Code Readers.....WTF

Okay, I have a '95 Jimmy SLS, V6 Vortec, "W", 4.3L with 238km. I went and bought a code reader from Canadian Tire for the Jimmy, the information I got from the store was that the Equus/Innova 3123 (1982-1995) was the one I needed. WRONG, doesn't fit. $45 gone. So I got on eBay and and ordered a UIF Tech C100 OBDII code reader for about $50, I just want a few codes for sensors, etc., not overhaul my engine afterall.....not going to blow $500. IT DOESN'T WORK EITHER......the reader counts to 5 and then flashes error.

AM I doing something wrong here??? Is there a trick that I am missing, or did I just get a crap code reader that isn't worth SH!T???

Any opinions? Solutions?

Thx.

95 was one of those funny years with the s series trucks.
i had a 95 jimmy 2 door that was obdI but had an obdII connector. I needed a reader that would read both obdI and II codes and had a cable for each. I wound up getting an Actron model that does pretty good. (i dont remember which one, but it came with cable to read a whole bunch of cars, both obdI and II

The 95 balazer should be an OBDI and you dont need a reader to get the codes, you can do it by jumpering the pins with a straightned paperclip.

For power train codes jumper the two upper right pins with a paper clip then turn the ignition switch to the run position without actualy starting the vehicle. Watch the Service Engine Soon light for trouble codes. It will start by flashing one long and two short flashes to indicate a "12" or start of file 3 times followed by any stored codes. At the end of any codes stored it will flash the 12 again to indicate end of file. For ABS codes use the same procedure but jumper the upper right to the second from left on the bottom. Code 14 seems to indicate the start and end of file on the ABS codes.

1995 was the year that S-series vehicles transitioned from OBDI to OBDII. Because of this, 1995s have 3 different style computer systems. The first system is located behind the dash and is interfaced using an OBD I assembly line data link connector. This system is completely OBD I and codes can be retrieved by jumping the pins. The second system is located behind the dash, and is interfaced with an OBD II style Diagnostic Link Connector. This system is OBD I, but requires a special scanner to retrieve the codes. The third is located on the passenger side fender, above the coolant reservoir, and uses an OBD II style connector. This system is OBD II, and codes can be retrieved with a generic OBD II scanner.

oh wow, that sucks. bet he got caught in the middle.

its one of those in between model years, as blazee explained. i had a '95 and had the same problem. i ended up buying a autoxray unit, EZ-Read 2000 to be more specific. there are others out there that will work too, but I choose the autoxray, because it was/is still upgradeable, so it can be used with newer models too. Worked like a charm, plus I could use it with my other vehicles as well, so it was a very good investment for me. Canadian Tire has nothing that will work, so don't waste your time.

if your truck has the VCM (computer) mounted on the passenger wheel well, over the coolant tank, there is a chance the generic OBDII scanner will work. I have seen where it didn't as the system was still not fully OBDII compliant. I think LT mentioned on here once, that there is a flash for these trucks from the dealer, with the third type of system (VCM (computer) mounted on the passenger wheel well), that in fact does make them fully OBDII compliant, and in turn, a little easier to use generic code readers, but I personally am not positive on this.

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. I'll see if I can get the $0.01 paper clip to work, lol. :banghead:

Thanks again.

DC

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. I'll see if I can get the $0.01 paper clip to work, lol. :banghead:

Thanks again.

DC

NO! DON'T STICK STUFF IN THERE!!!

Take your code reader back and get one for OBDII computers seeing that is what you have.

It works on my 1995. The first one you bought is for OBDI which is the older computer type.

NO! DON'T STICK STUFF IN THERE!!!

Take your code reader back and get one for OBDII computers seeing that is what you have.

It works on my 1995. The first one you bought is for OBDI which is the older computer type.

Blaz....I BOUGHT a OBDII code reader and it just counts to 5 and reads error.

So what am I doing wrong?

O.K., lets see if I can make this simpler. Your truck has a OBDII system installed, but was not 100% OBDII certified. You can verify this on the emission sticker under the hood, the one that says something like" This vehicle conforms to U.S. emission standards, but if built for use outside U.S., it may not confirm, blah blah blah. This last line will tell you if its either OBDI or OBDII certified. The truck has OBDII gear, but is not certifed for OBDII operation. Thats why a generic OBDII reader will not read the information. It plugs to the connector under the dash, but it won't read it. In this case, you need a manufacturer specific reader, which has the proper program to communicate with this type of system. Like I said earlier, LT did mention that dealerships will reflash the system for you, and make it possible for a generic reader to read this system, but of course they will charge you for them to flash it, if they even acknowledge they can flash it. So you kinda stuck in the middle with this.

I think it was rlith who mentioned that they can be reflashed.

You still haven't told us if your computer is in the dash or under the hood. The reflash only works for the ones under the hood.

I think it was rlith who mentioned that they can be reflashed.

You still haven't told us if your computer is in the dash or under the hood. The reflash only works for the ones under the hood.

I stand corrected...

Blaz....I BOUGHT a OBDII code reader and it just counts to 5 and reads error.

So what am I doing wrong?

1992-1995 reader is NOT OBDII. OBDII did not exist in 1992.

1992-1995 reader is NOT OBDII. OBDII did not exist in 1992.

He has a '95, not a '92.

He has a '95, not a '92.

Please read his first post.

Okay, I have a '95 Jimmy SLS, V6 Vortec, "W", 4.3L with 238km. .

First sentence.

Oh shoot, the one he was talking about he returned. My bad.

I use the OBDII scanner from Canadian tire. It is often on sale and works perfectly.

I think it was rlith who mentioned that they can be reflashed.

You still haven't told us if your computer is in the dash or under the hood. The reflash only works for the ones under the hood.

Blazee, the computer is under the hood.

then it should be OBDII compliant.

Plug in the scanner and turn the key to the on position before start.

the paper clip works fine if all you want is to read the codes .

the paper clip works fine if all you want is to read the codes .

No it doesn't. You stick a paper clip in a OBDII computer port, you are bound to blow your computer.

Are you going to replace his computer after you give him this advice and he renders his truck unstartable?