How to check error codes

Tiny
MSP36
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET CORSICA
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
The OBD1 Port only has A and M it does not have B. I cannot find anything on Google about it other than other people who have the same problem which they cannot find answers. I have a check engine light on but no matter what business I take it to they either do not have the ability to read such an old vehicle. I have been to at least twelve different business establishments including AutoZone's, O'Reilly's but with no B for diagnostics no one can figure out how to read error code! Please if there is any way you can help I would greatly appreciate it!
Friday, June 22nd, 2018 AT 7:35 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
What shape is your OBD port? If it is a rectangle, then there is a trick that I can detail for you. Check out this guide: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

If it is a trapezoid shaped connector, then you likely have the rare OBD1.5 setup, which is where your computer speaks the OBD1 language, but has the OBD2 port. Unfortunately, since it is rare, you have to find someone with the right scanner and the right adapter. If you find a mechanic that has been doing this for about twenty years, they will probably have the right scanner. See the image below for roughly what the port would look like.
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Friday, June 22nd, 2018 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,968 POSTS
1995 Corsica will be the transition OBD port. None of the chain shops will likely have the correct scan tool. You need an older tool that can read both OBD I and OBD II. The Snap-ON MT2500 is one that will work, as will the OTC Genisys (not the Touch). In both cases you need the software that covers the vehicle you have. There are others out there like the Tech 2 with the adapter cable but the Snap on or Genisys are reasonable on eBay.

Snap On machine like this - ebay # 312165807760
Genisys machine like this - ebay # 263616906548 or 223001698803

Personally I like the Genisys unit a bit better as it does more without cartridges.
You can also buy the newer EVO unit as long as it comes with the older cables as well.

Most of the higher end newer tools can connect as well but they need a powered adapter and the software. Because the 1.5 is getting rare they only buy the newer software.
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Friday, June 22nd, 2018 AT 10:55 PM

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