there is a small tool that plugs into the connector and flashes lights which translate into codes. you can get it at autozone or pepboys. it is in expensive. otherwise you will be spending a lot of money on a full blown scan tool.

Roy

Answered by ASEMaster6371 (expert)
24,854 answers provided

Just to add to this one dont waste your money on that plastic box with the lights and switches on it that hooks up to your obd1 connector.I posted how you can flash out your codes without buying the little box.They also sell a GM little key that plugs into the connector to flash out the codes that is really cheap.If you had a scanner you could read codes and some live data if your still intrested in getting a scanner one that reads obd1 and obd2 let me know i can tell which one to get.You could probably get one for around 200 or less.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,200 answers provided

I do still want to get the scanner. I was looking at the Innova 3140 OBD 1 & 2 kit.

Response from papichulo83
1 question asked

I saw that one but if you read the years it does it only goes back to 1982 gm cars so not to sure it will do the 1981.I have the actron scanner that does the obd 1 and 2 i have only used it as far back as 1984 gm.So not sure if that would even do your car.Lets start with you flashing the code out using the check engine light and let me know what code number you have.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,200 answers provided

I will do that tomorrow and let you know what I get! Thanks again for all of your insight and help!

Response from papichulo83
1 question asked

Alright keep us posted.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,200 answers provided

I went to try what you suggested and my connector doesn't look the same as the one you showed so I don't know which one is which. Mine only has a 4 point connector.

Response from papichulo83
1 question asked

Actually mine is a 5 pt connector!

Response from papichulo83
1 question asked

We use mitchell ondemand to answer questions on this website and it shows no repair info for a 1981 olds like yours.I know the 12 pin and the obd2 16 connectors for gm.I really dont know much about the 5 pin GM connector but iam researching it and looking into a scanner that will work for your car as well.They made a scanner called the tech 1 thats what the GM dealers used before the the newer tech2 scanner came out.I found some on ebay i even found a 5 pin adapter for your car on there.So let me do a little more research and get back to you.

Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,200 answers provided

That sounds great! I appreciate all of your help on this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day!

Jacob

Response from papichulo83
1 question asked