Cobalt Code Scan

I am trying to scan my Cobalt with an Actron Code reader, but can't get it to link up. I've tried all the key positions, and have tried with the car running. I keep getting "Unable to Link". Any Suggestions?

I am trying to scan my Cobalt with an Actron Code reader, but can't get it to link up. I've tried all the key positions, and have tried with the car running. I keep getting "Unable to Link". Any Suggestions?

Cobalts (mid 2005+?), all GM cars for that matter, require a code scanner that is CAN compliant. CAN = Controller Area Network. A plane old OBDII scanner wont work. It's got to be OBDII with CAN.

Joel

Those rotten scoundrels! You would think the scanner would work on all cars. Oh well. Thanks for the answer. I guess I'll just bring it over to Autozone and have them scan it for me. My wife lost the gas cap and drove the car for a few days until I bought a new one. I assume the code popped up while driving without the cap. Shouldn't it go out on it's own after a certain number of drive cycles?

No doubt the code will be an EVAP system code from driving w/out the gas cap. It will go out after a certain amount of driving cycles. It could take a week or two. You could try AZ for a code read, but I doubt the staff will even know if their scanner is CAN compliant or not.

Joel

Threads merged from other forums. Please post only one thread regarding a specific question or problem.

Yes, it did finally go away after a few weeks. It makes me sort of mad that my scanner is useless on this car though. It has saved me some $$ on troubleshooting troubles on my son's car, I thought it would work on the Cobalt also. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for the replies.

Thnx for the update. It is a bummer your scanner wont work. Good news is, you can get an OBDII with CAN scanner for under $50 if you wanted to. Waaaay cheaper than a dealer diag fee!

Joel