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95 Merlot obd1 or 2

Old Apr 20, 2017 | 11:58 AM
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Default 95 Merlot obd1 or 2

I'm going to look at a 95 either tonight or tomorrow, but was wondering about the switch over to obd2 somewhere in 95. Obd scan port should be to the right of the wheel under the dash correct? Anything else on the car to verify whether it is obd1 or 2? Labels, vin, etc..

I'm trying to start out on the right path with an obd1 car due to the emissions in my state.

Turbo complicates this.

Thanks!
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by HeavyD
I'm going to look at a 95 either tonight or tomorrow, but was wondering about the switch over to obd2 somewhere in 95. Obd scan port should be to the right of the wheel under the dash correct? Anything else on the car to verify whether it is obd1 or 2? Labels, vin, etc..

I'm trying to start out on the right path with an obd1 car due to the emissions in my state.

Turbo complicates this.

Thanks!
I think all '95 model year cars were OBD1 with the actual switchover being MY96 cars. Somewhere in actual 1995 the coil wires were changed from 3 to 4 wires to get ready for OBD2

Google should help you out.
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 12:18 PM
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I've read that the switch over happened during the 95 MY. Check for an OBD2 plug, under the steering wheel area. Also check for ECU location, I think all OBD1 cars had them in the passenger footwell, and OBD2 behind the passenger seat, but I don't remember if that's just the difference between 1.6 and 1.8 ECU location.

Also, check hood sticker

Old Apr 20, 2017 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by acedeuce802
I've read that the switch over happened during the 95 MY. Check for an OBD2 plug, under the steering wheel area. Also check for ECU location, I think all OBD1 cars had them in the passenger footwell, and OBD2 behind the passenger seat, but I don't remember if that's just the difference between 1.6 and 1.8 ECU location.

Also, check hood sticker


I have 95' OBD1 and my ECU is behind pass seat. I believe all 95s are behind pass seat.
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 12:55 PM
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That hood sticker will defiantly help assuming it's still there.
Thanks guys.

Hoping it works out!
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by bahurd
I think all '95 model year cars were OBD1 with the actual switchover being MY96 cars. Somewhere in actual 1995 the coil wires were changed from 3 to 4 wires to get ready for OBD2.
No need for Google, you are correct!
Old Apr 21, 2017 | 11:25 AM
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I'm curious. In PA, do you have to pass OBD2 if your car has it, no matter what year it says on the registration?
In NC, it does not matter if the car has OBD2. Any car 1995 or older is not subject to OBD2 testing and only has to pass a safety inspection.
Old Apr 21, 2017 | 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Guardiola
I'm curious. In PA, do you have to pass OBD2 if your car has it, no matter what year it says on the registration?
In NC, it does not matter if the car has OBD2. Any car 1995 or older is not subject to OBD2 testing and only has to pass a safety inspection.
I've heard rumors of the state changing to a similar law. Any OBD1 vehicle would be omitted from emissions, but as of now it is still a sniffer/tail pipe test. Only two ways around emissions for OBD2 that I know of is to drive less than 5k miles a year or "know someone".

BTW looked at the car last night and it indeed is OBD1.
Going to pick up the car in a few hours!

Might upload a pic later..
Old Apr 24, 2017 | 11:28 AM
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Picked it up Friday! Chrome hoops are already off.
Old Apr 24, 2017 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Guardiola
I'm curious. In PA, do you have to pass OBD2 if your car has it, no matter what year it says on the registration?
In NC, it does not matter if the car has OBD2. Any car 1995 or older is not subject to OBD2 testing and only has to pass a safety inspection.
There are few cars before the 1996 model year that had OBD2 (certainly no Miatas), so I don't think that would even be an issue.


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