Need diagnostic tools!!!!
12-09-2003, 12:26 AM
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 33
Need diagnostic tools!!!!
My service engine soon light flashed a binch of times and then stayed on today on my way home. I need to know how to get the codes. It's a 1996 Camaro so its got the updated OBD-II. Does anyone have a scan tool in the Trenton, NJ area that they'd be willing to lend me so I can check out whats goin on with my vehicle. That would be awesome.
12-09-2003, 07:05 AM
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 40
Scan tool usage
The local auto zone hooked up my '95 Z28, and said it was the right connector, but the scanner couldn't read the "early OBD1" Eprom. What gives? Why would GM use a '96 forward connector on this obviously OBD1 car ?
I hate FORDS, but at least most of their crap MAKES SENSE!!!!
I hate FORDS, but at least most of their crap MAKES SENSE!!!!
12-09-2003, 11:07 AM
#4
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 33
Thanks a lot for the info. I'm kind of scared to drive it there, that's the only thing. There was no noticable hesitation or anything funny when I drove it last so do you think it would be safe to drive it 13 miles round trip?
12-09-2003, 11:12 AM
#6
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DeKalb, IL
Posts: 4,577
Re: Scan tool usage
Originally posted by sallmon
The local auto zone hooked up my '95 Z28, and said it was the right connector, but the scanner couldn't read the "early OBD1" Eprom. What gives? Why would GM use a '96 forward connector on this obviously OBD1 car ?
I hate FORDS, but at least most of their crap MAKES SENSE!!!!
The local auto zone hooked up my '95 Z28, and said it was the right connector, but the scanner couldn't read the "early OBD1" Eprom. What gives? Why would GM use a '96 forward connector on this obviously OBD1 car ?
I hate FORDS, but at least most of their crap MAKES SENSE!!!!
12-09-2003, 03:22 PM
#10
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Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 27,714
Originally posted by gnxman87
Is there a listing on this site of what the codes mean? I used to be on a 3rd gen site that had em all decoded and I just realized that these will probably be different. Thanks.
Is there a listing on this site of what the codes mean? I used to be on a 3rd gen site that had em all decoded and I just realized that these will probably be different. Thanks.
12-09-2003, 04:09 PM
#11
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hayward, CA
Posts: 214
Just in case you want your own. This is what I use:
www.obd-2.com
www.obd-2.com
12-09-2003, 04:17 PM
#12
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 33
Alright, I just got back and it read P0300, random misfire. I'm assuming this means I need plugs and/or wires. I've never done this before. Is it really involved? If I need to get it done proffesionally, will it be expensive? Thanks a lot.
12-09-2003, 05:43 PM
#13
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DeKalb, IL
Posts: 4,577
Plugs and wires on this car are somewhat difficult and may look intimidating to someone who hasn't done it before.
This is the first thing I did on my '95 Z and I've never changed wires on a V8 car before. The over the valve cover plugs and wire placement of the improts makes things so much easier!
I remember right before I decided to change them, I looked everywhere in the engine compartment (still unfamiliar with it) and couldn't find one single wire or plug. Needless to say, I was scared.
Anyway, do a search and you'll find lots and lots of useful info and tips on how to do it. This topic was beat to death.
Basically, you're looking at about $50-70 for a good set of wires and $16-$40 for a good set of plugs.
Stock replacements are Bosch platinums which are pretty expensive ($40+) so you can use some NGK TR55 instead. Those are really good plugs and they're cheap. (about $2 a piece)
Stock gap is 0.050".
I wouldn't take it to a shop unless you've got a lot of money to spend or have a friend/relative that has done this on an LT1 before and is willing to give you a good deal. Some shops/dealerships will charge as much as $700 for plug/wires.
They're really not that bad once you start working on it and gain some confidence in yourself.
Some online shops to buy wires/plugs from:
www.ls1speed.com
www.thunderracing.com
This is the first thing I did on my '95 Z and I've never changed wires on a V8 car before. The over the valve cover plugs and wire placement of the improts makes things so much easier!
I remember right before I decided to change them, I looked everywhere in the engine compartment (still unfamiliar with it) and couldn't find one single wire or plug. Needless to say, I was scared.
Anyway, do a search and you'll find lots and lots of useful info and tips on how to do it. This topic was beat to death.
Basically, you're looking at about $50-70 for a good set of wires and $16-$40 for a good set of plugs.
Stock replacements are Bosch platinums which are pretty expensive ($40+) so you can use some NGK TR55 instead. Those are really good plugs and they're cheap. (about $2 a piece)
Stock gap is 0.050".
I wouldn't take it to a shop unless you've got a lot of money to spend or have a friend/relative that has done this on an LT1 before and is willing to give you a good deal. Some shops/dealerships will charge as much as $700 for plug/wires.
They're really not that bad once you start working on it and gain some confidence in yourself.
Some online shops to buy wires/plugs from:
www.ls1speed.com
www.thunderracing.com
Last edited by madwolf; 12-09-2003 at 05:48 PM.
12-09-2003, 11:13 PM
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 33
Alright guys, thanks for the help. My friend and I are heading to his shop on Friday afternoon with a set of MSD wires and some NGK plugs that we're gonne swap in. This should be fun lol.
12-12-2003, 12:36 AM
#15
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 33
OK now the light just went out tonight when I was driving. I went somewhere else and shut the car off. When I got back it didn't come on again. What the hell is going on? Should I do the plugs and wires anyway or is something going crazy?