1995 Caprice code reader

I apologize since this must have been covered many times before, but I am not finding a definitive answer in my searches. Bottom line - how do I read the codes on a 1995 Caprice?

I have a 1995 Caprice with an intermittent check engine light after it warms up. I've read many places that the ALDL for 1995 is weird, i.e. you can't just jumper A-B and read the codes from the CEL flashes. I found an Advance Auto who had an ALDL adapter for their Actron code reader, but it would not connect either.

Any tips on which tool to use to read the codes? I've heard the Roadmaster can read codes using the HVAC display, but the Caprice just has knobs. Maybe there is some combination of buttons to press and the digital speedo will display codes? Wishful thinking, I know.

Thanks,

Andrew

You need a specific code reader for the orphan 94 and 95 OBD1 computers. I would check on ebay for one. The 96 code reader will not work, because it is an OBD2.

I've bought 2 readers for my 96 so for, and neither one works. They both work on the newer cars. Good hunting.

I believe a dongle is made for the 94 and 95 cars, that you can plug into the port, and use your cell phone to check the parameters.

Screw a code reader. Only parts store that can scan these wagons is O'reilly and you have to hope the guy working knows how to do it.

You need a Laptop, the proper USB/ADL cable and one of the free programs available.

I use Scan 94/95, EEHack and TunerPro RT myself. Read codes, clear codes, flash the PCM, perform cylinder cutouts and countless other things that an expensive scanner cannot.


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So, where do you get the cable?

I bought mine from here [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Some folks go the super cheap route and wire these up [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Thanks for the info on the software and cable 94Woody. Does any standard OBD-I cable work, or do you need something special since our pinouts on the ALDL connector are apparently a little different than the rest of the worlds.

Thanks,

Andrew

68JCode wrote:

Thanks for the info on the software and cable 94Woody.  Does any standard OBD-I cable work, or do you need something special since our pinouts on the ALDL connector are apparently a little different than the rest of the worlds.

Thanks,

Andrew

I bought the cable that doesn't have a molded plug. It comes with two pins that you plug into the appropriate ports. Some people just hard wire them into their car.

Thanks again for all the guidance, which two ports are correct on a '95 Caprice?

I have the cable from Red Devil River - it works great for my '95

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Another option would be to find a GM Tech 1 - I got a semi-broken one via eBay for a decent price and got it working. Going with the ALDL cable and more modern software is the best approach in my opinion but the Tech 1 is definitely an option. You need to be careful though as it needs the proper cartridges/modules/etc to work.

Tech 1 would be nice because it can look at the ABS, SRS and Transmission sides of things as well.

Actually, in looking at it- there are Tech2 clones available for $300 which might be the better option if anyone is seriously considering going that route. I might get one myself, to be honest- it might come in handy for not only the Roadmaster but other GM cars.

lamune wrote:

Actually, in looking at it- there are Tech2 clones available for $300 which might be the better option if anyone is seriously considering going that route. I might get one myself, to be honest- it might come in handy for not only the Roadmaster but other GM cars.

Funny because after I searched for tech1 after your post and saw the 2. It was tempting. If you get one, let me know how it is.

I did go ahead and order one. I'll report on it later

Nice. Interested in hearing what it can actually do. I have an intermittent Airbag light and actually repairing it would be great.

I got the Tech 2 clone today. I played with it for about 15 minutes hooked up to the car and I can say that it works. It's also very big. If people are interested maybe it'd be wise to have a new thread about it.

lamune wrote:

I got the Tech 2 clone today. I played with it for about 15 minutes hooked up to the car and I can say that it works. It's also very big. If people are interested maybe it'd be wise to have a new thread about it.

So make that thread

I will. I'll play with it some more and come up with something.

Another guy already did a thread on the Tech 2 clone. Add to that one.

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Must be talking about that one. Some good info but doesn't really show what it can do, which I assume is a lot.

In case anyone is interested, I just finished a short writeup on how to make your own ALDL cable.

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Hopefully this helps.