Thinking about getting a Code Reader
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Thinking about getting a Code Reader
I am thinking about getting a code reader for the 82. Mostly because I have to clear the Check Engine light and I think it will come in handy. I really don't want to cross jump the connector so i figured i should get a reader.
Anyone have one, or know which one to get? Price, where to get it?
Thanks
Anyone have one, or know which one to get? Price, where to get it?
Thanks
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: STLMO31Fo
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
Fruit Loops or Lucky Charms... but those Decoder Rings never work like they're suppose to. :nonod:
:D
Sorry, its early and already bit :crazy: here...
:D
Sorry, its early and already bit :crazy: here...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
You mean one o' them Navajo Indian guys that helped in WW II with that crazy code for radio messages? There ain't but a few of 'em left alive. I didn't know they were Vette mechanics too! :eek: :D :D
As much as I hate to say it, you may have better luck asking over on the C4 board. Maybe some of the later model guys have experience. Good luck!
Shannon :D
As much as I hate to say it, you may have better luck asking over on the C4 board. Maybe some of the later model guys have experience. Good luck!
Shannon :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 4
From: Windham, NH
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
I have an "Auto X-Ray" XP-240 that I bought for $300 about 5 years ago. It works great on 82 to 95 GM cars & trucks. It will scan for codes (WON'T erase them though) and you can monitor the computer operation while it is running. I bought it thru my local NAPA store but I see Summit Racing has the same thing for GM for $175.99 (Part # AXY10110) in their Sept.-Oct. 2002 catalog, page #178.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (sb69coupe)
You mean one o' them Navajo Indian guys that helped in WW II with that crazy code for radio messages? There ain't but a few of 'em left alive. I didn't know they were Vette mechanics too! :eek: :D :D
As much as I hate to say it, you may have better luck asking over on the C4 board. Maybe some of the later model guys have experience. Good luck!
Shannon :D
As much as I hate to say it, you may have better luck asking over on the C4 board. Maybe some of the later model guys have experience. Good luck!
Shannon :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (Fevre)
You mean one o' them Navajo Indian guys that helped in WW II with that crazy code for radio messages?
Those guys are Code Talkers but I guess they might read computer code too. :jester
Those guys are Code Talkers but I guess they might read computer code too. :jester
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (sb69coupe)
A nice code reader is good for diagnosing transient events that are not
stored in the non-volatile memory. If the check engine light is always on,
then Ii would not waste my money on a code reader. The plastic box thingy
only shorts the proper two pins of the diagnostic connector. I use a short
length of 14 guage copper wire bend in a U. The most valuable thing that
you get with the reader is a booklet of the code meanings.
My advice: use the $$ to buy a good book on computer controlled engine
systems. I think I have the Haynes book. This shows the procedure
and lists the codes for most modern systems. Also, there are troubleshooting
and repair guides.
:seeya
stored in the non-volatile memory. If the check engine light is always on,
then Ii would not waste my money on a code reader. The plastic box thingy
only shorts the proper two pins of the diagnostic connector. I use a short
length of 14 guage copper wire bend in a U. The most valuable thing that
you get with the reader is a booklet of the code meanings.
My advice: use the $$ to buy a good book on computer controlled engine
systems. I think I have the Haynes book. This shows the procedure
and lists the codes for most modern systems. Also, there are troubleshooting
and repair guides.
:seeya
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (Daves_rusty_75)
The most valuable thing that
you get with the reader is a booklet of the code meanings.
My advice: use the $$ to buy a good book on computer controlled engine
systems. I think I have the Haynes book. This shows the procedure
and lists the codes for most modern systems. Also, there are troubleshooting
and repair guides.
:seeya
you get with the reader is a booklet of the code meanings.
My advice: use the $$ to buy a good book on computer controlled engine
systems. I think I have the Haynes book. This shows the procedure
and lists the codes for most modern systems. Also, there are troubleshooting
and repair guides.
:seeya
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
You can't clear a hard code with these consumer-level code readers. What you can do is to determine what the code is, discover exactly what is causing it, then fix it. It usually takes two driving cycles for a code to clear once the problem has been fixed.
I guess I'm on the hardcore scale. I own an OTC Enhanced Monitor (about $2,000 with all the upgrades) that I infrequently use but that's just how it goes with toys. Sad thing is that it's about like all electronics devices. OTC came out with their Genisys system and mine is now worth less than half of what I paid for it. :(
I guess I'm on the hardcore scale. I own an OTC Enhanced Monitor (about $2,000 with all the upgrades) that I infrequently use but that's just how it goes with toys. Sad thing is that it's about like all electronics devices. OTC came out with their Genisys system and mine is now worth less than half of what I paid for it. :(
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
One of those $19.95 reader they sell at A/Z, discount or such is just an expensive paper clip !! Yourcheck engine light will flash the same codes by grounding the diagnostic pin on the same plug the reader plugs into. Save your money :rolleyes:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (silvervetteman)
Silver, you right on with that statement....but the only code reader/writer I want is the one the dealer has....the one that resets the computer after the battery has been off for say 3 months....on a '94 up car....
I had to take a 3.1 to a dealer to reset the coputer before a new engine would run right.... would'nt start, timing all messed up....something about a factory reset of the computer...plug in type situation.....
any clues as to what went on there???
GENE
I had to take a 3.1 to a dealer to reset the coputer before a new engine would run right.... would'nt start, timing all messed up....something about a factory reset of the computer...plug in type situation.....
any clues as to what went on there???
GENE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
Save your money and use a piece of wire as a jumper. Those fancy little black boxes with the little red LED and buzzer do the same exact thing a jumper wire will do. Its just a jumper wire inside a black box with a small circuit board that makes the LED flash and the buzzer sound.
Use a wire and read your code, fix the problem and then disconnect your negative ( -- ) side battery terminal for one minute. Good luck.
Use a wire and read your code, fix the problem and then disconnect your negative ( -- ) side battery terminal for one minute. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 774
Likes: 290
From: Middleton, Id
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (Richard Cooper)
As on my 81 once you have the code and fixed the problem just disconnect the positive battery cable for 30 seconds. Thiss will reset the computer and remove the codes from memory.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (RC81)
That is the procedure to reset the check engine light on pretty much every car. If the light is still on after you disconnect the battery you haven't fixed the problem. (By the way, it is safer to disconnect the negative cable instead of the positive)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 3
From: On an island surrounded by sharks Hawaii
Re: Thinking about getting a Code Reader (82dukman)
I bought one. I think it called Auto xray OB 1, cost about 125.00. Works good
reading codes off of my 87. But once you have cleared all the codes and your
car is fine, the thing just sits in a box. Good to have though, just in case.
reading codes off of my 87. But once you have cleared all the codes and your
car is fine, the thing just sits in a box. Good to have though, just in case.
