Opel Diagnostics - OPCOM V1.45 Setup & Installation

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Introduction: Opel Diagnostics - OPCOM V1.45 Setup & Installation

Introduction
This Instructable will help you set up and use the Opel hardware and software. It is specific to OPCOM V1.45 which was made in China. It was developed a number of years ago and software support has diminished since then. It is for this reason I will show you how to setup this system with a modern laptop, given a minimal amount of downloads and an easy setup. The setup should take no longer than an hour for a novice (not including download time).

The final product of this guide will allow you to check various settings on the computer of your car. You may check fault codes, set steering angles, and vehicle identity. The ability to communicate with your car computer opens a range of possibilities when maintaining or improving your car. Various key aspects of your engines operation and conditions are stored within this system. The ability to communicate with it must be done correctly to avoid causing harm to certain aspects of the car. Always consult the OPCOM Software Guide when in doubt.

Step 1: Required Items for Operation

We first need to gather all required items for the project. These are listed below.

Required Items:

The items below may be skipped if you have a Native Windows XP laptop

DOWNLOAD LINKS

Note: Google Drive might present you with a constant spinning 'loading' icon. That's okay, simply click the download button on the top right of the screen. Google drive cannot render an 'image' for RAR files or ISO files, hence the constant loading icon.

OPCOM Software and Drivers - Link 1 - You need to have WinRAR software to unpack, its free. There should not be any password on the file.

OPCOM Software and Drivers - Link 2 (if first link doesn't work) - You need to have WinRAR software to unpack, its free. There should not be any password on the file.

IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DOWNLOAD THE OPCOM SOFTWARE OR WINDOWS XP PLEASE EMAIL jiles.richard@gmail.com

Unfortunately Google Drive cut off access for people without informing me about it and people weren't able to download the files. I will now try my best to retain access for people. Please email me so I can be notified of any issues as I do not always check the comments.

Step 2: Installing a VirtualMachine

SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU HAVE A NATIVE WINDOWS XP LAPTOP

This portion of the Instructables will lead you to a fully functional Windows XP install for those of you who have a more modern laptop. This step is essential for a functioning software installation as it was originally coded and designed for Windows XP.

    Install Oracle VirtualBox
    -Use the files downloaded from Step 1

At the end of this step you should now how a fully functional Virtual Windows XP machine running on your computer. This is a powerful tool which allows you to forever harness previous generations of software and operating systems that do not have driver support for the modern day laptops, desktops and even tablets.

Step 3: Installing OPCOM Software and Drivers.

Once you have reached this step you should find your OPCOM Software and Drivers folders on your Windows XP Desktop. If this is not the case, please refer to Step 1 and 2.

Virtual Machine users must pass desktop files.

    Link a folder between your computer & VirtualMachine
    a) Devices > Shared Folders
    b) Click add button
    c) Select Desktop Folder
    d) Check Auto mount & Make Permanent - Figure X
    e) Restart the machine

Folders are now located on Windows XP Desktop

    Installing the OPCOM Software
    a) Open your OPCOM Software folder from the Desktop
    b) Run Vauxcom.exe
    c) Complete installation - Figure X
    d) Ensure icon has appeared on Desktop

Step 4: Verification of Software Installation

In this step we will insure that the drivers, software and operating system are all working together. Once you have complete this step you can ensure that the software will communicate with your car correctly. This is an important step that you will be repeating every time you use the software with a vehicle. It will determine whether you have correctly or incorrectly complete the previous steps. This step may also eliminate wasted time from debugging problems.

    Plug in the USB Device to any USB Port
    -Take note of which port you initially plug the device into
    -Continued use of this port is recommended

If you are using a Virtual Machine:
a) Open the USB Drop down menu - Figure 1
b) Click on 'M3 Auto' to pass it to the Virtual Machine

Troubleshooting:

Using native Windows XP
-You have not installed the drivers correctly

Step 5: Connecting to a Vehicle & Reading Fault Codes.

This step finally pairs your computer to the vehicle itself. Before continuing with this step be sure to obtain your 4 digit security code from your car documents in the glove box. The paper containing this information will also detail your VIN, year, make, and model.

    Connect the OPCOM device to the car - Figure 1 & 2
    -Port is located near driver side pedals - Figure 1
    -Device must be fitted with lights on the top - Figure 2

If you are using native Windows XP:
a) Ensure the device is recognized in Device Manager as 'OPCOM'

Conclusion

If you reach the final step of this guide, congratulations! You have unlocked the ability to forever maintain and check in with your cars electronics and sensors. There is no other feeling like avoiding dealership technology sessions costs. You now have the ability to check every check-engine light and ensure that no damage is occurring on your vehicle. This advanced option of preventative maintenance will save you thousands in the future and put your mind to rest, knowing the exact condition of your car engine and other various components.