Question: Lookig for Scan Tool for a C4 1989 Corvette

[WRECKER88]

I am looking for a scan tool for my 1989 Corvette. Could be new or used. Any recommendations.

 

[Hib Halverson]

That question comes at an opportune time...I'm working for the CAC on an article about testing scan testers.

Right now, I've got two SPX testers, the AutoXRay 7000 and the Actron which do not work with 89s even though they are said to support it. I believe this to be a software issue in re: the 86-89 F- and Y-car ECM's peculiar connection process.

The CAC story I'm doing is based on an earlier article I wrote a year or so ago for "Corvette Enthusiast" on the same subject. For that story, the AutoXRay 6000 was tested and it worked on an 89. In fact SPX still markets the AX 6000

The other hardware-based tester which supports 86-89 Corvettes is the Bosch Mastertech. Also, working with 89s is any of the old TECH1 or TECH1A testers provided you have the GM Powertrain software cartridge that supports 1989. For both the Mastertech and the TECH1 you must have the "Pin E Adapter" which goes betweeen the DLC and the 12-pin DLC connector. Occasionally T1s show up on eBay but, before you bit, make sure they have proper software and the Pin E adapter.

Lastly, there are two very good software based testers available which might make sense if you have a laptop PC running XP. Both TTS Datamaster and EASE PC Scan Tool support 89 Vettes.

While I think EASE is the best software-based scan tester, if you only need scan testing capabiilty for 82-95 Vettes with OBD and don't need support for 96-up cars, I'd go with TTS Datamaster.

More info:
TTS Power Systems
EASE DIAGNOSTICS

Lastly...what do I use to test scan testers? I use a Bosch MTS3100 Mastertech both as a control tester for the scan tester testing and for all diagnostic work I do which, this week was on my 95 Vette, along with a 96 Toyota and a 98 Ford (ick) Expedition.

When I use a software-based tester--mainly when I do chassis dyno work and need data acquisition or when I do diagnostic work where I need to see a lot of data parameters on the screen at once, I use EASE PC Scan Tool. I run it on an Acer with Windows 7.

 

[Bronze85]

A snap on mt2500 can be had reasonably on e-bay etc.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I've always managed quite well with a paper clip shorting terminals A & B then counting the flashes. I've never had the need for watching real time data in one of these cars.

 

[vetteoz]

always managed quite well with a paper clip I've never had the need for watching real time data in one of these cars.

All very well for bring up fault codes but a lot to be learnt by playing back a datalog.
You may have a code reoccurring and not be able to diagnose why it is happening.By viewing a log you can see exactly when it happens and what else is going on in the engine that may be triggering the code

 

[TedC]

I picked up an Autoxray 3000 on ebay for under $100. Works great on my 1989.

 

[MBDiagMan]

I'm fully aware of the value of a data logger. I have a couple of them for OBDII including EASE on a Laptop and a handheld. I just never got into anything on OBDI that required this level of analysis for diagnosis. The early GM stuff was the most straight forward IMHO.

 

[joshwilson3]

A snap on mt2500 can be had reasonably on e-bay etc.

Is there anything special to know before buying one? I'm guessing it should be good to go as long as it has the GM OBD I cable?

I've been keeping an eye out on an Autoxray 3000 since I'm told it works for 89. But I'll also keep an eye out for that Snap On.

 

[ex-x-fire]

You could try to find a GM Tech 1(a), you'll need the cartridge though.