Diagnostic Connector

[CalsonicGTR]

So I went to go pull trouble codes to try and diagnose a high idle, and was suprised at what I saw when I opened up the cover for the diagnostic connector...

http://flickr.com/photos/14742005@N03/2592356196/sizes/l/

At first I thought it was peanut butter but I'm pretty sure its some kind of grease. Unfortunately, I was unable to pull any codes (CEL didnt flash at all) because this stuff probably interfered with the jumper. Anyone have any suggestions as to what the heck this stuff is and what I can use to clean it out without killing the connector?

 

[Poodles]

It's dielectric grease, and no, it won't interfear, you just didn't get a good enough connection or you jumped the wrong ones (be careful, you can cause some major damage if you cross the wrong pins)

The grease prevents rust and corrosion of the connector, it's a good thing.

 

[jdub]

Made my "SST" by taking a short length of solid copper 14GA wire, stripping both ends, and pounding flat with a hammer. Filed the sides to fit the diag block connectors...works great and is much better than a paperclip.

 

[Nick M]

If you have a spare harness from something, which I realize most of you wont, just get out the dikes and cut a piece with the male end that is the same guage.

You can pull the wires out without breaking the connector.