Scan Tool

[Steven94]

What scan tool OBD1 are you guys using?

 

[jfoj]

Depends on what you want to do and how much money you want to spend.

OBD1 was pre 1996, so from 1996 on it is OBDII.

You can get a decent OBDII smart phone App for $10 or less, but you need an interface that is usually $40 or slightly less. Need to know if you are using iPhone or Android. These will typically read any code that triggers the SES/CEL/MIL light, typically engine and transmission related codes.

For Air bags, ABS and other things, you will need something other than a cell phone App.

There are more advanced stand alone tools that start around $200 and go up to $700+ depending on ability and some have annual update fees. Some have free updates, but these tend to be slightly lower end tools.

 

[viven44]

Just a paper clip on the old GM OBD1

 

[jfoj]

Fancy paperclip!

 

[Steven94]

Depends on what you want to do and how much money you want to spend.

OBD1 was pre 1996, so from 1996 on it is OBDII.

You can get a decent OBDII smart phone App for $10 or less, but you need an interface that is usually $40 or slightly less. Need to know if you are using iPhone or Android. These will typically read any code that triggers the SES/CEL/MIL light, typically engine and transmission related codes.

For Air bags, ABS and other things, you will need something other than a cell phone App.

There are more advanced stand alone tools that start around $200 and go up to $700+ depending on ability and some have annual update fees. Some have free updates, but these tend to be slightly lower end tools.

I have a 95 Yukon so I’ll need the obd1

 

[Steven94]

Just a paper clip on the old GM OBD1

Unfortunately my check engine light isn’t coming on so it’s not flashing when I tried the paper clip.

 

[jfoj]

Someone probably disabled the SES/CEL/MIL. I believe some of the older Snap-On tools with the proper adapter can read directly from the ALDL port if the light has been disabled. But finding someone with one might be tricky.

You may have to pull the dash cluster out and check and see if someone's cover the light or removed it. Can't remember if the 95's at LEDs or bulbs. Some people would put electrical tape over the LED or bulb and then put the dash cluster back together.

 

[Doubeleive]

What scan tool OBD1 are you guys using?

what year are you dealing with? just figure $500 for a somewhat decent scanner that can do a lot all the way from 96-to-current
namely a autel in the aforementioned $500 range, you can get away cheaper with limited functionality depending on the year, which is why I asked
if you are trying to program modules figure another $350 for a usable interface and a laptop computer running windows 10
if you don't need to program then you don't need the extra interface
call it all a investment against what the dealer is going to r*pe you for in a couple visits

 

[Joseph Garcia]

^^^^^2x^^^^^

For your model year, you can use a Tech 2, the same high quality bi-directional scanner that GM mechanics used at the dealers service teams. It will provide you with all of the information that you will ever need for your truck, and the Chinese knockoffs work just as well as the original scanners, as I own one. Check eBay and other related sites, and it should cost you less than $400.

You will literally save thousands of dollars in diagnostic and repair costs over the life of your truck, and you will most likely recoup the cost of the scanner within 1 year.

 

[ReaperHWK]

He has an OBD I. The problem with your scan tools you are listing is they cost more than his truck lol.