Does anyone know how accurate these scanners are? I thought of getting one but i heard it just narrows down your problems and it wont tell you exactly whats wrong. In other words i dont want it to give me about 30 codes of things to check, anyone know if these are worth the money or would i be better off short pinning it?

 

If you are going to spend the $$$ on a scanner I'd recommend you think about spending a little more and picking up Ease scanning software.

 

You don't mention what year model you have.

Seems kind of a waste since you vehicle will give you all the codes for each module. With a set of service manuals you can then run the diagnostic charts based on the code to troubleshoot the problem. Just my 2-cents.

 

Its a '94.

 

It does alot more than just read codes, I love mine.

 

Corvette Diagnostics

Up till 1993

These are OBD-I with a 12 pin connector. A GM OBD-I code reader will work. To get codes without a reader or scanner, you can use a wire to jump from pin A to B and read codes from check engine light.


From 1994-1995

These are OBD-I with a 16 pin connector. The connector is the same one that is used for OBD-II, but it is not OBD-II. A typical OBD-I code reader will not work (wrong connector) and a typical OBD-II code reader will not work (wrong communication format). What you need is a combination OBD-I and OBD-II code reader that has OBD-I capability and can handle the 16 pin connector such as this one:

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16143

To get codes without a reader or scanner, you can use a wire to jump from pin 4 to 12 and read codes from speedometer. It can display and clear Computer Control Module (CCM) codes, PCM/ECM codes, ABS/ASR codes, and Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) codes.


1996 and later

These are OBD-II. A GM OBD-II reader will work. I do not believe there is a method to retrieve codes without a code reader.


A Picture of the 12 pin and 16 pin connectros is here:

http://home.satx.rr.com/jchiu/Corvette/DLC.jpg

James

 

There is a procedure outlined in the service manual, which involves jumping the connector, but when I asked the question recently (here), I was told that the information might be incomplete as displayed on the dash. I'm still not sure about that since I haven't tried it yet. Since then, I've been mulling over getting one of the Autoxray scanners. Any comments on those?

The Ease software looks cool, but anything that requires that level of detail will probably get handled by a pro on my car.

 

I looked at that Ease scanning software, it seemed a little pricy. I've been looking for a scanner and saw one that was brought to my attention by a CF member. It was only forty bucks, I can't remember the site off the top of my head. But, what are your opinions. Is it really worth all that money. Does anyone know of an inexpensive scanner that is relatively comprehensive nad lets you get good access to all your problems and let you clear the codes etc.

 

I think the only thing you'll find for 40$ is a code reader and you can do that with a .05cent piece of wire. If you plan on modding your Vette like I have then the EASE is well worth the money.
Have you checked out the sticky in Scan and Tune?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=202488

 

I rep for Ease and have sold the GM OBD1 version to several CF members. I use the OBD1 (82-95) on my 88 Vette and the OBD2 version on my 2004 Jeep. Obviously I think that they are worth the money, however you bring up a good point about getting lots of codes and info and it not helping you.

Like most tools, a scan tool's usefulness is limited by the ability of the person using it. For a beginner the Ease tool may be more than you are able to use properly, or may be more than you need. A lot of people expect to get a diagnostic/scan tool and it will tell them in plain english what is wrong with the car. This is not the case. Simple code readers will tell you what codes the ECM/PCM/CCM have stored but little else. This you can duplicate on OBD1 vehicles using a paper clip to short the ALDL leads. Some code readers come with documentation on what the codes mean. This is more helpful, but that info is readily available in the Service Manuals and on the web, so for $40 you get a fancier paper clip with documentation.

Example:
With a paper clip I find that a code 36 was set on my 88. What does it mean? Well, check out BatAuto's excellent code lookup pages at http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/86-88_578.shtml
Code 36 means the MAF sensor burn-off voltage was missing.

A good scan tool can not only tell you what the (DTC) Diagnostic Trouble Code is; it can tell you what the sensors are seeing during operation. This will tell you a LOT more about the probable cause of your code and problem, but it often will still not directly solve the problem for you. Even the best scan tools, (including Ease) still do not say "Code 36 means the MAF sensor burn-off voltage was missing due to a bad burn-off or power relay." They just tell you the code and the other sensor readings and you diagnose the problem.

The problem could be the burn-off or power relays or a short or open in the wiring to the terminal "D" on the MAF, or even a bad MAF." You still need knowledge to be able to do some troubleshooting even with an expensive scan tool. The more vehicle sensor info you have however, the easier it is to know what to check and what steps to take. That is where an Ease or other quality scan tool will make a difference.

Additionally, with higher quality scan tools and knowledge you will be better able to troubleshoot problems and correct issues that arise from making non-stock performance mods.

Check out Ben Watson's book "How to Modify and Tune Chevrolet Fuel Injection" (available at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com). He starts you off with basic circuits and teaches you how to teoubleshoot DTCs using a scan tool. Great book for beginner and advanced TPI troubleshooting.

 

I bought my copy of Ease from Mike, great rep., great product.

 

Me too...