Code readers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
if you just want a cheap reader then a GM specific 1988-1995 OBDI reader will cost less than $20. Or the Snap-On reader that does about everything for OBDI and OBDII with all the adapters and upgrades for between $500 and $800. Check ebay to get some examples.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 0
Please short pins 4 and twelve with a paper clip. Turn ignition on, but do not start car. The car should read the codes if any starting with C12, then sequencing into the diagnostic mode. DO NOT START CAR...REPEAT...DO NOT START CAR. Find more info on this by running a search through past threads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 9
From: sonoma ca
This site will give a goood explanation of code recovery.....
http://www.corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/index.htm
http://www.corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/index.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: The burbs of Denver CO
Randi, I guess that you must have on OTC or similar scanner. They use a cartridge that applies to a given range of years. I think the OTC/Matco, etc. scanners usually run like 89-95, typically called the pathfinder series. Get one of the cartridges for your 95, and a corresponding book if you can find one, although if you have any instruction manual and your factory manual, you are ready to go since when you go into the diagnostic mode on the scanner it is pretty easy to follow, and you can use the up/down arrows to scroll thru the options, including engine codes. Or, you could post more specifics here, and the group can no doubt give you more help. And your unit should work, being obd2 compliant should allow you to read obd1 - ver 2 was just an enhancement that added more built in help levels to the diagnostics. And mfg. compliance to obd2 started around 93,94 (I think - I know my 92 was definately ver. 1).
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Ohio
Originally Posted by aminnich
if you just want a cheap reader then a GM specific 1988-1995 OBDI reader will cost less than $20. Or the Snap-On reader that does about everything for OBDI and OBDII with all the adapters and upgrades for between $500 and $800. Check ebay to get some examples.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
I just bought one from Amazon.com cheapest place that I found.
I bought a Actron CP9135 OBD11 Autoscanner $97.95
Most of my cars are OBD2. They have autoscanners for 95 and earlier cars also. www.amazon.com The Actron works on any car.
I bought a Actron CP9135 OBD11 Autoscanner $97.95
Most of my cars are OBD2. They have autoscanners for 95 and earlier cars also. www.amazon.com The Actron works on any car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: The burbs of Denver CO
I don't know about under $20, but you can pick up one of the earlier OTC or Matco scanners for under $40 if you are relatively patient. Just wait and find one that has the correct cartridge that you need. Or, as one of the other posts indicates, and the gm manual also gives instructions on, you can jump the contacts and count the number of times the "check engine light" or appropriate light, blinks. It (jumping contacts) seems Mickey Mouse, but really isn't a half bad method, and easy to do on a moments notice.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 721
Likes: 10
From: Irvine CA
Sounds like you have the same problem as me. The computer is an ODBI and the plug is an ODBII. I don't think all '95s are like this, but mine is.
I asked at the local parts counter about the proper reader and got a blank stare.
The service manual for the '95 has two procedures for flashing the codes on the dashboard depending on what type of plug you have. That is how I read my codes.
I asked at the local parts counter about the proper reader and got a blank stare.
The service manual for the '95 has two procedures for flashing the codes on the dashboard depending on what type of plug you have. That is how I read my codes.
