Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader
I posted this in C3 section but didn't get any answers, maybe you guys can help me. 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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
Do you know if your 82 has OBDI or some other flavor? I dug around in this awhile ago, and let me tell you, the closer you look, the more confusing it gets. Different versions of different systems with different connections and different communications interfaces. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. The $300 cheapo units have somewhat limited capability, a high-end Snap-On or OTC scanner will run in the thousands of dollars. There always seems to be a ton of these available on Ebay, but you have to be pretty specific about what cables/modules/whatever you need for your application. I've basically decided to forego the scannner in favor of a PC-based setup. If you search the web for 'ECM', 'PCM', or 'OBD' you'll find that there's a ton of useful info.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
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From: Easton PA
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (rocketfinger)
No it has the ALDL (sp) connector. i just want one of the little ones to check the codes, not a huge machine. I have seen them for like $50 but there are quite of a few out there, and I don't know one from another.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, WV
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
I just use a test light and ground it to the door hinge........ plug it into the one that makes the check engine light blink and count the blinks......... I have a lot of scan tools here at the school and I like this method best because I keep a test light in my storage compt with other tools. I have a list of the codes written on a peice of paper in there too.
Your car is OBD I ............. :seeya
Your car is OBD I ............. :seeya
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
No it has the ALDL (sp) connector. i just want one of the little ones to check the codes, not a huge machine. I have seen them for like $50 but there are quite of a few out there, and I don't know one from another.
http://www.actron.com/cgi-bin/web_st...=2748413_10772
I'm not 100% sure if it can clear codes and shut off the MIL, but I guess it wouldn't be worth much if it didn't. At that price, I might get one myself...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (vettmech)
I just use a test light and ground it to the door hinge........ plug it into the one that makes the check engine light blink and count the blinks......... I have a lot of scan tools here at the school and I like this method best because I keep a test light in my storage compt with other tools. I have a list of the codes written on a peice of paper in there too.
Your car is OBD I ............. :seeya
Your car is OBD I ............. :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 1
From: X
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
Sunpro has one for about 30 bucks, auto stores and Sears carries them
http://www.actron.com/sunhome.htm
http://www.actron.com/sunhome.htm
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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St. Jude Donor '16
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
Just another option... Fault code diag. grounding plugs...
http://www.gordonkillebrew.com/
http://www.gordonkillebrew.com/
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
Reference page 4-25 of the MIDAMERICA catalog #142G:
Part number 604-259 ..... 1982-93 ..... Diagnostic Grounding Plug Kit .... $39.99.
This kit was designed by Gordon Killebrew and comes with a users manual that is very easy to follow. You will need a manual to interpret the codes. FACTORYAUTOMANUALS.COM probably has a GM shop manual for $35. I have used these plugs, and they will provide you with any problem codes that may exist.
Part number 604-259 ..... 1982-93 ..... Diagnostic Grounding Plug Kit .... $39.99.
This kit was designed by Gordon Killebrew and comes with a users manual that is very easy to follow. You will need a manual to interpret the codes. FACTORYAUTOMANUALS.COM probably has a GM shop manual for $35. I have used these plugs, and they will provide you with any problem codes that may exist.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re:
You really going to pay $20 for a paper clip?
Connect the upper far right and the one just to the left of it with a paper clip. Turn on the ignition (don't start). Count the flashes on the SES light. it will start with code 12 (flash, flash flash) and will repeat this 3 times. Then will do any stored codes 3 times each, then end with code 12 again.
Then use your shop manual (helms) to trouble shoot the code. To cheap to buy a real shop manual? Try Ben Watson's book "How to Tune and Modify Chevrolet Fuel Injection" Good troubleshooting section, but general.
Connect the upper far right and the one just to the left of it with a paper clip. Turn on the ignition (don't start). Count the flashes on the SES light. it will start with code 12 (flash, flash flash) and will repeat this 3 times. Then will do any stored codes 3 times each, then end with code 12 again.
Then use your shop manual (helms) to trouble shoot the code. To cheap to buy a real shop manual? Try Ben Watson's book "How to Tune and Modify Chevrolet Fuel Injection" Good troubleshooting section, but general.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Re: (PeteL)
Thanks guys. I have both the 82 GM service manual and the Chiltons. not comfortable with the paper clip idea so for about 30-50 bucks I guess I'll get one. :seeya
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
I bought the Autoxray EZ Scan with the PC link for download and update. Check around and you can get the scanner for $150. It is about $60 for the PC link. Go look at the web site for the various models and where to buy. http://www.autoxray.com I ordered online from http://www.autocheckup.com because I could not find one locally.
This one will pull all codes in english, display any engine parameter in real time, or capture up to 30 secs of full data that can be graphed or printed.
The capture mode is great for intermittant problems. You hook it up and drive, if a fault occurs you press the enter button and it traps 15 sec before and 15 sec after the button push.
Its not as good as the ones the pros use and you buy it with the cable for just your model / make.
It works pretty much as advertized and the price was not too bad.
If anyone is interested I will email you a spreadsheet showing a data capture.
This one will pull all codes in english, display any engine parameter in real time, or capture up to 30 secs of full data that can be graphed or printed.
The capture mode is great for intermittant problems. You hook it up and drive, if a fault occurs you press the enter button and it traps 15 sec before and 15 sec after the button push.
Its not as good as the ones the pros use and you buy it with the cable for just your model / make.
It works pretty much as advertized and the price was not too bad.
If anyone is interested I will email you a spreadsheet showing a data capture.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (82dukman)
Autozone gave me a key a few years back that grounds the A slot to flahs the codes. Once you fix the problem just disconnect the battery for a few minutes to clear the codes. :cheers:
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
I bought a used Snap On scanner for $300. You can get them on ebay, I got mine local.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Cruise-In 1-2-3-4-5 Veteran
Re: (Mr Mojo)
You can buy Gordon Killebrew's set of five jumper plugs and the little green explanatory manual for $40 from Gordon, or $40 + shipping from Mid-America. It works on all the OBDI Corvettes. It's cooler on a C4, because we can read codes from our CCM on the digital display.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Tollhouse Ca
Re: Re: (PeteL)
Pete is right, but I bought a code scanner anyways (paperclip in plastic :yesnod: ) I think I paid $25 for mine at Kragen.
Also when I was in Kragen a couple of days ago I got to talking to the manager and talked him into letting me have an AutoXray OBD1 for $118. I don't need it right now, but couldn't pass it up!
Also when I was in Kragen a couple of days ago I got to talking to the manager and talked him into letting me have an AutoXray OBD1 for $118. I don't need it right now, but couldn't pass it up!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Re: Thinking about getting a diagnostic code reader (vettmech)
Sorry, for me to understand, you have a 12V light with 2 wires? One connected to ground and the other in one of the holes of the connector. Am I right?
