OBD1 READERS... (Page 1/3)
eti engineer OCT 20, 09:10 AM
Are OBD1 readers even available anymore? Is it worth trying to get one at all? My understanding is that they don't really give a lot of info. I use my OBD2 reader a lot, especially on my Dodge Dakota, which pops codes all the time. Last time it was P0301 (transmission issues, which actually turned out to be a defective ECM, which has been replaced) and yesterday the new ECM popped P0141 and 0161 codes (02 sensors). Just curious...
RWDPLZ OCT 20, 09:45 AM
Some higher-end scanners have adapters that can read OBD1/OBD0 cars. For the Fiero, my personal favorite is the Snap-On MT2500, since it can read live data from different sensors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d9nu6F2yK4
Raydar OCT 20, 10:38 AM
I have an AutoXray 6000. It'll do OBD1 and OBD2.
They are no longer manufactured or supported, but they frequently appear on ebay.
They were ~$700, new.

Actron used to make scan tools, too. But I'm not seeing anything useful on ebay.

Make sure that you actually buy a scan tool, which will give you sensor data, etc., and not just a code reader. (We can read codes with a paperclip.)

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-20-2021).]

Warlordsix OCT 20, 11:08 AM
I use the app ALDLDroid. Works perfectly. $20. Gives real-time monitoring (you can display it as emulated analog gauges, digital gauges, or straight up numerical readouts) and codes. I loaded it into a cheap 7" android I mounted atop my dash with a windshield suction cup mount.

It works GREAT and looks great.

I just pair it to a bluetooth adapter (from 1320 Electronics) connected to the ALDL jack on the ECM.

I use it every day on every drive in real-time. I can monitor any and all engine parameters in the ECM while driving. The ones I typically show, however, are tach, coolant temp, intake manifold temp, spark advance, O2 sensor voltage, integrator, closed loop status and block learn mode status. I also sometimes monitor MAP, TPS voltage, injector pulse width and a few other things. When I want to check in on those I just swipe once on my Android monitor, take a peek, and then swipe back. Simple.

BTW the customer service from developer of ALDLDroid couldn't be better...he is extremely responsive to questions, often within minutes. Same with the developer of the bluetooth adapter.

Ernie

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'87 Fiero 4.9 5-speed

Dennis LaGrua OCT 20, 11:18 AM
We have an Actron CP-9110 OBD1 scanner with the GM module that provides very detailed scanning/code reading and recording for just about any GM vehicle to 1995. Its an older scanner and most dedicated OBD 1 scanners are no longer made but you can occasionally find them used on eBay. If you decide to buy used then should it require one, make sure that it has the GM plug in module. The Bosch OBD1300 can scan OBD1 and OBD2 ECM's/PCM's. There is also a forum member that sells a cable and CD on eBay that will enable scanning with your laptop.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 10-20-2021).]

theogre OCT 20, 11:23 AM
"Code Readers" are dumb and just jump whatever pins to see error codes. May have LED/Light to show the codes w/ some car brands but that data is flashing CEL on the dash in GM and some other cars.

They made a lot of Scanner to read the data streams but most or all big companies stop that Decades ago.
Like "cheap" AutoXray GM Only units scans every GM OBD1 ECM or nearly all of them costing ~ $200 in the 80's to 90's.
Reddevil and others still make OBD1 scanners but can't use on all GM ECM or other car brands. Most can scan ECM that use ALDL E but not later ECM using ALDL M for data out. Reddevil has a BIN file to see 87+ Duke DIS but not others. Many others can't even connect to ALDL M.

Scanner Can help some times and useless for other problems. And I have a scanner and very rarely use it even on 87+ l4 w/ DIS.
Easy way to check speedo and tach in the dash are accurate. Sometime temp gauge too but 2 senders/sensors are often in different spots and can't match numbers even when gauge works 100%.
Can expose many myths too like just when ECM goes into Close Loop. (Hint: often is not as posted here and everywhere or in many books even from GM et al.)

Didn't help 87 duke when had 45 rich mix code cause by bad MAT even tho shows BLM INT pegged to trip the code. Never set a code for iffy MAT because that isn't totally dead. Even after replacing MAT the data look near identical on the scan tool so you can't tell much if anything is different.
Only reason to suspect iffy MAT or wires to it when you know how they work and manifold temp gets high at idle. (Covered in my Cave, DIS Ignition)
Sim to iffy ECT saying coolant is well below freezing and weather isn't and been so for days or longer. Or says coolant is hot yet car hasn't run today to get hot. (And why when have to install new plug for new ECT sensor needs soldering the wires or except this problem later.)

See my Cave, Scan Tool Help & More on Tools etc.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

eti engineer OCT 20, 06:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:

Some higher-end scanners have adapters that can read OBD1/OBD0 cars. For the Fiero, my personal favorite is the Snap-On MT2500, since it can read live data from different sensors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d9nu6F2yK4



I can see why this would be a favorite. Very cool!!!
eti engineer OCT 20, 06:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:

Some higher-end scanners have adapters that can read OBD1/OBD0 cars. For the Fiero, my personal favorite is the Snap-On MT2500, since it can read live data from different sensors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d9nu6F2yK4



I can see why this would be a favorite. Very cool!!!
Raydar OCT 21, 09:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:

Some higher-end scanners have adapters that can read OBD1/OBD0 cars. For the Fiero, my personal favorite is the Snap-On MT2500, since it can read live data from different sensors.



I don't know about OBD0, but my AutoXray 6000 will read "real time" (as much as possible) sensor data from OBD1/Fiero ECMs.
theogre OCT 22, 09:25 AM
Note that my example that Scanners can be useless and even "lie" that X is "bad" still happens w/ new cars...
Just 1 example: Please Do NOT Buy a Car with This Engine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c92jNqAKiM from Scotty Kilmer

You can't trust a scanner saying X is "bad" because that is often just a side effect of the real problem(s) w/ an engine or now transmission too.

4 times in 20+ years my l4 DIS had "ignition problems" was actually EGR valve bad twice. First was old OE valve worn out, 2nd new valve spring broke in it a few months later. 1 time was crap Accel coils. 1 time was bad plug wire.
And OBD1 Scanner is useless for all off them.

OBD2 scanner told a Kia had missing cylinder problem. P-code may help to narrow down but that can be ignition, injection and more. If you think Fiero V6 Front spark plugs are bad to get at... Kia V6 in some models have to pull the Intake to pull a plug or a plug/injector wire to 1 head.
Got lucky removing engine trim that stop holding crap and heat on ignition and injection parts and PCM never trip the DTC again.
I hate "dress up" trim for the engine itself that often cause problems like this. Plus Often that makes it hard just to add/change engine oil.