Beyond Tech2

[georg]

I have a Tech2 and love its capabilities but there are certain things it cannot do - it cannot retrieve data from the Event Data Recorder which law enforcement can do in the event of a crash, it cannot look at the history of the OLM to see if engine oil changes have been carried out on schedule, it cannot find if the engine has been abused by overheating, overrevving etc. Do dealers and law enforcement have access to software not available to the general public that enables them to access all these extra data?

[georg]

Yeah, one dead battery and bye-bye data ...

 

Been looking into a high end scan tool myself. Can't beat 'em, so might as well join 'em. Gonna cost me though ... sons of bitches ...

 

Still haven't decided on one yet. Was sold on the OTC ... until I saw the stories of their non-existent customer service. Just what I need when dropping $2.5-large on a scan tool ...

If you only work on GMs, why would you consider any scan tool other than the Tech2? A good used one can be had for $1500.

[Jsdirt]

I work on everything and anything I can make a buck on.

[georg]

I don't have any personal experience with OTC but I have heard that OTC and electronics is not a good mix, in other words, do not buy anything OTC with a circuit in it.

 

YOU will be better off with the Autel Maxisys or the laptop based AutoEnginuity.

[georg]

Well, I can see that everyone thinks I am imagining things.

 

Here is my Vehicle Owners Manual

https://my.gmc.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/dynamic/manuals/2006/gmc/sierra_1500/2006_gmc_sierra_owners.pdf

 

Pages 7-9 and 7-10 provide the following information

 

Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor emission control components to optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for airbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations. Some information may be stored during regular operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions; other information is stored only in a crash event by computer systems, such as those commonly called event data recorders (EDR). In a crash event, computer systems, such as the Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your vehicle may record information about the condition of the vehicle and how it was operated, such as data related to engine speed, brake application, throttle position, vehicle speed, safety belt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance, and the severity of a collision. This information has been used to improve vehicle crash performance and may be used to improve crash performance of future vehicles and driving safety. Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes, these on-board systems do not record sounds, such as conversation of vehicle occupants. 7-9 To read this information, special equipment is needed and access to the vehicle or the device that stores the data is required. GM will not access information about a crash event or share it with others other than: • with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee, • in response to an official request of police or similar government office, • as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process, or • as required by law. In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may: • use the data for GM research needs, • make it available for research where appropriate confidentiality is to be maintained and need is shown, or • share summary data which is not tied to a specific vehicle with non-GM organizations for research purposes. Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to the special equipment that can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the device that stores the data.

[newdude]

EDR? Not sure on that one. OLM I don't think logs the amount of resets performed nor at what mileage it was reset. OLM just watches engine RPM, engine temperature and vehicle mileage. They are capped at 7500mi usually, so once it sees 7500mi, and say you have 20% still remaining, it will automatically trigger CHANGE OIL SOON on the DIC. Overheating events almost always will set some sort of relevant code if they are hot enough. There really isn't much you are missing on.

[Jsdirt]

Thanks for the info. Those both sound familiar, so I must've researched them at some point. I'll definitely have to check out that Autel again.

[Srode1]

Great, (sarcasm) that's what I thought. What's a REAL (not a knock off) Tech2 with case and most recent 32mb card flash worth today? Guess I'll sell it since I don't have anything else GM to use it on and the 2015 is in the garage now. I'm guessing I have the last update that will ever show up already on the card, everything is going to be MDI from here on.

[newdude]

What if the overheating occurred years ago before you acquired the truck? Any codes generated would be long gone and would not show up even as a history code.

 

Correct. The ECM/PCM (which ever it has) doesn't data log permanently all items. Once someone clears a code (any code) or reprograms a module, they are gone for good. It's not that the Tech 2 can't do a lot, its that there are things GM doesn't have set up (the things you are looking for) in those modules. Anything that Tech 2 can't do, any lesser tool will never do (and do less than the Tech 2 can do as well).

[georg]

Your Tech2 is worth about $2000.

[georg]

What if the overheating occurred years ago before you acquired the truck? Any codes generated would be long gone and would not show up even as a history code.

[georg]

Well, I cannot access the Event Data Recorder which is part of the SIR (airbag) module with the Tech2. The GM service manual for my truck refers to law enforcement accessing the EDR in the event of a crash.

[Jsdirt]

Wonder if the Canadian trucks are different in that respect compared to US trucks?

[tbarn]

Correct. Not gonna work. You may get some data from a few modules. Incomplete at best though.

[Jsdirt]

Yeah, one dead battery and bye-bye data ...

 

Been looking into a high end scan tool myself. Can't beat 'em, so might as well join 'em. Gonna cost me though ... sons of bitches ...

 

Still haven't decided on one yet. Was sold on the OTC ... until I saw the stories of their non-existent customer service. Just what I need when dropping $2.5-large on a scan tool ...

[Srode1]

Just getting ready to close a deal on a 2015 Silverado, trading a GMC 2004 Duramax. I have a Tech2 now which works great on the GMC, but guessing even with the CANDI module it's not going to work on the 2015, is that correct? My card shows models up through 2013