ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS DEALER SCAN TOOLS

From 1992 to 2009 and certain newer vehicles, GM vehicles use the Tech 2 handheld scan tool. It is the same scan tool as is used also for GM, Saab, Izusu, Suzuki and Saturn including the Saturn Astra (Opel import).

The Tech 2 scan tool simply uses different 32 MB software cards which are removable and switchable. It is a very versatile tool. Extra memory cards cost an average of $449.00, which allows us to expand our diagnostic capabilities really inexpensively. The Tech 2 is menu-driven and user-friendly. The Tech 2 scan tool is also used for reflashing GM vehicles. It uses a serial adapter with a network cable to connect the tech 2 to your laptop. NOTE: A serial adapter is used on the laptops 9 pin serial port. Do not try to connect the tech 2 directly to your laptop with just a network cable, because it won’t work. GM has certified a specific brand serial to usb adapter for use on all modern laptops without a serial port. We do stock this part, with the cost being $59.95 plus shipping.

In 2004, GM began phasing in to CAN system cars and a CAN adapter was built so the Tech 2 could access them. GM called it a CANDI (Controller Area Network Diagnostic Interface) module. If you are interested in having full diagnostic capability on GM vehicles 2009 and older, this is it. No compromises, and no expensive required subscription every year just to use it for diagnostics. You can count on the reliability of your diagnostic information 99.9% of the time when using a genuine Tech 2.

BEWARE OF CHINESE COPIES. THEY ARE SOLD EVERYWHERE. EBAY, CRAIGSLIST, EVERYWHERE AVERAGING $400-900.00. They don't work correctly all the time and when they break, you throw them away. Don't get suckered into a fake Tech 2 with a great price. We hear from people all the time that unfortunately got taken.

Chinese-manufactured Tech 2s are almost perfect on the outside. Inside is a whole different story. They can’t be repaired with Vetronix/Boschs quality parts. Chinese parts don't qualify for the core charge! If you get one of these and it quits on you, toss it out. In 2010, GM started phasing out the Tech 2 in favor of a laptop-based system called GDS2. Six vehicles in 2010 are not Tech 2 capable anymore, with more being added to the list as the years go on.

The six vehicles are:

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Volt gas/electric hybrid

Buick Lacrosse

Cadillac SRX SUV

GMC Terrain

Chevrolet Equinox

However, as of 2013, there are still GM vehicles that require a Tech 2 scan tool, especially the trucks.

In 2010, GM made a change in their vehicles, moving to a global platform to simplify marketing their vehicles all around the world. The communication systems changed, and the Tech 2 scan tool was no longer able to access them. In preparation for this change, GM years later released a laptop-based Multiple Diagnostic Interface or MDI - the blue box.

Now it is superseded by the MDI 2. It was only used for reflashing, but the dealers loved it because it was twice as fast due to its USB connection to the laptop. (The Tech 2 is a serial connection system and slower to transfer data for reflashing.) GM then introduced the GDS1 (Global Diagnostic System version 1) scan tool to run on a laptop. The new GDS2 is simply a newer and better version.

GDS2 requires renewing of the license to use it by visiting the TIS2Web site at least once a month (if you have a yearly subscription for $675..). you can buy shorter terms. TIS2Web is GM's website to download the scan tool or programming subscription.  You can program an update to a vehicle’s computer with a subscription purchased per vehicle VIN for $40.00 per 2 years. No other time choices any more. The good old days of $55.00 unlimited cars for 2 days or $995.00 for a whole year is long gone. Thanks, Bosch.

With GDS2, You download the software to your laptop and then you run the program to scan from your laptop with the MDI 2 as the interface between your laptop and the vehicle. You don’t HAVE to be online to use GDS2, only download the latest software license to use it by visiting TIS2Web monthly.

When you start GDS2, the bottom of the screen shows how many days left till an update is required. If expired, simply log in to TIS2Web before you work on a GDS2 vehicle, and renew your license then. The above license requirements don't apply with a 2 day paid pass to use GDS2.

GM also came out with a software program called Tech2Win (Tech 2 for Windows). This is a Tech 2 emulator that runs on your laptop and simulates the Tech 2 screen and keypad to operate it.

Unfortunately, it leaves something to be desired with limited functions and some lack of actuator tests and incomplete coverage. It doesn’t replace a Tech 2 and is a yearly subscription purchase, but it is cheaper. Tech2Win also cannot be used for Saab or Izusu or Suzuki!

The Tech 2 system with Can module and adapters and case sells new for $5195.00 with a 1 year warranty if we can still get it. I currently have 1 complete tech 2 package that was refurbished and sold to a customer. His needs changed and I took it in trade on another tool. It is available for $2695.00.

We sell the MDI 2 for $1695.00 with lifetime tech support included for no extra charge. It works for diagnostics and programming and can operate the new bus graphing program that makes bus diagnostics really fast with a screen picture of current communication. It’s a great value for the money. The end of the year, GM will require a laptop with 8 gig of RAM and a 500 gigabyte Hard Drive. Also, a minimum 6th generation 2.4 GHZ processor and Windows 10 Pro 64 bit.

I recommend a refurbished Dell businss class steel chassis laptop with the very latest technology NAND drive Solid State hard drives for super speed and solid durability. They have a urethane keyboard cover too. They have a one-year warranty and you will probably never have a problem with one of these. They are solid with only the cooling fan as a moving part. If something was to go wrong after the warranty, we can repair it inexpensively. No sweat.

If you are afraid it won't survive your shop environment, a Toughbook choice is available but now you are pushing over $3000.00 and you really need to look at how your tools are being used.  I sell the Dells for $799.00 plus shipping. No big toughbook expense. I sell the Tech 2 reprogramming adapter for serial connection from the Tech 2 to modern Usb for $69.00.

For use without plugging into a wall power source, I sell a cigarette lighter power supply for $69.00 I use both and the cigarette power adapter is especially handy. Never need to plug the laptop into a wall.  You really need unbiased help from people who actually use the products, not just salesmen. Plenty of those out there just waiting to get your money. (I wish I was kidding.)

Look here for reflashing or GDS2 rates:

http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/shop-program/psc-program/tis2web/