GM Tech 2 TIS200 Software: when to use & how to use

Tis2000 is only used for SPS programming, and the Tech II is put into pass through mode when using such.
On export vets, you have to use SPS programming for programming in fobs, since the key in the cylinder does not work on them.

As for Tis2000, need to run under XP. So the short version, build a VM shell in XP with something like VM workstation on your win 10 machine, load the three discs to the VM shell, install the crack, then build the driver.

If your laptop does not have a RS232 port, then will need to buy the needed usb cable to connect the Tech II to the laptop, and make sure to install the needed USB driver into the the XP shell as well.
Drivers are listed about half way down on the page.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Communications/Serial/Industrial_USB/USB-RS232;jsessionid=CA26EE08559E554AA707790537515048

As for the cracked Tis2000 (all three disc's and dongle crack), pretty easy to find for free on the web with a search to download it for free. If you are not sure if the free source is safe or not, here you can go for:
http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/tis2000-cd-and-usb-key-for-gm-tech2-gm-car-model-1170.html which is cheap to get.

Article source: http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/gm-tech-2-tis200-software-when-to-use-how-to-use/

GM tech2 Clone with TIS2000 for C6 Corvette, where to buy and why?

Confusing where to buy one GM tech2 Clone for C6 Corvette? If from aliexpress, there are too many shops to choose, if from one website I see many listed on some of the sites, which one to have?

Arrived one from www.obd2shop.co.uk free shipping, and includes TIS200 disc as well.
http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/cheap-tech2-with-caton-box-with-card-d.html

Here is the cable that you will need to connect it your computer on a USB port to use TIS200o with it ( if the laptop you using does not have a RS232 port)

Also note that the drivers are linked on this page, so you build a VM machine on XP/or laptop running XP, then download and install the needed XP version driver into the XP shell.

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Communications/Serial/Industrial_USB/USB-RS232;jsessionid=CDEBC57EBA3B7DF50768ED1FDD859281

It not going to come with case, but Harbor freight hard cases work very well.

One last thing, and the DC to DC converters are know to go out on the clones after a while, but easy to replace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1505&v=VAmGybyWfJ4

Tech II clone or VX GM nano:

Tech II clone or VX GM nano, I find myself using the Nano more often instead.

It works just like a Tech II running Tech2win on a laptop, works with TIS2000, as well TDS SPS and GDS2 for newer cars, since the VX GM nano is a clone of the newer MDI units that GM is using now.

Why I prefer the above website to Aliexpress?

1. If buy from Aliexpress:

Pros: accept credit cards payment

Cons: When open Aliexpress and search GM TECH2, there are more than 100 search results, it's difficult to choose for the newbie.

2. If buy from a branded website:

Pros: Accept PayPay and more payment method, after-sale tech support etc.

Cons: It offers several Tech II clone options for purchase, at the beginning the user may be confused, but following the below recommendation, you will have ideal on which one to have.

Guidance:

The better quality version is supposed to be the SP23-B or B3 versions. Accordingly, they will cost more. Here is something from one of the sites that details the differences.

SP23-B is the best Tech2 with Black Carry box, more stable

SP23-B3 is the SP23-B with carton box and best quality

SP23, SP23-C is the same as SP23-B, it also includes the Black carry box, but comes from another manufacture.

SP23-1 is the most cost effective one, it is with carton box, will help you save much more money.

To sum up:

Clone Tech 2's are made by the same company, just different sellers, so watch what come with it (Tis200 disc or not) and if shipping is including in the price or not.
Also, make sure to order the one for GM-Holden north America.

Article Source: http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/gm-tech2-clone-with-tis2000-for-c6-corvette-where-to-buy-and-why/

Customer real experience with GM Tech 2 Scanner (Review)

Here is the real experience by our customer Mr.Gary Richardson on GM Tech 2 Scanner.

Bought the highest quality version as i didn't want to risk any issues with the device, and it all works fine and i do not regret my purchase.

It arrived pretty fast, but i got a £17 customs charge which i didn't realise i'd get.
First impression: the carry case is not the one shown in the photo's, which is annoying as the one in the photo's looks really good, With the cables and candi module stored underneath 2 flaps, the main unit and adaptors clipping in the top of the case etc.

What i got was a basic plastic case (with sharp metal catches) where everything is squashed in on one level in foam, it does the job i guess, but i'd really have prefered the better case i thought i was paying the extra £30 for.
I'd bought a genuine Ugreen rs232 to usb cable in advance, £10 off amazon, this is one of the few cables listed as working with the tech2, and it did, connects at highest speed with no issues at all.

The house power supply has an american plug on it (psu has a universal voltage of 100 to 250 volts)
i got worried when the tech2 wouldn't even turn on, then i noticed the plug had slightly pulled out of the adaptor i had to use, something we are not used to in england as our plugs fit the sockets very securely and are hard to accidentally pull out, so changing the plug is one of the first things to do...
The house psu runs pretty warm btw.

I did all the self tests and it passed them all with flying colours (except the usual HBCC test that gets ignored (used on some ford vehicles i believe) and the RS485 that has no loopback adaptor so will always fail)
I took it out to my car (a 2011 vauxhall meriva B) and plugged it in, it connected straight away and i asked it to give me a list of DTC's, i had been using an op-com before i got the Tech2 and the tech2 listed some old DTC's the op-com had never picked up, I cleared the DTC's, then tried the rest of the diagnostics available, i had no problems so far, i was able to move engine actuators (op-com can't do that on the meriva B) operate things remotely, saw the DPF was at 108% full, so went for a little drive and the tech2 showed the DPF regen in progress, got an exhaust temp of 650 degrees C during it)

However that test drive showed up the universal weakness of the clone tech2's, the internal power supply cuts out when you start the engine so the tech2 re-boots, this means there are a few diagnostic tests you can never do that involve starting the engine whilst the tech2 monitors things (unless you use external power to the tech2, which is advised against in all service manuals)

There is a solution, replace the internal power supply module with a better quality unit!!

There is also a highly recommended modification of removing the RS232 chip and putting a usb module in it's place so you have a direct USB connection to the tech2, rather than the 4 connections that are just begging to be caught and pulled apart whilst uploading software to the car.
These mods are on the tech2 wiki (google it)

I then tried to SPS to my car to add a new IPC... one of the reasons i bought the Tech2.

That's when discovered my car is not in the list of cars you use the tech2 to service program directly (the: connect tech2 to car, download data, take tech2 to computer, upload data, download software update, take tech2 back to car and upload the software method)

But i figured i could SPS using the tech2 in the J2534 pass thru mode... only my computer couldn't connect to the tech2 in that mode... remote view of the unit worked but not SPS... i figured the issue out tho...
The rs232 to usb adapter had been assigned to com port 7 when i plugged it in, i changed the com port to COM1
~windows / computer / device manager / ports (COM & LPT) and find the relevant port your rs232 adapter is on (it wont be listed as 'Tech2') and change it to port 1~
Now SPS in pass thru mode works perfectly, i updated the software in a few of the modules (i use GlobalTis 32b, the last offline version with full SPS capability, was released in 2012 i believe, and it had newer software than my 2011 car had in it)

Then i did an update of the BCM and IPC to allow the rain sensor i'd just wired in to be seen by the systems, I tried to add a new immobilizer key, but it refused the accept the new key, most likely the key is at fault.. as part of learning new keys is to delete the old ones from the system, and the tech2 added them back no problem.

I've also used the tech2 to connect to ford vehicles using some software called 'ForScan' it has the Tech2 listed as a J2534 pass thru devise and works fine with it, The pcmcia card that came with the Tech2 allowed it's self to be re-written (some people buying from other places find the card is locked and can't be re-written)
i used GlobalTis's card writer feature, it takes 40 minutes to write the card, but it works fine.

I'm very pleased with my Tech2 so far, the only thing that would make it perfect would be the carry case that's shown in the photo's, but that dosent affect how the actual devise works.

I'd recommend anyone buy their Tech2 from this shop, and i have pointed a few people who were interested in buying one here.
Thanks to Mr.Gary Richardson for his Experience sharing.
If you are interested in this Tech 2, please check here: http://www.obd2shop.co.uk/wholesale/obd2toolcouk-tech2-for-gm-best-quality.html

How to Bleed ABS on Corvette with GM Tech II?

Bleeding ABS on Corvette with GM Tech II by following the next procedure.

Perform a manual or pressure bleeding procedure. If the desired brake pedal height results are not achieved, perform the automated bleed procedure below.
The procedure cycles the system valves and runs the pump in order to purge the air from the secondary circuits normally closed off during normal base brake operation and bleeding. The automated bleed procedure is recommended when air ingestion is suspected in the secondary circuits, or when the BPMV has been replaced.

Automated Bleed Procedure
Notice: The Auto Bleed Procedure may be terminated at any time during the process by pressing the EXIT button. No further Scan Tool prompts pertaining to the Auto Bleed procedure will be given. After exiting the bleed procedure, relieve bleed pressure and disconnect bleed equipment per manufacturer's instructions. Failure to properly relieve pressure may result in spilled brake fluid causing damage to components and painted surfaces.
1. Raise the vehicle on a suitable support.
2. Remove all four tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Inspect the brake system for leaks and visual damage. Refer to Brake Fluid Loss or Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes. Repair or replace as needed.
4. Inspect the battery state of charge.
5. Install a scan tool.
6. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
7. With the scan tool, establish communications with the EBCM. Select Special Functions. Select Automated Bleed from the Special Functions menu.
8. Bleed the base brake system.
9. Follow the scan tool directions until the desired brake pedal height is achieved.
10. If the bleed procedure is aborted, a malfunction exists. Perform the following steps before resuming the bleed

procedure:
- If a DTC is detected, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) List and diagnose the appropriate DTC.
- If the brake pedal feels spongy, perform the conventional brake bleed procedure again.
11. When the desired pedal height is achieved, press the brake pedal in order to inspect for firmness.
12. Remove the scan tool.
13. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
14. Inspect the brake fluid level.
15. Road test the vehicle while inspecting that the pedal remains high and firm.
Read a hot topic:
How to choose a better GM TECH2?

www.obd2shop.co.uk

GM Tech2 Diagnostic Scanner instructions

GM Tech2 Description: 
The Tech-2 is the same tester GM Technicians use to diagnose GM vehicles. The Vetronix Tech 2 comes with Authentic GM software and provides support for on-board diagnostics on all GM systems 1992 thru 2011.
Car model supported: GM/SAAB/OPEL/SUZUKI/ISUZU/HOLDEN

Tech2 Specification:
1) Dimensions: 12
2) Microprocessor: 32 bit,16 MHz
3) Memory: 32 MB flash type II PCMCIA. Type III slot available for future expansion.
4) Communications: Integral RS232 communication port.
5) Screen: 3.8.8 backlit monochrome with full graphics capability: 320,40 pixels. Displays up to 9 vehicle parameters at once .Download Tech2 Brochure (5.2 Mb)

Tech2 Features
1) Authentic GM software in the Tech 2 Flash means the most comprehensive diagnostic software available for late model GM vehicles.
2) Support for on-board diagnostics on all GM systems 1992 thru 2011.
3) Removable hardware modules provide insurance against scan tool obsolescence.
4) Large, easy-to-read backlit screen.
5) RS232 & RS485 ports provide the avenue to connect future devices to your Tech 2 Flash.
6) Ability to capture stored DTCs, Freeze Frame, and Failure Record for later review.
7) Ability to view the status of vehicle diagnostic tests as they run.
8) Bi-directional The authentic GM 1992-current year software will provide full bi-directional control when performing power train, chassis, and body diagnostics.

An industry change in protocol from OBD II to Controller Area Network (CAN) has begun. In order to perform diagnostics on a vehicle that uses the CAN interface; you will need the Tech 2 Flash and a CAN diagnostic interface module. The module connects between the Tech 2 Flashs diagnostic link cable and the OBD adapter. Once the module is connected, it can be used on all GM vehicle applications,even those vehicles using other platforms such as OBD I and OBD II.

The Following GM Vehicles Utilize The CAN Interface
05 Buick Allure (3.6L)
05 Buick LaCrosse (3.6L)
05 Buick Rainier (5.3L)
04-05 Buick Rendezvous (3.6L)
04-05 Cadillac CTS (3.6L)
04-05 Cadillac SRX (3.6L / 4.6L)
04-05 Cadillac XLR (4.6L)
05 Cadillac STS (3.6L / 4.6L)
05 Chevrolet Cobalt (2.2L)
05 Chevrolet Corvette (6.0L)
05 Chevrolet Equinox (3.4L)
05 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (5.3L)
05 Chevrolet SSR (6.0L)
04 Chevrolet Malibu (Body/Chassis only)
05 Chevrolet Malibu (3.5L)
05 GMC Envoy (5.3L)
05 Pontiac G6 (3.5L)
05 Pontiac GTO (6.0L)
05 Pontiac Pursuit (2.2L)

GM Tech2 Package List:
Tech-2 Flash Tester
32 MB PCMCIA Card with GM OE Applications
CAN diagnostic interface module(Candi) and instruction sheet download (199.2 kb)
RS232 cable and user manual
RS232-DB9 adapter
DLC Cable, DLC Loopback Adapter
12V Cigarette Lighter Power Cable
SAE 16/19 Adapter
NAO 12/19 Adapter
Battery Power Cable
Storage Case

Notice:

  

1. It Can Only Support 12V Cars, No Trucks

2. One Device only Has One 32MB Card As Default, If You Want do more vehicles, Please Buy Additional 32MB Memory Card

3.The TIS2000 including is without usb key version, please need buy the usb version ( Item SO01 and SO01-B) in our website

GM Tech2 Clone purchased & quick start guide

I have my GM Corvette C6, 07 2500 GMC, 09 Cobalt that GM Tech2 clone will work on. Have another scan tool for our foreign cars.

Surprises were, this thing is bigger than I thought. It's a foot tall by 6" wide. It needs the velcro straps it comes with.
Shipping was a shocker. China to Cincinnati in two days. Ordered it Sunday evening, they processed it quickly, shipped it Monday morning and it was sitting on my front porch today, Wednesday by noon.

I bought without plastic carton. 207GBP total, free ship to USA by DHL.
Tested it on my GMC truck and all seems fine. Connector for older OBD1 as well for 91-95,6 too. Latest software for GM 33.004.

The memory card works in either slot, I tried both although the disc says to install in upper slot. It's a tight fight because the spring loaded door doesn't quite open enough for the card to slide in easily. I got it in with a touch of prying. Not a big deal.

Entire purchase process was easy with no problems at all. It is a great scan tool kit for not much money. Time will tell how it holds up long term but from other members reports they are getting years out of them.

The unit performs flawlessly. I'm convinced this is manufactured by the same manufacturer who built the official units for GM (Vetronix), or at least built based on official plans. It's not a "clone" per se, but the actual product un-branded (you get official stickers in a bag if you need those kinds of things. I threw them away). One of the most likely opinions I've read is that these are the manufacturer's old stock getting dumped since GM is not buying these anymore.

Tried all self-tests, including CANdi (important: CANdi only works when connected to the car). I went through the DTCs of all the systems, logged some ABS sensors, actuated some solenoids. Everything went smoothly.

Thanks to @ J.Moore & steel_3d (corvetteforum.com members) for their buying experiences good. He got this from Ali.


While a lot of users prefer obd2shop.co.uk, take this user's feedback for example: 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

PS: may be cheaper during their 6th-anniversary promotion.


Attach Clone Tech 2 quick start guide for reference:

Here Clone Tech 2 user manual, personally the manual is hard to navigate and pretty badly organized. Should've just connected the candi with obd2 and gotten to work. At least I should've jumped to the end of the manual for CANdi setup instructions. So I'll give some tips here to save some time for first time users.

Quick start guide a la Steve:

-Unpack unit. There is a bunch of junk you don't need.

-Insert PCMCIA card into slot under flap at top of unit. Only one slot is accessible. The card will go in both ways, but will only seat fully one way. If it doesn't seat all the way, don't force it, try the other way. Eject with the button to the right of the card socket.

-Connect main cable to Tech 2. Make sure lock lever is all the way left, so it doesn't get in the way of the cable connector.

-Connect CANdi module to the main cable. This is the cable with the large rectangular box module on it. The connectors can be hard to connect at first. Don't be afraid to use some force and some wiggling until the metal tab clicks into the hole.

-Connect OBD2 plug to CANdi module.

-Connect OBD2 to vehicle.

-You generally don't need any power adapter, as the unit is powered through the OBD2 port. If you have grounding issues, you can try the lighter adapter. I had no issues.

-Turn ignition to ACC or ON (some modules only work when ON, some maybe only with engine running).

-Turn on the Tech 2.

-Unit goes through power on self test.

-CANdi module should have flashing LED to signify it's working. If it's off or lit solid when connected to the car with Tech 2 powered on, you have a problem.

-Press Enter to get into the menus.

-Go to diagnostics.

-Enter year and make of your car when prompted. Model is "Y" for Corvette. Might also ask you for transmission or other things depending on the module you're trying to diagnose. (It's really dumb that the unit doesn't have an auto-detect function for this based on ECU VIN.)

-Going through the rest of the menus is self explanatory.

-If you get stuck at any point, read the CANdi section at the end of the manual. If you're still stuck, read the whole manual.


Thanks to Laurance's collection.

www.obd2shop.co.uk

Source: http://blog.obd2shop.co.uk/gm-tech2-clone-purchased-very-impressive-with-quick-guide/

Best Price Tech2 For GM TECH2 Diagnostic Scanner (obd2shop.co.uk 6th Anniversary)

To celebrate the 6th anniversary of obd2shop.co.uk, Tech2 For GM TECH2 Diagnostic Scanner has the best price now. If you are looking for a GM TECH2, obd2shop is a wise choice. OBD2shop.co.uk provide you best price, high quality items and one year warranty with free technique services.

GM Tech2 Description: 
The Tech-2 is the same tester GM Technicians use to diagnose GM vehicles. The Vetronix Tech 2 comes with Authentic GM software and provides support for on-board diagnostics on all GM systems 1992 thru 2011.
Car model supported: GM/SAAB/OPEL/SUZUKI/ISUZU/HOLDEN

Tech2 Specification:
1) Dimensions: 12
2) Microprocessor: 32 bit,16 MHz
3) Memory: 32 MB flash type II PCMCIA. Type III slot available for future expansion.
4) Communications: Integral RS232 communication port.
5) Screen: 3.8.8 backlit monochrome with full graphics capability: 320,40 pixels. Displays up to 9 vehicle parameters at once .Download Tech2 Brochure (5.2 Mb)

gm Tech2 Features:
1) Authentic GM software in the Tech 2 Flash means the most comprehensive diagnostic software available for late model GM vehicles.
2) Support for on-board diagnostics on all GM systems 1992 thru 2011.
3) Removable hardware modules provide insurance against scan tool obsolescence.
4) Large, easy-to-read backlit screen.
5) RS232 & RS485 ports provide the avenue to connect future devices to your Tech 2 Flash.
6) Ability to capture stored DTCs, Freeze Frame, and Failure Record for later review.
7) Ability to view the status of vehicle diagnostic tests as they run.
8) Bi-directional The authentic GM 1992-current year software will provide full bi-directional control when performing power train, chassis, and body diagnostics.

An industry change in protocol from OBD II to Controller Area Network (CAN) has begun. In order to perform diagnostics on a vehicle that uses the CAN interface; you will need the Tech 2 Flash and a CAN diagnostic interface module. The module connects between the Tech 2 Flashs diagnostic link cable and the OBD adapter. Once the module is connected, it can be used on all GM vehicle applications,even those vehicles using other platforms such as OBD I and OBD II.

The Following GM Vehicles Utilize The CAN Interface
05 Buick Allure (3.6L)
05 Buick LaCrosse (3.6L)
05 Buick Rainier (5.3L)
04-05 Buick Rendezvous (3.6L)
04-05 Cadillac CTS (3.6L)
04-05 Cadillac SRX (3.6L / 4.6L)
04-05 Cadillac XLR (4.6L)
05 Cadillac STS (3.6L / 4.6L)
05 Chevrolet Cobalt (2.2L)
05 Chevrolet Corvette (6.0L)
05 Chevrolet Equinox (3.4L)
05 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (5.3L)
05 Chevrolet SSR (6.0L)
04 Chevrolet Malibu (Body/Chassis only)
05 Chevrolet Malibu (3.5L)
05 GMC Envoy (5.3L)
05 Pontiac G6 (3.5L)
05 Pontiac GTO (6.0L)
05 Pontiac Pursuit (2.2L)

GM Tech2 Package List:
Tech-2 Flash Tester
32 MB PCMCIA Card with GM OE Applications
CAN diagnostic interface module(Candi) and instruction sheet download (199.2 kb)
RS232 cable and user manual
RS232-DB9 adapter
DLC Cable, DLC Loopback Adapter
12V Cigarette Lighter Power Cable
SAE 16/19 Adapter
NAO 12/19 Adapter
Battery Power Cable
Storage Case

Please Kindly Notice:
1. It Can Only Support 12V Cars, No Trucks
2. One Device only Has One 32MB Card As Default, If You Want do more vehicles, Please Buy Additional 32MB Memory Card
3.The TIS2000 including is without usb key version, please need buy the usb version ( Item SO01 and SO01-B) in our website