Hi all,
I am new here and I would like to introduce my self. My name is Jim I am 57 I am English bore but live in Australia since 1966
I have 4 kids and 8 grandkids,:nuts: my 4 kids all have cars and look to me for help.
I have worked on old school cars for years.
And now I would like to learn how to fix the new cars that have computers now because I proffer to fix my own cars.
I have been reading how there is more then 700 error codes WOW the old cars would not even have 700 parts that could go wrong but I suppose that is the future.
I have an 96 TE Magna with a computer but no plug for a Diagnostic Scanner it has a problem were every now and then it will not start I disconnect the battery for about 2 m/s and then it stars I know it is one of the sensors but can not trace which one is their a way of putting it on to a computer to find out which one?
And can anyone recommend a good cheep stand alone Diagnostic Scanner

Cheers
Jim.

You could buy a Gregory's workshop manual for your Magna - it has a listing of error codes, how to get them to display on the dashboard and how to fix them. Best $40 you can spend on a new car.

Hi craney,

Thanks I will give that a try and let you know
Cheers
Jim

That's one option, as an alternative - jaycar sell an OBD2 scanner - but if it's not throwing a check engine light error, it's probably not going to show up on that.

i'd start with the immobilizer... also this might sound silly but honestly try another battery - even if you thinking disconnecting the battery helps - i thought it was that for a bit but it was just a crappy battery not enough juice to make it start.

Gday Jim, welcome to AMC,

Be sure to check out the NSW section and get yourself out to a social meet if you are in Sydney :)

I have an 96 TE Magna with a computer but no plug for a Diagnostic Scanner

Hi Jim
there is a OBD plug under the dash , approximately where your left foot goes. its sort of a long D shape , 16pin black plug. the Gregorys no.272 workshop manual is best for most information

Hi All,
lathiat The battery is new and has lots of power to turn the motor, funny thing is, if I leave the battery disconnected for less them 1 minute it will not start leave it for about 2 minutes and it starts.
magwheels Thanks M8 I found the plug, who would of thought of looking that far under the dash, now to get the 272 Gregory’s and the right stand alone Diagnostic Scanner I have got an Opcom but I don’t like laptops and I am getting sick of dragging the PC out side,
Peter_Pan I am not from Sydney I live in Newcastle

Cheers
Jim.

That's one option, as an alternative - jaycar sell an OBD2 scanner - but if it's not throwing a check engine light error, it's probably not going to show up on that.

i'd start with the immobilizer... also this might sound silly but honestly try another battery - even if you thinking disconnecting the battery helps - i thought it was that for a bit but it was just a crappy battery not enough juice to make it start.
I tried the Jaycar OBD2 scanner on the TL & 2 TJ's last year & found it didn't work. I then did a search on here & found the 3rd gen magna's aren't OBD2 compliant. The scanner will however work on the 380's.

Cheers

When you say the car will not start, do you mean will not crank over, or cranks over but will not start?

Hi hako,
It cranks over but will not start
Cheers
Jim

Fiddle with the main plug at the back of the ignition barrel, I'll get pics of what to try (what got my KE Verada going, same symptoms)

Third generation magnas use the OBDII standard of plug but the diagnostic data is transmitted by a Mitsubishi proprietary protocol called MUT or something, what i use is my laptop running a program called evoscan and a OBD to USB connector, Evoscan works very well but is developed primarily for Mitsubishi evos so not all sensors and diagnostics are available for my Magna.

So whenever looking for diagnostic software or diagnostic units always make sure they are MUT compatible to make sure they will work on your Magna or you will have a $250 paperweight like i did the first time i bought a diagnostic unit!!!

Hi hako,
It cranks over but will not start
Cheers
Jim

Maybe the fuel pump is not pumping - relay sticking?...pump on it's last legs.
Can you see if you have spark next time it won't start as that will eliminate that.
When it cranks but won't start, does it just crank or crank and fire as though it is trying to start? Maybe also the key reader is not recognising the key and the then the immobiliser stops the car from starting...maybe try removing key and reinsert.
By the way, I know what you means about kids and their cars - we've got 7 kids and 15 G/kids......

Hi All,
Bashedcrab thanks for the info, which diagnostic unit did you end up getting?

Hakko on spark I have suspected the key for a long time I will try pulling it out next time
I only have one key and they cost way too much to buy.

Cheers
Jim

Hi All,
Bashedcrab thanks for the info, which diagnostic unit did you end up getting?

, what i use is my laptop running a program called evoscan and a OBD to USB connector, Evoscan works very well but is developed primarily for Mitsubishi evos so not all sensors and diagnostics are available for my Magna.


did you know Evoscan 2.7 has been released ? i'm still on 2.6 , will upgrade soon.