scanning engine codes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Des moines Iowa
scanning engine codes
Where do you plug the scanner in on a 1982? I have never done this and I have no idea how it's done. I heard Oreilly's wil scan for free anyone ever done this? What is a good scanner for my car?
thanks
thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
You don't need a scanner. The ECM connector is hidden in the ashtray area if you really want to use one. But all you need is a paper clip to ground the ECM pin. The codes will flash out for you, and you can take the codes to the service manual to see what you've got. Let me know if you need specific instruction on this or if you need to know what the codes mean. The service manual covers this in detail - check your manual.
Last edited by lars; Mar 23, 2007 at 12:05 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park Fl
I believe the connector is under your console ash tray (that's where it is on an '81). Just pull up the ash tray and you should see it. But the bad news is that the auto parts store scanner will not work on an '82, it is too old for their system. Lars is correct that if you just need trouble codes, you can get them by shorting two terminals on the connector, but if you want more info, buy an old scanner off e-bay. God bless, Sensei
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Some auto parts places still have the old scanner connectors that will interface to the old ECM systems. But the scanner won't give you any information that you can't get from a paper clip - I carry a paper clip in the center console at all times just to be able to check codes if I need to...
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
check the manual!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Des moines Iowa
You don't need a scanner. The ECM connector is hidden in the ashtray area if you really want to use one. But all you need is a paper clip to ground the ECM pin. The codes will flash out for you, and you can take the codes to the service manual to see what you've got. Let me know if you need specific instruction on this or if you need to know what the codes mean. The service manual covers this in detail - check your manual.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Wakefield Nebraska
You don't need a scanner. The ECM connector is hidden in the ashtray area if you really want to use one. But all you need is a paper clip to ground the ECM pin. The codes will flash out for you, and you can take the codes to the service manual to see what you've got. Let me know if you need specific instruction on this or if you need to know what the codes mean. The service manual covers this in detail - check your manual.
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