what is a good engine light scanner?

[ekolimits]

Hello. What are you guys using. I have a check engine light that I want to diagnose. Let me know so I can order one. Thanks!

[87next2last1]

You don't need a scanner to get the codes !

You can do it with just a simple paper clip. Locate the ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostic Lead). It is usually under the drivers side of the dash. It may have a cover over it, and may even say "Diagnostic Connector".
This is the ALDL. The two terminals that you need to be concerned with is in the picture. It is terminals "A" and "B". Simply turn the Ignition to "Run" (Do not start the vehicle) and put the paper clip in the two terminals. Now watch your CEL. It will start flashing. It will look like Morse Code, but it isn't, and is real easy to interpret.

The first code that will flash will be a code 12. It will be "flash, pause, flash, flash, pause, pause," and repeat the cycle three times. The ECM will flash each code three times, and move on to the next. If you have no codes stored, it will keep flashing code 12. Code 12 simply tells you the ECM is not receiving any pulses from the distributor (since the car is not running). If you pull codes with a scantool and the car is running, this code will not show up. Its no big deal, it lets you know the ECM is in the "Field Service Mode"

[darbysan]

Here's a link to the procedure, along with the listing of the codes and what they mean.
http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27196

[badger28]

If you have a smart phone you can get this:

Amazon

Amazon

and this android App:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en
It will let you read the codes and erase them also. we use it for our work trucks and haven't had any problems.

[aeilenstein]

Then there's lazy people like me who just want to plug it in and read a code! Maybe I should put forth a little more effort...... I use Actron brand, have not had issues with them. Honestly, any brand can read a code, but the price you pay determines how full the catalog is and how up-datable it is, backlit screen, explanation of code, etc. Don't forget that all cars in 1996 when to the OBD-II system, and cars prior to 1996 may need an adapter.

[jkk]

Go to the autoparts store autozone etc they will read it for you save the paperclip for pickin your teeth

[ekolimits]

Lol you guys are great! I am learning so much! thanks everyone I think I will try the paperclip and discover the code and then go to the autozone to confirm.

I do like having cool tools so I might ask for the scanner as a gift!

Im going to trouble shoot my starter today, I put a new batery and I still have trouble starting. I know its not the fuel because you can smell it really heavily. Fuel inected, maybe its too rich. I smelled the mufflers and they smelled a little heavy on the gas smell.

It has a slow cranking problem... motor or solenoid? what you think?

[darbysan]

Originally Posted by badger28

If you have a smart phone you can get this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o04_s00_i00 and this android App:https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...l.torque&hl=en

It will let you read the codes and erase them also. we use it for our work trucks and haven't had any problems.

The device shown on Amazon is for OBDII cars, newer than '96 I think. Our cars our OBDI, so it won't work for us.