just a quickie

do you need to connect the test wires under the dash to get the OBD II port to work, I have an Elm327 scanner, power light comes on with the ignition but can't read anything, using the scantool that came with it or romraider and ecu explorer

 

what are you trying to read and what car?

If it is check engine codes it should read without the test connectors on a newage.

 

To answer your question as you asked it, no, you don't need to connect the test/read memory wires. Can see straight away what your problem is though.

Just seen from one of your other posts that you have an MY99. If so you have the wrong interface. Elm-based interfaces will only speak OBD2 to Elm-friendly software, which is no good for you, as your car doesn't speak OBD2, and neither does the software you're trying to use.

You need a bare ISO9141-compatible interface in order to link your car to the software.

 

cheers mate, I thought it was OBDII cos it had the connection socket.
That explains way it won't work. lol