yup! the obd i rented, had hookups for both 1 &2.....but i should have kept the tool a little longer...maybe the"unable to read code" could have been bypassed had i just gotten into the manual a little further....back to checkers.........

For the obd1 guys
If you want to make your own cable (not too hard if you have skills with a soldering iron) try
http://www.akmcables.com/techinfo.htm ; and
http://winaldl.joby.se/aldlcable.htm

If you are building your cable using an rs-232 (serial) cable and plan on using an adapter, I've found that FTDI chip adapters work the best. For some reason, the "keyspan" adapter touted by the DHP board seems to be garbage.

If you are short on time, you can buy a premade USB cable from pcm performance for around 50$. No adapter required.

As for tuning programs, there are several. Tuner C.A.T.S. is Ok, and you can try it for free for 30 days.
http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html

Hi,

The connector on my '95 s/c looks like that:

\ x x x o o x x o /
\o x o x x o x o/

where:
x = empty;
o = connector
Would this cable work for me too even if the connector looks different?

Thanks!

sorry to bring up such an old thread...
what would an interface cable hooked to a laptop bring me ('95 riv s/c) vs a code reader like this one (Actron CP9150):
http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B00020BM32/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary/105-1257234-0615600?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

and what works best in terms of cable brand, software and interface (USB or other?)

sorry also for beeing such a newbie...

I read a few of the post but still unclear.... I had a 96 and just bought a 95, will my INNOVA OBDII code reader work correctly???

thanks,
mike

You can try it, but I think the '95 Series I cars are OBDI only. Anyone know if the plugs/ports are different between OBDI & OBDII?

Thats my understanding from reading the other post, but I thought that the OBD1 used a diff connector.... I'll give it a shot this evening and see... Thanks, mike

I have an actron OBD II scanner....its not the same one as listed, mine is ONLY OBDII.....where is the port for it, maybe that will work......what kind of cable do I need?

i see all of u who do use a scanner have a 96+
has anyone seen where to get one for a 95,
info may be useful to other 95 users?

so all u have to do is get a obd-II cable and if u connect to ur computer running obdI software it will work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/OBD2-16Pin-to-DB9-Serial-Port-RS232-OBD-2-Adapter-Cable_W0QQitemZ250431918361QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a4ee7d119&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1171|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

+ this

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=serial+port+to+usb&_sacat=See-All-Categories


plus an OBD 1 software

is this correct?

i would love to be able to scan the car myself and start to learn a lil more about the computer aspect

Since I've been asked so many times VIA PM, what I use to scan the series one, I figured I would put all the stuff I tend to respond with into one post so other people can find it.

and so:

For a scanner you really just need a normal scanner that does obd2 that will still also do obd1. THe 95 Riviera being OBD "1.5",in a nutshell, it has the computer for OBD 1, but the connector for OBD 2.

For those who don't know what an OBD 1 connector looks like:


As you can see, its a bit more square, and the pinouts are a little different.

This site: http://www.aldlcable.com/
has the pinouts and differences listed on the main page part way down.

For scanning, I use the Actron CP9145... I got it off amazon for around 90 bucks CAD, should be cheaper for those in states as you won't pay as much shipping or border duty.

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9145-AutoScanner-Diagnostic-Capability/dp/B00020BM2S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1234121877&sr=8-1

Depending on when you click the above link, the price may be different, I find it often goes on "crazy sale" for like 81% off. then, it can be had for 90 $.


functionality is limited when scanning obd1, mostly just lets you see the critical data, but not change anything or record runs or anything... So it will read all the engine codes, it will tell you KR, MAF, injector pulse width, all the normal stuff.


Tuning, onthe other hand, is fairly limited in the 95.. but it can be done.

It does take a bit of know-how, and custom stuff.
how to tune the obd1:
http://www.3800pro.com/forum/general-tech/26439-tuning-obd1-3800s.html

Now the above link is for straight obd1, not the ond1.5 that we have being 95. So things will be a tiny bit different.

Ideally, if you want an "easy" tune, the thing to do is to get a scan tool so you can record the stats and number of how your car is running, then contact Ryan of Sinister Performance. http://www.gmtuners.com/

I've heard he does good work with obd1 tuning, and can do the 1.5. Also if he can't tune in person, I've heard that he will take data that you supply from your scan tool to build you a custom tune, then send a chip to you.


Anyway, thats it in a nutshell, i would highly reccomend the Actron CP9145, as its not just for the 95, it can do all obd1 and obd2 as well. I use it to scan my wifes 98 riv, as well as any other car I feel like

I bought the same Actron tool some years ago to scan a 94 Blazer and have the adapters for both OBD1 and OBD2.
I still use it for code reading and clearing. Very easy to use.
For actual scanning I use a Snap-On MTS 2500. It allows viewing and graphing of much more parameters. Got it used from a Snap-On dealer for $400.00. That particular tool is not made anymore but they still provide software support. Very good diagnostic tool for the garage or home mechanic. When they were new they sold for $2500.00 plus software updates were extra.
Bought these before i knew about HPT software.
I now have someone interested in buying the Snap-On tool and plan on using the $$ for the HPT software.
Sold it for more than I paid for it. Unfortunately money didn't go directly toward purchasing the HPT suite, so now I borrow a scanner from a Tech down the road.