- This topic has 16 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 1 month ago by
.
-
Topic
-
-
Replies
-
depends on the year, but if you can drive it to auto zone they can usually pull the codes. Call auto zone first, good luck and keep us posted.
I would like you to explain when and how it is acting up. For example at what speed, what are the symptoms, when it started doing this. Anything and everything you can tell us will help with figuring it out, is the check engine light on, is that why you want to pull codes. talk to your mom and investigate the symptoms then get back to us.
If its an OBD1 you can use a paper clip on the ALDL port. Here is a link –
http://www.extreme-check-engine-light-codes.com/GM%20OBD1%20Decoder.htm
If its OBD2 is usually best to use a scan tool and as mentioned above can be scanned at any reputable parts store.
Quoted From dreamer2355:
If its an OBD1 you can use a paper clip on the ALDL port. Here is a link –
http://www.extreme-check-engine-light-codes.com/GM%20OBD1%20Decoder.htm
If its OBD2 is usually best to use a scan tool and as mentioned above can be scanned at any reputable parts store.
she will not drive it to a parts store since any part store is 40 min away from her house and doesnt want to get stranded if something goes wrong (she worries to much I have AAA lol ). I have narrowed it down based on the way it is acting to a few things.
plugged fuel filter
plugged up cat
fuel pump electrical problems/bad connections
ignition
I am heading down there today to acutally do some diagnostic testing with what tools I have (not very much most are locked up at the college for the summer).
She went ahead and bought some tune up stuff since it hasnt been done in a long while. After i get done testing fuel and ignition and if i find nothing wrong I will move on to replacing fuel filter, air filter, plugs and whatever else she bought. reset the ecu and see if the CEL comes back on. If it does then I am driving it to a parts store to look up codes.investing in a code reader may not be a bad idea either, they arent too expensive (well you can spend about whatever you want)
You can find cheap ODB 2 code readers with CAN abilities starting around $30. For $75 or so you can get a nice ODB 2 USB adapter that workings on a laptop and does real time data. Otherwise you are just guessing at the problem.
Just remember that knowing what the code is and then replacing parts is like calling your doctor and telling him your knee huts and based on that conversation he decides to replace your knee. Knowing what set the CEL is a start, then you need to do some diagnostics. Sounds like you are going to do some testing – post up what you find.
well i got down here about an hour ago gave it a quick test drive has no power. I could barely pass a semi up a hill and it is a supercharged bonneville.
anyway got it back called a friend at a shop that I know he is gonna snag a scantool from work and bring it over for a steak off of the BBQ lol
in the mean time I went ahead and replaced the fuel filter it only took 5 minutes.
As soon as he gets here we are gonna scan for codes and I will post up what I find.
thanks for the help so far guys
lol he just showed up be back in a little while with results
nvm false alarm it was the neighbor lol
while waiting for him to show up I pulled spark plugs, and found out the number 6 spark plug wires insulation was worn through around the outside from the o 2 sensor. he arrived about a half hour after I pulled spark plugs we put the scan tool on and pulled the codes found out that there was a misfire on cylinder 6 and there was also a transmission code I am at home now and don’t remember what it was I will get back to you later with it. I am heading to get some new plugwires today
The second code was for the torque converter clutch stuck open. And the misdirected was taken care of with new wires. My mom is gonna take it to the shop for the tcc cause I start school again Monday and don’t have the time.
Replacing a TCC solenoid would make a good video. We get that one every now and then for Mazda 626/MX-6/Ford Probe automatics. Only thing I tell people to do is take it to a mechanic. Tearing down a transmission is beyond most weekend warrior’s ability and especially beyond Grandma’s ability.
Quoted From killman:
You can find cheap ODB 2 code readers with CAN abilities starting around $30. For $75 or so you can get a nice ODB 2 USB adapter that workings on a laptop and does real time data. Otherwise you are just guessing at the problem.
Here’s my review of a 20$ USB scanner cable.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.