Should I buy a bi-directional scan tool? (plus J2534 and TDS)

BB_Mike · February 2

I have always maximized my DIY. tTat is getting hard to do as technology increases. Below is a list of things I want to do to my 2020 Silverado 2500HD L5P Duramax High Country trim:

1) Replace the missing Communications Interface module (Wifi) located above the gas pedal. This also does wireless carplay and bluetooth.

2) I have a "Service Forward Camera" error that requires a Forward Camera Learn procedure at a minimum, but could be a rabbit hole of issues. It worked a few months ago.

3) Reduce the TPMS threshold warning pressure. There are dedicated boxes for this, I think, but not worth it as a stand alone 1-time use for me.

4) KeyFob programming w/ push button start. I only have a single keyfob and it is programmed as driver #3. I need to add a keyfob and would like to update the Driver #, but don't have to.

5) Speedometer calibration for larger tires that are 285/65R20. I think this requires HP Tuners and a ECU license there too.

My question is, do I bite the bullet of the upfront cost of equipment because it should save me money in the long run? The costs I have found are:

J2534 boxes:
MDI2 ($1,300)

If you know if an off-brand one that works well, please do share

Bi-directional scan tools:
Autel MK900-BT ($600)
Thinkcar 689BT ($600)
Snap-on ModisUltra ($1,400)

TDS license through AC Delco for Body module license
$50 per vehicle license and lasts 2 years

I do have an OBDLink MX+ ($150) that can be used as a passthrough device as bluetooth. At least I think it can.

Any info' you could toss my way is much appreciated. I'm not scared of the work, just the cost concern of buying cheap and buying twice. I'm more harbor freight than snap-on. The irony is not lost on my that I drive a high country and am frugal.

Edited February 2 by BB_Mike

davester · February 2

When ACDelcoTDS banned knockoff MDI units (which worked great), I got a Topdon Rlink J2534 and it works ok w both the SPS software and Tech2Win. I skipped the really cheap J2534 devices as they all seem to rely on some sketchy 3rd party windows driver.

IDK what kind of support SPS or GDS2 (which is a separate subscription on acdelcotds) has for changing tpms thresholds or speedo/tire calibration, but they should let you do the rest of it. The forward camera learn might need some other stuff to perform, I would suggest a subscription to alldata.com to see what's involved with doing it (it might not be spelled out there, it might be spelled out in the info in the SPS or GDS2 apps).

If you are doing diagnosis/repair work yourself, then yes, I highly recommend a setup like this, as it can do most everything in the full service manual for diagnosing and repairing that truck. You can, uh, "find" GDS2 software on the internet for a fixed-fee instead of renting it...

MG386 · February 3

also interested in this, last weekend i was flushing/bleeding my brakes and I wish i had the ability to cycle the abs pump to flush that unit as well, need a bi-directional scanner to do that

BB_Mike · February 5

That is good to know about the importance of a reputable pass-through box. I am going to get some quotes from local businesses to do this and see how that goes. There is a small price for time saved, provided I don't have to leave my truck there.

If anybody else has some hardware lists success for body module programming, please do post up.

I have seen where the sellers of some modules will program the VIN into your module so that it just installed and works. I need to research that option some.