I recently had a CE light and tried to troubleshoot with an Equus 3100 OBD-II code reader http://www.iequus.com/item.asp?cid=10&pid=3100, however it couldn't connect to the on-board computer. Any idea why ? From the 3100's documentation, it is compatible with all imports... FYI, the car is a '96 Canadian LX 1.8 auto. Thanks !

 

ALL obdII diagnostic ports are the same. They all have 16 pin connectors.
on my 97 lx the port is underneath the dash, you didn't by chance try to hook it up to the one under the hood that says "diagnostic" did you??
I've got an OBDII scanner myself and its sometimes a pain in the *** to hook it up, but it only goes on one way.

 

You did turn the ign to "on"?
Or even running...that's how mine works.

 

I had it properly hooked-up to the OBD-II port under the dash and did everything said in the manual (and then some) but nothing would get it to connect... Ignition off, on, engine running, etc.

The Emissions Control sticker under the hood doesn't say "OBD II Certified", are we sure all 1996 canadian Protege are OBD-II compliant ? The serial number confirms it's a 1996.

I have e-mailed Equus for their feedback.

 

Hmmm, good question, Your owners manual might have a bit more info, but thats weird, I mean, if it has the port undderneath the dash it should be. I don't think OBDI had that.

 

Well, i have a 95 Protege.. da crappy *** 1.5l. That has OBD-I don't it? If so, then the plug under the dash is on that too. Cause i had to use that last time i had my car checked