DFI and ECM Discuss all aspects of DFI (Digital Fuel Injection), ECMs (Electronic Control Module), scanners, and diagnostic equipment. Fine tune your Third Gen computer system for top performance.

Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-17-2017, 11:33 AM
  #1  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
Tootie Pang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,972
Received 124 Likes on 91 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

I'm a believer in OBD-II scanners but haven't dealt with an OBD-I system before. I can read the diagnostics light codes.

Is there additional capability to be had with having a scan tool on my 89 IROC?
Old 03-18-2017, 07:57 AM
  #2  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
RBob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chasing Electrons
Posts: 18,401
Likes: 0
Received 215 Likes on 201 Posts
Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Blinking codes just shows you any stored malfunction errors.

A scan tool not only shows that but also shows what values the sensors are providing to the ECM.

RBob.
Old 03-19-2017, 09:53 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
Tootie Pang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,972
Received 124 Likes on 91 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Thanks. Do you have one in particular you recommend?
Old 03-19-2017, 12:24 PM
  #4  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,403
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Snap on mt2500 are nice but you can get older otc 2000 & 4000 models on eBay for a good deal.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/OTC-Diagnostic...%257Ciid%253A4
Old 03-20-2017, 03:17 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
Tootie Pang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,972
Received 124 Likes on 91 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Thank you. I followed up, checked out a few and the kit you linked me to turned out to be a good deal so I bought that one. The 2000 looked to limited with the smaller display.
Old 07-20-2017, 06:22 PM
  #6  
Junior Member

 
2mnytys's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Riverside Calif.
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Hi Tp
Have you had a chance to use the scanner yet?
I am looking at getting one just for reading the codes to see if the sensors are working correctly. I have no need to tune for better performance.
Just want to have a good driving stock car.
Bob
Old 07-20-2017, 06:41 PM
  #7  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,403
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

I have a otc 4000 works great but tunerpro rt is much easier to read and can datalog.
There is a special adapter for older gm tpi cars .
Old 07-20-2017, 07:11 PM
  #8  
Junior Member

 
2mnytys's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Riverside Calif.
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Thanks Tuned P.
About using tunerpro. I not sure if I can figure out the steps to make it work. I do by best on repairs but sometimes computer work (well I am a senior citizen) drives me a little nuts.
Do you have any preference in cables for our cars. 1990 GTA 305. I am willing but most likely will need guidance from the group.
So any help will be appreciated.
Bob
Old 07-20-2017, 07:19 PM
  #9  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,403
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

You might like this scanner
http://m.ebay.com/itm/OTC-MONITOR-40...%257Ciid%253A1
Old 07-20-2017, 07:48 PM
  #10  
Junior Member

 
2mnytys's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Riverside Calif.
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Re: Is there any advantage to a OBD-I scanner vs reading lights?

Thanks again

Ordered. I will update this thread when i get it and use it the first time.
Bob




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:37 AM.