Years ago, just as I was getting into cars, I picked up one of those (then-popular) ELM-based scan tools. Found it again, and hooked it up with a copy of TouchScan Pro. However, it can't read the VIN, and can only read the O2 sensors, some monitors, and just these PID'*:

• 0x03 Fuel system status
• 0x04 Calculated load value
• 0x05 Engine coolant temperature
• 0x06 Short term fuel % trim, bank 1
• 0x07 Long term fuel % trim, bank 1
• 0x0C Engine RPM
• 0x0D Vehicle speed
• 0x0E Ignition timing advance, cylinder #1
• 0x0F Intake air temperature
• 0x10 MAF rate
• 0x11 Absolute throttle position

TouchScan is capable of tracking many more parameters. Do the 1997 PCM'* just not have a lot of PID'*, or is my hardware or software lacking? (The latter wouldn't surprise me.)

Software is lacking. Use ScanXl. It even reads VIN #'*.

This is what I use. Probably the same thing you have....
Scantool

The software that came on my CD is all trial-ware. Can't find it on the website to download...soooo, right click here to download... Scanxl

My hardware is an older version of that (ELM322). However, one of the screenshots on the page shows a program called OBDwiz, which is a rebranded version of TouchScan.

I'll keep trying different software, though.

Probably the software. HPT/DHP/AutoEnginuity/Actron will see many more. One thing to caution you on. Don't get excited when you see timing as a negative number. That'* a 96/97 feature...lol

Could be the software.

here'* the situation: all of those values listed? they're generic OBD2 PIDs that all OBD2 PCMs MUST report, other stuff, like knock retard, was NOT defined by the SAE when the OBD2 communication and diagnostic standards were set in stone.

GM'* "enchanced PIDs" are sometimes refered to as Mode 22, that'* where all of the fun stuff is located, problem is that unless you have some good reverse-engineering skills or are willing to pay GM quite a bit of cash and sign a NDA, you will have a VERY hard time figuring out what they are and how to access them.