I was given a new diablo predator as a gift recently, but when I went to install the tune on it, it gave me a message "Unable to read vehicle type (1).

I have a 99 Camaro z28
Here is the predator info if it helps
Ser: d00d447
Part: u7198u7198
Version: v.9r15
Hardware: UNIV_REV2
Bus: VPW
Born 9/24/2009 9579

I cannot read codes with it at all. IT is like it is not connecting to the computer.

I looked through the programmer and the last tune written was "original back up".

Any clue as to what is going on with this thing?

 

Did we just talk on the phone??

 

Yeah, I got the tuner while I was at work and tried to install it during my lunch break. When I get home, I will check the calibration and other things.

 

Still unable to read VIN, calibration id, or load a performance tune. Still says :unable to read vehicle (1)"

 

did you have your key turned all the way on (but engine not running) ???

has your car been tuned before and possibly the tuner locked the tune/pcm so that nothing else can read it now??

 

i would recommend getting rid of the diablo and getting a mail order tune. they are nothing but trouble.

 

Really?

I would care to disagree....as would 1000's of our happy customers!

 

The car's pcm has never been touched. I have tried numerous times with the key in the on position and even in the acc position (towards the driver), still no luck.

Would an SES light cause this problem I am having? It is the only thing wrong with my car, passenger side catalytic converter is going out.

I guess I could try disconnecting the battery, which would remove the SES light temporarily, then try to load up the predator.

 

Messed around with it this morning and had it hooked up with the engine running. I was able to read my car's VIN number and trouble codes.
The only way to get passed the unable to read vehicle message is to have the engine running. Once I get to the part where the tuner is going to back up the PCM, I cut the engine and try to do a back up. It failed twice and now has this error "cant back up program..orig back up not saved (-12). Selecting more info, it says "UNIT 1: error unlock (253).

I was also able to see my calibration id
09360361AC ECM Software
0935762AB Eng Cal
09357894AB EngDiagCal
16264231AB TransCal
16264370AB TransDiagCal
16264562AB FuelCal
09373398AB VehSysCal
09361993AB VehSpeedCal

 

does the vehicle still start? like i said before just go to advance auto and read the code, and get a mail order tune. gut the passenger cat if you know its bad. its real easy to do.

 

Sounds to me like there is an electrical issue in the car?

Got any aftermarket electronics hooked up in the car?

Very odd that it communicates with the car running, but not with key on/engine off...?

 

Check your battery leads?

I was pretty impressed with my Diablo tune on a 2000 LS1 with stock heads and cam:

Before Diablo Tune: 308 RWHP, 324 RWT
After Diablo Tune: 335 RWHP, 345 RWT

Dyno output: http://chrisnrobinsmith.com/images/DynoRun.jpg

And I use it all the time to change params. It can't compete with a custom dyno tune by a pro, though...when you're ready for it.