I have access to a OBDII scanner. However, my car, according to the little sticker under the hood says the car is OBD I certified. According to the Haynes repair manual, they say "1994/1995 and up" are OBDII (I dont know why they word it like that ). The Haynes manual also says that I should have OBDII Diagnostic Port but OBDI software... Needless to say Im confused. Will a normal OBDII scanner work for my '95 Z?

I went to autozone to get my car scanned and they said I needed a check engine light on. The thing is my check engine light only goes on after 30 minutes of highway cruising speeds (im told is an EGR thing). I thought that a scanner can still throw codes even if there is no check engine light?

Thanks for helping a newb out!

 

What you have is an OBDI PCM, with an OBDII-style connector. This combination is unique to the '95s (and cars like mine that have been converted to OBDI).

I've read that Autozone can't scan these particular cars - but I have no practical knowledge of that.

No question about it... an OBDII scanner won't work.

The PCM will store codes - whether or not Autozone can retrieve stored codes - I don't know. A GM dealer certainly can, and they may be your only quick option since you've got a '95.

 

You should invest in a scan tool or code reader for your car, to keep from having to take it somewhere. The '95 has that stupid OBDII connector with OBDI controls. Here is a site that has new and refurb scan tools. The refurb look like good deals. Be sure to get the right one for your car. www.autocheckup.net/Refurb.htm

 

Another way is to buy a programming cable. With the cable you can run Tuner Cats and Datamaster. In fact Datamaster has so much confidence in their product they let you use it free for 20 collections.

So for ~$75 you will have ability to collect data determine the problem and either correct or have someone correct the tune and load a new tune. Best deal in town a scanner is a dead end street IMO.

 

If you have a laptop, then going with an aftermarket cable and software makes sense. If you don't, then the scan tool will be the cheaper way to go. Programming is a different ballgame.

 

To collect data while driving I agree. But most have a PC, and a cable can be used to 'collect' fault codes in garage, and as I said is not limited to just reading codes. Their are many free software packages that only require the user to have a cable.

Also, the investment in a cable is usually less than a hand held and allows upward growth. A handheld does not have a growth path. The cable would allow him to buy a custom tune from Brian say, and load it.

It seems most people grow from a hand held, but some I suppose never want more.

I suggest like any acquisition, ALL options need to be consider and as always cost, schedule, and performance need to be evaluated.

Good luck

PS I am putting a board together that will talk to ECM without cable and link directly to a PC. Cost is amazingly low, I am doing it for myself since data collection through only ECM is disappointingly lacking. ie Data is limited by the packet information being provided at 8192 baud.

 

The laptop idea sounds interesting. So all you need is the software and the cable? How much will those run me?

 

Do more research. For a cable I recommend AKM cables http://www.akmcables.com/

Software can be Datamaster (they allow I think 20 runs for free). There are also many free software programs to collect, load and analyze your ECM's operation.

I STRONGLY recommend you learn more FIRST. It is a good path BUT expensive if you never reload code or do more than read fault codes. There is NOTHING wrong with only doing fault codes. BUT most of us look at it as a toy and we play therefore it is better to go in a direction that allows us to pursue additional toys IMO.

There is plenty of infomation on here and other sites. You can read for DAYS if you do an on line search. I would read all I could then ask some more questions so you have an idea where you might want to go. It is never cheaper to buy things twice or to upgrade.

Good luck

 

I only want to pull my trouble codes. I am not interested (well at least not now) about doing any tuning.

I talked to my Uncle who is an automotive electrical engineer. He told me that a cable can be pieced together with some parts from Radioshack for under 20 bucks. The software looks too me like it is free for limited periods of time. I do have a laptop available.

 

Cable is very cheap to make. Requires translating from RS232 to TTL (most use a max chip) and a DB9 and an ODII connector.

As I said there is tons of information available. I had one made because I use mine on multiple cars and wanted something that was robust. I think they even sell a kit for maybe $30 all that is required is some soldering.

Good luck