Hello,

This is the first day I have visited your forum. It's already been a great help. But now I have a specific question.

I have a 94 Z28, 6 spd with 100k. I notice that my service engine soon light comes on several minutes after start-up. The cooling fans engage when the light comes on. It still runs OK and is getting reasonable mileage. But I do want to find the cause as my state emissions test is due, and this will make it fail.

My manual, and several posts I have read state that only 93 (and older?) models can check the codes by shorting the A & B pins on the 12 pin connector. But I've checked with the local parts stores, and they only have the cheap tester that shorts the pins to read on the dash.

Can I jump these pins on my 12 pin 94? If not, what type of scanners are availible for a 12 pin 94? Any idea of my problem from the symptoms? Thanks in advance.

 

You can not short the pins in a '94. You will need either an OBDI code reader or scan tool. For a handheld, check Autoxray or Actron. If you have a laptop, there are other options.

 

Be careful of what you buy when you buy a scanner. If it looks cheap, it probably is. I bought a 30 dollar one at Advance and it just shorted the pins like you said. Really you'd be better overall to buy a cable (AKM cable or something like it) and download a program so you can tune it later on if you want and you'll get a lot more than just the trouble codes when you scan it.

 

Yes like he said, thats what I did with my '94. Now I can read my codes and everything else the is going on with my car.

 

I like the Scanmaster, it may cost over $200.00 but it is well worth the $$ It will retreive codes and can help you trouble shoot problems with live data readings.

 

I use freescan along with an AKM cable, although I made my own from their schematics. It can pull, and clear the codes. It can also read out some of the sensors like the MAP, air temp, and O2 readings (I think, haven't used it for a while). Best part, it's free. And I made my own cable so no charge there. Totally free scan tool, and sensor reader. Although it has it's limits.

 

I have used Freescan with an AKM cable on my 94 and it worked fine. I have an Actron 9150 scanner now and it works fine too. If you decide you want to buy a scanner this place has good prices and free shipping. http://tradervar.com/