T/A died...SES light on please help w/in

[Craig 94 TA GT]

Can I get the cheap $30 GM code reader (Equus 3123), or should I buy the better, more expensive autoxray one? Will the cheap one do the job? Thanks.

[Joe 1320]

A $30 code reader will not work on a 94, you'll need a dedicated scanner. The code readers use the old "SES flashes the code" that stopped after the 93 model.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

O my gosh...I just bought the thing too because it says it's compatible with "1994 Pontiac Firebird 3.4/5.7 Liter" engines. I tried it too and all it does is turn the fans on when the key is turned, and doesn't blink any lights. What a rip off. They said too, once it's opened, it can't be returned. Man, this stinks.

[Joe 1320]

Actually since it is falsly advertised, open or not, you can get your money back. I would walk right in there with a manual, go right to the manager and ask him how is he going to fix this? Show him how the manufacturer falsely claims it works for a 94, You'll get a refund.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

OK, thanks Joe, I'll do that. That is total BS how it says it'll work on a 94.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

Considering nobody locally sells the OBD1 scanner (Spent hours looking and checking), I'll probably have to take it in, since I need it fixed ASAP. I checked the MAF, and it seems fine. The wires were all intact and the sensors themselves look to be in perfect condition. I also checked the battery voltage...It reads 12.7 when the car is off, and 14.2 when at idle (a minute or so after I started it). So I don't *think* that the battery or alternator is the problem (although it's still possible).
It still seems to run fine right now, but I hope it isn't the opti because it seems to be related to Jeff's problem when his opti went out.
Thanks for all your guys' help. I'll post any news I get on what the problem is.

[N20LT4Bird]

Originally posted by Injuneer
94 is not Speed-density.... its mass-air.

I dont know what made me think we were working on a 93. My bad.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I got the code...36. Figuring I had the same symptoms as Jeff, I had a feeling it would be the opti. It threw the code again as soon as I was at the shop. They said roughly $400-$600 for a new opti and brand new water pump, parts and labor. That's not too bad right? Even though it still "runs" and doesn't miss (yet), I think I'll just get it all fixed before I get stuck on the side of the road.

By the way, thanks for all your guys' help and suggestions.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

That's cheap. Find out what OPTI they are using. Those things run a couple of hundred dollars. Add the water pump and about 8 hours of labor, that's cheap. Make sure they are using quality parts. It seams like I remember a post on here about some auto parts stores OPTIs not being all new parts. I would go with a genuine GM new part on it. Also I would suggest them replacing the timing cover to OPTI seal. They did not replace mine and now it is leaking oil there. I wish I had done it myself now. Also make sure the wiring harness that plugs into the OPTI is not corroded and needs replacing. Mine was. Good luck.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

OK, thanks Jeff for the good advice. He did say that the opti alone was well over a couple hundred bucks, but I what I don't think he realized was the labor he was in for.


OK, just got an estimate. $714 for parts + labor without the water pump. Actually it's $794 - $80, which I paid for the diagnostic. Sound about right?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Sounds average. $714 + 8 hrs at $60 an hour ($400)=$1114. You're kind of stuck if it's you only car but if you can wait a few days to order the part and have it UPSed, you can save several hundered bucks.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

OK, he quoted labor, so the total will be $1074. Man, if only I would have known and ordered the part from gmpartsdirect. He ordered it straight from a dealer...might as well tell me to bend over and spread 'em.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

"Bend over, he'lll drive." I hate it. I've thought about buying one just to keep on hand.