Pre OBDII reader to use?

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povertysucks

Registered User
What are you guys using to reader your computers on pre 96 cars? I just bought a 91 SC and it just quit running and want to read the computer. :confused:
 
Any ol' $30 one from the AP store will do the job. Iirc you can also do it with a paper clip and the CEL. Instructions somewhere on the net....
 
I just bought one off ebay and read the book on how to use it today. Forget those other methods. With this piece I bought you can check for codes, clear codes, and perform 5 different computer diagnostic tests. here's a link to one for sale on ebay to the same one I bought.

Word to the wise, you might want to look for one that comes with the cord so you can perform these tests by yourself inside the car, makes things easier but not required. The one 1 was able to find at stores for OBDI computers is no better then using a paperclip.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EQUU...011QQitemZ320145112970QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Chris
 
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povertysucks said:
What are you guys using to reader your computers on pre 96 cars? I just bought a 91 SC and it just quit running and want to read the computer. :confused:
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I use a paper clip. :cool: Ok... a bit more sophisticated.. a 3" piece of wire with a small spade tab on each end. :D
 
mywhite89 said:
I...Word to the wise, you might want to look for one that comes with the cord so you can perform these tests by yourself inside the car, makes things easier but not required. The one 1 was able to find at stores for OBDI computers is no better then using a paperclip.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EQUU...011QQitemZ320145112970QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Chris
Click to expand...


Same one I've got... got it from JCWhitney I think, been a while ago. I agree the extension cord is a good thing to have and if I'm not mistaken that was included in the $30 price?

edit: Looks like Actron is Whitney's cheapie brand now. Harbor Freight has 'em cheap too...


sinhumane said:
what is the 'paperclip' method?
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Best I can do on short notice.... ;) http://www.extreme-check-engine-light-codes.com/Ford OBD1 Decoder.htm I seem to recall a better write up with pictures and all but can't seem to find it w/ google now.

edit again: http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
 
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sinhumane said:
what is the 'paperclip' method?
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Key off. Insert one end of the jumper (paper clip) into EEC test harness into the STO pin. That is the one at the top right of the row with 2 pins. Insert the other end into the separate wire lead.

Get into the car with your paper pad and pencil. Get situated and turn the key on. You will now count flash sequences from the check engine light. First set of codes will be the stored codes, second set will be the intermittant codes. Let the light do its thing while you make marks on the paper. A single flash and 6 second pause is the separation of the sets of codes. Code numbers will be repeated twice and may be in both the intermittant set and the stored set.

If you get lost, don't worry. Let it finish, turn the key off and then back on and try again. It takes practice. :cool:
 
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