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Good video. I have to wonder how many people even know you can do this now days?
haha i didnt, i just learned about this a couple weeks ago when i started a thread asking for the best scanner for both my cars (92 and 95).
i kinda chuckled when a guy said "count the flashes" but then after sitting and thinking about it...i tried it and dang, i know why my light is on AND IT DIDNT COST ME ANY MONEY!
I mean.. We used to do it growing up, but I'm old though.
I bet you there's a whole generation of people who have NO IDEA about OBD1.
You buy a generic scanner, it won't fit. What do you?
Probably very helpful.
I'm actually surprised GM even designed that in...it kind of goes against the automotive manufacturers mentality to "when it breaks make it so they HAVE to come back to the shop"...instead they are giving us the ability to troubleshoot without the need for a garage at all...
Teach yourself the on-board diagnostics contained within the CCM. "Count the flashes" has nothing on being able to toggle the outputs on and off, and see the inputs change state by trying them (open and close a door, and watch the input change state, for example).
You need a jumper in the correct ports, but then it is all in pushing the correct buttons in the Driver Info System. ECM codes are in there too. And you can clear them without disconnecting the battery which clears the stereo memory.
Yes, this is all new to me so I have more to learn. My pointment here was to show beginners that you dont need a $200 scanner. I counted flashes and got 2 codes for my FX3, I could have paid hundress of dollars to get those same two codes but instead just bent a paperclip...I learned that from the people in this forum and I'm sharing that knowledge with othet newbs like myself. I looked online and didn't see anybody else providing a video with nearly the detail and information I provided so I figured it was a good video. None of my videos are meant for long time Vette owners or avid DIY'ers.
but seriously, thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback!
i dont understand the recent replies to this thread...did people not watch the video? i access the onboard computer with a "jumper" and the information center buttons and i delete code history without disconnecting the battery.
i dont understand the recent replies to this thread...did people not watch the video? i access the onboard computer with a "jumper" and the information center buttons and i delete code history without disconnecting the battery.
On the earlier C4 models like my 1985 you cannot delete codes using a paper clip in the ALDL, you can only read them. At least that is my understanding.
On the earlier C4 models like my 1985 you cannot delete codes using a paper clip in the ALDL, you can only read them. At least that is my understanding.
i see, thanks then for the tip's..my video was specific to 90-95 with OBD I & II (i've not owned a C4 older than 92 so i'm clueless with the first generation)
and btw thanks for taking time to edit and insert photos!!! those are great visual aids
On the earlier C4 models like my 1985 you cannot delete codes using a paper clip in the ALDL, you can only read them. At least that is my understanding.
Exactly. I have two professional scan tools, a MAC and a SnapOn, neither will delete the codes.
I have an OTC Monitor 4000 with which you can delete codes on OBD I.
In fact it does tons of things that modern, OBD II scan tools can do; custom data stream, viewing 8 sensors/actuators at one time, "photos"/snap shots, actuate systems in the car, run diagnostic tests, it gives you diagnostic flow charts/procedures....the thing is awesome.
I just learned the paper clip trick last year for my 94, I agree there is very little information on reading the codes this way available.
This is one of the best and informative articles I have seen that was submitted by "MARK970".
"Hats Off" to a man that is willing to take his valuable time and help out others.
Thanks.
I have an OTC Monitor 4000 with which you can delete codes on OBD I.
In fact it does tons of things that modern, OBD II scan tools can do; custom data stream, viewing 8 sensors/actuators at one time, "photos"/snap shots, actuate systems in the car, run diagnostic tests, it gives you diagnostic flow charts/procedures....the thing is awesome.
I have an OTC Monitor 4000 with which you can delete codes on OBD I.
In fact it does tons of things that modern, OBD II scan tools can do; custom data stream, viewing 8 sensors/actuators at one time, "photos"/snap shots, actuate systems in the car, run diagnostic tests, it gives you diagnostic flow charts/procedures....the thing is awesome.
i would be very interested in something more advanced like that. am i to also understand i would be able to monitor my car while i'm driving? that would be very interesting and useful!!
I just learned the paper clip trick last year for my 94, I agree there is very little information on reading the codes this way available.
This is one of the best and informative articles I have seen that was submitted by "MARK970".
"Hats Off" to a man that is willing to take his valuable time and help out others.
Thanks.
Woody, thanks. I dont claim to be some type of Corvette Guru...in fact I'm a beginner when it comes to working on them (however i've owned 4 LT1 Corvettes over the years). i needed a hobby after moving into my townhome so i decided to buy another Corvette and start a youtube channel...I'm learning half this stuff as i go, and i mean actually in the video making process!! haha
and let me tell you it does take time to transfer, edit and upload videos so THANK YOU VERY MUCH for recognizing and appreciating what I am doing here. I will actually say that i'm surprised that more people dont try and tear me apart so maybe i'm doing a fairly decent job on my videos...who knows but the community thus far has been mostly positive and supportive of what I'm doing and i owe a lot of thanks to all the support and knowledge i myself find on these forums!
am i to also understand i would be able to monitor my car while i'm driving? that would be very interesting and useful!!
You sure can. In fact, I just used that feature to diagnose my failing Obama....I mean Failing OPTI. I set it to custom data stream, then selected two of the 8 viewable options so I could watch the high and low res opti signals. Sure enough, when the car died or started missing, it would lose both signals. "0". Proof that the opti wasn't doing squat.
Mark, I have a 94 which is an OBD 1 vehicle, with an OBD 2 connector, (94 was the crossover for the OBD1&2) My question is, I am looking to buy a scanner for the other needed purposes, but which do I buy, OBD 1 with an adapter for the plug or OBD 2 if it can read the 94 vette.
Any advise is appreciated.
Thnaks
07-23-2017, 05:01 PM
Paperclip Code Reading for Dummies (video)
