2002 GMC Sierra Scan Tool or Diagnostic Tool you use - pros and cons

Car model and year: 2002 GMC Sierra 1500

Purpose: to pull codes

Scan Tool or Diagnostic Tool to use - pros and cons

1. GM Tech2 pros and cons
To do work on gm stuff I have knock off Tech2. I like it.

2. My OBD Link MX+ or Konnwei Bluetooth devices with the usual Dash Command, Torque Pro, OBD Link and Motor Data apps work for me for troubleshooting.

For us LS engine swap people that don't like to pay the HP Tuners folks money to license a new operating system, there are now free alternatives. "Tuner Pro RT" software allows the free editing of a General Motors PCM operating system to get it to work in a swapped vehicle. Then we use "LS Droid" software with my MX+ device to actually write the changed Tuner Pro operating system to the PCM which completely avoids spending money on HP Tuners.

3.
For a long time I have gotten by with a simple scanner. These days with the Bluetooth devices and the torque app...that is even easier for basic stuff. Back in 2011 I picked up an Innova 3150 which had the ability to read ABS and SRS system faults. It was about $150 then. Current ad for this older tool shows $220...not sure why xxxx
I have considered a clone Tech2 and or the MDI device I have seen mentioned. My main concern other than the $300 cost...which is not bad for what it does....was that I did not want to somehow brick my ECU or any other module either due to the clone tool or my lack of knowledge of using one of these more sophisticated diagnostic tools.

I decided to get one that would perform the ABS bleed, mainly because I like to flush the brake fluid ever few years. What I ran across for the least $$ to fit what I was looking for is the Foxwell NT630 Plus. Listing made an offer to another listing but they would not budge. (why do they show make an offer if they only will drop a dollar?!). The one https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/foxwell-nt680plus-scanner.html

Currently my plan is to sell the Innova locally and try and recoup most of the cost of the new tool.

4. My 2001 GMC truck has a problem with the red brake warning light and the yellow ABS lights randomly coming on at the same time. I wanted to find out what code was being set. I quickly learned the local auto parts stores couldn't read ABS codes. I also learned that the repair shops in my area charged $35-$59 just to use their scanner to check for ABS codes. I thought that was too much for a 5 minute scan so I decided to buy a scan tool that would read ABS and SRS codes as well as OBDII codes. Over the course of several weeks I have purchased three scan tools and returned each one of them for a refund for reasons I will describe below

What I wanted a scan tool to do.
I initially set out to find a scan tool that would read ABS, SRS and OBDII codes on all my vehicles, a 1999 S10 Blazer, a 2001 GMC Sierra, a 2012 Equinox and my daughters. 2009 Camry. I wanted to spend no more than $125. I know that sounds like a lot to hope for but I figured I might be able to do it.

Then I confirmed Tech2 is able to do ABS Brake Automated Bleed & Pressure Bleed for Chevy & GMC. Just google " GMC Sierra 2002 Tech2" and you will see a Youtube video on how to do.

5.
Question: Will this 
https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/cheap-tech2-with-caton-box-with-card-d.html
work with my 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. Will I be able to calibrate the BPP sensor out of the box? Thanks!

Reply:
If you scroll down further it lists it as going to 2013. I bought one like this and it has been great to diag and repair everything. Too bad it doesn't work on my camaro(MDI).
Could be, but there was an updated 32MB card that supported up to '13.

Or get a Jbox or an MDI2 as it can do anything a tech 2 can and much more. I can go into much more detail if needed but don’t buy a tech 2 it’s outdated and obsolete as of 2013 at best. I have 4 scan tools ranging from 300-5000$ and you can easily spend 500 or less and do anything I can.

It’s called the open port 2.0. It is compatible with GM’s programming website called SPS. That tells me it’s a go for the tech 2 win program which is a laptop version of the handheld tech 2. It also would work with GDS2 which is the current diag tool via laptop for GM. Then you can lease the use of the software as needed.
https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/subscribehome This is The site to lease the programs. It may not make since for some people but if you are devoted to “doing it yourself” it’s the only way, end of story. You will use other software to diag the problem and then slide over to gm’s stuff if needed but this will give you the widest range of functionality.

http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/2002-gmc-sierra-scan-tool-or-diagnostic-tool-you-use-pros-and-cons/

Reviews: GM MDI vs VCX Nano GM diagnostic cable

What's the difference among GM MDI, VCX Nano GM cable & Tech2, other than price, and what's the similarity?

@ Dcasole review:
None the MDI and the nano are just pass tru devices used to communicate with the car when using TECH II WIN

Make sure the VCX nano comes with software otherwise you will have to buy a license

I have one and use the GDS2 software for my C7 and the Tech II win for all my buddies C6 ...came with hacked software that runs in a VM machine.

Mine came on a CD, I know why they offer it on a hard drive
The software can be a challenge to load if you don't know what you are doing

Tech II win and GDS2 was built to run on a 32 bit Windows 7 machine

I was able to get TECH ll Win to run on my Windows 10 64 bit machine but it's a crapshoot, some can't get it to run on Windows 10
I never got GDS2 to run in windows 10

There are not many of those old laptops around that have enough power to run the software so they give you a copy of VM ware ( virtual machine) and a copy of Windows 7 with all the software loaded so when you start the VM session, Windows 7 starts inside this shell and then you click on GDS2 for later cars or TECH II WIN for earlier models

So not to many people know how to load and run VM ware that is why they just copied all the software to a hard drive for you and then you just make a shortcut to your windows 10 desktop
Now its still not all plug and play as you need to allow VM ware Access to your USB ports etc which is not hard to do
You also need good hardware as VM ware uses a lot of resources
I tried it on an old Core Duo laptop and it was just to slow and crashed a lot
I bought an old Dell laptop Icore 5 with 16 gig of memory running Windows 10 and it runs the VM machine great

I bought my NANO from obd2shop.co.uk figuring if I could not get it to run I would just send it back. After about a week of messing with it I now have it running both flawlessly, stick with the USB version as the wireless version is just one more thing to complicate the install. The cable is not bad to use at all
VXDIAG VCX Nano GDS2 and Tech2Win...

So for $129 for the device and another $130 for the cheap laptop ......no trips to the dealer for me or my buddies ...I love it

@ Dcasole review:
The Tech II win running with vxdiag nano is the same exact software as what is on your Tech II hand held unit.
I had a Tech II knockoff but sold it when I got my C7. I was spoiled so now I wanted a GM MDI pass thru so I could work on my C7. That's when I decided to try the VX NANO .. Works great now that I got it running and having TECH II WIN is a bonus...

There is no better tool than a TECH II or GDS for diagnosing issues or accessing modules.

@ wjnjr review:
I agree. And with the prices now you can get a Tech2 or a VCX Nano & laptop setup for the same or less $$$ than the better 3rd party scan tools which won't do as much.

To be upgrading...

http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/reviews-on-the-difference-among-gm-mdi-vcx-nano-tech2/

How to fix 2007 vauxhall corsa no comms with GM MDI2 tech2 win?

Car model and year: 2007 vauxhall corsa

Tool to use: GM MDI2 diagnostic tool

Symptom:
Got mdi2 to connect to the gm mdi manager, but it will not communicate with a car.
using opel with tech2 win on the mdi2 box the tick and car lights light up for a second then go off and the pc light flashes.
when i open tech2win it asks me to select the tool so i use mdi 2
the next box asks me to select the interface but the box is blank.
I can continue but get no comms with the car.
also i have gds2 but if i open that it has no valid lease found so won't work.

obd2shop.co.uk engineer replied:
Please reinstall the MDI Manager. I uploaded it on mega (no password).
https://mega.nz/#!tFxhBYCD!agbcrCKJL5PRNiNNEw6Vj7JnsWz0F3ekuChliyeZpRs

Good luck!
For further question, please contact at www.obd2shop.co.uk.

Valuable one year online gm programming with SPS GDS2 Tech2Win

Look at One-year Online GM programming subscription:
http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/one-year-gm-online-subscription-for-mdi-tech2.html

Contained:
1. Programming: Tech2Win (Tech2 Software Emulator for PC)
2. SPS Programming Software Unlimited VIN
3. Diagnostics: GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System - Global Diagnostic Package), offline

Compatible with:
GM MDI
GM Tech2
VXDIAG VCX Nano GM
VCMII
other J2534 devices

Remote make online programming:
Within one year, the dealer will arrange engineers to help remote make online programming via Teamviewer.
Note: Please keep using on one laptop, otherwise account will be blocked.

Watch video on GM SPS programming procedure:

The above source of One-year Online GM programming subscription is the value of money. please read the following paragraphs and you will agree with me:
GM Diagnostic software you can install it ( Tech2win and GDS2 but SPS Programming needs a different subscription ( at least in opel-infotech ) and it can be done only online. NO offline.
Go in their official page. Choose Register and follow the steps.

SPS PROGRAMMING is ONLY ONLINE
For Europe you have to:
1. Register in opel-infotech.com or vauxhall-infotech.com
2. Buy a subscription
a. Chevy SPS Programming 35-40€/2 hours
b. OPEL SPS Programming 35-40€/2 hours
c. CHEVY GDS2 - 120€/year
d. OPEL GDS2- 120€/year
e. OPEL TECH2WIN OPEL- 125€/3 months
f. CHEVY TECH2WIN HHR 125€/months
For each subscription, you have to pay a subscription and a fee
When you will buy the first time a subscription you have to buy a subscription you will also have to pay 35€+ fees more.
I think I don't pass anything because I write from my memory.

If you will use the Search button you will find software's to install it in normal/native windows.
But you will need a license.
If you are using Global Tis v32 you can install and activate Tech2win and GDS2 in native/normal windows and you don't need to pay any fee.
Tech2win do not cover any SPS Programming
GDS2 do not cover any SPS Programming

3. Tech2win do not support SAAB
Only GDS2 cover SAAB between 2010-2012
For SAAB you need Tech2 handheld tool
There is a patched SAAB PCMCIA for Tech2win but this will not work well but only (maybe) in 9-3 Sport as I remember.

http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/valuable-one-year-online-gm-programming-with-sps-gds2-tech2win/

(Solved) GM MDI GDS2 software Days Remaining Until Lease Expires 1

Update! GM MDI GDS2 software won't display " Days Remaining Until Lease Expires 1" any more now. It will display many days that it won't be used out.

Source:
http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/latest-mdi-ds2-for-gm-mdi-mdi2-software.html

Before, GM MDI GDS2 software had a problem "Days Remaining Until Lease Expires 1".

Solution:
There is an icon on the software desktop, open this icon to follow the operation guide, it will tell how to adjust the time.

How to activate GM MDI GDS2 software?
1. Change computer time/date
1) Run "leasetime" in the computer's start menu, if GDS2 is pre-installed

2) Click "Stop ALGM Service", change data and time in "Date" and "Time" column. Make sure the date and time are correctly set.
3) Check and confirm the "Leasetime" is completely consistent with the computer system time, if not same, please change your PC date and time.

4) Select the date and time of the time zone (Your local exact time ).

2.Activate GM MDI GDS2 software
1) Connect your computer with network, browse to:
http://tis2web.eicp.net:9080/tis2web/
2) Select user account, then click on "ok".

3) Press "Continue"

4) Click on "OK" button when the system display new Tech2 version.

5) Click on "OK".

6) Select "GDS2" Tab and then press on Run GDS2 button.

7) The system will install JAVA software automatically.

8) After installing the JAVA, the system will automatically lease renewal.
9) After lease renewal, start MDI GDS software, the system will display the new lease the remaining days in the lower-left corner of software program.

That's all.
Thanks

2019 GM MDI2 vs GM MDI diagnostic programming tool

2019 GM MDI2 shares the same functions and vehicle coverage as GM MDI. GM MDI2 features in a light blue color shell and brand-new shape, GM MDI features in dark blue shell.

2019 GM MDI2 is optional with Wifi version and USB version (means wired network connection is not allowed)
GM MDI is only optional with Wifi version.

Image 1: 2019 GM MDI2 in light blue (WIFI or USB options) 

Image 2: GM MDI in dark blue.

Similarities:
1. Both GM MDI2 and MDI are compatible with GDS2 Tech2Win

Software version: 2019.3
OS: WIN7 64bit
Computer: the year after 2008, 4GB RAM
Pros: gds2 software needs no activation
The method to use: Insert the HDD with GM MDI gds2 software into your computer; the software can be used directly with the GM MDI scanner.

Tech2win is the program that works just like a Tech II, but the program running on a laptop for the MDI (clone MDI device which the Nano is).
GDS2 is the program for the C7, like the tech II and tech2win with midi is for the C6 instead.
On the VM GDS 2, you don't need an account with GM to use it, short of needing to do SPS programming, which you will need a TDS SPS subscription instead ($40 for 2 years per car).

So the low down for most laptops,
Wants to be running in win 10 for TDS SPS programming.
Needs to be running a multi-core chip in win 7 or above to run VM player for VM GDS2.
Need to be running in Win 7 native (32 or 64 bit) to run Tech2win (will not work in a VM shell).

2. Both GM MDI2 and MDI have the same capabilities 
Full dealer level diagnostics and programming for all Vauxhall /Opel 16 pin vehicles from 1996 to 2017.

1). Clone GM MDI Review
Compatibility:
Device works with GDS2 (Opel)
Device works with Tech2Win (Opel, Hammer)
The device does not work with SAAB via Tech2Win

GM MDI is working in Consult 3 plus

Cars tested- success & failure list:
1: SAAB 9-5, 2003, 3.0 TID- works
mine is a clone from China.
MDI Software 8.1.135.13
GT32
SAAB NAO V9.250
Simply pressed OK when Candy detected and all worked.
Tested on SAAB 9-5, 2003, 3.0 TID

2: 2014 model - works
SAAB NAO V9.250 is from 2014. Already tested.
The 2003 year too old - not interesting for me.

3: Saab 9-5, 2003, 3.0 - works
Tested by my own, works with Saab 9-5, 2003, 3.0

Online or offline issues:
1: online - good, offline - bad
GM MDI good, interface works online.
update mdi 100%.
offline too bad for new cars.

2: wifi card compatible
at now, Chinese clone GM MDI with the squ wifi card

3: wifi not working but works well with USB
I bought a cheap one and it only worked with USB. The wired network and wifi did not work. In fact, the card flash socket was missing from the board. Build quality was not to bad. I just use it to flash newer PCM/ecm's.

GM MDI WIFI version:
http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/for-gm-mdi-with-wifi-new.html
GM MDI USB version:
https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/for-gm-mdi-multiple-giagnostic-interface-with-wifi.html 

Quoted: a man of his words to trust in:
I would not go by pictures posted on the web as vendors share the same photos but the MDI had a different ethernet connector and missing card flash socket. It was advertised as (without wifi). It does work fine on USB and for flashing PCM/ECM because at 480 Mbit/s it is almost 5 times faster than ethernet.

The MDI clone works fine with tech2win and also TIS2000. Used it for diags and PCM flashing with no problem (through USB port only)

2). GM TECH2 TIS2000 VS VXDIAG Nano VS MDI in the installation
ON the VX nano, sometimes you can get Tech2win to run on win 10 (maybe if you have an AMD chip or not, but have not figured that one out yet), while on my i7 machine, Tech 2 win will not run in win 10 instead.
Tech2win is the program that works just like a Tech II, but the program running on a laptop for the MDI (clone MDI device which the Nano is).
GDS2 is the program for the C7, like the tech II and tech2win with midi is for the C6 instead.
On the VM GDS 2, you don't need an account with GM to use it, short of needing to do SPS programming, which you will need a TDS SPS subscription instead ($40 for 2 years per car).

So the low down for most laptops,
Wants to be running in win 10 for TDS SPS programming.
Needs to be running a multi-core chip in win 7 or above to run VM player for VM GDS2.
Need to be running in Win 7 native (32 or 64 bit) to run Tech2win (will not work in a VM shell).
Tis2000 needs to run in WinXP or built the VM XP shell, so it can be native in XP or in a VM shell so long as you have a multicore processor.

So the way I do it, since Tech2win will not run native on my machine with an I7 process in win 10, I have a dual boot up in win 7 and win 10 both.

Win 10 is used to run pretty much everything I run, short of Tech2 win, which I use the win 7 64 boot up to run it.

So in the Win 7 dual boot up (small 40 gig partition off the drive), have tech2win to use the Nano as a Tech II, plus VM GMSI, and Tis2000 in a VM shell since I may need them as well for the VX nano running as a tech II when running in win 7.

In win 10 boot up,
VM GDS2 V17
TDS using internet explorer native with account
VM Tis2000 built on a full XP OS with account
VM GMSI

If you want to just run a single OS system, instead of a dual boot up machine since you can't get Tech2 win to run in win10, then you can run pretty much run everything in win 7 (32 or 64 bit), so long as you have a CPU that has multicores. Hence you going to need to run at least VM player for the VM shells, and it takes as a multi-core processor to run VM player (or VM workstation).
Note, I have VM workstation, instead of just VM player, since I build other VM shells to run in windows as well.

So again, it really just depends on your machine, and if you Tech2win will run correctly on it or not.
Hence the problem is when you open Tech2win, you need to get three pop up screens once Tech2win start the program.

The first screen will ask you what country, and you select North America.

The second pop up will ask you if the device is an MDI 1 or MDI 2, and you select MDI 1.

The third pop up screen will ask you if you want to select the USB device (the nano plugged into a USB port), you select it, then it will take you to the Tech2win start screen.

So if you open Tech2win, and you don't get the three pop up screens but just goes directly to tech2win main start screen below instead, then Tech2win is not going to work on your machines win 10. Hence the problem is a glitch in midi and tech2 win interface to select the nano, to begin with (what the pop-up screens are), and if you can't select the nano via the pop-up screens, tech2win will not connect to the nano in the first place.

Again don't know if this is an AMD verse Intel CPU problem in win 10, but the only laptops that I have seen run Tech2win in windows 10, just happened to be laptops running an AMD CPU instead. And yes, have tried to skin the cat many way with added drivers and compatibility modes, and it's driver/code line that Win 10 does not have for the Intel CPU (but seems to to have for the AMD CPU that is a carry over from the win 7 days to make the AMD chip work with win 10 instead).

Please enjoy.

www.obd2shop.co.uk