I was wondering if it is worth owning a scannin tool. It's not a cheap piece of equipment, but maybe in a long run it would pay off.

 

I think a scanner is one of the best investments you can make. I swear I learned 90% of what I know now about EFI from watching my ScanMaster.

And a scanner, at least for OBD-I isn't necessarily that expensive.
You need to decide if you want hardware:

-ScanMaster
-AutoXray
-Actron (not the cheapie short-the-pins $30 model)

or software and a cable (remember, your 95 needs a 16-pin OBD-II connector on an OBD-I cable):

-FreeScan (free download)
-TTS DataMaster (free download, 15-20 free runs befre $$$ for license)
-Diacom (badly outdated, overpriced dinosaur)

For into on some of the things you can look at, check out my ScanMaster writeup.

 

thanks for information, nice write up too, took some time to read it.. From what I understand, all scanner tools give the same information, which one of them is the cheapest?

 

Tanker, be careful, as you have a '95 which is OBDI, but has an OBDII connector. I know with Auto X-ray you can get get their scan tool with the special cable for the '95.

You'll have to check around to find the lowest price, but keep that cable in mind.

 

I've a 95, where do I get the cable or parts to make one from?

and where do I download the free software from???



(big grin) I wanna try fribbies before I settle down with one good product.


Marvin

 

since its pretty much the same topic. got a laptop, I been wanting to buy Autotap, what you all think of it? Its obd2 on my 97

 

I'm using http://www.obd-2.com It does the same thing as Autotap for half the cost.

 

You might want to try a "search".... I have posted a huge writeup on all the available scanners for OBD-I and OBD-II, including links to all the websites for the scanners, and to AKM Electronics for the cables.

 

Bottom line is, you just can't intelligently solve problems on a modern car without a scan tool.

 

Injuneer I went to look for the Actron scanner for my 95. I found one at Sears but in the package states for 96 and newer OBD-II models.

The PartsJockey was clueless as for the OBD-I Rap I was singin (of course I could not expect him to be an expert)

So I this point I dunno if Actron sells them for OBD-I cars. anyways the one they sell goes for over 150.00 I recall. Dang it was just yesterday I saw it and I dont remember the price....



I will look for your post about scanners... thanks.

Marvin

 

I have a 95 and I need a scantool since I dont have a laptop. I want one that actually works. Autozones wont work. I'm not sure what they use but its orange. How much $ am I looking at?

 

I have to say I'm kind of confused. I want to retrieve codes from my car. If it really is OBD1 with a newer connector, can't I just short the pins and get the codes by counting the engine light flashes? I did that with a thirdgen I had.

 

Though it is OBD-I, the last year you could flash codes in an f-body was 1993. You must use a scanner.

 

So I need an OBII scanner? Whats the cheapest one that will read codes? I'm on a budget.

 

Heres one
http://store.yahoo.com/rodi/eqobdiicodre.html
But it says 96 and up Anyone know if it will work?