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Chrysler DRB II Scan Tool (for '89 XJ)

serge

NAXJA Forum User
Location
New York
Hi, I've recently picked up a Chrysler DRB II Scan Tool on Ebay to diagnose problems with '89 4.0L XJ. I just got the package at work and couldn't wait to open it up. This seems to be a genuine dealer unit and I can't wait to try it out on my Jeep. Now, I have a quick question for the gurus -- the cable included with the unit looks like this: http://www.kbsuits.com/serge/jeep/pics/DRB_2_scan_tool_cons.jpg

I'm not near the Jeep now, but I don't recall the diagnostic connector in the engine compartment looking like that. I recall it being comprised of two parts: one with approximately 20 female round pins arranged in rectangular fashion, the second one aproximately 6. Does the connector I have plug in somewhere under the dashboard?
 
The diagnostic port on an 89 XJ looks like the two connectors on the left of this image.

XJrelays.jpg
 
serge said:
Hi, I've recently picked up a Chrysler DRB II Scan Tool on Ebay to diagnose problems with '89 4.0L XJ. I just got the package at work and couldn't wait to open it up. This seems to be a genuine dealer unit and I can't wait to try it out on my Jeep. Now, I have a quick question for the gurus -- the cable included with the unit looks like this: http://www.kbsuits.com/serge/jeep/pics/DRB_2_scan_tool_cons.jpg

I'm not near the Jeep now, but I don't recall the diagnostic connector in the engine compartment looking like that. I recall it being comprised of two parts: one with approximately 20 female round pins arranged in rectangular fashion, the second one aproximately 6. Does the connector I have plug in somewhere under the dashboard?

I think you're more or less screwed. The machine that reads codes on our RENIX(1987-1990) Cherokees I think cost around $2000 for the one the dealer had. The Renix system isn't made for you to be able to read them at home and it doesn't even really store codes. I'm sure 5-90 will see this thread and tell you more, this is just the knowledge I have.
-Collin
 
old_man said:
The diagnostic port on an 89 XJ looks like the two connectors on the left of this image.
That's what I remember mine looking like ... I'm a really screwed? I'd hate to send this thing back ...
 
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Many sources, including on the forums, autozone, about.com suggest that the tool is right. Then some refer to it as MS 1700:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30112
http://www.naxja.org/forum/printthread.php?t=2777 (see notes by Rags)
http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cach...25/0e/0900823d8015250e.jsp+Renix+DRB+II&hl=en
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl232i.htm

May be I just need a different adapter (read diffrerent connector), as suggested by Rags on one of the posts?

Has any one used any scan tool to diagnose the Renix 'puter on a Jeep?
 
You will still need the correct adapter.
1989–90
The preferred method for fuel injection system diagnosis on these models is using the Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB II).

To interface with Jeep/Eagle vehicles, an adapter must be attached to the Chrysler DRB II diagnostic readout box. This adapter is required because diagnostics on Jeep/Eagle products are performed Off-Board. All other Chrysler vehicles have On-Board Diagnostic capabilities.

When connecting the DRB II and adapter to vehicle, adapter must be connected to vehicle underhood diagnostic connectors and the DRB II to the adapter. After DRB II is connected, all character positions on display should briefly be lit and the copyright message should appear. This message should be displayed for approximately three seconds, after which the DRB II menu screen is displayed. Note that at any time while performing diagnostics the user can press the F3 key for help. The first menu offers four selections: 1-VEHICLE TESTED; 2-HOW TO USE; 3-CONFIGURE; 4-SELECT VEHICLE.

There are two ways to make a selection whenever a menu is offered. The easier method is to enter the number appearing to the left of the option desired. For simple menus, where the user is limited to two options (fitting on a single display), entering the option number is preferred. For longer menus, where additional options do not appear on the screen, the following method may be used: when the menu appears, arrows facing right and left will appear. These two arrows are activated by pressing down the facing arrow key. To select option desired press the ENTER key when arrow is at option desired.
 
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langer1 said:
You will still need the correct adapter.
1989–90
The preferred method for fuel injection system diagnosis on these models is using the Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB II).
Well -- that seems to be the box I have. See this photo. http://www.kbsuits.com/serge/jeep/pics/DRB_2_scan_tool.jpg
Maybe all I need is a correct adapter/cable? I hope that's the case. Let's get this baby working -- I wouldn't mind sharing this unit with other Jeepers once I get my XJ working again, provided I get the unit back of course...
 
serge said:
Many sources, including on the forums, autozone, about.com suggest that the tool is right. Then some refer to it as MS 1700:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30112
http://www.naxja.org/forum/printthread.php?t=2777 (see notes by Rags)
http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cach...25/0e/0900823d8015250e.jsp+Renix+DRB+II&hl=en
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl232i.htm

May be I just need a different adapter (read diffrerent connector), as suggested by Rags on one of the posts?

Has any one used any scan tool to diagnose the Renix 'puter on a Jeep?
As noted in Rags' comment:

"A best tool fot he Renix is a DRB 2 and the Renix adaptor harness and super card"

You got the basic tool. Good luck finding the adapter harness and card. I asked my dealer (with whom I have a good working relationship) awhile ago about borrowing their setup, or just paying them for some diagnostics time. They said there was so little call for the Renix scanner (since the ECU doesn't store codes) that they tossed the whole rig to make room in the tool crib for tools they can actually use to repair vehicles.

The catch-22 you face is that, if your vehicle isn't running, the scanner is useless because with the Renix system it has to be running to throw a code, and you have to have the scanner connected and reading when it rhows the code. It's completely useless for trouble-shooting a no-run condition.
 
You got the ChryCo connector - not the RENIX.

As previously stated, the RENIX system doesn't really "store" or "throw" codes - and the main data you will get is realtime driveability date. There are two scanners that I know will work - the ChryCo DRB-II/MS1700 and the Snap-On MT2500 - both will work with proper adapters, but the Snap-On will be easier to find.

Most diagnostics are done anymore with the RENIX system and a good DMM - and I've got a project afoot (lapsed, but in the works) to come up with a low-buck RENIX data reader, probably either PalmOS or PC based.

Meanwhile, I'd hate to say you got screwed (you didn't - that connector will work, I believe, on 1991-1995XJ and other ChryCo products) but until you find the RENIX adapter and "brain" you won't be able to use it on your rigs. Might take some digging.

5-90
 
I would like to know if there is a special DRB II connector adapter to the TCU ('91 AW4). Based on the FSM the DRB II can also read/diagnose AW4 transmission and the ABS. However, the connectors are different and not compatible with the engine DRB II connector.
 
5-90 said:
You got the ChryCo connector - not the RENIX.
Meanwhile, I'd hate to say you got screwed (you didn't - that connector will work, I believe, on 1991-1995XJ and other ChryCo products) but until you find the RENIX adapter and "brain" you won't be able to use it on your rigs. Might take some digging.
5-90
5-90: Thanks for the info. I believe I have the "brain". The following card came in the box: http://www.kbsuits.com/serge/jeep/pics/DRB_2_scan_tool-1989-Brain.jpg. Is this card compatible with the Renix ECU? Do I just need to find the cable now? Does anyone have the Renix-diag-coonector---to---DRBII box pinout? Thanks!!!
 
serge said:
5-90: Thanks for the info. I believe I have the "brain". The following card came in the box: http://www.kbsuits.com/serge/jeep/pics/DRB_2_scan_tool-1989-Brain.jpg. Is this card compatible with the Renix ECU? Do I just need to find the cable now? Does anyone have the Renix-diag-coonector---to---DRBII box pinout? Thanks!!!
I think you got the brain and cable for the AW4 TCU.The brain part is only good for testing one thing. The ECU and the TCU are different.
AW4diag.jpg
 
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langer1 said:
Yes that the matching TCU cartrige for the AW4 TCU.
Shoot, so I need the 1989 Engine and cable adapter? Does anyone have any ideas before I contact the seller (I doubt they have it, so I will have to return it).
 
serge said:
Shoot, so I need the 1989 Engine and cable adapter? Does anyone have any ideas before I contact the seller (I doubt they have it, so I will have to return it).
If this was a eBay sale I say you got what you paid for. They are sold without any cables or cartriges so to me you got a deal so far. Now you just need the cable and renix cartrige.
 
aardvark4x4 said:
You need one of these.......
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for your DRBII?
aardvardk4x4: that image is not coming up .... I paid $330 for the kit.
 
serge said:
aardvardk4x4: that image is not coming up .... I paid $330 for the kit.
You got a good deal, just the scan tool with no cables or Cartrige are selling for $1100 to $1500. When you find the renix adaptor expect to pay about $500.
 
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