I recently purchase an OBD ELM 327 adapter. Can somebody tell me how can i use this to check the status of my engine i.e. whether there any problems with rotor, plugs or ignition coils etc etc.

you need to plug one end into the ODBII port under the dash and the other end into a laptop.

Yes i understand that but what software are you people using??

I understand that if there is engine check light, I would easily able to gauge why the engine check lite is coming on e.g. spark plug, ignition coil failure etc.

But is there anyway i can check the performance of my engine i.e to check whether my engine is in good condition or failing gradually.

This reader didn't come with a manual on how to use it?

There's a sticky a the top of this forum that has all of the RX-8's codes. Try browsing that to see which ones might give you the kind of info you want. I've seen posts by people who use a Scangauge (or similar) to keep an eye on coolant temperature and air/fuel ratio.

Ken

^with the correct programs on a scantool anyting can b done for example put windows up or down turn on headlights etc etc.....

i would assume that you would get the software to go with that reader wherever you bought it.

i dont think anyone else here has it.

There's a sticky a the top of this forum that has all of the RX-8's codes. Try browsing that to see which ones might give you the kind of info you want. I've seen posts by people who use a Scangauge (or similar) to keep an eye on coolant temperature and air/fuel ratio.

Ken

Thankyou but I would greatly appreciate specific information.

My issue is that in Pakistan Rx8's are notorious for engine failures (I don't know it might be because of high heat or dust). I do adore my car and i take good care of it (as much as i can) but still I would also like to sell it before i encounter an engine failure (simply because I cannot afford an engine failure).

So I was hoping to learn what PID's should i look to Prophesize an upcoming engine failure. Detailed information would be much appreciated.

The software i have is:

http://www.digimoto.com/

heat is a major issue for you guys. Coils go out quickly in excessive heat, you need too look into cooling mods and better ignition.

- mazmart water pump
- BHR radiator
- BHR ignition

with the conditions you likely encounter over there i would seriously consider an aux radiator like what MM did in addition to what Jedi posted above

Hussain - I'd like to pile on to Jedi and Paul's advice. Focus on maintenance measures to keep your engine alive, rather than trying to monitor some kind of status condition. You don't want to take a "machinery monitoring" philosphy where you track parameters that tell you when something will die. You want info that you can act on.

I can't be specific about the 8 and its data codes, but traditionally one keeps an eye on oil and water temperatures and oil pressure. The temperature and oil gauges in the 8 are barely more than idiot lights. I think you'll do a lot of good by tracking temperatures. If your temperature goes up, then you can slow down or look for a leak or something. Oil pressure is interesting, but by the time it does anything strange something has failed.

Heat and dust sure seem like they'd be the culprits. Change your oil and filter often, and keep an eye on the air filter. Thinking of your other thread on which oil, that Australian oil chart suggests that you should be using 15w50 or 20w50.

Ken

^with the correct programs on a scantool anyting can b done for example put windows up or down turn on headlights etc etc.....


I'm calling you on this one.

Please cite your sources or retract your statement.

Thanks.