I have a 1997 Acura CL. When I stopped by autozone to use thier OBD II meter and connected it to my DLC(data link connector), the meter didnt power up. We tried it on a different viecle and the meter is working ok. What might I look for why I am getting no power to the meter. Some said it may be a fuse but have no idea which one to check or where it is located. I do know my cigerette lighter has not worked in ten years, since I dont smoke it was never an issue and the meter did work a few months ago to trouble shoot a different issue. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

this could be so many things but the first I would check would be a ground somewhere. I really doubt it would be any fuse but you may want to check them all under the dash and outside in the engine compartment to be sure. I would check to make sure you had power going to it also. A wiring diagram would be needed to see which ones should be checked

Edit: I went searching on google and this same problem was on a 97 accord. they said the cigarette lighter and that is run off the same fuse so you may get lucky here. If you have a blown fuse replace it and no not push the lighter in (because it may blow again)

 

fuse or ground

 

PO401 Thanks for the advice, im not sure where to look for a ground. I suppose there would be no voltage reading on the DCL pins corresponding to power voltage. I imagine I need to find the ground pin on the DCL as well to determine if ground is available at the DCL. Looks like I have to recall how to read auto schematics. I have a background in ac voltage and schematics for 120volts but dc volt schematics appear rather complex due to all the devices aboard a viecle. Appreciate the ground suggestion, looks like I have some work ahead of me in trying to figure it out. My autos inspection is due in august and in the state of NJ one cant pass the inspection without the DCL working cause they also plug into it for inspection purposes.

 

I didn't think they had to do that in NC but I noticed when I went and got mine inspected last month my ashtray wasn't back in correctly so I am guessing they did have to hook it up

 

They do hook in to your OBD port in NC. If you reset the ECU for say, a CEL, and bring it right to the inspection site, they will tell you to drive around for a few days, as there is not enough data recorded.