Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Trouble Code Reading

I took my 1996 contour (4cyl, 16valve) to Auto Zone to have a computer code pulled. I have been getting a Check Engine light. They said they could not pull codes on this model. I thought 1996 and newer cars had the capability to have codes pulled by the newer diagnostic code scanners. Is there a place on the car that the older code scanners can be plugged in and used?

Welcome . Stand in front of your car and look through the drivers' side windshield. Read the Vehicle Identification Number for the tenth digit from the left. If it is "S", it is a 1995 OBD I. If it is a "T", it is a 1996 OBD II. Autozones usually do not want the hassle of putting the adaptor into the scanner to read OBD I vehicles. If yours is a 1995, you can read it yourself using a paperclip as a jumper. And you don't need a analog meter or test light. Just count the flashing CEL when the connector is jumped. Or buy a OBD I reader for $35.
Read this OBD I thread

If yours is a 1996, go to another Autozone or Advance where the person can recognize a OBD II socket. It is under the dash left of the steering column.

Man what a fast reply...Thanks a lot. I'll look at it tomorrow. I have one of the older code readers that work on my old Explorer and my old Towncar that just may work on this if i can find that connection.

Thanks a bunch

If it is a 1995, then the link I posted has a picture of the OBD I connector by the driver side strut tower. If your Explorer and Towncar is OBD I (before 1996), then you are golden. Good luck.

Yea..everything I drive is pre '96 so my scan tool should be good to go. Thanks again