mtx28

this may be a frequently asked question, but i dont read in the tpi board much.. which scan tool do most of you use? is there a fair amount of them to choose from, or only a few? thanks

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• 83 Z28--ttops, 200k miles--very ragged out. sold after a year of owning it
• 74 Z28--slightly modded 383, TH400 tranny, 10 bolt rear, not to swift, but a 700R4 and EFI is on the way

Aaron's 87

You can read codes witha a paper clip.

8Mike9

MTX, just to read the codes via the flashing SE light, a paperclip will work just fine, to decipher and see what the ECM inputs are, a scantool is what you'll want (they'll also read codes).

There's several affordable scantools on the market, some even free via internet that allows you to use a laptop, there's also lots of used scantools that are outdated for shop/professional use, than can be purchased on many of the online auction sites for a reasonable cost.

SnapOn, OTC, Tech1, Tech1A, Diacom, AutoXray are some names to search for. remeber, even a 10year old scantool (as long as it's in working order) will be just fine with our cars.

Vader

MTX,

This is my favorite code scan tool for OBD I systems:


First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a paper clip to TGO members).

With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash, just to the right of the steering wheel in the driver's foot well area. There should be a small rectangular cover over the access hole in the lower dash trim.



Insert a tool as described above (paper clip) into the 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL connector:



WITHOUT STARTING the engine, turn the ignition to the "RUN" position. Watch the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and it will begin to flash. This is also commonly called the "Service Engine Soon" or "SES" lamp. The first code will flash three times, and will usually be a code '12'. This is encoded by one flash of the lamp, a brief pause, then two successive flashes of the lamp. Each code will repeat three times, so you should see a "Code 12" flash three times. Any other error codes will follow in numerical order, and each code should flash three times. After all codes have been displayed three times, the "Code 12" will again flash three times, then all other codes will follow as described earlier. This cycle will continue until the jumper is removed or the ignition is turned off.

After you have made a note of all error codes, turn off the ignition and remove the jumper immediately. If you forget to remove the jumper and attempt to start the engine with it in place, you could damage the ECM. For this reason you should remove it immediately.

Once you have a note of all error codes, check this file for the decoding:

GM Error Codes.pdf.

You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open/print the file.

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Later,
Vader
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"No matter how hard you try you can't stop us now..."

Guest

This is what I will be using from now on, now that I found it. I used to have 3 of these, and they disappeared over the years... yesterday I found one, its pretty convienent to use. I dont know if you can still get them or not, but a paper clip bent in a similar fashion is what I had been using since I misplaced my key.

mtx28

thanks for the replies guys... they are greatly appreciated