Just bought a 95 88 but the cruise isnt working. Service manual diagnostics ideally need codes to troubleshoot. The scanner I have goes back to 96 but the plug definately doesnt look like a OBD1. Any recommendations for a scanner?

 

I have an old Actron that works pretty well, but only does freeze frame data from what tripped the code. I think most now do live data streaming, so look for that. You can even get a dongle to Bluetooth an app on your phone, if you're so inclined.
You may even want to snag a GM Tech 2 brick if you can find one and mostly do GM stuff.

 

I have an Innova 3160 scan tool. It works well for my 96 Oldsmobile. I also used it to read the codes on a 2003 Ford F150 I had. Unfortunately, my 96; and especially your 95, aren't quite OBD 2. You won't get as much information from the ECM as you would from a professional scan tool on a later model OBD 2 car.

 

Before getting too deep into it, check the cruise lever plug. I don’t remember the pinout, but one wire will have power whenever the ignition is on, one will have power whenever the cruise is on, one will show power when the “Set” button is pressed, and the last wire will show power when the “resume/accel” is pressed.

My 97 Lesabre had temperamental cruise control until I change levers. A cheap, no cost diagnostic tip that confirmed my suspicion was to drive at a steady speed while holding the set button and wiggling the cruise lever at the same time. If I did it just right, the green “Cruise” light would come on and the cruise would work.

Replacing the lever solved the issue.

 

Well crap, I forgot the ignition/turn signal/cruise/ etc is all on one big plug at the base of the column.

 

You'll need a real scan tool and not a code reader to access anything that old. Your best bet is to find a used scanner with the appropriate software. Snap on mt2500s are everywhere along with the OTC stuff.

My memory is a little foggy but I belive a 95 will have its own CC module thats mounted on the drivers fender well. Communication between the ECM and CC module is probably non-existent, so I doubt there is much to be gained from reading the codes..

 

Come to think of it, I had a 93 Buick LeSabre with a faulty cruise module. I cleaned the vacuum actuated cruise module and the cruise started working intermittently.

I recall seeing a Buick or GM training video that addressed malfunctioning cruise on 3.8l GM cars. I believe there's a cable/strut internal to the cruise module that wears out and eventually snaps disabling the cruise function.

 

The servo is tucked beside the engine. The manual bases every diagnosis off of codes so I figure it will save time but worst case is chase down EVERY code in the book and hopefully hit it.