94 corsica code scanner

[gigglez_0]

I have a 1994 corsica it has the 12 pin aldl connector for diagnostics and the connector has pins only in the extreme right top and extreme right bottom positions. Do I need a code scanning tool for this connector and can someone recommend a decent scan tool for this connector.... thanks

[jsgold]

You have three options. you can get any codes stored by shorting pins A and B, which should be the top two on the right of your connector, and then turning ignition switch "on" but do not crank engine over. You SHOULD get three 12's (long flash, then two quick flashes) of the check engine light, then any codes stored.(12 means computer is working OK and any other codes will be based on long-short flashes, ex. L-L-L-S-S would be code 32. Or, you can buy a plug in unit that basically the same thing, but comes with a book that describes the codes. Cheap ones made by Actron are OK and can be bought at Advance or Ebay. Look for OBD1 testers. You can get more elaborate OBDI scanners that actually read temp., rpms, volts, and measures many different sensor readings and so forth anywhere from 50-150 bucks. There are some kits that can check OBDI and OBDII, but be prepared to spend a lot of money. I use an OTC "mindreader" that is OBDI, but upgradable to II. Paid 100 bucks on Ebay for it. I had an Actron code reader and it did OK, but it will only check codes. Sold it on Ebay for 12 bucks. It depends on what you want and how much you can put into one. A simple code reader will do most of the time. Once you have the codes then you can start looking. Take some advise though. If you have not already done so, get a GM manual for you car on Ebay. Will find most codes have multiple checks..

[jsgold]

Would highly recommend buying the code checker or the more elaborate tester, rather than the cheapo way of shorting the pins A/B. If you goof and short out wrong pins you could loose a computer. Also, one other thing, depending on where you live. If you don't want to invest any money Advance and Autozone can easily check these for you for free.

[gigglez_0]

Well...The problem is that my connector does not have a pin in the B position of the connector. The two spaces with pins are the A position and the one right below it which I believe is the M position.

one pin on the extreme right hand top position and one pin in the extreme right bottom position.

will this still work with the jumper or is there a scanner which will fit this confiquration ??? I hate to try and short the two terminals without knowing for sure as I would hate to cause any damage to the electronics system

[jsgold]

No, i would not do that for sure. I don't have a manual for your 94 so I cannot be positive on this myself. I also remembered that 94 was a strange year for these things as GM used a modified OBD on some cars. My son's 94 Beretta used OBDI and my OTC unit checked OK, but I have heard other cars were not easy to check. On the manual i have (for a 91) Pin A is ground, B is Diagnostic checker. M is Serial data. Wish I had my Actron unit to d/c for you, but pretty positive you can use it. Given you have a 94 might best to drop in a parts store such as NAPA and see if they can confirm. Or, if you are just shopping and not in a hurry to get any codes, pick up a 94 GM factory manual on Ebay and see what it says. The Haynes manuals are kind of generic and cover multiple years... A GM manual is way to go. If I find anything further I will let you know. In the meantime perhaps someone with a 94 manual can advise further.