Error Code Reader

[Mike43]

I've got a 91 Skylark, that is spewing very rich exhaust and runs rough. So, instead of taking it to a shop and paying up to $200 or more to get it fixed, I was wondering if those code readers would be any help.

The dash board light "service engine soon" is on.

Wal-Mart has a $29.99 GM code reader, with a book (to figure out what the codes mean, I suppose.)

Has anyone used one of these things, and if so, are they reliable?

Just don't want to blow 30 clams if they don't help much.

Thanks

Mike

[Hypsi87]

Howes it going. with your car, you do not need any kind of scan tool to get trouble codes. I could explan how to do it but I got class in about 3min. Soooo here is a link that will tell you how to retrieve the codes and what they mean

http://autorepair.about.com/library/...bl-dtcs-92.htm

I hope it helps

Andy

[Mike43]

Andy-

It spit out code 26 and 27. Sounds like I need a new computer???

Mike

[Shrocat]

Originally Posted by Mike43

Andy-

It spit out code 26 and 27. Sounds like I need a new computer???

Mike

My suggestion, for what it is worth, is to check some connections, particularly your ground connections. It will be a little time consuming, but it is cheaper than throwing a new computer on the car when you aren't sure what is going on.

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by Shrocat

My suggestion, for what it is worth, is to check some connections, particularly your ground connections. It will be a little time consuming, but it is cheaper than throwing a new computer on the car when you aren't sure what is going on.

Yea it would be a good idea to check the ground circuits but, Usually if it is a grounding problem, it it intermintent and speratic. That and if there is a grounding problem that bad then it would set alot more codes than just two of them. I would say that yes you need a new computer

[-Josh-]

Do these scan tools kind of work like the Tech 1 and Tech 2 systems, or are they completely different, the only ones i've ever used are the Tech1,2's and Mastertech. Is it easier to use?

[Ragtop_Renegade]

Originally Posted by [url="http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=36460"

Z28Josh[/url]] Do these scan tools kind of work like the Tech 1 and Tech 2 systems, or are they completely different, the only ones i've ever used are the Tech1,2's and Mastertech. Is it easier to use?

If you mean the $30 code reader he mentioned, it's just a plug that jumps terminals A and B, so basically it's nothing more then a very expensive paper clip with a code book.

It's strange to hear of a bad ECM but I suppose it does happen. My Dad blew one in his Century once but that's because he was jump starting 6 volt tractors with it... ouch!

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by Ragtop_Renegade

If you mean the $30 code reader he mentioned, it's just a plug that jumps terminals A and B, so basically it's nothing more then a very expensive paper clip with a code book.

It's strange to hear of a bad ECM but I suppose it does happen. My Dad blew one in his Century once but that's because he was jump starting 6 volt tractors with it... ouch!

I have gone through 3 ECM's and I know plenty of people that have gone through alot more than I have so I don't think it is that uncommon

[michelq]

Originally Posted by Mike43

I've got a 91 Skylark, that is spewing very rich exhaust and runs rough. So, instead of taking it to a shop and paying up to $200 or more to get it fixed, I was wondering if those code readers would be any help.

The dash board light "service engine soon" is on.

Wal-Mart has a $29.99 GM code reader, with a book (to figure out what the codes mean, I suppose.)

Has anyone used one of these things, and if so, are they reliable?

Just don't want to blow 30 clams if they don't help much.

Thanks

Mike

If you buy this code reader, you might as well give your money to charity, and then go to autozone and get them to read your codes. What autozone has, and what walmart has is the same thing.

Suppose you have a code 34? What do you do? Buy another sensor? And if that is not the problem what do you do, spend another $40 on another sensor? What did you estabilsh here? You are here on this website to save money correct..., you need to look around and find yourself a reliable technitian so you wont blow your money away buying equipment, sensors etc... For around $65 you can go to a Tech. and they will tell you what is wrong with your car and how much it will cost to fix it. If you dont want them to fix it, atleast you know the problem and you can fix it yourself.

Come on people give me a break!

[michelq]

Originally Posted by Hypsi87

I have gone through 3 ECM's and I know plenty of people that have gone through alot more than I have so I don't think it is that uncommon

I really dont understand why you went thru the ECM's. I dont know how long you have had the vehicle, but usually if you test the vehicle properally before changing or replacing the ECM the ECM should last atleast 4-5 yrs if it is an AC Delco part for your 87'. Would you please explain why you went thru 3 ECM's, i really would like to know.

Thanks,
Michel

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by michelq

I really dont understand why you went thru the ECM's. I dont know how long you have had the vehicle, but usually if you test the vehicle properally before changing or replacing the ECM the ECM should last atleast 4-5 yrs if it is an AC Delco part for your 87'. Would you please explain why you went thru 3 ECM's, i really would like to know.

Thanks,
Michel

Im not really sure why I have gone through 3 of them. All I know is that My car did not want to start and when it did you really had to baby it to keep it alive. After testing everything elese, I noticed my scan master was not getting a signal from the ALDL connector. Well after doing a continuity test on the ALDL wires, I thought I killed my E-prom. So I pluged in my stock E-prom in and it still ran like crap. Then I borrowed my uncles ECM out of his TTA (same part numbers) and it ran like a dream. I played this game through 3 ECM's. I am now on my fourth one and I have had it for about a year now. It seems to be holding up quite nice.