OBD tool for a 1995 LeSabre
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 22
OBD tool for a 1995 LeSabre
I'm planning to replace the air shocks on my 1995 LeSabre. I will need to re-set the computer. What OBD tool will do the job.
I want to buy one that can work on several cars.
Thanks for the help.
Neal Lewis
I want to buy one that can work on several cars.
Thanks for the help.
Neal Lewis
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,230
I'm not sure you have to do anything to the computer on a 95 when replacing the air shocks.
As far as an OBD tool is concerned, shop at several auto supply stores and gather as much info as you can. A lot will depend on how much you want to spend, just how involved you want to get, and what makes of vehicle you will/plan to use it on. Code readers are cheap, on the other hand scan tools are not !
Code readers do only that, read and display codes.
Scan tools can do quite a lot of things. They can read the codes, some even explain the code problem. They can test, activate different parts, provide what we call Data Stream info, displays of different sensor readings and much more. That is why they cost more. Keep us informed as you gather this info and maybe we can offer some suggestions to help make a wise decision.
As far as an OBD tool is concerned, shop at several auto supply stores and gather as much info as you can. A lot will depend on how much you want to spend, just how involved you want to get, and what makes of vehicle you will/plan to use it on. Code readers are cheap, on the other hand scan tools are not !
Code readers do only that, read and display codes.
Scan tools can do quite a lot of things. They can read the codes, some even explain the code problem. They can test, activate different parts, provide what we call Data Stream info, displays of different sensor readings and much more. That is why they cost more. Keep us informed as you gather this info and maybe we can offer some suggestions to help make a wise decision.
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 22
OBD tool for a 1995 LeSabre
I'm not sure you have to do anything to the computer on a 95 when replacing the air shocks.
A quick look at the shop manual (not a "Haynes") does not indicate the need to re-set the computer. However, in previous research I came across information that suggested a scan tool would be needed to do that. I don't know.
I am planning to install Gabriel shocks for load sensing applications, rather than GM, since the Gabriel shocks have as good or better warranty and are about half the price (plus, either the right-hand or left-hand shocks may no longer be available from GM).
I want the scan tool handy in case it is needed.
I also plan to buy a new sensor and a salvage yard compressor in good condition. I may need to run new line in various places.
As far as an OBD tool is concerned, shop at several auto supply stores and gather as much info as you can. A lot will depend on how much you want to spend, just how involved you want to get, and what makes of vehicle you will/plan to use it on. Code readers are cheap, on the other hand scan tools are not !
I have the 1995 Buick LeSabre, a 1992 Sable 3.8 LS Wagon (with pre-OBD II electronics), a 1987 Jaguar XJ6 (with a primitive but functioning computer) and a 1987 AMC Eagle DL Wagon (same situation as the Jaguar). So I need something with a lot of versatility. In addition I have a 1997 LeSabre and my wife's 1996 Corsica (with the little 4).
Code readers do only that, read and display codes.
Scan tools can do quite a lot of things. They can read the codes, some even explain the code problem. They can test, activate different parts, provide what we call Data Stream info, displays of different sensor readings and much more. That is why they cost more. Keep us informed as you gather this info and maybe we can offer some suggestions to help make a wise decision.
A quick look at the shop manual (not a "Haynes") does not indicate the need to re-set the computer. However, in previous research I came across information that suggested a scan tool would be needed to do that. I don't know.
I am planning to install Gabriel shocks for load sensing applications, rather than GM, since the Gabriel shocks have as good or better warranty and are about half the price (plus, either the right-hand or left-hand shocks may no longer be available from GM).
I want the scan tool handy in case it is needed.
I also plan to buy a new sensor and a salvage yard compressor in good condition. I may need to run new line in various places.
As far as an OBD tool is concerned, shop at several auto supply stores and gather as much info as you can. A lot will depend on how much you want to spend, just how involved you want to get, and what makes of vehicle you will/plan to use it on. Code readers are cheap, on the other hand scan tools are not !
I have the 1995 Buick LeSabre, a 1992 Sable 3.8 LS Wagon (with pre-OBD II electronics), a 1987 Jaguar XJ6 (with a primitive but functioning computer) and a 1987 AMC Eagle DL Wagon (same situation as the Jaguar). So I need something with a lot of versatility. In addition I have a 1997 LeSabre and my wife's 1996 Corsica (with the little 4).
Code readers do only that, read and display codes.
Scan tools can do quite a lot of things. They can read the codes, some even explain the code problem. They can test, activate different parts, provide what we call Data Stream info, displays of different sensor readings and much more. That is why they cost more. Keep us informed as you gather this info and maybe we can offer some suggestions to help make a wise decision.
I plan to rely heavily on the experience (and wisdom) of the members of this group.
Thanks for your help.
P.S. I work as a Tech Writer for a living.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,230
Do you write tech articles for an automotive related company?
I'm pretty sure your LeSabre has an OBD I system. Scan tools for OBD I are much cheaper to obtain because there was limited info available from the system. On the other hand OBD II provided much more info (Data Stream) and displays actual function & performance of many more sensors. Some Late model scan tools will work for both OBD I & OBD II. A quality scan tool can run as much as $3,000+.
Be careful of many imported scan tools that claim to do everything, country of origin etc., you get what you pay for there.
I'm pretty sure your LeSabre has an OBD I system. Scan tools for OBD I are much cheaper to obtain because there was limited info available from the system. On the other hand OBD II provided much more info (Data Stream) and displays actual function & performance of many more sensors. Some Late model scan tools will work for both OBD I & OBD II. A quality scan tool can run as much as $3,000+.
Be careful of many imported scan tools that claim to do everything, country of origin etc., you get what you pay for there.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25
From: Hudson, WI
On something like a 95 I don't think it's connected to the ECM or to a monitoring system.
Do you have some kind of a check engine light with a suspension code ??
I replaced the air shocks on my cousins 00 Lesabre and it's just a simple shock replacement except you plug in the air lines. They just pushed into the couplers on the shocks.
Do you have some kind of a check engine light with a suspension code ??
I replaced the air shocks on my cousins 00 Lesabre and it's just a simple shock replacement except you plug in the air lines. They just pushed into the couplers on the shocks.
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