hey i was just wondering if automotive shops have access to other diagnostic tools besides the obd1 handheld scanner to check out problems something more indepth like the obd2 code scanners or some kind of computers because i need to take my car to a shop and dont want to waste my money if they dont have anything special

thanks in advance for replies

 

I work at a shop and I have scanned my 86 iroc with a scantool called mastertech. I use the obd1 adaptor and the gm adaptor and I can get a lot of data off of it. What exactly are you looking for anyway? Also the ecms from the obd1 era of the 80's did not have a lot of trouble codes set up. Like on mine there is no trouble code for a cylinder missfire. But if you are looking at the data stream on the scantool then you should be able to see every sensor under the hood on the scan tool. But explain you question a little better, I mean the ecms from the obd1 in the 80's and early 90's were basic computers. If you need to look at trouble codes then it will be on the scantool, so will tps, maf, map, o2 sensors, cts, spark advance and retard, egr, a.i.r, injector pulse width, tcc. and what do you mean by if they don't have anything special? and scantools arn't obd1 or obd2 usually they are both you just need the adaptors for whatever you are scanning.

 

i was wondering if a shop with professional tools would be able to use some kind of diagnostic computer to find out why i am getting a weak spark because i have replaced everything and have had no luck new battery whole new distributor wires platinum plugs 1 new coil 2 used ones

thanks for the reply

 

Yes if the shop has something called a lab scope. A scope is used to graph the electrical pulses of sensors like wheel speed sensors, vss ... I have graphed my injectors on the scope at my shop to see there wave pattern. Doing this I discovered I had a weak injector only at certain rpm ranges. You can also scope your spark plugs too, this enables you to see the spark plug wave pattern. My shop works on a lot of classics and muscle cars and this is the best tool to use to tune a car.

I would get rid of the planuim plugs first. Third gen camaros, firebirds and TA's don't like the platuim plugs. They will actually run better with the copper ones Which is nice because they are cheaper.

 

thanks for the help

 

I would have to disagree that 3rd gens don't like the platinum plugs. I had them for 2 years and just changed to to champion copper and saw no difference.