I know a lot of the gearheads here have their own scan tools. I'm wondering what everyone else does to get their codes. I'm sure a lot can run to the parts store and hook up for nothing, but those of us in the pre-1996 range need that 12 pin connector.

Is there a $100 or less cheap-o scan tool that would work or do some of the parts stores have the more involved ones for lending?

I am tempted to get the tool off ebay for $299 or so, but I have a feeling that when I do, I'll find out that that $300 would have been better spent on a down-payment on my next car. If I take it to a shop, it will run $50 for the scan and whatever they find wrong will be that much more urgent in my mind, inevitably.

First of all, your connector SHOULD be a 16 pin, but it'* possible it'* a 12 if you were early 94 production.

Secondly, there'* a scantool registry in Techinfo, so we may have one near you already.

I run the Actron with the 12-pin. Suits my needs nicely, and was only about $150 on sale at Autozone WITH the GM cartridge for 82-95.

we have the whole kit that does gm, obd 1 & 2, ford, chrysler, and pre gen 87-91. We just need the connector that goes from scanner to computer to download the software to be able to tell stats like timing, ignition timing, etc.

We got ours from O'Reilly'* and got a great deal on it!!!

I couldn't find the list in the Techinfo the first two looks so I'm posting a link to it from the third and only successful gander.

Here it is