Recommendation for an OBD-1 scan tool

September 15, 2025, 06:54 PM

A buddy of mine bought an 86 Stingray. Honestly in very good shape, it has the manual 4+3 transmission, it runs and drives, the oem radio even works. He asked if I knew of a good OBD-1 tool. Any of our wrench turners have a recommendation?

September 15, 2025, 07:08 PM

rizzle

I used a OTC4000E during those years, worked very well on GM. Many for sale the web, be sure it has all the adapters.

September 15, 2025, 08:03 PM

MRBTX

Much appreciated, I passed that on to him. The flip up headlights even work really well on it.

September 16, 2025, 05:00 AM

PHPaul

@rizzle

Thanks from here as well. I've been contemplating getting one for my 1990 Vette.

September 16, 2025, 06:11 AM

rizzle

There is a Pathfinder card (cartridge) for general use. Then there are specific cards. Make sure it has the card for GM 1991 and up. Matco model is the same, just rebranded.
Fifteen hundred bucks was a lot to spend back then, so most were used constantly.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/26740...tkp%3ABk9SR8KhyaSqZg

September 16, 2025, 09:45 AM

Greymann

GM obd-1, you don't need a scan tool. Just connect a/b on the obd plug, with a short wire or paper clip.
Key on, the car will display codes with a series of flashes on dash. 12 will be first number shown by one long flash (for first digit) then two short flashes for second digit (12). Code 12 means your in diagnostic mode

The code will repeat 3 times then next code will flash. When all codes are shown,12 will come up again.
Then look up the codes.
Plenty of youtube videos.

You can find an old snap on MT2500 scan tool with adapters and cartridges on flea bay. MT 2500 covers alot older cars, but with GM's self diagnostic feature its not necessary

.

September 16, 2025, 10:27 AM

rizzle

quote:
Originally posted by Greymann:
GM obd-1, you don't need a scan tool. Just connect a/b on the obd plug, with a short wire or paper clip.
Key on, the car will display codes with a series of flashes on dash. 12 will be first number shown by one long flash (for first digit) then two short flashes for second digit (12). Code 12 means your in diagnostic mode

The code will repeat 3 times then next code will flash. When all codes are shown,12 will come up again.
Then look up the codes.
Plenty of youtube videos.

You can find an old snap on MT2500 scan tool with adapters and cartridges on flea bay. MT 2500 covers alot older cars, but with GM's self diagnostic feature its not necessary

Not going to get block learn/interrogator with flash codes or any other live stream data

September 16, 2025, 12:48 PM

Greymann

quote:

Not going to get block learn/interrogator with flash codes or any other live stream data

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Yes, a scan tool is needed for live data.

There is 99 codes, available I only posted a partial list. Usually enough to figure things out. Battery disconnect will clear codes and start a relearn.

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