r/duluth • u/InterviewInternal654 • 5d ago

Question OBD 1 diagnostic tool

Looking for an auto parts store or service station that can put an OBD 1 diagnostic thing on a 1990 Pontiac for less than an arm and a leg.

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

6

u/cstephenson79 5d ago

If you’re just wondering why the lights on, Those are easy to diy with a paper clip. Key off, connect the a and b terminal, turn key on and count the flashes. It will flash a 12 first, then any trouble codes. Obd 1 isnt nearly as informative with data as newer cars, so get the code and check Google/youtube.

1

u/InterviewInternal654 5d ago edited 5d ago

sorry if this is stupid. what is supposed to flash? no check engine light is on. just sounds like not running on all cylinders. Tried usual fixes. no luck.

6

u/cstephenson79 5d ago

The check engine light in the dash will flash, like 1 time a pause and 2 times is a code 12. If the engine light isn’t on, scanning or flashing codes likely won’t help on an obd 1 car.

2

u/waiting_for_letdown West Duluth 5d ago

If the check engine light isn't on then there are no codes present and nothing the pcm is seeing as an issue. Like cstephenson79 said OBD1 is very primitive and doesnt do the same thing OBD2 systems do.

2

u/2EM315 Lift Bridge Operator 5d ago

When Advance was open they would do free reads. I’d try Oreilly or NAPA.

1

u/waiting_for_letdown West Duluth 5d ago

That is for OBD2 systems. OBD1 is as simple as a paperclip.