Scan Tools?

[trbankii]

I had asked the question in a thread in the Tech forum: LINK

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...?