Speaking of beaters: 1997 Nissan PU (D21-D, 4 cyl 2.4L).
I am now trying to smog the beast and I seem to have a hard problem (Disconnect battery works, but only for about 20 miles.
So, before I pay some mechanic $80 to hook up his little box, I’d like to know what the problem(s) are. Not that I think a mechanic would make up a story just to enrich himself in a recession, mind you…
So I’m looking at Actron CP9175
and it’s cheaper brethern
Q: where does the thing connect? Will I need a “Nissan 14 pin adapter”, and, if so, are the 2 small plugs on it clearly labelled, or should there be idiot-proof instructions.
For those wanting a shot at armchair dianostics: the Cat was stolen several months ago, and left the O2 sensor flopping in the breeze. I thought that maybe the problem was from the sensor’s exposure to open air, and, once reset, would stay so.
Thoughts, comments, location of the plug/plugs this things wants?
It’s called OBD II for ‘on board diagnostics’. The usual location for the port is under the dash on the drivers side. Looks like something you might plug a computer printer into.
You can get a cheap code reader for about $70 that will read the codes and a booklet to consult to tell you what the codes mean. This only works if a code has been stored and the check engine light is lit. Most auto part stores, like Auto Zone, will read them for free if you don’t have a scan tool.
Look under your dash, drivers side, and find the OBD port, it should be right there.
I agree that this is the most likely place to find it, in my (relatively limited) experience. There may be a plastic cover over the connector, if you’re having trouble locating it.
Just called Auto Zone - They no longer do this in CA - thje state got on their ass about depriving the mechanics the $80 to plug in their readers and pushing a button,
Suggest buying a Scangauge II rather than just a cheap OBD-II code reader.
Reads OBDII codes, costs twice as much, does waaaaaaay more and can help you learn how to save gas.
OBDII ROCKS!!! :D:
Mr. Slant is right, get the Scanguage if you can.
But kudos to you for buying either one. I sometimes read Toyota and 4WD forums, and there are guys there who spend many thousands of dollars on big tires, lift kits, roll bars, chrome etc. but are too cheap or too ignorant to buy a $100 tool. When something goes wrong with their truck they post only the most obvious symptom and expect people to diagnose it for them over the net.
It’s like when some user tells the computer support guy, “yeah, it showed some error message, but I couldn’t be bothered to read it”. :rolleyes:
Yeah, I’ve run into that - my understanding is that it’s specific to California; AutoZones in other states will still read codes or loan out readers. I may have to buy my own scanner now, although I haven’t done so yet.
