which error code scanner :91 legacy wagon?

Hey group, I have a 91 subaru legacy wagon with the 2.2 liter motor, automatic. The thing died in my driveway after a long trip. Made a huge noise while trying to start it... like a metal ball bouncing inside, now it cranks, but does not turn over. The spark for 3 and 4 cylinders was weak or nonexistant, the resistances for the distributer-likr part were about 1 ohm for both the 1-2 and 3-4 inputs, the output resistance was about 17k for both. The averaged signal voltage from the ignition transistor was was lower for the 3-4 pair while cranking. I replaced the ignition transistor for $50..... no change. Before I waste more money I want to get a code reader for this car. I have never messed with these, I am finding it difficult to locate a code reader for a reasonable price... is it an OBD1 reader? or special japanese tool?

I post this in some desperation realizing i will be taking a bit spam hit on my this email acct. please post replies if possible.

Thanks

Reply to
random_interference
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Sounds like you have major damage somewhere. I think you can connect some wire under the dash and get a 'blink code' that could be informative.

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Also, try posting over at
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for additional advice. Hope you get your soob back on the road soon.

Carl

Reply to
Carl 1 Lucky Texan

The above is correct, just follow the instructions at the linked site to read the codes. No special equipment is needed, the code will be indicated by flashes of the check engine light. There is no scanner you can buy for your '91,at least not for any reasonable price. The only readily available aftermarket OBDI reader/scanners are for the US domestics. For Asian and other foreign OBDI's, you need either the original manufacturer's scanner as used at the dealers or a professional type unit with the appropriate cartridge installed for your car, such as a Snap-On scanner.

Reply to
mulder

Hi,

On my old '89 Loyale wagon there was connector under the hood, if I remember correctly it was green. This was a single point fuel injected 2.0 L engine. Is your Legacy SPFI, it might use the same system?

I still have the documentation on how to read the troubles codes. There are

4 modes, called U-Check, Read Memory, D-Check, and Clear, what mode you are in is determined by weather the ignition is on/off, Read Memory Connector disconect/conected, asnd Test mode Connector connected/disconnetcted. The trouble code LED will have a long illumniation time of 1.2 seconds for a 10's digit and a short illumination period of 0.2 sec for a 1's digit. If you can read the trouble code I can tell you what it is complainaing about, at least for a SPFI engine.

I went to my public library to get this information years ago, your library may still have it.

Good luck

-Nick

Reply to
Nick Lamendola

Thankyou Nick, texan and xfiles I am"excited" (?!) to try reading the codes...maybe later today or sometime this week... got all kinds of stuff going on here....

oh yeah I think I connected the o2 sensor checking connector, thinking some previous bozo diconnected it for no good reason.... goona see if that kept it from starting....wouldn't THAT be a well deservd kick in the head...

Thanks guys

Nick Lamendola wrote:

Reply to
random_interference

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