Anyone Have Their Own Gm Tech 2 Programmer Or Custom?

Forkster · January 7, 2011

I've been looking on fleabay and there are modules and cards I can pick up but it's not 100% clear on what I need. Being a computer geek, I find strange the GM doesn't sell a consumer version of this - heck I would think they'd be selling them to save time with diagnostics and highlight more issues for customers to bring their cars and trucks back to get fixed. But I'm not expecting GM to think 'out of the box' in this area. They're mostly wrench heads, not geeks.

anyways, has anyone found an easy and inexpensive way to interface the programming of our trucks similar to the Tech 2 programmer GM has?

Ed

old-chevy-dude · January 7, 2011

no car manufacture sells a "consumer" version of their tech tools.. some sell aftermarket repair center versions for speed shops and 3rd party mechanic repair shops..

personally I am looking into getting a Tech2 myself, I have owned a Chrysler Star Scan (the Chrysler version of the Tech 2) for 6 years while I had my Chrysler, I recently sold it to an aftermarket Hemi builder, so I have the funds, but I want to find one reasonably priced.

this looking promising:

http://www.obdiiscanner.com/professional-tool/gm-tech-2.html

CANdi interface:

http://www.obdiiscanner.com/professional-t...ace-for-gm.html

but like you I think there is another module or two I need..

old-chevy-dude · January 7, 2011

doing some research looks like you need the Tech 2, the CANdi, and the TIS to read anything above 2008:

http://www.efichip.com/index.php?747730738

$2000 Euro at that site..

truckofwinandawesome · January 7, 2011

I'd hate to say this, but I'm DAMN Lucky My School has a Tech2 WITH a CANdi Module!

old-chevy-dude · January 7, 2011

looks like this is what is needed for 2011 forward:

http://www.obdiiscanner.com/professional-tool/gm-mdi.html

truckofwinandawesome · January 7, 2011

looks like this is what is needed for 2001 forward:

http://www.obdiiscanner.com/professional-tool/gm-mdi.html

that is a J2534 Pass Through Flash Reprogrammer. it does nothing but connect a PC to the Car/Truck so the PCM can be Reflashed. it does not read, or erase codes, and it does not give telemetry UNLESS it is used with a Laptop with a Diagnostic Program like EASE.

Here's a link to EASE's website: http://www.obd2.com/

old-chevy-dude · January 7, 2011

looks like this is what is needed for 2001 forward:

http://www.obdiiscanner.com/professional-tool/gm-mdi.html

that is a J2534 Pass Through Flash Reprogrammer. it does nothing but connect a PC to the Car/Truck so the PCM can be Reflashed. it does not read, or erase codes, and it does not give telemetry UNLESS it is used with a Laptop with a Diagnostic Program like EASE.

Here's a link to EASE's website: http://www.obd2.com/

i meant 2011 forward.

it works like the new WiTech from Chrysler, just a pass-through and everything is done via software on a pc instead of a hand-held..

brianf60 · January 8, 2011

Just rememeber that those scanners your looking at on that site are Chinnees knock off. Known as "clones" They usually work great, but if you ever have an issue your done. Can't get warrenty (company that sold it has changed). Can't get it fixed (GM will destroy it if they get it sent in for service) so just remember that it can be a $2000 paper weight....

old-chevy-dude · January 8, 2011

Just rememeber that those scanners your looking at on that site are Chinnees knock off. Known as "clones" They usually work great, but if you ever have an issue your done. Can't get warrenty (company that sold it has changed). Can't get it fixed (GM will destroy it if they get it sent in for service) so just remember that it can be a $2000 paper weight....

while I'll agree with you about the Euro link.. the first link (obdiiscanner.com) I posted is a legit company and that is an Authentic Tech 2, i'd bet on it, I purchased my Star Mobile thru them 5 years ago, as they were cheaper than getting one from the dealer I worked for, even with my corp discount..

My Star Mobile was 100% legit and the serial # was registered with Miller Tools (the manufacturer) and when I sent it in for repair I had no issues.

denindc · January 8, 2011

Do the manufacturers offer software/firmware updates for the scanners?

C. Charles Hahn · January 8, 2011

Do the manufacturers offer software/firmware updates for the scanners?

You would need to have a subscription to obtain those updates, I believe.

Actually it looks like GM is drastically changing the way their service and diagnostics work, you might want to read the latest in the GM TechLink newsletter:

http://www.sandyblogs.com/techlink/index.html

cwendel4 · January 8, 2011

I have the Autoenginuity software and interface. I bought it with the enhanced code package for GM and can access all systems in the truck and any other GM vehicle. I can also perform all of the system tests and actuate various parts of the system. The code package only requires a renewal of $50 a year and your get 4 updates a year. The renewal lets you use the enhanced level while you can get the basic update and use it for free, but what is the point of that.

It is here at http://www.autoenginuity.com/

You can purchase what ever version you want with the level of access you want, but I highly recommend the enhanced option to allow you to really see what is going on and have dealer access. No program ability though but great. I use it with a netbook and it works wonderful, wish it was a tablet though.

Anyway, service is great and I have even gotten various new versions from their programmers when I was not able to access certain modules on my 2000 GMC 1500. It let me bleed the module and read all the codes and realize the module is truly at fault for the erratic ABS light. I can even read the misfires on my 2007 engine. Cylinders 2,4,7 all show eratic misses, no code but shudder at idle.

oldschool327 · January 8, 2011

I have the Autoenginuity software and interface. I bought it with the enhanced code package for GM and can access all systems in the truck and any other GM vehicle. I can also perform all of the system tests and actuate various parts of the system. The code package only requires a renewal of $50 a year and your get 4 updates a year. The renewal lets you use the enhanced level while you can get the basic update and use it for free, but what is the point of that.

It is here at http://www.autoenginuity.com/

You can purchase what ever version you want with the level of access you want, but I highly recommend the enhanced option to allow you to really see what is going on and have dealer access. No program ability though but great. I use it with a netbook and it works wonderful, wish it was a tablet though.

Anyway, service is great and I have even gotten various new versions from their programmers when I was not able to access certain modules on my 2000 GMC 1500. It let me bleed the module and read all the codes and realize the module is truly at fault for the erratic ABS light. I can even read the misfires on my 2007 engine. Cylinders 2,4,7 all show eratic misses, no code but shudder at idle.

Will this act just like the Tech2?

Seam to me that if the dealer was giving you the run around you could just set this up in the parking lot and prove him wrong.

Jennabear · January 8, 2011

We have a Tech II, but use EFILive for tuning.

cwendel4 · January 8, 2011

You could. The enhanced feature also allows you to access the codes kept in history by the ecm. This is something a code reader can't really do, this can. I can see all of thec odes that have been cleared in each module and those that do not set off a warning light. I can also see the info from each sensor. Tha thelped me analyze the ecbm for the abs to realize that the module must be bad and setting the code, even though I performed each and every tsb repair short of replacement.

The program also lets you record data for what ever sensors you are looking at in a file and review them later for either comparison or analysis.

I looked at a number of programs and found this one to be the best in terms of price and features.