autozone

i just went to autozone to see why my service engine light was on and they said they could only hook up to the 96s and higher. why is that???

Sounds like they don't know what they are doing.

What year is your vehicle? The Thunderbird started using OBD II in 1994 but the system wasn't fully compliant until 1996. That Autozone may not have the proper equipment to read the codes. Many vehicles of different makes have this issue in the mid '90s as the switchover from OBD I to OBD II took place.

i have a 95 thunderbird

i have a 95 thunderbird

Yeah, you're in the "crossover years" and Autozone may not have the proper connections to read your codes. My '95 Buick Roadmaster is the same way. They are considered OBD 1 1/2 as mine looks like an OBD I connector but everything else is OBD II. The Autozones in my area cannot read the codes either. If you look online at code readers you will see many offer a special connector to read the codes on these changeover years vehicles where the connector is different .Here is one for your '95 : http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153

thank you very much

Try this... go on the Net to, ScanGaugeII . At their site check wheather or not their gauge will work on you year and model. Ya, can't miss everyone is talking about this, on the net. Plus you can turn off engine warning light among a whole bucket of things. Check questions and answeres part on their site. I got mine thru the JC Whitney to save shipping charge.

Yeah, you're in the "crossover years" and Autozone may not have the proper connections to read your codes. My '95 Buick Roadmaster is the same way. They are considered OBD 1 1/2 as mine looks like an OBD I connector but everything else is OBD II. The Autozones in my area cannot read the codes either. If you look online at code readers you will see many offer a special connector to read the codes on these changeover years vehicles where the connector is different .Here is one for your '95 : http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 It is possible to jump the diagnostic terminal and read flashing check engine light on these too. But the scanner is much easier.