FAQ: Code / Scanning setup for the 1995 Riviera

I think most of these are for '96-up. Check the packaging or specs to be sure. Even so, most auto parts stores offer code reading for free. The better scanners can show real-time parameters, log data, and some of course let you tune your PCM.

This is a newb question....where is the pin connector located on 95s? I looked under my dash, under the steering wheel, and its not anywhere to be found...Im guessing its under the hood? I know OBD2's are located right under the drivers side part of the dash....lol

Its under the dash. Roll around under there. It might have a little door that slides back, near the left. I can;t remember if its my 95 or the wifes 98 that has the little slide door.

has anyone tryed the innova 3120? it looks to be about the same as the actron as far as what it can do, but i can pick on up for like $60 cheaper

That looks like it would work, if you're only trying to troubleshoot diagnostic codes. It looks very thorough in that area.

If you are wanting to use a scanner to log and analyze data for performance reasons, such as to tune the PCM for modification, I'm not sure the Innova would work. I didn't see that it would log data at all, only a 'freeze frame' option. I also don't think it can graph the data for easy analysis.

AA wrote:

That looks like it would work, if you're only trying to troubleshoot diagnostic codes. It looks very thorough in that area.

If you are wanting to use a scanner to log and analyze data for performance reasons, such as to tune the PCM for modification, I'm not sure the Innova would work. I didn't see that it would log data at all, only a 'freeze frame' option. I also don't think it can graph the data for easy analysis.

I got a 95 though, i guess what i care about is if it can check KR and tell me why my traction off light is on

It might tell you why your TC light is on, or it might not. My Autotap scanner doesn't reveal TC/ABS codes.

KR falls under the 'performance data' I was talking about. Unless you can find where it shows it will scan for KR, I wouldn't assume it does. I had to pay for an extra package to see KR, as it is a GM-specific parameter.

There is a difference between a code reader and a scanner. Looking at the specs on the Innova, it offers a 30 sec data refresh rate. While that technically may qualify it as a scanner, it's not very useful for getting the performance data, like KR, LTFT, O2, Timing, MAP, MAFF, which must be scanned multiple times per second. You need something that logs data in real time in order to truly interpret this type of data.

The Innova appears to be a good diagnostic code reader to me, not the same as a scanning tool for logging data.

AA wrote:

It might tell you why your TC light is on, or it might not. My Autotap scanner doesn't reveal TC/ABS codes.

KR falls under the 'performance data' I was talking about. Unless you can find where it shows it will scan for KR, I wouldn't assume it does. I had to pay for an extra package to see KR, as it is a GM-specific parameter.

There is a difference between a code reader and a scanner. Looking at the specs on the Innova, it offers a 30 sec data refresh rate. While that technically may qualify it as a scanner, it's not very useful for getting the performance data, like KR, LTFT, O2, Timing, MAP, MAFF, which must be scanned multiple times per second. You need something that logs data in real time in order to truly interpret this type of data.

The Innova appears to be a good diagnostic code reader to me, not the same as a scanning tool for logging data.

Ah, now i get what you are trying to say. I'm looking at the wrong kind of tool. Ok, so is there any other suggestions besides the actron CP9145? I was thinking of going the cable and laptop route but it looks like it doesn't show KR either so thats out.

Has anyone of you mech's / tech's out there tried using the Snap-On MT2500 on the 1995 Riviera.?
If so, how are you pulling the codes.?

I know someone mentioned recently buying and using the Snap-On MT 2500 on a daily basis while working in a shop.

I have access to the tool and i have a 1995 SC Riviera that needs scanning for codes.
I have a CEL and some skipping going on, but would like to hook this up and have a look at what is going on, but so far have only been able to clear all existing codes without being able to read what they actually are.
I thought someone out here in Rivperformance land has done it with this tool.
Maybe I'm mistaken.????
Any Feedback will be appreciated.
Rick

Allright, i went and bought a Actron CP9145, got it for $110 new and i bought the GM cable too for cheap. After taking it home, i realised i didnt need the GM cable I swear i read on here i did need it but, this is not the case if you have a 95.
i just wanted to clear things up in plain english that if you do buy this actron scanner all you need to buy is the scanner, It works great, it shows all the live data on your car and will read your codes and blah blah blah.

Oh and BTW my Knock Ret reading is 0 time to start modding
And if anyone lives in the lincoln metro area i'd be willing to let you use the scanner

well after messing with setting up my PC to read codes I posted on EFLive's forum and they informed me the trial doesnt read codes so to hell with that.

I called a "guru" to come out and read them and his scanner wouldnt do it LOL...nice guy though.

SOooooo I called up the local autozone and they happened to have a returned Actron 9145... called up actron and they said its good to go. went over there and they had my codes read in 2 minutes!!! friggin miracle.

so the actron 9145 will indeed read codes on a 95.... Im not wure if you need a special plug... the one they had worked fine although tech support at actron said the 9150 kit has the special cable (its a 9145 with the extra cables and a case).

hope it helps anyone... they are about $130 on amazon and about the same on ebay: Link

good luck

Jeff

Sorry I didn't see this post sooner.
I have an Actron 9145 that I bought for use on a 1994 Blazer I had with OBD1. I think I had to buy the extra cable for the OBD 1. And it came with the OBD 2 connector as sold.
I'm not sure I could have it backwards.
Anyway, I had the chance to use it on a guys 95 Riv last week to down load some codes and it worked. I had never tried it on a 95 before so wasn't sure other than I have heard of other people having luck with using it for the basics on the oddball 95 Riv.
The 95 had an OBD2 connector but speaks the language of OBD1, as you now know.
I would just ask what cable comes with it, OBD2 or OBD1 and only buy the necessary extra's.

so, did you just use the regular OBDII connector on the 95 riv?

Yes, there is no magic to it. Basically it's a scanner that can read ODD1 and 2 codes and can accept either cable to hook up to the industry standard connectors under the dash.
It can scan some limited parameter's as well as read codes.

thanks rick

jeff

Jeff, the first post on this page, the guy writing it says you do not need to buy an extra cable that it comes with the OBD2 cable which is what you need for the 95.
He was buying for a 95 as well.
So when i bought mine I had to order the cable that would hook up to OBD1 for my 94 Blazer.

I just couldn't remember as it's been a few years, but reading that post up on top of the page reminded me.

I also remember now, that i bought the cable extender for OBD2. If you look on that Amazon site, you will see it as an add on CP9143 for about $15.00. i highly recommend the extension because what comes hanging of the unit is only a foot long, so you can't read it while sitting in the car or driving. And the plastic case is nice for less than $5.00. I wish I had one of them.

yup... you're right... thanks rick. I was just wondering after what the tech guys at actron were saying (to buy the kit with the extrra cables).

They may be trying to up selling extra stuff or maybe the newer unit is less expensive.
Unless your going to need it for OBD1 and/ or use on a Chrysler product or a Ford, etc.
You can see the extra's that are available if you need them in the future on the Amazon site.
But I would price the unit that comes with everything as it may be priced right, IDK.

I just got done reading all the info on the latest Actron CP9145.
I bought my 9145 about 4 years ago, well they have added a bunch of functionality to this new one. Including live data streaming, record and playback functions and I'm almost sure it can read much more diagnostic info than mine is capable of.
I got curious when I read CMurphy's post about being KR free. I was wondering how he knew that with this tool as mine does not provide that much info.
I have to borrow a buddy's Snap-On diag tester to read KR.
So for the $129.00 with all the functions that it is capable of doing compared to my older unit I would have to say that even adding the cable extension and a plastic carry case for it, It's still worth it for about $150.00 shipped as you can use use on any domestic car made with OBD2 without having to buy any more stuff.
So you get the expanded diagnostic capabilities and code reading for any domestic and if you want to buy the individual cables for any foreign cars in your fleet you can.
These kinds of tools are excellent to have if you don't have any other way of reading codes or reading the operating parameter's of various system's etc. Mine has paid for itself and proved to be handy recently when needing to help out a local shop that had a 1995 Riv in with the CEL on.
They didn't have the code key to use their expensive tool and didn't have time to wait for it to be delivered.
So, I just got another hour worth of lift time for hooking up my Actron and giving them the codes and the data printed out from here on what to do. HA.
Rick

A couple years ago, I bought an Autoxray 3000 scanner that came with cables for most data connections. It even came with the one that works on the 95 OBD I port. It lets me monitor most sensors and read codes. The odd thing I noticed is on my 97 Riv, it won't monitor any of the good stuff. It wont show the O2 sensor, knock sensors, TCC status, and some other good stuff. The odd thing is on my older OBDI GMs, it reads everything!

cant you update your actron?

Rickw wrote:

I got curious when I read CMurphy's post about being KR free. I was wondering how he knew that with this tool as mine does not provide that much info.
I have to borrow a buddy's Snap-On diag tester to read KR.

an odd things about the CP9145, it can see KR on a 95, but above that it can't show it. Mine does the same thing.

jeffyd123 wrote:

cant you update your actron?

Not able to by hooking to your computer and paying for an update.
I have never tried contacting them directly about an exchange or a service that allows me to mail it in for an update.
I just don't rely on it for data on my Riv anymore, I purchased Auto-Tap for in depth data recording .

I keep it for my g/f's vehicle and anyone else in the family that just needs to pull and clear codes.

I've been looking for one of these for a while for my 95, but all the local parts stores are carrying different models. Is the actron 9145 the only actron unit that will read a 95, or will these other models work? Can anyone post a current link for where to get one at a good price? It wouldn't hurt if I picked up a kit that could read my gfs 94 crown vic as well...

hey derek, the actron 9185 is the only one actron said to use on the 95. I got one and its pretty slick. ebay has tons of them for about $100 - 150.

My previous post saying that autozone had a 9145 is wrong... they have a 9185... sorry bout that.