Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Robbie's FBH Webasto Test Kit Guide For D4 & D3
As it is most certainly that time of year there are lots of threads on FBH testing and fault clearing. There is a great deal of information in the wiki (link below) which also covers how to configure a test setup using Webasto's own Thermo Test software (WTT). The OBD adaptors are cheap and the software is free, leaving just the final connections to the FBH to sort out:
I was asked if the WTT software would work with the D4 and the later generation FBHs. Having not found a post on the subject I gave it a go today with my MY13 D4 Webasto VEVO FBH. Along the way I took photos of the cables, connectors and adaptors I use.
Latest generation FBH:
Click image to enlarge
The D4 FBH wiring is similar to the 2004/5 D3s that had the red wire to Pin 2. MY06 to 09 deleted this wire leaving the pin covered by a blanking plug. To allow for the different configurations I use backprobe pins to connect directly to the pins inside the FBH connector and socket. If you have not seen these before they are a cheap and effective way of connecting to and testing systems without disturbing the wiring. Crucially they do not damage anything either and everything stays as standard. The probes can connect to any banana plug. They cost less than £5 for a pack of 5 including spare pins:
Click image to enlarge
The suggested method in the wiki connects bits of wire to the pins on the OBD adaptor. Whilst this works it does require some minor DIY and I also found that I was forever pulling the crimped connectors off the pins. To reduce frustration I bought a female OBD breakout lead prewired for FBH connection. It even has the ground wire pins linked (pins 4 & 5) which has been found by members to increase connection reliability. Again, they only cost a few quid and have banana plugs already installed. Only 3 or the 4 wires are needed on a D3/D4/RRS. They are available from a number of retailers, including this place:
Once you link the adaptor, OBD breakout lead and the backprobes together you are left with this reliable and easy to use test kit:
Click image to enlarge
I use an adaptor with a serial connection rather than USB. Serial ports are becoming rare beasts so most use an adaptor with a USB connection. I had repeated issues with comm ports using the USB version but others seem to have more luck (or IT skills).
Plugging the cable into your laptop is self-evident. To connect to the car the adaptor needs power and ground from the vehicle. You can take the power direct from the battery but I prefer to connect to the FBH power so that it is a complete end-to-end test. The backprobe pins are simply inserted between the plastic shell of the connector and the environmental seal that protects the wire. The red positive lead goes to the purple/brown wire and the ground to the black:
Click image to enlarge
The communications with the FBH go via Pin 2 in the top connector. As the picture is from my D4 the red wire is present but using the backprobes it does not really matter if it is there or not. In the picture below the yellow probe has been inserted into pin 2 (red wire) to provide the 'K-line' comms:
Click image to enlarge
From there just connect the banana leads from the breakout cable. You can also see that I have marked the leads with the OBD pin number, as well as function, to help avoid errors:
Click image to enlarge
It should now look like this:
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Viewed from the other side:
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With the Webaso Thermo Test software running you can attempt a diagnostic session:
Click image to enlarge
If your connections are good you should see the FBH status and see Tx/Rx traffic signaled by the flashing LEDs on the OBD adaptor:
Click image to enlarge
So does it work on a D4?
Yep, it works just fine. If you select parking heater on the software the system runs as if you had selected remote or timed climate; ie it starts the internal fans first with flashing LED on HEVAC panel before the FBH itself is commanded to fire:
Click image to enlarge
Full burn in progress:
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Once finished or commanded off the FBH runs through the usual cool-down process:
Click image to enlarge
So there we have it. A simple method of connecting to the FBH requiring no DIY wiring that leaves everything as standard and undamaged. Connecting to a D4 turns out to be as easy as connecting to a D3 and you can use the WTT software to trigger the full D4 specific features when conducting a test, as well clearing any FBH fault codes or lock-outs.
Hope this helps those who are new to FBH diagnostics and that it complements the information in the wiki.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 08 Jun 2010
Location: cotswolds
Posts: 1482
I dont have a D4, however, thanks for taking the time to sus this out and doing the write up.
another great contribution to the site from you.
Andi
17th Jan 2015 9:34 pm
Numpty
Member Since: 18 Aug 2012
Location: Bolton
Posts: 673
Robbie what is the laptop? Spec and price? Panasonic Tough book?
17th Jan 2015 9:44 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
17th Jan 2015 9:44 pm
Numpty
Member Since: 18 Aug 2012
Location: Bolton
Posts: 673
Should have looked at picture Panasonic cf19 tough book ...
17th Jan 2015 11:13 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
Nice write up Robbie and nice to see all the info in one place too. Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
17th Jan 2015 11:33 pm
Paddy0174
Member Since: 27 Apr 2014
Location: Munich
Posts: 173
Thanks alot for the informative guide!
Cheers Patrick from Munich
*******************************
Disco4 HSE / corris grey / MY 15
Harley Davidson FLHTCU / red / MY 91
VW Beetle Cabrio / toffeebrown / MY 14
17th Jan 2015 11:36 pm
alex_pescaru
Member Since: 19 Dec 2010
Location: RO
Posts: 270
Thank you!
So, on a D4, do you have the possibility to start it remotely?
I believe you can program the system to start at a specific hour, but can you start it whenever you want remotely?
If not, you can also install a remote controller with the added functionality that the system will start the fans too, right?
Thanks again!
18th Jan 2015 9:03 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Hi Alex,
The D4 has the capability for a fully integrated FBH / timed climate / HEVAC system, including a island valve to channel the heat at the cabin alone rather than around the engine bay. The options list controls what is fitted or activated but the system is very good. The RF controls have a stupidly long 2-way range too; I routinely trigger mine from over a km away.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 16 Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 6019
Robbie what is going on with your engine, it's spotless
18th Jan 2015 9:45 am
euangibson
Member Since: 24 Dec 2010
Location: Borders
Posts: 11027
OBD,FBH,DSC,HDC.....and Robbies favourite three-letter one ....OCD
Have you seen his tools and wood store "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool,than to speak out and remove all doubt" ?.....what rubbish...
Locking rear E-diff
RLD spare wheel protector & sump guard
Extended roof rails
Series 111 mudflaps
Black side tubes,grill and vents
Timed climate remote
Hids4u interior lights
D4 Firenze my2012 HSE
D3 Java 2005 SE manual (sold,sadly,thanks for the memories)
1966 '88 Series 2a....still starts in the morning better than I do...
18th Jan 2015 10:01 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
countrywide wrote:
Robbie what is going on with your engine, it's spotless
Perhaps the dark photos flatter the scene but LR built it clean and 23 months later it is what it is, as it has never been cleaned. Just looks like any other D4 of similar age.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Numpty wrote:
Should have looked at picture Panasonic cf19 tough book ...
Yep, CF19 bought for less than £100 'untested'. It turned out to be factory-sealed in its original box and never used. Whatever company spec'ed it ticked loads of boxes but left it with a sickeningly slow processor and drive. Despite being left in a box unused for over 5 years the battery still takes and holds a charge though. It's perfect for the workshop, car use and communicating with older kit, but little else.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 31 Aug 2010
Location: retford'ish
Posts: 2227
Hi Robbie,
thanks for the post as you know I have been having "issues" with my FBH
using your advice and the very well timed Discostick controllers coming on the market which I have just fitted
Although I still may have "issues" (with the FBH) I had the confidence to try connecting my laptop via the serial connecter on the controller. (serial to USB)
FBH fired and ran and I stopped it after 1/2 hour seeing very similar data to your post pics.
ISTR another post having difficulty with the software, my laptop is "windows 7 home 64 bit" and it worked fine
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Hi Ian - that engine bay looks familiar!
I'm quite impressed with Discostick's efforts and all those who helped and inspired - I look forward to playing with one.
Great news that your combination works so well and you know that I readily admit to being a Windows luddite so I am glad 64bit works with no snags. You will also remember my surprise (and relief) that my latest test configuration connected to your RRS on first attempt!
Are your FBH sessions becoming more reliable now or are they more miss than hit?Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
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