1996 Camaro 3.8L PCM will not communicate

[dsbummy]

I have a 1996 chevy camaro with a 3.8L V6. I was a Ford service tech for 10yrs. I am not very familiar with Chevy so I could use some help. I took my car in for emissions and they could not communicate with the PCM. I then hooked up a MAC scanner just to recheck. Still would not communicate. I checked all the fuses and made sure I had power at the OBDII connector. I do have power at the connector. I have some other electrical issues going on. The tach quit working recently and the dome lights won't turn off. I have heard the 1995 model had issues but that was the 3.4L. Any one have any ideas?

[Genopsyde]

i think your car has the OBD1 ecm with OBD2 connector.

[dsbummy]

I thought that was the case for 1995, not 1996. Is their any way to check. How do I get it to communicate and what do I tell the emissions station? Help!!!!!!!

[dsbummy]

No one has any ideas? Is it safe to assume this isn't a known problem? I'm thinking wiring problem at this point. Maybe the best bet is to overlay the wiring from the DLC to the PCM. Any more suggestions? Please HELP!

[Genopsyde]

from what i remember it's 95 and the first half of 96 that were the hybrid years. there is a way to scan. it's the same as obd 1 but you jump different pins, I just have to find out which ones they are.

[Helmuth48]

I have a 95 3.8 Firebird.....it has a OBII connector....So I configure my Auto X-Ray 2000 for a GM 1996 and use the Yellow cable...works perfect...been using it now for over 3 years .
It will not work ...if I tell it is, it is a 1995.
Cheers Mates.....:}

[wcrowe]

Might be too late, but just had the same issue. Someone had installed a Viper alarm. Had it tapped into the main wiring harness for the starter kill, windows...who knows. Anyway, had to totally uninstall and it will now communicate. If this is the case, know that they had to cut the security wire and install a resistor that has the same ohm resistance as your key. Once you repair this wire, should be orange, you'll have to reset the system by disconnecting the battery. At least that is what worked for me. Hope this helps someone now or in the future. It almost had me stranded out of town.