I tried a similar one and it worked while the truck was key on, engine off. Once I turned it on, it would only stay connected for about 2-4 seconds and then it lost connection. I don't remember which...

If you're going to do a DIY cable, you don't really need the ALDL plug. Just tap right into the wiring harness. The ALDL plug allows you to carry the cable to different vehicles. If you don't need...

That cable is just for the CABLE. No transistors or circuit inside to allow it to talk to the laptop or ECM.

The best setup for real-time emulation is the AutoProm that Scott has. The only reason...

I'm wondering if I jiggled some other wires when I did it. Probably just a coincidence....

My truck has stopped running 2 out of the past 3 times I've driven it with the adapter from Sparkfun.

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8165

This is only change I've made to my system.

When...

If you're going to use your DIY cable, you really don't NEED an AutoProm unless you want to emulate at the same time. The Burn2 will work just fine for burning new chips.

SUCCESS!!! I tied the Transmit and Receive (Tx and Rx) lines together and connected them to the data line and connected the grounds together. Plugged it all in and it works!!!! :D

Since I already...

Plus, you really don't NEED a cable connector. You can wire it directly to the harness or use flat connectors to connect to the ALDL port. No fancy connector required.

I still haven't had time to...

Sparkfun is about 45 minutes from my house. They allow online ordering and onsite pickup. :D

For $20, I think it's worth a shot. Thank you!

EDIT: Part is on order. For the minimal shipping...

This one

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8165

looks like it's designed to be plugged into the other end of a USB cable. It has the TX and RX pins that you speak of. Other than that, I have no...

Would one of these work?

http://www.sparkfun.com/search/results?term=Arduino+FT232RL&what=products