'95 SSEi, what is the best code reader?

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
Post Reply
Ingo0123
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 9:54 am
Year and Trim: 1995 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

'95 SSEi, what is the best code reader?

Post by Ingo0123 »

I have a '95 SSEi that can't establish a connection to the reader. The check engine light came on a few weeks ago and its intermittent with rough idle. As soon as the car starts idling rough the check engine light comes on. When it starts running smooth, it goes off. I assume it is either the MAF or O2 sensor. Couldn't find any posts on why the reader won't connect. Anyone have any ideas?

I used more than one reader, so its not that.
Last edited by Ingo0123 on Wed May 30, 2012 2:56 pm, edited 3 times in total.
User avatar
J Wikoff
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 17080
Joined: Mon May 19, 2008 7:01 pm
Year and Trim: 1992 SSE
2009 G8 GT
Location: Central Illinois
Contact:

Re: Code reader not establishing connection

Post by J Wikoff »

Did you try a reader capable of the hybrid OBD 1.5 your car has?
Image
WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
2009 G8 GT - Sport Red Metallic, loaded, SOLO Axlebacks, Rotofab Intake, Tuned, autodim mirror, removed intake manifold cover, HSV GTS triple gauge pod, two tone red-hot shifter and HSV SuperSport steering wheel, GXP rear sway bar and diffuser, 3.45 diff and various Camaro suspension bits, LED Taillights
Ingo0123
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 9:54 am
Year and Trim: 1995 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

Re: Code reader not establishing connection

Post by Ingo0123 »

Thanks for the info. I believe everything hooked up to it was OBD 2. So I guess that's a place to start.
Ingo0123
SE Member
SE Member
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 9:54 am
Year and Trim: 1995 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

Re: Code reader not establishing connection

Post by Ingo0123 »

So I'm a little confused. What do you guys use to diagnose your '94 and '95s? Is it an OBD1 with a 16 pin adapter? Or is it a special 1.5 reader? I also found a USB to 16 pin ALDL connector complete with diagnostic software (link below). Is this the best route to go? I really don't want to take it to a shop, I'd rather spend the money on my own diagnostic equipment. Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-OBD1-Scanner ... vi-content
User avatar
Whitecrystal1
Posts like an L36
Posts like an L36
Posts: 920
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 10:16 pm
Year and Trim: 10 Silverado
Location: Dumfries, VA Member: #169

Re: '95 SSEi, what is the best code reader?

Post by Whitecrystal1 »

I use the Actron 9190. I'm not sure if it's the best but it's done what I needed so far, except for reading ABS codes.
Image
2002 Buick Lesabre Custom L36 Titanium Blue Metallic/Medium Gray Cloth
2004 Buick Lesabre Custom L36 White/Graphite Gray Cloth
2015 SS Roof, Spare & 6M 6.2L LS3 415HP/415TQ SLIHRM/Jet Black Leather-Red Stitching
2010 Silverado LTZ Crew 4x4 6.2L L9H 417HP/403TQ NHT Black Granite Metallic/Ebony Leather
2013 Enclave Premium AWD 3.6L LLT White Diamond Tricoat/Cocoa Leather
2001 Wellcraft Martinique 2400 Merc 5.7L BIII 327hrs


1995 Bonneville SSE L36 Dark Polo Green Metallic **R.I.P. 4/28/10 236,400 miles**
Paintjar
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 42
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:21 pm
Year and Trim: 1995 Bonneville SE
Location: Virginia

Re: '95 SSEi, what is the best code reader?

Post by Paintjar »

I was drawn into a 1.5 reader but it will not work with 16 pins. I guess i need the adapter. Good info here Thanks guys. Nothing with the link. Is gone.
Paintjar
SLE Member
SLE Member
Posts: 42
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:21 pm
Year and Trim: 1995 Bonneville SE
Location: Virginia

Re: '95 SSEi, what is the best code reader?

Post by Paintjar »

I ran into the same problem with a 1.5 reader. There are no adapters 16 t0 12.
Post Reply