I rented a Actron C9145 to read the Dionogistics for my 88' IROC. And it will not read anything not even the codes. The only thing it will do is the field service mode were it will flash the engine light on and off. Any scans I do it says "connection error" I thought the scanner may have been a issue so I plugged it into my 1991 Cavalier and it will read the codes if any and show all the dionogistics. The Cavalier uses the same port ALDL connection. I have disconnected the battery, pulled the ecm fuse, put the car in Neutral, started it up, ignition on only, etc. Nothing happens other than the error message. Any Suggestions anyone?

 

Also I can scan for codes doing the paper clip test a-b.

 

does your scanner have an adapter to the power outlet?? I noticed use an Actron (connected directly to the ob1 outlet) didn't work then i found out it needed a power supply to activate the flasher which is why a paper clip works one prong has power and u touch it to the other one the engine light flashes. luckily i had a power outlet and pluged it in and it work perfectly

 

Yea I pluged it into the cigerette lighter. As I said the scanner works fine I even was able to scan my 91' Chevy Cav. Which requires the same hookup.

 

I tried the jumper but did not get a flashing light. I am having similar trouble starting an 88 Trans AM 305 TPI. I don't get any spark and was trying to check codes, but they don't show. The Ignition fuse is fine, where is the ECM fuse you mentioned???

Skip

 

Its been awhile but I'm still having the same problem.

any ideas?

anyone?

anyone?

anyone?

Bueller?

anyone?

 

Come on guys!
nobody has any ideas of what this could be?

 

Alright since no one knows what my problem is or any ideas. How about reconmending someone or a site to visit.

 

Sounds like you may have bad ECM, can't think of any other reason for no comunication. Be sure to check your ECM power and grounds.

 

Hi,
I just quite my job at Actron. Most of their scanners provide limited ODBDI info. I have a CP9190 at home. I'll try to see if it works on my 87 Firebird. You would be better off downloading a free copy of datamaster, build or buy the cable, and using a laptop to check the ECM.
Lou

 

Acually I have Moates tuner pro and a laptop that I don't use much with all the bells and whistles, and even that won't read anything. As far as a bad ECM goes I would of thought that as long as I can drive the car, the ECM is fine plus the paperclip test works too!(no codes)...

 

AmericanMouse; by any chance did you figure out why the actron woudn't connect? (just bought one and having the exact same issue) Nitro-Nicky

 

did grounding terminals a-b give you code 12?

 

Yes, it does. I've also had plenty of bad sensors on this car over the past few years and it never showed an engine check light till this past month. Nitro

 

if it does flash code 12 that tells you that ecm,wiring to and from are good and ecm is capable of diagnstic mode,I would suspect scan tool you are using to be problem

 

Thank you for replying. Without an idea on that it was getting difficult to know where to start! Nitro

 

But what if it doesn't flash code 12? I have that problem, does that mean my ECM is bad?

 

i also have no luck with grounding a-b with a paper clip. check engine light stays lit.

its an 1984 z28, 5 speed

any suggestions or advice?