Folks, What would you suggest in the way of a code scanner/reader for a 94 ZR-1. With so many out there and many designed for newer cars/computers, I don't know  what's best for  a C4. Any help appreciated.  Thanks, Gary M. 94 ZR-1

My suggestion would be to find a Tech 1 on Ebay, it is the tool used by dealers when our cars were new and since dealers no longer use them they can now be found at prices close to those for aftermarket scan tools.
The Tech 1 is much more useful than typical inexpensive scan tools, being bi-directional it can activate solenoids and relays which is very helpful when doing diagnosis.  The Tech 1 can also access the other computers on a C4 such as the CCM, ABS etc. most aftermarket scan tools priced under $500 can ONLY access the ECM and very few are bi-directional.
Link below to a typical listing on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290379157867&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Try to find one with the Mass Storage Cartridge PN < ="-" ="text/; =utf-8">< name="ProgId" ="Word.">< name="Generator" ="Microsoft Word 11">< name="Originator" ="Microsoft Word 11"> 30000003, if the software is up to date no other cartridges will be needed for your C4.

The Tech 1 is good. I've seen a few on e-bay, too.
I  have an older OTC Monitor 4000, and a Snap-On MT2500, and at the shop I have a Snap-On Modis.
Any of the Snap-On scammers are good if it has the correct(ie: newer) software. Since the '94 is not OBDII, you might not neeed a scammer with that capability, but it sure helps to have it if you do need it. Also, bi-directional commands are great...any of the Snap-On scammers will have that, depending on the software version installed. They are also printer-ready, and will query the other control modules mentioned by toptechx6.
Buying a used scammer could be a crap shoot....you never know if it will work until you actually try it, so I wouldn't pay a lot for something I couldn't check out first. You can also sometimes find used scammers at pawn shops, and swap meets, that would be easier to check.
If all you want to do is pull codes, then any lower priced "code reader" would be fine. You can get these at just about any parts house, but most of the ones available now are OBDII specific, and may not give you anything on the '94, so be sure to ask when looking to buy, if it will work on the non-OBDII system.
hth


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Joel Adams  
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks guys for the info. All I knew was that  I needed an OBII. Good to know about getting one with  updates and  one that is bidirectional.  The search begins...

'94 would NOT be OBD II! OBD II was mandated for all 1996 vehicles, but some '95s were OBDII compliant.
You need something that will do what is known now as just OBD, or OBD I.
Not to say that an OBD II scammer wouldn't work, as it probably would, depending on the software, and what connector(s) came with it.
I mentioned that some of the part house code readers I have seen are only usable on OBD II vehicles('96 & up), and will not read/communicate on the older cars. Even some of the major scammer companies are no longer supporting the older, non-OBD II vehicles, so it's always best to ask, and confirm that what you are looking at will work for your '94, non-OBD II car.



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Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks Joel, I meant to say OBD1. And I have run into just what you thought, '96  and newer. I'm tracking a Teck 1 unit that may  do the job, but it's gonna cost some...

While we are on the subject of scanners I have a question. I have an Innova OBDII and ABS scanner and while it works fine on my '96 LT4 it will not read the ABS codes. It does read all codes on my wife's '08 Toyota. What is there about the '96 Vette ABS which prevents this scanner from reading the ABS codes? Dave

Does it give the ABS option on the menu screen?
What does it say when you try to retrieve codes/data from the ABS?
There may be a communication discrepancy between the module and your scammer.
Some years, and ABS systems will not give you communication with a scammer. You may need to do a "manual" code retrieval, which would involve jumpering wires in the connector, depending on the system.
On any of my Snap-On scammers, if there is no code retrieval available on the scammer itself, due to a communication/software issue, it will simply say "Manual codes only", then give the info on how to retrieve the codes.
Also, some ABS systems use a different connector for scammer communication, instead of the normal ALDL connector. I think the ABS connector for the ABS equipped Corvette is in the driver side rear compartment, along with the ABS module, but I'm not 100% certain on the '96.


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Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

The 94 & 95 ZR-1's are not OBD II compliant vehicles...that didn't start until 96 which is when it became a requirement.  The odd thing is that the 94 & 95  ZR-1 do have the OBD II style DLC (data link connector...the 16 pin connector, not the 12 pin ADLC connector on your typical OBD I vechicles).  If you have a Tech I or Tech 1A you will need a special OBD I to OBD II adapter/cable. There are Tech I/IA specific modules/adapters that will allow you to read the ABS codes.  If you want to do any extensive testing without the Tech 1/1A you will need the factory service manual for your year ZR-1.  Using the procedure outlined that involves your vehicles DIC (driver information center) buttons...the cluster of buttons that is labeled FUEL INFO, ENG MET, GUAGES, TRIP ODO and RESET...you can access all of the different systems...ECM, LTPWS, CCM, ABS/ASR and SIR...it is just a matter of jumpering across specific DLC/ALDC pins and counting the blinking lights such as "Service  LTPWS", "Service Engine Soon", "Service Ride Control", "SYS" and "INFL REST". 

like he said....or in other words,  your car is actually OBD1 but if you wanna use it on other stuff just as long as the OBD2 tech 2 does OBD1 as well as a dedicated and specific 1995 and older scanner that is up to date. I dont have a Tach2 scaMMer so I can't tell ya. I use a Snap On 2500 and a OTC. Looking now for a used tach(ed) 2 for my 96 now tho  

|UPDATED|4/22/2016 6:57:19 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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ASE Master Certified, L1 Certified, Owner/Tech

Scammer... can I use that? I like it

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ASE Master Certified, L1 Certified, Owner/Tech

I have a Actron CP9190 that will do ODB I and II vehicles and works well on my ODB I 1994.  As stated in another post, the '94s have a ODB II Style data connector but are ODB I vehicles.  The Actron accommodates this fine with its selection of adapter cables.  You use the ODB II adapter and select the '94 Corvette which is an ODB I car.  Works fine.  It also will do Ford, Chrysler, and some of the European models too.   The one I have is several years old and they may have a newer version by now.  It was reasonably priced, I ordered it from Amazon.

Regards
Bob - Woodstock, GA
'94 Polo Green Coupe



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Bob - '94 Polo Green Coupe