Where can I get a scantool that will read the codes on my 94..which has a 16 pin connector?

Autozone can't read my codes!

OR

Would it be cheaper to use my laptop..I have heard of this being done!

if so Where can I get a cable that will connect to my car and pc..or can i modify a cable I already have?

Also is there any software for FREE !

Thanks

I have the laptop scanner setup. You need more than just a cable though. There is a box inline from the car to the pc that translates all the data comming from the car. It'* about a $300 kit. My kit will read any OBD1 compliant GM car. It also gives a ton more than just codes. It also gives values to most of the controls the chip handels. It'* quite nice. I got it from www.obd2.com.

If your looking for a $20 way to read codes your probably not gonna find it. And for the auto store not being able to read them, they just need to know how to use that scanner better. There is most likely an interface type that they need to setup. Just plugging in the cable and hitting go will not work.

Gordy is right! there is no such thing as a "cheap" solution to your problem I'm afraid! You can either dish out a large sum of $$$ for software or dish out some $$$ & get the dealer to check it for you. :(

Any OBDII scantool will read it. Try another parts store.

Some will not unless they are a GM Scanner. Remember it'* a OBD II wiring harness on an OBD I ECU....... This is the oddball year & some scanners just can't read these cars. Who knows why not though......

I've seen many Actron OBDII GM scanners at parts stores, would these work for hybrid years even though they are OBDI?

I don't think they will. They will physically hook up just fine but the OBD1 years could be one of many types of interface'* for communication. OBD2 is what brought about a standard communications languge that OBD1 was lacking. Tha'* why most OBD2 scanners can't read OBD1 cars. The OBD2 connection in relation to the OBD1 ECM was just a step GM took in getting ready for the upgrade to OBD2 in all thier vechiles.

As Gordy has stated yet again, Most Auto Stores are about to dish out that kind of $$$ for the Real GM Scanner. BTW it'* worth about $7000 Cdn plus another $600 for memory plus even more $$$ every year for the updates! GM scanners are made by HP too BTW.

Thanks all for the information...I have tried several different part stores and they can't read my codes..I was reading on certain sites..like these listed that I could hook something up to my laptop and get codes with a serial cable


http://www.akmcables.com/aldl.htm

http://www.cruzers.com/~ludis/

http://www.techedge.com.au/vehicle/a.../160serial.htm

http://moates.net/gmecm/software.html

http://www.winaldl.webhop.net/

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/53758/

Thanks

I am not certain about this but I believe there are about 5 or 6 GM car & truck series in 94 & 95 that use an earlier version of OBD2 from the universal 96 on series. The majority of new scanners that can read both OBD 1 & 2 can read the 94/95 models but a different wiring connector is necessary.

AFAIK most of the universal scanners that can read GM codes come with one of these in their kits unless they are 96 & newer OBD2 only.