I have been saving my coins now to buy a scan tool simply I guess because it is time on one hand and I have 3 cars that it would be nice to use one with. One of which is my 1994 Saturn.
The second scan tool I looked at was the Craftsman CanOBD2 and 1 Scan tool kit which seems to have update capability and the ability to read both OBD2 AND 1 information, EXCEPT:
Geo, Nova, Saturn and Sprint from GM.
This is the second tool I have considered purchasing and also the second one with this limitation.

Does anyone have a clue as to why? And if addition, have one in mind that might read Saturn data from a 1994 model SC2?

 

I don't have a clue, Unc. Can't you just use the paper clip method on a 94?

 

I have some extensive documentation on the Saturn error codes which if accessible are a great benefit to being able to read them out. I can not remember as I write here if on the Saturn if I actually have needed to read them out but certainly as a member of the forum I have used that data to answer questions with. I think (again based on memory rather than actually taking time to look something up) that the Saturn error codes are an abbreviated list if using some means to access things other than a scan tool. Much the same as the OBD-I code level that exists for my F.I. converted AMC I-6 engine which uses a MOPAR based and designed F.I. So there are 2 applications for a scan tool. The last being the OBD-II level of what ever real car I can drive at the time.
Between 2 and 300 dollars seems to be a going price for scan tool capable of reading both OBD-1 and OBD-II level logic and that seems to be the standard at the moment with upgradable logic systems. And while that level is not chump change it is affordable in that if one of these cars goes down and you do not use a scan tool you can spend that much money faster than I can write this trying to guess what is wrong and not even be close to reality.
I think I am being caught by surprise by the somewhat immediately available scan tools that are saying that they have all the features I am looking for but are not compatible with the S series Saturns which makes me want to know way. Which probably if I knew why it might help in my getting around this quandary while I can still afford it.

 

I have a neighbor with a 5 or 6 year old ODBII Actron scanner that lets you choose the car you are working with. It will let you choose the ODB II and ODBI s cars by year.

I bought an ODBII to ODBI converter cable and plugged it into my 95 SC2. Sure seemed to be reading real time data to me.....

 

Derf thanks, I looked up ACTRON and checked out their product list and frankly the data was not clear enough as presented to be sure what cars they were or are compatible with. So I just sent an E-mail to tech support to see if I can get specific information. There were a couple of models that specifically pointed out what models of OBD-1 Ford, Chrysler and GM cars they actually dealt with, implied were other models they were not compatible with. And what is a converter cable? And also what is "CAN"

 

I just received a response from;

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, ACTRON TECHNICAL SUPPORT Bosch Automotive Service Solutions

And it says:
We do not produce a model that will read an OBD I Saturn vehicle in the Actron model line. Our Professional tool line from OTC Tools will read these vehicles but is considerably out of the range of price you have listed ($1500 and up) We do offer a scan tool that will read OBD I GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles as well as OBD II vehicles. This would be the model CP9190 but it does come at a price of $478.95.

Looking that model up on the internet says it can be obtained for between $275 to $350. Depending on where you look I guess.

The plot thickens?
I wonder where you go to get an answer to why?