I would like to get a scanner that shows for instance; "CODE 51: prom error", or the like. Something that I can simply READ. What can I buy? AutoXray maybe?

I work at a Chevy dealer (sales) and I don't want to "use" my techs every time the SES light flashes. There's got to be something out there I can buy that's not gonna cost me my left nut and show me (in text and #s) my codes!!

...and guys, maybe it's just me, but I'm not one to use a paper clip.

I'm not currently getting codes as my car only has 34,500 miles. I just want to be prepared in the future. Thanks for any advice!


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Proud newly acquired '91 Formula WS6 305 TPI 700R4, T-Tops, 34.5K documented miles, fresh Flowmaster catback w/chrome tips, Factory black on black all stock - no current engine mods (runs so good I might keep it that way!). Rims are '91 T/A black Diamond Spoke 16x8s. 20% tint & Black Widow Alarm system. future plans: fresh paint job, new 255ZRs all around.

[This message has been edited by nFORM91 (edited April 11, 2001).]

 

Use a paperclip and a haynes autobook. Total cost about 12 bucks.

 

Auto Xray (make & model speciic) and EZLink (OBDII as well as make & model specific) plug into the ALDL much like a Tech1 or Tech2.

They will give you code number and short text as you ask (unlike flashing codes on the SES light with paper clip), but they will also allow you to take "snapshot" scans of data, monitor real time data, and do data capture of approximately 14 secs of data prior to triggering and 14 second after the trigger. This helps you in seeing what changed from before to after an event occurred. The data that is obtained is dependent upon the vehicle year and the ecm, but on my 92 for example, I can read 43 different parameters including things like timing advance, knock retard, coolant temps, rpm, mph, tcc lockup, TPS voltage, TPS angle, IAC position, inj pulse width, blk lrn, int value, O2 mv, MAP sensor volts...and more.

I had the AutoXray XP240, then upgraded it to the EZ Link since my wife has an OBDII T/A,as well as my 92 & truck project. I have scanned imports as well as Fords and other GM vehicles.

I also have the EZ Link adapter that allows you to export your data to a pc via a serial port. You can also use this to upload AutoXray upgrades when they occur.

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KevinP92Z
92 Z28 383 SLP cam,SLP headers,SLP 2ontheLeft,Trick Flow TW heads & pistons,Edelbrock base,Accel SuperRam,52mmTB,Scat Crank & forged ConnRods,MSD 6AL,SLP convertor,Baer 13/12" Track,Moser axles,Hotchkis,Genuine GM 3.42s,SLP HD Torsen,17x9" chrome SS rims
96T/A w/SLP Ram Air,SLP 2ontheLeft, Bilsteins, Baer, Hotchkis, Genuine GM, Torsen
76 4X4 Blazer 400TPI project

[This message has been edited by KevinP92Z (edited April 11, 2001).]

 

Hey Kevin,

Thanks for all the help! Now where can I find the Auto Xray? Pep Boys and Advance Auto Parts didn't have it. I'll see if NAPA has it next.

 

forget that, Autostupid (Autozone) will print you out a list of codes for free! AutoXray is a ripoff...

 

Paper clip and https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/faq/thirdgen.shtml , bottom of the page.

(Auto Xray is easier, though...)

 

Don't know why you are dissing Auto Xray. You can't get nearly the data from doing the ******* paper clip and counting the flashes that I can with Auto Xray. If you've never tried it, keep living in the dark ages and guessing.

 

You can get them at Advance Auto Parts, but you will have to order it from them as they only carry it as a PDQ item from the distributor. The PN is EZSCAN6000 and goes for about $699.00 plus tax. Comes with all the cables and is OBD I & II compliant as well as the new CAN technology format. Will do imports as well as domestic cars from 1982 to present. To read up on it go to WWW.autoxray.com

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!

 

you could just borrow a tech II scanner, i'm sure your dealership has a few laying around. They're not terribly hard to use, you dont need a techician. There's probably even a training course for it on cd laying around somewhere.

But you could probably figure out how to use one just by plugging it in, and messing around with it for a few minutes.

 

.

 

Trixter, I tried to order mine from Advance, and they said they couldn't get one. So, I ordered mine from Levine Auto Parts online and it came quickly. Don't know why the bungwipes at Advance couldn't get one.

 

Well Eats5.0's.

I'm sure that you have noticed that in a lot of these parts stores, the clerks working there don't know a spark plug from a fire hydrant. Not only that, but most of them don't even really care. The first three Advance stores I went into had clerks that didn't know what I was talking about and had no interest in helping me. The fourth store had clerks that knew what I was talking about and brought it right up on their computer, something the other stores could have done if they had cared to do so.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!