retrieving codes for 96 mx-3

[jason5151]

ok here is my problem now ,i need to find a way to get the codes being thrown by my ecu,for this is the notorious stealership dream car!
I just want to know if there is a way to get the codes witout going to the local stealership?
any advice here would be appreciated cuz my discount mechanic can't even get them off my ecu,and this is very bothersome!

[2fazed]

If your car is obd2, then you can go to places like Autozone that rents out obd2 code readers. My Autozone, they come out to the parking lot and tested the car for you, so you don't have to put the deposit down. Or if it works, put a paperclip on ten and grn in your diagnostic box, and with the acc on 2, then record the blinking lights to find your fault codes.

[jason5151]

i thought that using the paperclip on ten and ground only works for obd1 cars,and the obd 2 reader does not work for my car ,we tryed at my cousins shop,is their a special reader mazda are using specifically for reading codesfor this car ??
im really confused about this

[2fazed]

First, what do you have? obd1 or obd2? Use the paperclip on obd1, and the universal code reader on obd2.

[umcamara]

I've had the same problem as Jason in the past. I can't pull codes from diagnostic box, and can't pull codes from OBD-II connector. I'd like to hear from someone with a '96 who has successfully pulled codes.

[jason5151]

I've had the same problem as Jason in the past. I can't pull codes from diagnostic box, and can't pull codes from OBD-II connector. I'd like to hear from someone with a '96 who has successfully pulled codes.

This is my question simplified!lol ty umcamera i would also like to see if anyone has sucessfully pulled codes and how!
cuz even with obd2 reader still have no success,is there a special code reader mazda has just for this car or what?
I challenge anyone in this forum to solve the freedom to repair your car question..and pull codes at reasonable cost!and 100.00 is not reasonable!
my car is 1996 model year gs 1.8 v6.
anyone who can help us solve this problem,my hat is off to you,and my mx-3 will do a burn out for you,lol, just kidding..

[shameem]

My 95 protege isnt supposed to be obd2 - but it has a obd2 connector and 3 out of 5 times a hand held code reader will give error - Had to try different combinations of connecting it then powering on then starting it and vice versa. Some of the "universal" code readers dont work at all. The ones i had the most success are old code readers (pre 2002) and readers that say ford compatible.

On a different note - I use this scanner with my laptop - http://www.scantool.net/products/produc ... 34618baf46" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Works like a charm every time........

[umcamara]

According to this page Click Here, my '96 RS has the ISO 9141-2 OBD-II protocol.

Shameem, the scantool that you recommended supports only the J1850 PWM protocol. However, the same site sells one that does support the ISO 9142-2 protocol, it looks completely different.

I would assume that all MX-3's are ISO 9142-2, if I've correctly diagnosed which one I have. The link that I pasted shows a method for determining the protocol, and the wires that my OBD-II connector has are completely in agreeance with ISO 9142-2.

I'm ready to buy that scantool, but I don't want to buy the wrong one.

[shameem]

I used that same page to determine what my protocol is - somehow US proteges use the same protocol ford uses....
Anyway if you have verified the pins (i suggesting going by the wires on the back of the connector - not just metal on the front of the connector) - then go for the right one. If you are not sure.... may be get the multi-protocol scanners - they are usually cheaper on ebay.....

[umcamara]

Nope...not gonna get a multi protocol one. We had what I'd call a fairly good one at my old job, and it didn't work on my car, just showed "Error". That's why I'd like to get one that's specifically made for a certain protocol.

Yes...I go by the wires at the back of the connector.

[umcamara]

Okay...now I'm completely confused. I've had a CEL for the past couple of days, so I've got to figure this out.

I double-checked which wires are going to the OBD-II connector, and there's only 4. They are pins 4, 5, 7, and 16. According to the website that I linked to a couple posts back, pins 4, 5, 7, 15, and 16 would be ISO 9141-2, but I don't have pin 15.

Mine seems to be closest to that protocol, but short one wire, pin 15. I'd hate to order that scantool and it not work.

Frustration...

Has anybody had any success with the above scantools on the MX-3?

[jason5151]

as far as i know, no!

you need to go to the mazda stealership!
any body feel free to correct my hoped for ignorance!

[shameem]

Pin 15 (L-line) is not a must have - its optional and a relatively newer standard.....
Pin 7 (K-line) is the actual data line....

http://www.scantool.net/support/index.p ... id=3&nav=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also scantools has an unconditional 30 day return policy - http://www.scantool.net/products/shipping.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[umcamara]

Excellent. I ordered the ISO 9141-2 one last night. It looks a little more modern than the other ones. Hopefully it works.

There should be a "fingers crossed" emoticon.

[jason5151]

make sure you post back if this works um!
i sure hope it does!