How do I run the codes?

[Firebird Phoenix]

Ok for a while now my SES light comes on and off. I have a feeling it may be a o2 sensor or my catalytic converter is going out but I want to be sure. Autozone and Advance Autoparts told me they can't run Obd1 only obd2 codes....how stupid is that? So...yeah how can I run my codes guys?

Btw the car in question is a 1995 Firebird 3.4 v6, 5 speed Thank you in advance


~josh~

[BEAST]

Re: How do I run the codes?

well there right autozone can not and i know that for a fact... only a handful have obd1 scanners and 95 needs a obd1 scanner with an obd2 connector...go to advanceauto....be cool with them and ask them if they have a obd1 scanner then ask them if they have the obd2 connector that came with it...then they can try to scan it....they have it so if they tell you different there lying...but what can you do about lazy employees these days...should work a member of the forum did it this way..if not then you need to cough out 30-50 bucks out and get a performance shop, dealer or good mechanic shop to scan it for you....there is no way around this to scan it easily....last choice is if your going to add performance you could buy the tunner software and be able to use that as well....but first try the advanceauto.

[Moses]

Re: How do I run the codes?

It's called a tech 1 adapter. Costs 30 bucks if I remember. When I had my 94 Grand Am GT, 3100 V6, autozone here offered to let me use the OBD2 scanner if I bought the tech 1 adapter. but I didn't.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: How do I run the codes?

just go to your local dealer. I doubt they would pay if you only want to know what it says

[jerminator623]

Re: How do I run the codes?

last choice is if your going to add performance you could buy the tunner software and be able to use that as well

where do you get that software from and how much does it typically run you

[BEAST]

Re: How do I run the codes?

i drive a 6 put dont know much of the performance options...however if you plan on fixing up the motor look for tunning sofware for your car and computer....but i dont think there is much out there for a obd1 v6....v8 is another story....most tunning kits come around 500 so thats why i said if your really sure...a scanner can be bought on sell for around 150 but all it does is scan....so if this is only your dd then just go to advanceauto or dealer (just make sure it will be free)

[jerminator623]

Re: How do I run the codes?

where can you get that kind of software from for a laptop?

[Vanquish]

Re: How do I run the codes?

HP Tuners is what everyone around here uses. It's the best of the best. Though, I am not sure if it works for 3.4l, but I'm usually wrong on things like that.

You can check their stuff out at their website:
http://www.hptuners.com/

On their website I'm only seeing OBDII so, I think 3.4L are S.O.L.

I have a new question though, for the people who are using HP Tuners, do you buy the VCM Suite or the VCM Scanner?

[jerminator623]

Re: How do I run the codes?

i have a 3.8 and i would go with the vcm suite if i was going to spend that kind of money

[jerminator623]

Re: How do I run the codes?

can you run dynos on the vcm suite or is it only for checking codes and changing computer settings

[Vanquish]

Re: How do I run the codes?

When you ask, can you run dyno's on it........Are you asking if you can see where it redlines and how much horsepower and torque you have?

Or are you asking if you can dynotune it?


It will tell you how much hp and torque you have, and I'm sure you can dynotune it if you are a master of tuning.

[jerminator623]

Re: How do I run the codes?

yea you answered my question thanks im gonna get one of those pretty soon

[Firebird Phoenix]

Re: How do I run the codes?

I spent a nice part of the day running around to various Autozones & Advance Auto Parts asking if they have a obd1 scanner........and a meineke or two. Are these things rare because NONE OF THEM HAVE IT (sarcasm just in disbelief they don't carry one). I even went to a Pontiac dealership and they told me it would be $75 for them to do it........ :rant: :mad: :rant:

I'm a full time college student so as much as I would like HP Tuners(if available for the 3.4) I can't dish out $500 for it.

Where can I BUY a obd1 scanner? The cheapest price would be best. I'm going to just call a bunch of places tommorow to see if they even HAVE a obd1 scanner and if they can do it for free instead of me wasting my time & gas like I did today. Thanks guys

~josh~

[Vanquish]

Re: How do I run the codes?

Well, my cousin is a mechanic and I know he has one. But, that's not going to help you being way up in the north.

But, my point being, if he has one, then I'm rather sure almost any mechanic shop would have one. I mean, in all actuality, it's a mechanic shop, they pretty much have to be able to service any vehicle that is brought to them.

[BEAST]

Re: How do I run the codes?

thats crazy here in houston almost every autoadacnce has one...do a search i had a an issue with my car that is exaclty like yours and there was some links to obd1 scanners if im correct.