How do I read ses codes on my 95 Z28?

[matt95Z28]

First of all some back ground info on my car, its a 95 camaro z28 a4. Bought the car a few months ago from a friend of mine where it had been sitting for 2 years and before he got the car the previous owner had some shade tree mechanic work on it...needless to say this car is a bit of a basket case with numerous problems. Now on to my question, i'm a bit confused on how to read the codes since it has the obd2 port but is still an obd1 pcm. I tried using my friends matco scan tool but it only says "protocol kwp2000" and from what i gathered from google that means there is a compatibility issue with the scan tool? But please correct me if i'm wrong and teach me how to read the codes lol

[RamAir95TA]

You should pick up an inexpensive interface cable (tunercat.com) and free diagnostic software like Datamaster. Allows you to do FAR more than just scan for codes. Definitely an invaluable tool for any LT1 owner. And cheaper too, assuming you have a laptop computer.

[Injuneer]

If you don't opt for the software/cable, you need a basic OBD-1 scan tool, like one from Auto Xray. There are also some newer scanners that are supposed to read both OBD-1 and OBD-2, but the Innova brand in particular doesn't seem to work in all cases.

One possible point of confusion - your 95 has an OBD-1 PCM, but is has a 16-pin OBD-2 style ALDL connector. People see that, and assume it's an OBD-2 PCM, and the scanner will not communicate. If you have access to an OBD-1 scanner, and it only has a 12-pin connector, use Shoebox's method to jumper the pins:

http://shbox.com/1/xraycable.jpg

[matt95Z28]

You should pick up an inexpensive interface cable (tunercat.com) and free diagnostic software like Datamaster. Allows you to do FAR more than just scan for codes. Definitely an invaluable tool for any LT1 owner. And cheaper too, assuming you have a laptop computer.

I will definitely be looking into this, thanks!

[Ugod02010]

I got a cable from red devil river I think it was around $40 shipped and everything. Just make sure when u order. From wherever it is u tell them it's obd1 but has the obd2 plug. Some call it obd 1.5.
Then like injuneer said u can get any of the free log/scanner programs for your laptop. I think it's gregrob is his name he has a few really good scanner/ reader programs. I have one of his newer ones and it does everything except logging. But you can see what codes are up in the PCM and also abs stuff and trans codes also.( I don't think our cars have the trans codes tho) but basically anything you need to scan can be had for free or really cheap. Then if u but a cable in the future if u want to do any tuning u are a step ahead

[Injuneer]

His name is GaryDoug, and he's a member here. I believe BobDec has posted the free download link. Try a "search".

The software reads the PCM (which includes the transmission codes, except 93), ABS (EBCM) and the airbag (SRS) codes.

[Ugod02010]

That's it I knew it was two first names crammed together. Lol.