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/

Tech2 Clone ensure Corvette C6 steering wheel at zero ... and more

Device: GM Tech2 Clone 

Car: Corvette C6 2005- 2013

Feedback:
1. First Impressions
this scan tool is a massive beast, in the pictures, it looks smaller but damn! This thing is hefty and looks like one of that TV walkman's from the 80's. hahaha

2. It can do so so much more than a simple OBD2 scanner: 
The overall technical ability of this GM Tech2 Clone is amazing, I bought it to ensure my steering wheel was at zero after steering rack removal for a harmonic balancer; works great! After pulling DTCs from every single module in the car, I soon realized I had fault codes that a regular OBDII reader would never capture which is pretty awesome!

While playing around with it more, I found where you can adjust the engine idle RPM speed and adjusted it up to 625 from the pre-set 550 RPM. This minor adjustment to the idle speed actually made my Corsa Sport exhaust sound more throaty and aggressive at idle, you should try it. I wouldn't think this small idle adjustment would damage anything.

FYI, I purchased Tech2 Clone came with the latest GM software version 33. something...This version covers GM vehicles up to 2013. Keep in mind the Tech2 is only a diagnostic tool, used to test different modules and perform numerous tests as well as special functions that are extremely useful. If you want to program or re-flash a module such as the BCM, the Tech2 serves as a pass-thru device and you need a subscription from the AC Delco website to perform calibrations or updates to modules.

Read: SPS programming procedure

A word: Tech2 Clone can do so much more than a simple OBD2 scanner.
Enjoy!

www.obd2shop.co.uk

GM Tech2 clone works great for C5 (99) Corvette

GM Tech2 clone works great for C5 (99) Corvette: Automated Bleed, program done.

My new TECH2 device bought for £233.10
Here has a lot of folks give 5star, I believe folk's choice.
It is in perfect working order and has the screen cover.
Also included is the TIS2000 software which you will need to access the security to program keys

My Tech 2 (clone, works great) for my C5 (99) just for the Automated Bleed so I could completely flush the brake system particularly for the EBCM !!! Have since used the crap out of it, ECM/PCM re-learn, crank sensor re-learn etc !!!!

Also, use it to exercise my ABS motor every 3 months.
C5 has the built-in ability to pull vehicle specific DTC's right in the DIC and those can be exceptionally helpful in diagnosing and correcting common C5 issues.

There are a number of functions in addition to diagnostic troubleshooting that can be accomplished with the Tech II.
and another is the ability to program out unwanted features such as F45 or F55 RPO's ar program RPO's into a replacement BCM.

Do recognize that the tool has extremely limited ability to change settings in either the PCM or BCM. To accomplish change you need a programming tool such as HP Tuners or EFI Live and they can change only PCM settings.

they're very easy to use, just follow the display, and look around till you get tired, and try reading ''live data'' as much as you can, it speeds up the learning curve, and try it on as many GM cars/trucks as you can too.

GM Tech2 clone from:
https://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/cheap-tech2-with-caton-box-with-card-d.html

Free download GM TECH 2 PATHING DOCUMENT

Here is the GM TECH 2 PATHING DOCUMENT that every TECH 2 Owner should have. You work BACKWARDS from what you want to see.

See the attach PDF Document:

Look at MISFIRE in the chart and on the Tech2 Go to Special Functions, Powertrain and then misfire graphic

Misfire Graphic – Engine > Engine Controls > Special Functions > Powertrain Control Module
Misfire Graphic – Powertrain > Special Functions
Misfire Graphic – Powertrain > Special Functions > Special Functions (PCM)

https://mega.nz/#!JEwwXCLR!5EGrMvZegLzKzjB8pdJ_3ahPwNi2sdejVtmjAcob3eE

Source: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-tech/3803988-tech-2-menu-help-needed-to-diagnose-a-misfire.html

http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/free-download-gm-tech-2-pathing-document/

Where is the best place to buy a clone GM tech2?

Today, I visit http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/ and read an interesting topic: Where is the best place to buy a clone GM tech2? a reliable site or Ali or ebay?
I think it is something helpful to the newbie who are looking for GM tech2, so I'd like to put together some typical posters' reviews. I declare all posts are original not by modified.

1. I bought my Tech2 from this site. They charge more than the sellers on AliExpress but I was able to use PayPal and had no issues with payment or shipping (got the package a week after I ordered it). I certainly wouldn't want to send copies of my driver's license/ID to buy something online.
http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/cheap-tech2-with-caton-box-with-card-d.html

2. I have recently purchased a tech 2 clone with 148. Downloaded all the software I found on the site and have a working tech 2 with security access. I have done DRL turn offs through the reading and knowledge of gturner's help and experiments. I successfully replaced a bad ecu with a stage 1 I received from MPS and now have a damn good car. This site rocks I have obtained a lot of knowledge from all the guys that have been experimenting. I live in Texas near Houston and was stuck out do to no place to get the change done except through a GM stealership who would have charged me 7 to 800 because it had to be an ecu they got, labor, and usage of the tech2 and tis.

3. So I got the TECH 2 on Friday on eBay and spent the weekend with it. All is good and works great. Super quick to respond and it got here in great time. I ordered it without a case because I have old plastic tool boxes and foam so I'm just gonna DIY a case for it. The only gripe I have is with the connectors. then need some modifying in order to clip in and stay locked in place.

4. I can use my tech2 clone from aliexpress to everything on my three 9-5 from -99, -00 and -01. I haven't experienced anything that stops me from using the Tech2 at it's full capacity.

I have programmed keys and remotes which must be security related. The Tech2 has never been connected to a computer in any way. 

To sum up:

Where is the best place to buy GM tech2, it depends on not only price, but also payment option, shipment, after-sales customer service & tech support. More importantly, is it working as it claims. 

Source: http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/where-to-buy-working-gm-tech2-a-site-or-ali-or-ebay/