New C4 Owner, Tech Info Questions

[CarolinaC4]

Greetings all from sunny North Carolina.
I recently purchased a 89 C4 Convertible Auto Trans, Dark Blue W/ Saddle interior and top. Being an old C3 guy from the mid 70's till now I've worked on about every part or component of a C3. I'm looking for suggestions as to what type of test equipment you would recomend a owner who likes to do most of the work himself pick up. Is there such a thing as a factory manual for the C4? What type of digital multimeter should I pick up? Is there any OBD1 equipment out there? All suggestions appreciated.

 

[Dustoff529]

I have in addition to other electronic test tools, I have an auto xray 6000 since I have 2 other vehicles that are OBDII... I love mine, this is teh 3rd one I have purchased...

CHarlie

 

[toptechx6]

The Auto Xray 6000 is a decent scan tool that will work on most OBDI and OBDII vehicles. A better option for C4 owners in my opinion is a used Tech 1 or Tech 1A, this is the tool used by the dealer when our cars were new. Dealers now use much more advanced scan tools so Tech 1's are considered obsolete and can be found on Ebay for about $400 depending on options.
A big advantage over consumer grade scan tools is that the Tech 1 is bidirectional, meaning it can actuate solenoids, relays and other outputs by taking temporary control of many computer functions, that feature is normally only found on professional grade scan tools costing over $700.
Less expensive consumer grade scanners such as the Auto Xray can only access codes and data from the engine control module or ECM, the Tech 1 can also access the other C4 computers such as CCM, ABS etc.providing you have the correct cartridge.
Try to find a Tech 1 or Tech 1A with Mass Storage Cartridge PN 30000003, it should include anything you need. The Tech 1A has provision for use as a digital multimeter, the Tech 1 does not, aside from that both tools are nearly identical.
If you are not familiar with testing computer controlled components using a digital multimeter or DVOM, consider one that is autoranging, it will prevent confusion caused by inadvertently setting the tool to the wrong scale. The Fluke brand is considered one of the best but they are expensive, see the link below for an inexpensive model that gets good reviews.
Amazon.com: Equus 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter: Automotive

 

[vetteboy86]

Greetings all from sunny North Carolina.
I recently purchased a 89 C4 Convertible Auto Trans, Dark Blue W/ Saddle interior and top. Being an old C3 guy from the mid 70's till now I've worked on about every part or component of a C3. I'm looking for suggestions as to what type of test equipment you would recomend a owner who likes to do most of the work himself pick up. Is there such a thing as a factory manual for the C4? What type of digital multimeter should I pick up? Is there any OBD1 equipment out there? All suggestions appreciated.

Get yourself a Factory Service Manual (FSM). Within that manual you will find amazing information about your car and how to work through issues.

I would also recommend a good DMM. For your 89, regular tools should be sufficient for most repairs. For retrieving diagnostic codes a paper clip will work just fine.

There is also good programs to monitor and modify engine parameters. Pickup a fairly inexpensive cable and download datamaster and you can monitor what your engine is doing. I'll look for a good link for the cable. I've had mine for years.

 

[vetteoz]

Get yourself a Factory Service Manual (FSM).
For retrieving diagnostic codes a paper clip will work just fine..

See
http://www.corvettebuyers.com/c4vettes/codes.htm
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22897

More reading on codes
http://chevythunder.com/fuel%20injection%20troubleshooting%20pg%20a.htm

Plan on buying some metric tools ( only engine is imperial ) a quality Torx set and a low profile floor jack

 

[CarolinaC4]

Thanks guys.
I have some metric tools, will need to get a FSM and a digital Multimeter. Also have a good low profile jack. I am interested in what type of software there is to go on a notebook along with a cable (what type or brand) that will allow me to look at the system or a some type of test scanner such as the one recommended by DUSTOFF529.
This car has been setting for 5 years, so I am going through the simple duties first such as oil change, fuel filter change, service the trans, new alt (wouldnt charge), new battery, plugs, wires, rotor & cap, maybe a new pump in tank (if needed). This car just needs some TLC to get her back to feeling good again.

 

[John Robinson]

Manual

Contact Paul he may still be trying to sell his C4 manual.



http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/members/paul-higg.html

 

[WhalePirot]

I am going through the simple duties first such as oil change, fuel filter change, service the trans, new alt (wouldnt charge), new battery, plugs, wires, rotor & cap, maybe a new pump in tank (if needed). This car just needs some TLC to get her back to feeling good again.

Welcome to the forum. It's so nice to hear another guy who knows that despite the electronics, the basics still apply (like vacuum leaks).

Sounds like you'll be all set for the nice NC weather just around the corner.

 

[vetteoz]

I am interested in what type of software there is to go on a notebook along with a cable (what type or brand) .

Cable
ALDL OBD1 OBD cable OBDI OBD2 engine codes

Software
TunerPro and TunerPro RT - Professional Automobile Tuning Software
TunerPro is a tuning software that allows you to adjust your tune ( with correct equipment ) but also does datalogging which is all you need.
Go for a drive , datalog , then review what is happening with the engine
You need to download the TunerPro RT programme ( in downloads)
You will also need the files relevent to your computer ( in downloads / definitions)
The two $6E .xdf and .ads files
Come back when you have them, can be a little tricky to set up for first timers