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| Old code scanner from car show (Page 1/2) |
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dizzie
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JUN 10, 01:06 PM
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I went to a pretty large car show over the weekend. The one model I was hoping to see was not represented this year, though! They'd had a couple nice ones last year as seen here and here.
However, I did pick up this old code reader for $5 from someone with a parts table. I've read they can be more trouble than they are worth, but maybe it will come in handy if I ever buy a Fiero lol!
If all goes to plan, I'll be looking at some soon. And even though I don't really know how to drive stick yet, they are both manuals. If one works out, hopefully it'll be fun for my daughter and I to learn (and not a disaster). We'll see...
Diz
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1985 Fiero GT
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JUN 10, 01:13 PM
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Those tools are a scam, they do nothing a paperclip can't do, they literally just short 2 pins together in the connector to put the ECM into diagnostic mode. What most people like to get is a scan tool, which has a screen that displays actual information that the ECM is reading, sensor data, etc. but this is nothing more then a fancy bent paperclip.
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 10, 01:58 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by dizzie:
I went to a pretty large car show over the weekend. The one model I was hoping to see was not represented this year, though! They'd had a couple nice ones last year as seen here and here.
However, I did pick up this old code reader for $5 from someone with a parts table. I've read they can be more trouble than they are worth, but maybe it will come in handy if I ever buy a Fiero lol!
If all goes to plan, I'll be looking at some soon. And even though I don't really know how to drive stick yet, they are both manuals. If one works out, hopefully it'll be fun for my daughter and I to learn (and not a disaster). We'll see...
Diz |
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I bought one of those back in the day. For $5 bucks, I say it's OK... but like 85 Fiero GT said... they don't really do much. It DOES add some additional features if you have a newer car with ABS in a pre-OBD2 car... I forget how it makes a difference, but there's a little switch on it which includes a resistor or something that's needed in order to get it to work (for ABS)... but a Fiero won't have one, so it doesn't really matter.
In the Fiero, there's actually a pen tool which is a little thing that clips onto a pen, and shorts the two leads together (or you can use a paperclip), and it does the same thing. But hey... it's harder to lose when it's that big, and fits nicely in the slot so you don't damage the leads.
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Jason88Notchie
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JUN 10, 02:16 PM
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I've had this since early 90s. All it does is plug into the ALDL port. No switches or anything. It works just like a paper clip. But cooler.
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUN 10, 03:36 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Jason88Notchie:
I've had this since early 90s. All it does is plug into the ALDL port. No switches or anything. It works just like a paper clip. But cooler.
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Ah ok... mine looks just like that, but has a little switch for pulling ABS codes. I'd take a picture but I have to head to the airport in a few minutes.
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richard in nc
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JUN 10, 05:28 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by 1985 Fiero GT:
Those tools are a scam, they do nothing a paperclip can't do, they literally just short 2 pins together in the connector to put the ECM into diagnostic mode. What most people like to get is a scan tool, which has a screen that displays actual information that the ECM is reading, sensor data, etc. but this is nothing more then a fancy bent paperclip. |
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not entirely true.they usually include a book dumbed down to tell you what the codes mean,and possible fixes.
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dizzie
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JUN 10, 06:49 PM
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Can't wait to use my $5 paperclip lol 😂. To be clear, this cheapie newer code reader I have won't help on a Fiero, right?
 [This message has been edited by dizzie (edited 06-11-2024).]
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Patrick
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JUN 10, 07:07 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by dizzie:
Too be clear, this cheapie newer code reader I have won't help on a Fiero, right?
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Right. That won't even plug into the Fiero's ALDL port.
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theogre
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JUN 10, 07:13 PM
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I see them often @ flea markets etc. Not worse buying even @ $5.
Can find other products often w/o the big plastic case. Example: is part of Lisle 14900 Terminal Tool for GM to release Weather Pack pins. Was sold thru Dorman & others w/ simple stamp metal "code reader" work w/ GM & some others.
"Just like a Paperclip" is true but causes many problems because many use heavy clips/wires that damage the plug then use a ECM Scanner & "doesn't work" as the plug sockets won't connect w/ correct pins.------------------
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
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Jason88Notchie
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JUN 10, 07:35 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by richard in nc:
not entirely true.they usually include a book dumbed down to tell you what the codes mean,and possible fixes. |
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Yep. It was a handy dandy tool to have back in the day. Here is a few pics of the book. You have to remember. This was a bit before internet.
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