Hello,
I was just wondering what is the best OBD scanner to buy for my 1988 Firebird Formula? and if they work good or not?

Thanks

 

The best code scanner you can buy is a paperclip (it is almost free). IF your 88 is like my 86 and I am 99% sure that it is. As you face the dual row diagnostic port install the paperclip between the two upper right corner terminals (known as terminals A & B). Turn key forward to ON position (Do not start car with terminals A&B shorted together with the paperclip). Read the flashes of the check engine light. If there are no problems it will flash 3 code 12's in a row, then it will keep repeating the code 12's as long as A&B are shorted together. Code 12 will be one flash, pause then 2 more flashes. If a trouble code is stored (for example code 21, O2 circuit problem) it will flash 3 code 12's in a row then flash 3 code 21's in a row then go back to 12's again and this sequence will continue to cycle. I have witnessed some VERY EXPENSIVE code readers fail on these cars but my paperclip works like a charm. My brothers 90 T.A. is a fine example...I made him a believer! There is a use for those very expensive code readers on these newer cars but not on these old F bodies. It is more difficult to describe to you how to do this than it is to read to codes...don't forget to remove the paperclip when done.

 

a laptop, software, and a cable. sure, a paper clip is great for reading the trouble codes. but it does nothing to tell you WHY ,WHERE or HOW its going all wrong. OBD1s are notourious for being ,like um, hey. theres something going on. but hellifwe know what. da%$ flint stone tech.