MX-3.com

I need an obd1 compliant code reader for my 92 mazda mx-3, 4cyl. I see several for sale that are advertised for fords, will these work? I am not sure if I just need one that is obd1 compliant or do I need a special one? Help, thanks

Rather than spend some cash.. why not spend some time doing a bit of research here Try using the search function and searching for CEL Codes or Check Engine Light codes.. I think you'll find it interesting reading

Tunes67

I searched and I must be missing something because I went ten pages in and could not find anything concise that was helpful at all, I am not getting a check engine light, I am not sure whether I will get anything at all with Obd1 unless I have a cel, is that correct?

you dont need a code reader to read codes in pre 96 mazda cars - you just need counting abilities and a paper clip - but good luck with your "obd1 code reader" - let us know how it turns out.

Ok.. in a nutshell.. you dont need a code reader to check for your CEL codes. You can find more details with the search function but you are correct there isnt a specific post detailing the process.. thats why its called research . But all you have to do is open the hood. Find the little black box near the firewall and master cylinder. It has "Diagnose" on top of it. Open the lid. Use a paper clip and jump the TEN and GND pin locations. Then get into the car and turn your key to the "Run" position. Dont start the car. Count the flashes from the CEL. Pay close attention to the timing of the flashes. If it doesnt flash.. you have no error codes. And a code reader wouldnt show you anything at that point anyway.

At the moment the online shop manual is down for repairs. But once its operational again you can look up the CEL codes and discern what issues your engine is having.

Tunes67

02- crankshaft position (ckp) sensor or circuit
03- camshaft position (cmp) sensor or circuit
04- camshaft/crankshaft position sensor or circuit
05- knock sensor
08- Mass Airflow (maf) sensor or circuit
09- coolant temperature sensor or circuit
10- Intake air temperature sensor (IAT)
11- Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor or circuit
12- Throttle Position sensor (TPS) or circuit
14- Barometric Pressure Sensor
15- Oxygen sensor or circuit
16- EGR valve position sensor or circuit
17- Oxygen sensor (check the fuel and ignition system performance)
23- Rear 02 sensor inactivation error
24- Rear 02 sensor inversion error
25- Fuel Pressure Regulator Control Solenoid or circuit
26- Solenoid valve(purge control) or circuit
28- EGR vaccum solenoid
29- EGR solenoid vent or circuit
34- Idle Air Control(IAC) valve or circuit
41- VRIS #1 solenoid
46- VRIS #2 solenoid
67- Cooling fan relay or circuit
69- ECTF sensor

111- System pass
112,113- Intake Air Temperature(IAT) sensor or circuit
116,117,118- Engine Coolant Temperature(ECT) sensor or circuit
121,122,123- Throttle Position Sensor(TPS) or circuit
157,158,159- Mass Air Flow(MAF) sensor or circuit
172,173,179,181- Heated oxygen sensor(H02S) or circuit
211,212,213- Ignition system
214,244- Camshaft position(CMP) sensor or circuit
327,332,337- EGR function sensor or circuit
411,412- Idle Air Control(IAC) valve or circuit
452- Vehicle Speed Sensor(VSS) or circuit
511,512,513- PCM
519,521- Power Steering Pressure(PSP) switch or circuit
522- Transmission range sensor or circuit
536- Brake On/Off (BOO) switch or circuit
538- Dynamic response test
539- a/c sensor or circuit
554- Pressure regulator solenoid valve or circuit
559- a/c relay or circuit
563- cooling fan relay(high speed) or circuit
564- cooling fan relay(low speed) or circuit
565- Purge control solenoid valve or circuit
571- EGR solenoid valve(vent) or circuit
572- EGR solenoid valve(vaccum) or circuit
998- PCM

Remember:

Jump TEN and GROUND with a wire

Turn key to ON, but DO NOT START

CEL will flash

QUICK flashes are SINGLE digits

LONG flashes are 10's or 100's.

1 LONG flash and 5 QUICK flashes will be code 15 - O2 Sensors

This is super easy, you can do it!

We believe in you!

The problem with OBDI is that it's not a set standard, and that being the case, there is no OBDI scanner. There may be some that does work on some cars, but most don't, and I don't think there are any Mazda's can can. The Mx-3 has a propritary diagnostic plug, which only maybe Mazda can read, maybe.

Your best friend, a paperclip, and maybe an LED, that's it.

you guys rock, this is the most straight forward explanation of this process yet, may be good to sticky it some where, thanks again

i'll sell you my paper clip for $20!! Guarantee'd to work!!!

dang that made it easy..

great write-up!

edit:

either it's me, or my car is throwing a TON of codes.. (and it's working fine atm.. i just did it out of curiosity..)

it was throwing out 6, 8, 9, 10, and 17... (and i don't even think there is a 6..)