my oldsmobile achieva 1995 2.3L i was told has a OBD 1.5 system can a scanner that is both OBD 1 and 2 read it?

Yes, you need a scanner that is capable of scanning both systems... here is one for example...

Equus Innova 3120 CanOBD OBD1 and OBD2 Scan Kit

Now, I must admit I am not 100% positive on this, but I am not sure a scanner that will read OBD1 and OBD2 will automatically be able to read OBD1.5. Perhaps someone that has a scanner that will read 1.5 could chime in.

From what I understand, it has to specifically state it can read GM OBD 1.5 for it to work usually.

That'* my understanding as well.

So today I got the Innova 3120b that you're talking about here and hooked it up to my 95 Chev C20 no prob, read the code 35 I've known about for ever but when I went to use it on my 95 Buick L67 Vin 1 16 pin OBD2 */C3800 that I have in my 88 Fiero I get a "Unable to establish link" message. Which is a pain in the rear to say the least. I've got a no spark issue and after my shotgun diagnosis of first changing the crank sensor and then the cam sensor and now the coils and module I'm a bit miffed to say the least. The Innova website says perhaps a firmware upgrade is the trouble. Anyone else able to comment on that for me? I've got a bunch of Fiero'* and a couple other older GM vehicles to use this on but I primarily broke down and got it to figure out why my car suddenly up and didn't start.
Next item on the same issue, no spark. Anyone here have one of the old dealer installed factory alarm / door lock system and could that be the no spark culprit? The reason I ask is that this car has one in it.

Greg

Check your fuses. Most scanner wont work if it not getting power though dcl connector.

Since the engine is a transplant to a vehicle that is pre-OBD1 all the components required to support OBD2 may not be there. Also, the 95 might be OBD1.5, which has a 16 pin port.

You may need to resort to more basic diagnostic equipment like a timing light and/or spark tester.

@RJ, I'll check the fuses but I'm pretty sure the last time I ran through them they were all intact.

@ Transplant or not the 16 PIN aldl was wired into the harness from the original donor car with the rest of the set up so I would think it should work the same as it had come out of the Buick it was in. Now, from what I've been able to glean from these threads in the forum is that the 94/95 is a change year and sometimes not supported by the code readers on the market. What'* more, not sure a timing light or spark tester would do any good as that'* all secondary side of the coils. I already know I don't have spark on the secondary just by pulling a plug wire and checking there for spark while cranking. I'm gonna follow the diagnostic tree for testing the module and coils to be sure the new parts installed are fuctional and while I'm at it I suppose I'll check the crank and cam sensors as well. Just cause thy're new doesn't mean they work. This is what I get for not getting a manual first. The shotgun diagnostic method, when in doubt replace partswilly nilly, doesn't always work. Back to leg work I suppose.

Still, anyone able to comment on the Innova 3120b 2&1? Or on the dealer installed GM alarm system? If the alarm system has an ignition kill that could be my problem right there...

Greg
88 Fiero w/95 3800 SC

I did a quick search on the code scanner, and others had similar issues with the code scanner reading OBD 1.5, so I suspect it may not be compatible.

The security system will usually kill the fuel pump and starter, but not ignition.

I agree on checking fuses as well, and doublechecking the wiring.

If that doesn't work, it would be a good idea to start up a new thread in the appropriate section.