Scanmaster G Problems

[SETXTurbo]

Hoping to get some advice on troubleshooting my most recent issue with my 87 GN. On ignition my Scanmaster G immediately says "no data available" for just a moment and then goes completely black and remains that way. The process just repeats itself every time I fire up the car. I am running a powerlogger. I've checked the wiring at the Scanmaster and to the powerlogger bank and all wiring seems fine (visually). Now I'm still very much learning about these cars and am not a motor head by any means...yet. Any ideas or advice on where I should start troubleshooting? Always appreciate everyone's help on here.

 

[TurboBob]

PowerLogger software has a Scanmaster G option on the F3 page in the "Scanmaster Options"

If that checkbox is not there then you need an updated PLC program

Bob

 

[TurboBob]

here is a link to the PLC program version 2.6.8

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3pry2lv66b4nt4w/PLC-2-6-8.zip?dl=1

 

[SETXTurbo]

here is a link to the PLC program version 2.6.8

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3pry2lv66b4nt4w/PLC-2-6-8.zip?dl=1

Thank you Bob, I really appreciate it. The Scanmaster was working great for months after I bought the car and then it suddenly said "no data available" and completely shut down while I was driving. Is there a reason that powerlogger Scanmaster option would have suddenly reverted? Also, the Scanmaster goes completely down upon start up. I receive the message very briefly, and then the SM goes completely dark and is unresponsive. Would that be normal without the powerlogger setting checked? I figured it would at least stay on, but with no data. And I know this is beginner's stuff, but I don't know how to hook up to the powerlogger and change settings. I don't know what brand PL the original owner put in the car, or the software I need to access it, or which windows operating system I need to access it. I'm sorry, I know that's a lot, but I'm still very much new to these great cars. I REALLY appreciate your help with this.

 

[TurboBob]

the PL does not change its own settings, so its more likely a connection issue.

the powerlogger is installed into the bottom of the ECM, there is a beige cable that leads to a terminal block, the Scanmaster connects there.

make sure everything is plugged in properly, post pics if you like.

you can also connect the scanmaster to the stock datastream/ALDL connector under the dash as a doublecheck.

what end of the country are you in, we may be able to locate a pair of experienced eyes to look it all over.

Bob

 

[SETXTurbo]

the PL does not change its own settings, so its more likely a connection issue.

the powerlogger is installed into the bottom of the ECM, there is a beige cable that leads to a terminal block, the Scanmaster connects there.

make sure everything is plugged in properly, post pics if you like.

you can also connect the scanmaster to the stock datastream/ALDL connector under the dash as a doublecheck.

what end of the country are you in, we may be able to locate a pair of experienced eyes to look it all over.

Bob

Good morning Bob, and again, thank you very much for all your help. I'm located in Southeast Texas, almost two hours east of Houston. I've reached out to nearly all of our local reputable performance shops and none deal in turbo buicks. It looks like Houston will be my only option, which is where the original owner had all of the work done (collaboration of Century Automotive & Transmission and Westside Performance & Machine). He put a lot of time, money and care into this beautiful car and I want to continue that. I've started a deep dive into researching all of the intricacies of these cars, and this particular setup, but I'm starting from the ground up and have a lot to learn. If you have any recommendations for a GN specialist here in Texas that would be great.

I'll be diving into the ECM this evening after work and will take and post pictures. I've also pulled all the paperwork that came with the car and found the powerlogger, Gen II MAF translator, and wideband user guides, along with invoices/build sheets for all the work on the motor and transmission.

Here's some general pics of my GN for reference. Thanks again Bob, and I'll follow up this evening.

 

[SETXTurbo]

the PL does not change its own settings, so its more likely a connection issue.

the powerlogger is installed into the bottom of the ECM, there is a beige cable that leads to a terminal block, the Scanmaster connects there.

make sure everything is plugged in properly, post pics if you like.

you can also connect the scanmaster to the stock datastream/ALDL connector under the dash as a doublecheck.

what end of the country are you in, we may be able to locate a pair of experienced eyes to look it all over.

Bob

I apologize for the delayed response, Bob. I finally had time to pull the ECM and check connections and you were absolutely right. My cable was disconnected from the powerlogger bank. Now I can start educating myself on where this car needs to be. Thank you again, Bob.