That looks like it might help a lot of people out who aren't near dealers! Thanks for posting this!

 

Interesting!

IP (Instrument Pack) seems to be for adjusting the Speedo and possibly changing from KPH and MPH (but it's not very clear to me)

I have just learned 2 days ago, that the ECU look at the VIN digit 12 (for Elige 2008-2011 at least). If it's A, B, L or M then it tells the cluster to display MPH.

And lastly you can also flash newer versions for the ECU and TCU.

Does it include any ECU software? Or do you have to buy it separately on the VCIS?

 

Interesting!



I have just learned 2 days ago, that the ECU look at the VIN digit 12 (for Elige 2008-2011 at least). If it's A, B, L or M then it tells the cluster to display MPH.

Yeah on Evoras it is encoded into the variant code on the ECU instead of the VIN. So it can be toggled back and forth.

Does it include any ECU software? Or do you have to buy it separately on the VCIS?

From my understanding you don't have to download the software from VCIS and pay separately for that. When you select that page there is just a big start button that checks for the latest version and if you already have it asks if you still want to flash it.

Actually (at least for Evoras) when you buy from VCIS part of the download is a bash script to flash the car without this software.

 

So this is purely diagnostic and you still have to go to the dealer or buy TechCentre if you want to change anything....disappointing. Also the two interface devices Lotus suggest are both pretty expensive $~2K new. There are certainly cheaper options and I would be interested to know if anyone has managed to get anything other than the two suggested devices to work with our cars.

 

It still amazes me that there is no reasonably affordable or obtainable solution for factory/dealer level diagnostics/coding/programming for Lotus cars like there is for other manufacturers. VCDS for VW/Audi, INPA/DIS/ISTA+/etc for BMWs, for example.

 

These "cheaper" software solutions are cracked or otherwise knocked off versions of the factory/dealer software which is just as expensive as Lotus TechCentre. Lotus have been very helpful making the shop manuals available for our cars so you would hope that now that they are no longer being made and are likely to be largely enthusiast owned and maintained Lotus might consider making TechCentre more accessible to us. Do we know anything about the Emira ECU/software and how it compares to the Evora 4xx cars? Presumably the cars with the AMG motor will be completely different.

 

Yeah, I know that. I'm just saying I'm surprised no one has done the same for Lotus by now. Sure there are a lot less Lotus cars out there but I would bet there are a higher percentage of owners that DIY. I agree it is nice that at least the service notes are available.

 

I would wager the Emira V6 will likely reuse the same EFI T6 ECU. Guessing the AMG one will be entirely different, and likely not as accessible as OE AMG ECUs.

 

I think its just an issue of what the market would be for the knocked off software and if someone thinks it will be worth their while doing it..

Although they want the Emira to be owned by people who don't know anything about cars (like many Porsche owners ;-)) Lotus must know that most of their cars are actually owned and maintained by enthusiasts. Although the basic ECU will be the same I bet that the V6 Emira software is significantly different from the 4xx series Evora so I am hoping that once the GTs go out of warranty Lotus will decide to make a legacy version of Techcentre available to the community.

When everything goes electric the cars will be online all the time so this won't be an issue.

 

I think its just an issue of what the market would be for the knocked off software and if someone thinks it will be worth their while doing it..

Although they want the Emira to be owned by people who don't know anything about cars (like many Porsche owners ;-)) Lotus must know that most of their cars are actually owned and maintained by enthusiasts. Although the basic ECU will be the same I bet that the V6 Emira software is significantly different from the 4xx series Evora so I am hoping that once the GTs go out of warranty Lotus will decide to make a legacy version of Techcentre available to the community.

When everything goes electric the cars will be online all the time so this won't be an issue.

What is needed is an enthusiast who has the skills to create the solution. That’s the most likely way it will ever happen. So much of what was available for the M100 Elan I used to have came about that way.

 

So it sounds like you can read all codes including wrench light faults but can't change anything like adding cruise control or the rear fog light indicator. Those would still require dealer trips.

 

I can also confirm that the Tactrix Openport (also used by BOE) is compatible as it has full J2534 support. That's what I use.

 

Ah thanks, I was looking at those and wondered if they were actually compatible or not

 

Has anyone used the app recently? I did set an account up but when I log in to the windows app it just closes with no error. Windows 10, fully updated
Edit: it does work on a normal Windows 10 PC but it doesn't work in virtualbox, and I don't have a Windows laptop..

 

Has anyone used the app recently? I did set an account up but when I log in to the windows app it just closes with no error. Windows 10, fully updated

Used an about a month ago. Do you have an active subscription and connected to the car when you go to open it?

Otherwise I've also had good support response from them in the past when I had questions.

 

It apparently doesn't work inside VirtualBox, possibly them trying to stop people moving it between PCs?? Not really sure what the issue is with that in general.

I put Windows 10 on a laptop and it started working finally.
That was with a "cheap" Tactrix cable.

 

Ahh that tracks with how the install is tied to a specific computer and you can only move between computers every so often.

 

I've been digging around the whole 20/20 software world this morning. Interesting things I've found:

* There are downloadable firmware packages for various Lotus cars in the VSIC. They aren't very well described, the one I happened across didn't say if it was firmware for the ECU, TCU, or something else. Personally I'm not sure I'd be comfortable flashing the ECU in my driveway, given the downside risk of something going wrong.

* Of perhaps MUCH more importance, there is the following text at Lotus Independent Portal (emphasis mine):

The Lotus 20/20 Diagnostic Software for Independent Retailers will allow the user to carry out the following diagnostic tasks:

• Display ECU Information for all vehicle systems (Part Numbers, Emissions related data, VIN etc)
• Read and Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for all vehicle systems
• Flash Program the Engine Management System, Transmission Control Unit and ABS

All vehicles from 2007 onwards are covered except 211. Elise and Exige vehicles prior to 2011 will need an adapter cable in order to diagnose the ABS and SRS systems.
You will require an active subscription in order to use the software.

The reason this is so interesting to me is that it strongly suggests the 20/20 software should be able to clear the infamous airbag light on Evoras. I've had this problem, many others have too, and so far to my knowledge no one has found a reliable aftermarket OBD tool that clears the airbag light for any but the earliest S1 Evoras. I and others have asked and asked about this, and many people have tried many OBD devices. Now, from the above language, it would appear that Lotus themselves provides a factory-approved way to do it.

Has anyone tried 20/20 to clear an airbag light? Obviously the underlying condition would have to be corrected first. But if this works, it's an answer MANY here have sought for a long time.

 

(cross-posting this from another thread so it's available to all readers)

I couldn't stand the suspense so I went ahead and downloaded the very latest versions of all Evora service documentation. In the file "sn_wp_airbags_Evora_400.pdf", section WP, "Updated 23rd February 2021" discusses analyzing the SRS system using Lotus 20/20 software. Page 9 contains the following statement:

Once installed Lotus 20/20 will communicate via a CAN based systems which include; Engine management system, Transmission control unit, ABS, Instrument cluster and Tyre pressure monitoring system. Please note SDM (airbags) is serial comms on K-Line.

This confirms my theory that SRS is on K-Line and NOT on CAN. This is likely why generic standalone CAN tools often fail to access/reset SRS - they probably don't support K-Line. However, many of the generic CAN-to-USB cables do support K-Line. The trick may thus be to find a cable which supports both, and supports the J2534 protocol at the USB end, so 20/20 can access both CAN and K-Line on the OBD connector.

 

@friss or others.

Were you able to read any live data using 20/20? From the original post it looks like the answer is no, but figured I would double check just in case. I’m primarily concerned with transmission temp (IPS) for doing AT fluid changes but so far haven’t been able to find a scan tool that can read that. Would be awesome if 20/20 could read that vs needing full on tech center.

 

Not in our version unfortunately.

 

Bummer. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

I tried with a Tactrix that definitely can do k-line but it doesn't read the SRS module.
Wonder if they made it only work with their specific Lotus cables somehow

 

I only have data for the S1 cars. Sorry if I provided confusing CAN info in the past. I haven't written much down about it and often confuse the Evora with other cars. These should be zoomable.

 

Note in your second image that the SRS Module has a K-Line connection labeled M386 near its top center that goes to "DIAGNOSTIC CONNECTOR" (the OBD connector). More importantly, there is no CAN connection to the SRS module which means K-Line is the only way.

As it turns out, Lotus even kept the same M386 reference designator for that same connection in the latest Evora schematics (here shown as pin 9 of the SRS module):

The evidence seems clear, that you cannot communicate with the SRS Module via CAN (unless the ICM provides a bridging function).

 

Does the 20/20 software allow you to view what's causing the wrench indicator on the dash?

 

I want to say it should be able to, but I haven't personally dealt with any wrench lights to test it.

 

I know how to essentially fully unlock the 20/20 software to dealer level but concerned about the implications of sharing that knowledge. Plus if someone did make that public then it would probably be locked down more/fixed?

 

Are you changing the user type flag from independent to dealer? If so is this a memory editor job, or have you had to play around in dotPeek/IDA?
I'd be really keen on building an open source diagnostic/flashing solution, defining the ECU tables, etc.

 

Hello, I have downloaded and used the20/20 sw and it worked great for me. I would love to have a more dealer access version. I am new to this forum and not sure how to directly message you. Could we possibly exchange messages via email or some other private way??

I know how to essentially fully unlock the 20/20 software to dealer level but concerned about the implications of sharing that knowledge. Plus if someone did make that public then it would probably be locked down more/fixed?

 

Welcome to LT! Once you've been a member three days and have ten posts you'll be able to send/receive PM and enter the Marketplace.

 

Thanks @Catsailr27 I appreciate the info.

 

@Catsailr27 I assume a message button will appear somewhere ?? is this automatic or does someone have to manually set it up?? sorry for hijacking this thread for this noob question.

 

I think you are barely at 3 days so it might start working at some point today I guess

 

Thanks for the advice, I have read PMs are " conversations " however when I click on @Catsailr27 avatar picture, I get basic info but I dont see any button for conversations, or PMS/DM anywhere?? Again, apologize for noob questions.

 

Thanks for the advice, I have read PMs are " conversations " however when I click on @Catsailr27 avatar picture, I get basic info but I dont see any button for conversations, or PMS/DM anywhere?? Again, apologize for noob questions.
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That's strange and I'll check into it. Normally it's to the right of follow under the replies, discussions created, reaction score, etc.

 

This is interesting as I currently have a wrench light I'd like to investigate and my nearest dealer is a very long drive away. Shame it's so costly for one diagnostic session. 20 GBP per hour is outrageous.