Paul A. Romsky Jr. - Fiero (and other 1980's era) GM ALDL "Paperclip" Adapter

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* WARNING *
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Never operate a vehicle while using the ALDL "Paperclip" Adapter
(Tool) without an assistant. The driver must always have full
attention on driving, therefore, an assistant that is not driving is
required to operate the Tool in order to prevent loss of driving safety.


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*   NOTICE   *
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The author of the ALDL "Paperclip" Adapter (Tool) assumes no
liability for its use. The users assume all liability for any damages or
injury resulting from the use of this Tool.


Stop jamming paperclips into your ALDL Connector. Keep one of these in your Glove Box so you have it on hand (no matter where you are) the next time your Service Engine Soon (Check Engine) lamp comes on. A great gift for all of your 1980's classic GM Car friends and family.
Chicks dig it, fun at parties. A great conversation piece for your coffee table.
See photos at the end of this page

This adpater will work with many 1980's GM vehicles (not just Fieros) that used the ALDL ECM interface (before OBD-I and OBD-II were developed):

According to Grok:

Pontiac Fiero (1984–1988): All models, including the 2.5L I4 and 2.8L V6, used ALDL. The 1984–1986 2.5L ran at 160 baud, while 1987–1988 models used 8192 baud.
Chevrolet Corvette (1982–1987): Early C4 models with Cross-Fire Injection (1982–1984) and later Tuned Port Injection (1985–1987) used ALDL for diagnostics.
Chevrolet Camaro (1982–1987): Models with fuel-injected engines, like the 2.8L V6 and 5.0L V8, had ALDL.
Pontiac Firebird (1982–1987): Similar to the Camaro, fuel-injected V6 and V8 models (for example, Trans Am) used ALDL.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1982–1987): V6 and V8 models with electronic carburetors or fuel injection often had ALDL.
Buick Regal (1982–1987): Grand National and other fuel-injected V6 models used ALDL.
Oldsmobile Cutlass (1982–1987): Models with V6 or V8 engines and electronic controls, like the Cutlass Supreme, had ALDL.
Cadillac DeVille/Seville (1982–1987): Early digital fuel injection systems in the Cadillacs 4.1L V8 used ALDL.

ALDL was common in GM vehicles with ECMs controlling fuel injection or ignition, so most fuel-injected GM cars from 1982 to 1987 across Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac likely had it. Trucks (like the C/K series) and vans with fuel injection also used ALDL, but cars were the primary focus. Exact models depend on the engine and ECM; for instance, the 1227748 ECM in the Fiero's 2.5L was ALDL-specific.


This handy device neatly and safely puts your GM ALDL vechicle (at a flip of a switch) into any one of 3 Modes:

NORM (Normal) Mode: The mode used when normally driving your Fiero.

DMFACT (Factory) Mode: Puts the ECM into Limp Home Mode to test the Back-Up circuitry in the ECM.

DMDIAG (Diagnostic) Mode: Used to read Error Codes, check Air Fuel Ratio cycling, calibrate
    the in-dash Tachometer, close the IAC Valve, and aid in setting the proper Ignition Timing during tune-ups.


Includes:

    ALDL Connector Plug with 3 Mode Switch: Normal, Factory, and Diagnostic.

    Mini T-15 Torx Screwdriver to remove Cigarette Lighter panel to gain access to the ALDL Jack in the Fiero.

    Laminated Instruction Placard.

    Key Chain to tether the Screwdriver and Placard to the Connector.


Pretty much everything you need is on the Placard.
    Remember, Error Codes don't catch everything. Things a 1980's ECM can't report:

    Some Ignition Pickup Coil Issues
    Bad Cap/Rotor
    Failing Ignition Coil
    Bad Tachometer Filter (near the Ignition Coil)
    Weak/No/Intermittent Spark
    Bad/Fouled/Misgapped Plugs
    Bad Ignition Wires
    Vacuum Leaks (small ones hard to find without a Smoke Generator)
    Bad Compression
    Worn Camshaft
    Bad Valves
    Bad Valve Springs
    Throttle Body Issues (Butterfly not closed for idle/Clogged Air Ports/IAC Seat)
    Clogged Air Filter
    Cold Start Temperature Sensor and Injector/Valve
    Fuel Pump Relay
    Bad/Weak Fuel Pump/Clogged Sock Filter
    Fuel Leaks
    Fuel Level Gauge issues
    Clogged Fuel Filter
    Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
    Fuel Recovery Canister Issues
    Bad/Weak/Leaky Fuel Injectors
    Many wiring issues (weak/bad grounds)
    Oil Pressure Issues (gauge is only indicator)
    Clogged Oil Filter/Stuck Aux Fuel Pump Switch in Oil Sendrer Unit
    Exhaust Leaks
    Bad PCV Valve
    Clogged/Inefficient Catalytic Converter
    Battery/Charging System Issues
    Air Conditioning System Issues
    Brake System Issues
    Coolant Leaks
    Cooling Fan Issues (one under the front hood, one behind the carpet in the rear trunk)
    Lighting Issues
    HVAC Issues
    Wipers
    Power Windows
    Rear Window Defogger
    Radio Issues
    Cruise Control Issues
    Tire Pressures, Wear, and Balance
    Suspension and Alignment
    Door Ajar Switches
    General Electrical Issues/Fuses/Fusable Links

    Of the above, most are easy to find, except Vacuum Leaks.
    In the GUI (see the link below), in the Set-Up panel, click on 'Reference Cards' for approximate location of sensors and other useful info.
    In the Error Codes panel, Left Click on any LED for more information.
The Special Introductory Offer has Sold Out

These are no longer available through this web page. They now being sold on E-Bay:

E-Bay Ad

Note: If the above link takes you to a sold out page, try:
1. Refreshing this page and trying the link again. -Or-
2. Go into E-Bay and search for "Fiero (and other GM) ALDL "Paperclip" Diagnostic Adapter"
For more information on the Fiero ALDL (or to use the more comprehensive DMALDL mode), you can also download the Free Graphical User Interface (GUI) from:
http://www.paul.romsky.com/index_fiero_gt_aldl_monitor.htm
You don't need the special Fiero GT ALDL Adapter to use the GUI to lookup information or to just playback other's recordings.
You will need to purchase the Adapter if you wish to use the more advanced DMALDL Mode or to record data.

Paul Romsky may be reached via E-mail at romsk22@gmail.com



Alternative to using a Paperclip
Front/Top View of the Fiero ALDL "Paperclip" Adapter

Teathered Instructions
Bottom/Rear View of the Fiero ALDL "Paperclip" Adapter

ALDL Connector Pin View
Pin View of the Fiero ALDL "Paperclip" Adapter



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