Actron ScanTool

Here's a scanner for 1995 Rivs (click on image for info):

Here is my scanner. Actron CP-9145 - a pretty versatile scanner that can scan both OBD-I and II (though you may need the right cable for older cars). The OBD-II cable (provided) works with the '95 Riviera, even though the computer itself is not OBD-II compliant.

I have a laptop and the software. I just need the cable and I'm in business with out spending $100. Besides, look at the ool dash you can use with it.
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Thats just one program. It would be cool to mount the laptop in the glove box to use on the fly. I might try that.

That's pretty neat! Where did you get the software?

Edit: nevermind - just saw your other thread...

I've been using the diagnostic charts in the FSM to do some troubleshooting. So far, I have been able to figure out that all the connections from the PCM to the ICM have continuity. All the flow charts I've used have pointed at least in the general direction of the ICM.

Most of the diagnostic charts have some form of "install Tech 1" in them. I don't currently have a good scan tool, but I've been eyeballing the Actron 9185, which is OBDI and II, and is recommended on another thread here.

My question is, will I be able to read Tech 1 Data Definitions with the 9185? How much data capability does the "OBD 1.5" system have with a non-OEM scan tool, or will I just be buying a glorified code reader for the "OBD 1.5"?

At least I feel like I'm making progress!

Okay, I got ahold of an Actron CP 9185. It seems to work pretty good on the Riv. I was surprised how much data is available for the OBD1(.5) system. It splits the datastream into two groups, Engine Group 1 and (you guessed it) Engine Group 2

All data is available to read either on the tool or can be plugged into your PC for print out through the software CD that comes with the tool.

Here's the a printout of the data points it reads:

Group 1

1995 Riviera
1=3.8L MFI SC

Vehicle Data List

CODES PRESENT NO
2ND GEAR SW OFF
3RD GEAR SW OFF
4TH GEAR SW OFF
AC CLUTCH OFF
AC HEAD PRES NORM
AC REQUEST OFF
BATTERY(V) 14.8
LT FUEL TRIM 134
LT FUEL TR CL 5
BOOST(%) 100.0
CC BRAKE SW ON
CC ON/OFF SW OFF
CC RES/ACC SW OFF
CC SERVO(%) 0
CC SET(MPH) 0
CC SET/CST SW OFF
CC SRVO REQ(%) 0
EVAP DUTY(%) 0
EVAP SOLENOID OFF
MIL OFF
COOLANT(øF) 59
EGR REQ(%) 0
EGR VLVPOS(%) 0
EGR VLVPOS(V) 0.8
KS COUNTER 3
EXHAUST 02 RICH
FUEL CUTOFF NO
IAC POSITION 63
IDLE REQ RPM 1063
INJ PW(mS) 4.3
ST FUEL TRIM 128
KNOCK RET(ø) 0
LOOP STATUS OPEN
MAF(gr/S) 10
IAT(øF) 37
O2S(mV) 990
O2S CROSSCNTS 0
PNP SWITCH P/N
PROM ID 4404
RUN TIME 01:02
SPARK ADV(ø) 23
TCC APPLIED NO
TCC BRAKE SW OFF
TCC DUTY CYC(%) 0
TCC SLIP RPM 255
TCC SOLENOID OFF
THROTTLE(%) 0
TPS SENSOR(V) 0.29
TRANS TMP(øF) 28
VEHSPEED(MPH) 0
Frame:-5 Time:-6.3

Group 2

1995 Riviera
1=3.8L MFI SC

Vehicle Data List

CODES PRESENT NO
CATLST FAILED 0
CATLST PASSED 0
CYL 1 MISFIRE NO
CYL 2 MISFIRE NO
CYL 3 MISFIRE NO
CYL 4 MISFIRE NO
CYL 5 MISFIRE NO
CYL 6 MISFIRE NO
CYLS FAILED 0
CYLS PASSED 0
MAP FAILED 0
MAP PASSES 0
RPM FAILED 0
RPM PASSES 0
TURBINE RPM 0
Frame:-5 Time:-6.4

The data record keeps about 15 seconds of data in 12 frames, with either a manual trigger or it can be set to trigger data recording when a code is set.

I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to computers, and there was a small struggle to get the PC to read the scanner as a USB device instead of being on a COM port. The drivers that came with the software did not work, but a trip to the Actron website found a driver to recognize the USB port. I believe there is a capability to update the scanner online, but to be honest I haven't gotten that far yet.

I played around with it some last night, and plugged it into my '02 Silverado and my gf's '06 Toyota Tacoma. On OBDII, it not only reads more data, but will graph it for you on the screen of the scanner.

Overall I think this is a decent general-use scanner, and will definitely be useful on the OBD 1.5

I have the Actron 1945 (don't quote me on the number, it's the model down from yours) and I love it too. It really came in handy, like you said, for the OBD 1.5. That's the reason i got the scanner in the first place. I use it all the time for my Lesabre T-type (since I did the Riviera engine swap) and If something is wrong with any of our other cars.

Does your 9185 read Knock Retard on OBDII?

Why are you running in open loop?It should be in closed,maybe that's why she's runnin rich?

Z-type wrote:

I have the Actron 1945 (don't quote me on the number, it's the model down from yours) and I love it too. It really came in handy, like you said, for the OBD 1.5. That's the reason i got the scanner in the first place. I use it all the time for my Lesabre T-type (since I did the Riviera engine swap) and If something is wrong with any of our other cars.

Does your 9185 read Knock Retard on OBDII?

I really don't remember. I didn't record any data when I had it plugged in to either truck, so I can't look back. I'll probably have it plugged back in soon... it still kinda has that "new toy" novelty

I sort of think the 9185 was the superceding model rather than the "up" model. I had actually looked for a 9145 first, but most places listed them as out of stock. My biggest problem trying to find a decent scanner was that they all bragged about their OBD II capabilities, but only added OBD I (or 1.5) as a sidebar, not really saying what it could do on those systems. Until I actually got this one plugged in, I was still worried a little about it's data capability, and that all I would be able to do was read/clear codes.

flyineagle96 wrote:

Why are you running in open loop?It should be in closed,maybe that's why she's runnin rich?

I recorded that data this morning right after I had started the car just messing with the scanner, so It's what I had in memory when I plugged it in. It had switched to closed loop when I scanned the car after a trip to the store. The "rich/lean" cycles back and forth, according to the FSM. I guess I just caught it on a rich cycle