Scan Tools?

[trbankii]

I had asked the question in a thread in the Tech forum: LINK (http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=28249)

But there was no response. There had been discussion of using laptop software from a few sources and also standalone units such as the Equus OBD I and II/CAN scanner or Actron 9150.

I don’t have a laptop and am a Mac user anyway, so I’d be looking for a standalone unit. What are the current suggestions so I can communicate with my ’94 if necessary?

[Dvldog8793]

That is an OBD I...? Not sure how much communicating you can do with OBD I.
I have used a couple different scan tools for OBDII. Laptop type and regular non of the regular were two way capable only the laptop scanner was two way.

[trbankii]

Yes, OBDI, so I guess “communicate” should have just been “read.”

At that level, I suppose that any of the basic readers will work? I ran into some comments that some don’t have the required capability for the diesels?

[Dvldog8793]

I think the basic OBDI that I have had for 10+ years does ALL of the OBDIs that I have ever plugged it into. I think it cost me $45 back then.
They might make a code reader plug for a smart phone....
I think any of the better OBDI readers will cover what you want.

[trbankii]

I think any of the better OBDI readers will cover what you want.

Any suggestions on “better” readers? This is my first foray into the OBD world.

[DmaxMaverick]

If all you need is to read OBD-I codes, a paper clip does as much as any plug-in device. The "readers" won't read anything the paper clip won't.

It's very different if you need bidirectional communication.

[trbankii]

Ok, as I said, I’m new to this computer stuff. The ’94 is my newest vehicle other than a ’97 motorcycle.

I think I was getting confused by the I/II code readers with the screens. Do the OBD-I readers just flash the check engine light the same as using a jumper? They don’t actually “read” a numerical code? Now that I’m looking at readers just for OBD-I, I think that is what I’m seeing?

[Dvldog8793]

Correct. OBDI readers are basically flash interpreters. So yes a paper clip and a book with the codes works pretty good.
DMAX made it sound like you can have a two way link with a OBDI...?

[DmaxMaverick]

......DMAX made it sound like you can have a two way link with a OBDI...?

Yes, you can. With a scanner (not reader), such as a Tech-I/II, you can send PID's to the PCM, similar to OBD-II. The difference is, you can't "write" to it, like an OBD-II calibration overwrite.

[trbankii]

Correct. OBDI readers are basically flash interpreters.

That makes it sound like they do more than the paperclip? Like that it shows you “12” instead of “flash - pause - flash - flash”?

[DmaxMaverick]

That makes it sound like they do more than the paperclip? Like that it shows you “12” instead of “flash - pause - flash - flash”?

The cheapest of the cheap readers will flash, like the SES lamp and a jumper (beware -- some of them are no more than a jumper in a fancy box). The lesser cheap readers will show the code number, but they are slower than the jumper method, and are often incorrect. The higher end readers are more accurate, and some have a code library that de-codes the codes for you. All relative to the $$ you spend on them.

[arveetek]

I've got a '95 model that I've owned for 10 years now, and I've never plugged a scanner or reader into it to get the codes. Paper clip works just fine.

The only time I needed a scanner was to reset the timing when I swapped pumps. I had a GM certified tech buddy bring home his Tech II from work to help me.

I think the only real scanner that works on our older OBDI GM's with any reliability is the genuine GM Tech I or Tech II.

Casey

[trbankii]

The lesser cheap readers will show the code number, but they are slower than the jumper method, and are often incorrect.

My thought was that a reader would be more accurate than the paper clip method, but I also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg...


I've got a '95 model that I've owned for 10 years now, and I've never plugged a scanner or reader into it to get the codes. Paper clip works just fine.

The only time I needed a scanner was to reset the timing when I swapped pumps. I had a GM certified tech buddy bring home his Tech II from work to help me.

I think the only real scanner that works on our older OBDI GM's with any reliability is the genuine GM Tech I or Tech II.

Casey

Really starting to sound like a paper clip is the way to go.

[DmaxMaverick]

My thought was that a reader would be more accurate than the paper clip method, but I also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg...

The jumper/pc method is as accurate as it gets. However, it's no more accurate than your attention span. Anything else just "interprets" the same process. More moving parts = more points of failure (hecho en chinas, btw). Spend as much or little as you want. It won't get you more function or more accuracy, really.


Really starting to sound like a paper clip is the way to go.

I have an OBD-I reader around here, somewhere (an older "gooder" one). If I can find it, I'll send it to you, and even pay the postage. IF I can find it. I always know where my paper clips are, and they always work.

If it sounds like we're trying to talk you out of buying a code reader, you're probably right. Use that money to buy your wife something nice, or something....

[trbankii]

Thanks for the offer, but it sounds like the paper clip will get me by.

That half century mark is looming on the horizon for me. Back in high school, college, and early jobs I was typically the “go-to” guy for the computer stuff - always dabbling with things. But I admit that a lot of it has been passing me by in recent years. I take a certain satisfaction in saying I don’t own a vehicle from this century… ;)