Is there a preferred OBD1 scan tool for our group? ---

[alwayscode390]

I figured I should purchase a OBD1 scan tool since I just read that jumping the ALDL connector doesn't work for ECM codes through the dashboard on the ZR-1s (lt5's).

Is there a preferred brand, or should I just get the cheapest one I can find that reads AND deletes codes?

Thanks :) ---

[GOLDCYLON]

If you can find one an old school tech 1a only because it can run GM specific tests the other newer scanners can not

[WVZR-1]

I figured I should purchase a OBD1 scan tool since I just read that jumping the ALDL connector doesn't work for ECM codes through the dashboard on the ZR-1s (lt5's).

Is there a preferred brand, or should I just get the cheapest one I can find that reads AND deletes codes?

Thanks :) ---

Where did you read doesn't read codes through dash? This reads ECM & CCM:


http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011/01/c4-diagnostic-trouble-codes/

I may be selling a Tech1 soon and it's certainly the preferred I believe. I thought you had Diacom?

[alwayscode390]

If you can find one an old school tech 1a only because it can run GM specific tests the other newer scanners can not

That's REAL nice, but pretty pricey :) .

Where did you read doesn't read codes through dash? This reads ECM & CCM:


http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2011/01/c4-diagnostic-trouble-codes/

I may be selling a Tech1 soon and it's certainly the preferred I believe. I thought you had Diacom?


I actually read it in the link you just posted under the paragraph " CCM INTERROGATION PROCEDURES "

*** 6 paragraphs down it says "With LT5 engines, the automatic or manual sequence will not display the ECM codes. A scanner must be used. All other codes will be displayed."

I have Datamaster , but I am not sure it deletes codes ... and I want a hand held so I don't have to lug my laptop to the car.

Is that link wrong or am I reading it wrong? ---

[alwayscode390]

Everything I am seeing for sale on Ebay shows stuff that you plug into your computer anyway.

Do they not make hand held OBD1 scanners like the OBD2 stuff out? I bought an obd2 scanner for $25.

This looks to be the cheapest hand-held $120+ :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Equus-Innova-3120-OBD2-1-Scanner-With-OBD1-kit-/121060059220?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item1c2fbde854&vxp=mtr ---

[WVZR-1]

That's REAL nice, but pretty pricey :) .




I actually read it in the link you just posted under the paragraph " CCM INTERROGATION PROCEDURES "

*** 6 paragraphs down it says "With LT5 engines, the automatic or manual sequence will not display the ECM codes. A scanner must be used. All other codes will be displayed."

I have Datamaster , but I am not sure it deletes codes ... and I want a hand held so I don't have to lug my laptop to the car.

Is that link wrong or am I reading it wrong? ---

I haven't used the DIC procedure for maybe 3 years but I don't recall it not working. You might want to just go through the procedure on "your" car to confirm. I know I used it to compare Tech1 reports in the CCM and I would have thought I used the ECM also. One possibility could be that the '94 and '95MY cars won't respond but they list ECM codes for '90 - '93MY's in the summary.

What about the LTPWS light issue?

I'm not familiar with the Scanner you've linked but the seller doesn't mention "clearing"! It might very well but I'd just try the DIC first. Once you get a handle on it it's quite capable and fast!

[alwayscode390]

I will try the DIC , it sounds like a real neat option.

It snowed yesterday ... haven't had a chance to start the car up and drive it yet :) ---

[Paul Workman]

Datalogging can be done via a laptop and specific tuning software, e.g., TunerCat and others.

That said I keep my AutoXray scanner in the cubby hole behind the seat; ready at a moment's notice to scan either my Z or someone elses.

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=AutoXray+AX6000) has the AutoXray AX6000 on sale right now for $303.xx The AX6000 does OBD-I,II, & the enhanced OBD-II after 2008.

Mine is an older discontinued model which requires software to display/graph sensor results. I'm not familiar with the features of the 6000 series, and the newer models may have some more advanced display, e.g., graphing (?)

Without a doubt, if you want to get into tuning and burning your own calibrations, then software and a loptop would be the way to go. I bought the scanner because it was relatively cheap and I could leave it in the car - ready to go at a moment's notice. So... Far as recommending one or the other, I lean toward a small laptop. However, whether it is a laptop or a scanner, it will nail problems in a fraction of the time it takes to run to your computer and post a "what would cause ......?" question

P.

[Corbusa]

I purchased the Innova 3140 but havent tried it yet.. Anyone have one ? any info ? I also plan on ordering some downloads for my laptop and use it also.

[alwayscode390]

How does something like this handheld work (Ford/GM dual reader) ?

The package doesn't say it clears the codes, but the seller claims it does in the description:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MW-7148-GM-FORD-AUTO-OBD-1-CODE-READER-w-MANUAL-/111007148018?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item19d88aa7f2&vxp=mtr

[GOLDCYLON]

That's REAL nice, but pretty pricey :) .




I actually read it in the link you just posted under the paragraph " CCM INTERROGATION PROCEDURES "

*** 6 paragraphs down it says "With LT5 engines, the automatic or manual sequence will not display the ECM codes. A scanner must be used. All other codes will be displayed."

I have Datamaster , but I am not sure it deletes codes ... and I want a hand held so I don't have to lug my laptop to the car.

Is that link wrong or am I reading it wrong? ---

Keep your eyes open on your local Craigslist and eBay. Sold under mastertech as well. GC

[alwayscode390]

There is a complete kit right now for $670 ... but that just seems out of my price range for just checking codes. It works on pretty much ALL vehicles though ---

[WVZR-1]

I'm likely going to be selling a Tech1 soon. I've had one fellow that I thought pretty committed but he was short funds (holiday). I've been holding but I haven't heard from him in some time either. A plus with a Tech1 is you can add to it as you spot cartridges and actually some of the specialty cartridges there should be enough with them that they could likely be lent out!

Is the snow gone yet? Try the DIC functions and while you're at it the lights for the LTPWS!

[alwayscode390]

Tomorrow will be the day :) .

Do you recommend a paperclip or a piece of wire for the DIC? ---

[WVZR-1]

Tomorrow will be the day :) .

Do you recommend a paperclip or a piece of wire for the DIC? ---

I use a piece of "solid core" copper from a length of romex 12ga or 10ga and then just flatten a little with a "light" hammer so it fits the terminals of the ALDL a little better. No "stranded wire"!

I believe I've got a "POWER TRAIN" cartridge that would do your Corvette, Syclone and the Viper. I don't know but I'll check and see what adapter you would need for the Viper but it's in the cartrige I've got I believe.

[emmvette]

Datalogging can be done via a laptop and specific tuning software, e.g., TunerCat and others.

That said I keep my AutoXray scanner in the cubby hole behind the seat; ready at a moment's notice to scan either my Z or someone elses.

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=AutoXray+AX6000) has the AutoXray AX6000 on sale right now for $303.xx The AX6000 does OBD-I,II, & the enhanced OBD-II after 2008.


Without a doubt, if you want to get into tuning and burning your own calibrations, then software and a loptop would be the way to go. I bought the scanner because it was relatively cheap and I could leave it in the car - ready to go at a moment's notice. So... Far as recommending one or the other, I lean toward a small laptop. However, whether it is a laptop or a scanner, it will nail problems in a fraction of the time it takes to run to your computer and post a "what would cause ......?" question

P.

I read this thread and couple others. I'm interested in buying a new or used scan tool to use with my '90. I plan to use it for reading codes, trouble shooting, and deleting the error codes.

I don't expect myself to be using it to tune and burn calibrations.

This is out of my area of knowledge. Can you guys recommend something that would be appropriate? I see the GM Tech 1, but they command a premium and would be limited to use on this car. Is there something newer that I could use with the '90 and also on more current cars so it would be more useful to me? Would the AutoXray be appropriate? Can it delete the error codes?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I'm sure I am not the only one with this question.

Thanks,
Eric

[Schrade]

I read this thread and couple others. I'm interested in buying a new or used scan tool to use with my '90. I plan to use it for reading codes, trouble shooting, and deleting the error codes.

I don't expect myself to be using it to tune and burn calibrations.

This is out of my area of knowledge. Can you guys recommend something that would be appropriate? I see the GM Tech 1, but they command a premium and would be limited to use on this car. Is there something newer that I could use with the '90 and also on more current cars so it would be more useful to me? Would the AutoXray be appropriate? Can it delete the error codes?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I'm sure I am not the only one with this question.

Thanks,
Eric

If all you want is reading and clearing codes, and troubleshooting (done with FSM and a multimeter, after pulling codes), then get a paper clip...

[emmvette]

If all you want is reading and clearing codes, and troubleshooting (done with FSM and a multimeter, after pulling codes), then get a paper clip...

I can and have used the paperclip. I thought the scan tools (Tech 1 and ???) offered a little more trouble shooting capability via two way communication. Is this incorrect?

[Schrade]

Don't know for sure Eric, if you CAN do any more with a Tech1, than you can do with paper clip, FSM, and multimeter; someone else might offer up more info...

If Tech1 DOES give you errant voltage on some particular circuit, surely it won't tell WHERE on 'X' circuit that the problem is.