Scantool question?

[945frankenmaster]

Will the GM Tech 1 work on my 94 RMS?

 

[buickwagon]

Yes -- provided you have the appropriate software cartridge. IIRC, there is a "master" cartridge that covers all models or you could get special modules that only covered certain models/years/functions.

Edit: There is also a "Tech-1A" -- an update of the tool itself. Both versions use the same cartridges.

 

[945frankenmaster]

What was changed from the 1 to 1A?

 

[945frankenmaster]

Another good question, will the tech 1 and tech 1A give me any info that I won't be able to obtain with a scantool from Snapon or Mac or Matco or even one of the cheap OBD scanners from autozone?

 

[EagleMark]

What are you looking for?

There's also software for laptop you can access with ALDL cables> Like TunerPro, datamaster, Freescan...

 

[buickwagon]

Another good question, will the tech 1 and tech 1A give me any info that I won't be able to obtain with a scantool from Snapon or Mac or Matco or even one of the cheap OBD scanners from autozone?

The only advantage of the Tech1 over another brand scan tool is the ability to access certain GM updates that are often only available to dealers anyway. The Tech-2 could upgrade ROMs, but I don't think the Tech-1 could. One of the disadvantages is they are specific to GM vehicles (although I understand they did have a cartridge for some Fords at one point)

However, none of the cheap code-readers can compare to a proper scan tool. A scan tool provides access to the raw sensor data and is two-way (ie: it can actuate devices such as fans, solenoids, re-home ABS motors, etc.) Most can record the sensor outputs while drive-testing (absolutely invaluable when chasing an intermittent fault!) A cheap code reader just tells you what code is stored, not when or why it was stored. And while the codes can be a useful diagnostic tool, unfortunately they are not always accurate -- they represent the computer's "best guess" as to what is going on.

An example: a buddy's Ford kept throwing an O2 sensor code. He replaced the sensor twice. Finally, we hooked up my scan tool and set it to record conditions before and after the code was set. Looking at the data that was captured, we discovered an anomaly just before the code appeared -- in the mass airflow. Replaced the MAF, and no more mysterious O2 sensor "failures".

Also, sometimes the raw data can reveal a problem that doesn't set a code. One morning my 92 RMW wouldn't start. No code, good spark, gas spraying from the injectors. Hooked up the scan tool and the data stream revealed that the 'puter thought the engine was +20°C. That is a valid temperature, so it did not trigger a code. The problem was the actual temperature was -20°C, so the injector pulse width was insufficient. From there, it was short work with a multi-meter to verify the problem was the sensor (rather than the wiring or the PCM itself).

As for the difference between the Tech-1 and the Tech-1a, I know the 1a has an RS-232 port added for downloading the stored data to a computer (I have a similar capability with my 4000E -- handy for graphing logged runs). I suspect, but don't know for sure, that the 1a has a faster processor too.

Another option is a laptop-based program and interface. I have no experience with the offerings out there for the OBDI cars though. (One problem might be getting the appropriate adapters to connect with the pre-OBDII diagnostic connectors).I am using AutoEnginuity for EOBD and later cars (not applicable to your 94), and it works well. Better than the APEX one I first tried. Neither is as convenient as a dedicated scan tool, but since I already have a laptop, they are far cheaper and I don't have to worry about filling cartridge memory when logging!

 

[MrBuick (Magnum)]

For a 94/ 95 LT1, the laptop method wit ha cable is pretty damn cheap with datamaster. Purchase Tuner CATS, and you can make changes yourself to the PCM's tune. Like adjust fuel, shift points, commanded line pressure for the tranny. Tons of items.

 

[945frankenmaster]

Im gonna look up Datamaster, I've been watching those buick know how videos on youtube and then typed gm tech Q into ebay just to see what was out there and them when i saw that a few were actually on the market i really liked the idea of a scantool straight from the dealer, by trade I'm a mechanic and this program sounds sufficiant for OBD1 cars and well until the economy picks back up the tool dealers arnt getting much of my money lol