FAQ: Code / Scanning setup for the 1995 Riviera

i took my 95 rivi sc to auto zone to try and get my check engine light looked at,i knew from a previous visit to the gm dealer that it was a knock sensor code, and at the zone ,the scanner they had could not access the obd? theire scanner sed" no data available" so i then went to checkers,a big auto parts store in vegas, and rented a high falutin scanner, and it to read" unable to read" am i buggin or what? im begining to think that the aftermarket alarm i had instaled just tore up my car! these guys must have hacked into all kinds of wires and butchered my car! but i wonder how the gm guys got into the obd to get the knock sensor code? am i just not using the scanner right? it came with a manual ,but i just hoocked it up and that was it.....maybe there is another way to bypass the " unable to read" sign......any ideas guys?

Make sure you're using an OBDI scanner. OBDII scanners only work on '96-up.

AA wrote:

Make sure you're using an OBDI scanner. OBDII scanners only work on '96-up.

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.........

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...

Well, trying to scan for codes to see if I can find out a few issues that I am having on the 95 Riv. However I thought 96 was when OBDII came into play but on my 95 the OBDI GM plug does not fit, but my OBDII plug does.

When I use the OBDII plug to try and scan for codes all i get is "Vehicle Not Responding" which is with the car running or not. Not really sure what is going on there but I might have an idea.

The previous owner has a VATS bypass box put in so the wires for the VATS system are cut and this box is put in. Could the VATS bypass be causing this and if so how could I go about fixing the VATS? If that isn't an issue then what could be causing this error?

Thanks!

My car takes an obd1 scanner but an obd11 plug I believe. I know it tells on the radiator label.

The 95PA I just sold did the same thing, it had the SeriesII engine.


Bert

Well I figured out the problem, or at what looks to be the issue.

I have an autoxray scanner tool with an OBDII connector. However, you have to have a different type of OBDII connector to read on certain model GM's that has the OBDII connector yet were still OBDI.

IS there a way to check the codes the old fashion way of jumping two connectors with a paper clip or wire?

Wonder who was the smart guy behind the desk who approved this bright idea.

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?

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?

xxsupergman25xx wrote:

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?

Im pretty sure there arent any performance scanners (DHP, HPtuners etc) for OBDI cars , but i may be wrong.

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

xxsupergman25xx wrote:

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?

Not that I've heard of, I don't think that's true. Unless you see a specific tool that indicates that's what it's for.

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.

im so tempted to get one. i just cant justify it lol i would love to see my KR

Karma, thanks for posting that link about OBD-I tuning. I know it's a much desired field. I researched it lightly a few years ago and couldn't find so comprehensive a list of what's needed. That post at 3800Pro is awesome! I know some of our braver '95 owners will go for it. Right???

Does anyone know of a scaner for OBD1 that will do data logging?

The only one I've used for OBD 1 and 2 is the SNAP-ON MT 2500 Graphing Scanner. It also logs a certain amount of data too. I can't remember how long it will Data log but it has a serial port for printer.
They don't manufacture that unit anymore but it is still used and supported with software upgrades. I saw one recently for sale at $500.00 updated through 2002 for Domestic and year 2000 for Imports.
I've seen them more $$$ and Less $$$. It all depends on the level of up dates the owner has paid for. They are usually kept in very good condition as a new graphing and logging unit sold for $3 - 5,000 back then.
They made an MT2500 that didn't have the capability to graph or data log which was much cheaper.
I am able to borrow one from a Tech down the road occasionally to scan my car because he has upgraded to the newest Snap-On unit for $10,000. But he still relies on the MT 2500 for simple tasks as he's familiar with it after so many years and not so familiar with new one yet.
I'll find out how long this one can data log. and let you know.
I'm waiting till he gets familiar with the new one and try and get the old one real cheap.

does anyone know what software does kr for the L67?

has anyone here ever used or owned the very simple $40 or so plug in scanner that plugs into the obd port ,and then allows you to read the flashing ses codes to search for problems? do they do the job? or are they just a pia? cant beat the price though