Code Reader Questions?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,038
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From: Pensacola Florida
Code Reader Questions?
Looking for a quick tutorial on code readers, what all they do and which one I would need to do basic repairs on my 89, plus the 06 F-150 and 05 Expedition.
What brands/functions do most hobby mechanics use/need?
Rick
What brands/functions do most hobby mechanics use/need?
Rick
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You will need one that reads OBD1 & OBD2 to meet your needs. I have a simple $75 (Actron)one that just reads codes. and a good scanner (OTC Genisys EVO 5.0) over $1k for doing diagnostic work.
Last edited by FASTAZU; Nov 13, 2015 at 10:50 AM.
Team Owner
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A simple $40 Actron one at Autozone will read the codes, but you will need to make sure it has the OBD1 function, or buy the additional adapter. Mine is an Actron Scanner that reads various sensor outputs and do most things just fine, it was a good bit more expensive. I use a laptop for everything else.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: South Dakota
For your Corvette you can pull the codes with a paper clip by shorting two pins on the ALDL connector.
http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/codes.htm
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ght-codes.html
Your Corvette (and all others through '95) use OBD1. Starting in '96 for all cars they use OBD2. An inexpensive code reader can work. I have seen several at about $15 for a basic version that can read and clear codes. More expensive code readers can have expanded functions to include ABS, real time sensor monitoring functions, etc. so it depends on what you want to do.
Good luck.
http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/codes.htm
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ght-codes.html
Your Corvette (and all others through '95) use OBD1. Starting in '96 for all cars they use OBD2. An inexpensive code reader can work. I have seen several at about $15 for a basic version that can read and clear codes. More expensive code readers can have expanded functions to include ABS, real time sensor monitoring functions, etc. so it depends on what you want to do.
Good luck.
Last edited by QCVette; Nov 14, 2015 at 11:03 AM.
Team Owner
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When trying to do proper diagnostic it really helps if you have a scanner that gives you all the readings of each sensor It might tell you a problem before it throws you a code. The Snap-on scanner I use is really great for that
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,579
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From: Trieste Italy
A paper clip is the only tool you need to read code.
Last edited by Christi@n; Nov 17, 2015 at 05:17 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,579
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From: Trieste Italy
On mine 95 i ground ALDL pin 4 and 12 with a paper clip, then turn key on and I'm be able to read code on speedometer, you car should be a little different, take a look here
http://www.corvetteforum.guru/module...post_id=248955
For your other vehicle, take in consideration that every car or truck has its way to read code, as instance chrysler vehicles, need a three times to turn key on.
My dodge nitro works this way, vett paper clip.
http://www.corvetteforum.guru/module...post_id=248955
For your other vehicle, take in consideration that every car or truck has its way to read code, as instance chrysler vehicles, need a three times to turn key on.
My dodge nitro works this way, vett paper clip.
Last edited by Christi@n; Nov 18, 2015 at 03:37 PM.