that will match the brand of the car.

Diagnostic measures on domestic cars of GAZ and VAZ brands are often carried out using the Open Diag program (1.3.9). It is the latest version, perfectly suitable for models of cars VAZ, UAZ, GAZ.

Also for the diagnosis of VAZ models use the programs "Motor-Tester" and Diagnostic Tool v 1.3.1. Motors equipped with an electronic fuel injection control system with ICAS-5.4 control and their modifications, usually GAZ and UAZ, are diagnosed by an adapter using GAZ-DIAGN support.

The inspection of imported cars is carried out with the help of various diagnostic programs that correspond to this manufacturer. As a rule, they are rarely interchangeable due to the design features of the engine systems. So, for Chevrolet cars, the ChevroletExplorer v 1.6 is well suited. With this program, the K-Line adapter can read information about the status and operation of the engine systems, automatic transmission, running gear. This software has various modifications and the ability to work on many models of "Chevrolet".

The Daewoo cars 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, these contribute to the correct conduct of diagnostic operations. Another important aspect is the vehicle on which they are used. It is for these basic parameters that the programs differ among themselves.

The software "Motor-Tester", VAG-Tool, Adapter Com K-Line VAG and Uniscan have different characteristics, unique interface and are designed to work with certain brands of cars.

Types of programs

VAG cars (Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, Skoda, among others) with electronic fuel injection system work with the VAG Com program. The K-line adapter reads and processes the information of all engine nodes, which allows timely prevention and elimination of various malfunctions.

Diagnostic tool "Motor-Tester" is widely used for diagnostic operations of domestic transport systems. It is not whimsical and can be used in practically different conditions. Through the K-Line adapter, the software takes measurements from the electronic control unit. It is possible to maintain indicators that visualize the tool in both a digital equivalent and in a graphical form.

Uniscan is a program that has proven itself to be more versatile. Application of this is possible on cars manufactured in the United States, Asia and Europe with the year of production up to 2001 inclusive. By downloading this program to the computer, it is possible to easily diagnose the operation of the machine's systems and determine the cause of the failure of a particular part with high accuracy.

How to make a K-line adapter yourself

This tool can be made with your own hand. A simpler scheme is on Com, but because of the lack of this connector on laptops, it is less practical, and therefore unpopular. As for circuits with the ability to connect via USB, then the situation is different. They are more practical, but they have a complex design. To facilitate this task, the craftsmen began using the data cable from unusable mobile phones.

For work we need the following tools and materials:

• Data cable format USB.
• Soldering iron and accessories for soldering.
• Radio components.
• A computer.

Features of device assembly

The process of assembly of the circuit can be carried out in three ways: using a breadboard, with the manufacture of a printed circuit board and the method of surface mounting. In this review, we will talk about how to make a K-Line adapter by hand mounted installation, according to a schematic image, using a cable from a mobile phone. In the store of radio components or in the old computer unit you can find transistors VT1 and VT2, as well as other radio components.

We use a diode VD1, it is important to have a low voltage drop. To protect against interference, it is important to install a capacitor C1 on the adapter.

After the circuit is assembled, go to the data cable. First, download the K-Line driver PL2303 adapter with the ability to support non-standard speed. After the driver is installed, it is necessary to connect the cable and make sure it is in working order. In this case, it appears in the device manager on the computer display. Then you need to remember under what value it is attached. To verify the port, install the B & B Com Test program.

Data cable: connection and conversion

The next operation concerns the reconfiguration and connection of the data cable. To do this, you need to disassemble the plug from the side of the phone and solder it off. We determine the functionality of the wires. To do this, connect the cable to the computer and start the program. Next, select the appropriate Com port. Typically, the black wire of the cable corresponds to a negative value and must be called on the body of a USB plug. Then, using a voltmeter, you need to find a wire whose value will correspond to 3.3 volts. By 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, the previously entered information will be copied. This is the output of RxD. Once the values are set, they should be soldered according to the scheme.

Before you turn on the K-Line adapter, it is important to make sure that the device is installed correctly and there are no shorts in the circuit and wires.

Functional Testing

You can check the operation of the device as follows. Connect the adapter to the computer port (pre-power it 12 W) and using the same program we check. If the information that is entered in the upper window will be duplicated, the device works and it can be connected to the electronic control unit of the car.

Hidden device capabilities

K-line adapter is used not only as a method for additional diagnosis of machine systems, but also for implementing the firmware of the power unit control unit. On certain brands, the firmware is made through a diagnostic plug, and on others it is necessary to dismantle the engine control unit itself and modernize it. As the standard program for the firmware, the original version of Gionix is supplied, which has proven itself on Lanos cars of the Euro-4 generation.

So, we found out what the K-line adapter is for, and how to make it yourself. As you can see, this is a very useful device for every motorist.