My check engine light is on and I figure it'll come on many times in the future so I should get a code scanner.

At first I tried going to advanced auto parts because they'll do it for free, but they only had a serial connection which won't plug into my 94 RX-7.

So does anyone know what code scanner I need specifically that will work? I tried calling auto parts stores and they couldn't tell me. They just had generic ODBII scanners.


Also my pop-up headlights stopped going down two days ago. Anyone have any idea what the problem might be?

 

Code scanner, you need the kind that is about 2-3 inches long and is about 18-gauge, Yep, you just need a piece of wire to jump the diagnotics box:

http://www.fd3s.net/engine_codes.html

As for the lights, did you make sure you didn't hit the headlight button on the upper left side of the dash? Just something simple to check first.

 

yeah, no scanner needed. Just a paper clip. Open the diagnostic box under the hood, and jump the ten and ground pins. Then turn key on and the check engine light will flash you the codes.

If both headlights won't go down, definately check the button to the left of the instrument cluster. then, start checked fuses for the motors that raise/lower them.

 

well is there a scanner I can plug into it that'll give me the codes so it's easier?

And the codes start at page F-22 in the workshop manual, correct?

Oh and it was that button on the left of the instrument cluster. Thanks.

 

I would think that saving money by being able to count would be more desireable than buyign diagnostic equipment to count for you.

 

man, it's really hard to count how many times a light flashes.

 

1...2....3...uhh 8...uhh 5....

Just count the lights unless u are just made of money!

 

Well there is a ton of different codes it's giving me. ;/ So it took quite a while to write down all the codes and double check that they are right.
I went ahead and did it that way, though.

I'd still like to have a code scanner for it though if it isn't more than $50.

 

The RX-7 is an OBDI car (not the newer OBDII). As far as I know, you'd have to have an authentic Mazda reader which if even available wouldn't be $50. I would just get used to reading the light like the rest of us...

 

I almost stopped reading this thread right there.....I've never had a check engine light come on in almost 5 years of ownership.

 

Well congradulations for not having any problems. Not everyone is the same. Who knows what's could happen?

 

um you get code 16, and code 11.... maybe 7 if the o2 is that bad

ive seen i think 9? coolant temp sensor once or twice

reuse the engine harness and you get 2 and 3 the crank angle sensors

 

Expecting the engine light to come on all the time is just silly.....it would be cheaper to just go to a Mazda dealer everytime you got a code than to buy the Mazda ST.

 

Yeah I have the workshop manual so iknow what they are.

I got codes fro the solenoid valve, oil metering pump, knock sensor, egr function sensor. ;/ Going to take it to mazda.

And the dealer isn't cheap and i can have to wait a week sometimes to get an opening, that's why I would of liked to be able to have a device to read them myselves. But since it's something special i guess that's out of the question. ;/

 

Do NOT take it to the dealer! Make the drive to Pettit. Although with all those items, it sounds like something's happened to the wiring harness or something.

 

One of the mechanics at the dealer I go to owns a 1st gen and their master mechanics seem very knowledgable about FD when I talked to them so I trust them for little things instead of spending $60 on gas and 4 hours travel time to go too and from pettit.