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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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.