Code Reader for 85 Corvette?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 480
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
Code Reader for 85 Corvette?
I have been thinking about geting a code reader. It will primary be for my 85 vette but I also have a 2004 Tahoe.
Anyone have one they like or would recommend?
I dont want to spent a fortune on it.
Do these ones that hook up tp laptop work well?
How about code updates for the newer cars?
Thanks for the help
Dave
dbs_55@yahoo.com
Anyone have one they like or would recommend?
I dont want to spent a fortune on it.
Do these ones that hook up tp laptop work well?
How about code updates for the newer cars?
Thanks for the help
Dave
dbs_55@yahoo.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
two different systems-one won't work for the other.Most guys just use a paper clip on their earlier C4s. Code readers are fairly cheap-but that's generally all they do. If you want a scanner-one that hooks up to a laptop then you can log data-showing if sensors etc. are within
parameters. My advice -learn how to obtain (paper clip) and read codes on your 85-very simple. As for the Tahoe-hope others chime in.
parameters. My advice -learn how to obtain (paper clip) and read codes on your 85-very simple. As for the Tahoe-hope others chime in.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
There's code readers
and scanners scan/tools.
Then there's OBD1 (your vette) and OBD2 (your Tahoe)
Your tahoe might be able to show you codes without any tools, it usually means cycling the key on/off a few times and holding the odometer reset, or something like that.
Your vette needs a paperclip.
and scanners scan/tools.
Then there's OBD1 (your vette) and OBD2 (your Tahoe)
Your tahoe might be able to show you codes without any tools, it usually means cycling the key on/off a few times and holding the odometer reset, or something like that.
Your vette needs a paperclip.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,269
Likes: 0
From: Sharpsburg Georgia
GA Events Coordinator
Buy a used Snap-On scanner (brick), many pro's are going to the "Modis" so you should be able to get one cheap, do not get one with a cartridge for any thing later than a 95.
If you can buy one with out a cartridge i think i might have a cartridge that will work for your 85.
For your 2004, you are going to need a current cartridge for that.
I can find out for you what it would cost for just the US only version with and with out the trouble shooter if you would like.
It will not go out of date because the cartridges are flash up gradable and are a very good tool.
Greg N
If you can buy one with out a cartridge i think i might have a cartridge that will work for your 85.
For your 2004, you are going to need a current cartridge for that.
I can find out for you what it would cost for just the US only version with and with out the trouble shooter if you would like.
It will not go out of date because the cartridges are flash up gradable and are a very good tool.
Greg N
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 480
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
85 code reader
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
There's code readers
and scanners scan/tools.
Then there's OBD1 (your vette) and OBD2 (your Tahoe)
Your tahoe might be able to show you codes without any tools, it usually means cycling the key on/off a few times and holding the odometer reset, or something like that.
Your vette needs a paperclip.
and scanners scan/tools.
Then there's OBD1 (your vette) and OBD2 (your Tahoe)
Your tahoe might be able to show you codes without any tools, it usually means cycling the key on/off a few times and holding the odometer reset, or something like that.
Your vette needs a paperclip.
any tech articles on it?
thanks
dave
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
Actron makes a nice scan tool that will read both OBD I + II. You just need an additional connector that is $30.00, and the scan tool was $199.00 at Advanced Auto. I use this on both my 2004 Chevy Colorado, and 1991 Corvette. They have a website to look at their various products, just do a Google search on Actron.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 1
From: sd
Originally Posted by dsimon55
How do I use the paperclip??
any tech articles on it?
thanks
dave
any tech articles on it?
thanks
dave
The paper clip method is very easy.
1. Bend a paper clip into the spape of a U.
2. Remove the cover (if you still have one) of the ALCL connector underneath the driver's side dash and plug them into the the top two connectors closest to the tranny tunnel. They are labeled A and B.
3. Turn the key to on(not running) and look at the service panel for the check engine light. It will be flashing. The first three signals will be 1 and 2. Each one will blink 1 for 1 and 2 for 2 with a pause between the 1 and 2. The next set of codes will be the trouble code. Again you'll see the 1 and 2 and then a pause. If the code is 33 you'll see the light flash 3 times quickly and a pause then 3 more flashes quickly. When the last of the codes is done you'll see the 1 and then the two flashes and then the process will start over again.
Although this is the basic method of getting the codes you'll still need to understand what they mean so you're next best bet is to get a FSM from www.helminc or look on ebay for a used manual. For the Helm you can't beat the troubleshooting charts as they are extremely helpful in tracking down the problem. Good luck!
Last edited by goldeneye_vet; Mar 16, 2006 at 10:10 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 480
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo Grove IL
HI Greg
well I got a mt2500 snap on scanner from ebay.
wondering if you ever found the cartdrige?
also might you have any other parts or manuales for it?
thaks
Dave
dbs_55@yahoo.com
well I got a mt2500 snap on scanner from ebay.
wondering if you ever found the cartdrige?
also might you have any other parts or manuales for it?
thaks
Dave
dbs_55@yahoo.com
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,269
Likes: 0
From: Sharpsburg Georgia
GA Events Coordinator
Yes i have found some, i just posted what i have in scan and tune.
Look at what i have, find out what you want then send me a pm and we will see what we can do.
Greg N
Look at what i have, find out what you want then send me a pm and we will see what we can do.
Greg N
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 304
From: Timra, Sweden
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: Santee Ca
Originally Posted by JoBy
