scan tool/code reader for 87-92 gm vehicles??

[112233]

im looking for a scan tool/code reader for 87-92 gm cars,something that i could use both cars,my brother has -88 caprice and i got -92 firebird. just something that would be quite cheap and simple to use.

so far i found this from summit racing http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AXY-AX2500/

what those obdI or obdII letters means?

there is so many different scan tools with many different prices,which one i should get? i think if i buy the most cheapest one,it´s no good,but i can´t afford for something that cost´s like 300$-or more.

 

[Kestas]

You should be able to read codes yourself with no special equipment. Here's a link that should help you: http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/

 

[112233]

Originally Posted By: Kestas
You should be able to read codes yourself with no special equipment. Here's a link that should help you: http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/



i just tryed that,it keeps showing the same Diagnostic mode code (12) FLASH, pause, FLASH, FLASH
so i think there is no trouble codes for now.

 

[mechtech2]

Get a paperclip.

 

[mechanicx]

As was mentioned you can pull codes with just jumping the diagnostic connector so a scan tool is not mandatory. It'd still be nice to have because it will give you sensor values. You need one that reads GM OBD1 for most GM pre-96. Most scanners now seem to be either strictly OBDII or both OBDI and II, so they are more expensive. It's hard to find a OBDI only scanner.

 

[The_Jeff]

You can get a used OTC for not much money. Everyone that needs one probably already has one. I'd look on ebay, hopefully you'll find someone willing to ship to you though.

That link you show ONLY READS CODES, it doesn't get the live data which is useful for diagnostics, if a sensor is out of range but still feeding plausible info to the computer. You might as well do the "paperclip trick".

 

[112233]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Get a paperclip.



i had a small piece of wire,i think i try the paper clip next time. it was showing the same code like five times,i think that it normally shows the diagnostic code,(12) three times and then the "trouble" codes,but i think since there weren´t any,it kept flashing the diagnostic code over and over again.

i also noticed that the fan went on,but that is supposedly normal.

 

[112233]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
You can get a used OTC for not much money. Everyone that needs one probably already has one. I'd look on ebay, hopefully you'll find someone willing to ship to you though.

That link you show ONLY READS CODES, it doesn't get the live data which is useful for diagnostics, if a sensor is out of range but still feeding plausible info to the computer. You might as well do the "paperclip trick".



i can check the ebay,thanks for the tip. i think i stick with the "paper clip" trick for a while,it was nice to found out that i can check the codes with it, thanks to "Kestas"

 

[GMBoy]

My very first scan tool many years ago was an AutoXray XP240 and it was OBD1 only. I think you can get them on ebay for about $50 and the good thing is it also allow you to monitor sensors real time. Stay away from basic code readers only - most trouble code diagnostics require you to see the sensor's values anyway to determine the problem. Remember a trouble code does not always mean that part is bad - just that something is out of range for some reason.
Also check Ebay for the OTC Monitor 2000 or 4000. These were top notch scan tools in their day and can be had pretty cheap now. Just be sure they come with the right cables and cartridges.