After the better part of a year, Junior now has the MSM turbo in and running in my 96 M. I've had a Link ECU for some time, so we're now fiddling with settings to optimize fuel map. Car runs - reliably - but need to reduce fuel flow a bit to remove billowing clouds of smoke when started from cold. We know smoke isn't oil or coolant. Seems to be super-rich mixture that we're trying to fix.

ECU keypad is - "wonky". Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. We've got a notebook, and have had intermittent success with it. My confidence in tuning this, frankly, is not high - I'd really rather prefer NOT grenading the engine.

Is a wonky keypad a typical Link issue? I'd really rather not have to try to either build (megasquirt) or buy (Hydra) another ECU...but don't want an overly-inquisitive cop pulling me over and citing me for an emissions violation (which, where I live, will trigger an emissions test that I can't pass with an aftermarket ECU).

Thanks!

Bruce MacKay
Turbo Rookie

 

More than likely the ribbon cable needs to be replaced.

 

Am I correct in assuming that replacing the ribbon cable is something a computer repair shop could handle?

Links are now...well..."last-generation", and getting a Serial Link to be able to talk to my netbook took months (not to mention the cost from NZ to here).

Thanks again!

Bruce

 

I've replaced mine using some computer ribbon cable and connectors purchased online. It was $10 delivered. I can't recall exactly which cable connectors, but got the into from miata.net with a search.

 

Yes, if its a real repair shop not a box store, it should have everything needed to make-up a new one. Just pull the old one out and take it with you so you get the right pieces. It shouldn't be more than $5.

 

Thanks!