Tech 2...

[swathdiver]

What components would one need to use a Tech 2 on these trucks at home? What can and what can it not do?

At present, most of our vehicles are General Motors products from 2004 through 2009.

 

[sk1dm4rk]

You will need a laptop with a serial port to perform any SPS programming. Dell D620 is a popular model. You will also need a subscription to TDS. You can get 2 day subs for $55 as you need to program. Here: https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/home

Without a laptop and a subscription, the Tech 2 will be limited to viewing diagnostic data and trouble codes, resetting check engine lights, changing some basic options, and other such tasks. I have had mine (clone) for a year or so and freely admit that I do not know what all it can do yet. It is a very powerful tool and has helped me tremendously with being able to see live and freeze frame data. To the best of my knowledge, the clones are no different than what GM techs used in form or function.

The downside to a Tech 2 is the model year limitations that we are starting to bump up against. IIRC it will interface up to MY 2013. The replacement for the Tech 2 is the MDI and now the MDI2. I have not looked into these options yet, but I believe it requires a laptop to view data that would display on the native Tech 2 screen. Buying a clone is somewhat risky in the quality and longevity departments as they come from China. I have had great luck with mine, YMMV.

There is a great resource and huge thread here: http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=146 and here: http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260738

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Mark

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for the info. I spent some time reading through those posts but could not zero in on a current seller. One fella listed two places late last year and both websites are defunct now. Also found similar info on a Corvette forum.

Anyone else using these?

 

[swathdiver]

Mark, is the seller where you purchased yours still around?

Well, I went back to the link and checked the latest posts. Someone provided a link to what looks like what we'd need to work on these trucks. Can you check and advise if anything else is needed or to be asked for from this vendor? Thanks!

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...95c5e03931b63349-1497816460719-07064-VnYZvQVf

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...2638.html?spm=2114.12010108.1000023.17.7YYqai

I prefer getting the one with the plastic box.

 

[sk1dm4rk]

I bought from this seller: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/219113?spm=2114.12010108.0.0.ZzOmTi

My main reasoning was the amount of time they had been in business and the cost of the unit. Since this is a crapshoot, I didn't want to have much on the line to lose.

I didn't get the hard plastic case. I got one of these for $27: https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-6-in-x-13-in-black-aluminum-case-62271.html and then cut the foam to fit. Looking at the two links you posted, they are charging just south of $70 for the case.

When I ordered mine, I ordered an extra PCMCIA card. Reading the other board's threads on the subject, it seemed to be a common issue and getting extra or replacements was hit or miss. So, I bit the bullet and ordered from the source. It cost me an extra $18 that way. Otherwise, it appears those are complete sans laptop.

Good luck!

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks! Why the extra PCMCIA card? Is that the same as the GM English Card? Would I need a card for each vehicle? I plan to use this on four GM cars, vans and trucks.

Did you have to ask for the TIS2000 and usb (not even sure what all that is)?

I like the case but like your idea better and the $40 savings!

 

[sk1dm4rk]

The PCMCIA card is what holds the software that the Tech 2 runs on and is the one in the same GM English Card you referenced. I wanted an extra as without a working card, the Tech 2 unit is a paper weight. You won't need a separate card for each vehicle unless they are different brands that require different software (GM, Holden, Isuzu, Opel, Saab, or Suzuki). I use the same GM card for my Cadillac Escalade, GMC Envoy XL, and Pontiac Bonneville SLE. So, most likely, you would only need the GM card. Getting the extra is up to you and your ability to be patient when you have a car on the fritz and have to wait for a new card from some source if something happens to yours. If coming from China, it takes a bit of time. Maybe you can find one local, but I wasn't taking the chance for $18.

They give you the TIS2000 software, but it isn't usable. Take a look at the other board and get your software from there. The explanation is in those other threads.

The usb that the ad is referring to is the dongle to make TIS2000 work (Think of it as the key needed to start your car). The unit does not come with the dongle. As I said above, take a look at the other board and threads to get the Tech 2 to work.

 

[swathdiver]

Mine showed up today. Bought the separate TIS2000 and USB Dongle with it. It powers up but gave a CANDI error (it was hooked up). Am I supposed to hook this up to the truck and a laptop at the same time for each or something like that before using the Tech2?

 

[about20ninj45]

Thanks for the info. I spent some time reading through those posts but could not zero in on a current seller. One fella listed two places late last year and both websites are defunct now. Also found similar info on a Corvette forum.

Anyone else using these?

There's a guy selling one on pt.net for 500 obo

 

[sk1dm4rk]

Mine showed up today. Bought the separate TIS2000 and USB Dongle with it. It powers up but gave a CANDI error (it was hooked up). Am I supposed to hook this up to the truck and a laptop at the same time for each or something like that before using the Tech2?

You don't need a laptop hooked up unless you are programming and you shouldn't need to have it hooked up to the vehicle to get it to boot up without error. I assume the CANdi error is during boot up?

Check the connection between the cable that hooks to the Tech 2 and the CANdi. I had issues with that. I used a tiny flat blade screwdriver to bend the contacts a little in each of the holes of the connector to make a good connection. It worked fine for me after that.

Good luck.

 

[swathdiver]

There's a guy selling one on pt.net for 500 obo

Thank you but mine was purchased before seeing your message. Hopefully someone else can take advantage of that offer.

You don't need a laptop hooked up unless you are programming and you shouldn't need to have it hooked up to the vehicle to get it to boot up without error. I assume the CANdi error is during boot up?

Check the connection between the cable that hooks to the Tech 2 and the CANdi. I had issues with that. I used a tiny flat blade screwdriver to bend the contacts a little in each of the holes of the connector to make a good connection. It worked fine for me after that.

Finally had occasion today to hook it up to my truck but no joy. The Tech2 passes all tests as does the CANdi with the loopback connector attached. Incidently, the part numbers on my car adapter and loopback adapter are reversed. However, when I attach the connector to hook up to the truck, the CANdi is no longer seen by the Tech2 and I can get nowhere. Green light slow flashing at all times there is power.

Sent an email to the seller but wonder if you have any other ideas? Checked my pins too.

 

[swathdiver]

Well, I was able to get the CANdi to be recognized by the Tech2 and read powertrain but trying to test the speakers did not work at all. All of the pins on the connectors look good but seem to be having connection issues if I move around in seat or move CANdi around.

While the Tech2 powers up only connected to the ALDL, it couldn't do anything until I used the cigar lighter adapter for power. Also started the engine first and then got the Tech2 going.

Any suggestions on any topic?

 

[swathdiver]

Still having issues. The company it was purchased from, we're having language difficulties it seems. He keeps insisting all is well if CANdi self test works. It does when the TECH2 recognizes it. Most of the time the TECH2 does not see it, or it goes away if I move too much.

If I wanted to see the heated seats for example, would I have the cigar lighter attached and the engine running to check this? I was having trouble viewing Body and Chassis in my Yukon and Montana but could see everything or just about in the Powertrain section.

 

[sk1dm4rk]

It sounds like you are having the same issue I was with the cable and the connection to the CANdi. I'll see if I can get some pics of what I did to fix the issue. It is not on the pins side of the connection. I modified the female side of the connector. Mine needs to be "done" again. I'm thinking that it may be possible to accomplish this a different way that is hopefully more permanent. I'll let you know.

You only need the power adapter hooked-up when it is not attached to the OBD-II port.

When you say having trouble viewing body and chassis, what behavior are you seeing? Ultimately, what are you attempting to do? I'll see if I can replicate what you want to do with mine.

 

[swathdiver]

I appreciate the help Mark! The Chinaman is not answering my emails anymore it seems. Will try again tomorrow and post for you to replicate or assist with. Thanks!

 

[swathdiver]

Had to postpone working on the truck tonight due to the weather. Will try again tomorrow.

 

[swathdiver]

The CANdi is not recgonized at all anymore by the TECH2. Doesn't matter which car it seems. The light slowly beeps green and you can hear clicks but that is it. When I go to bypass mode I can see the parameters but cannot read them. Through the CANdi, it says there is no CANdi now. Before the TECH2 would see the CANdi but when wanting to look at certain screens it would say no CANdi attached.

Let's see what the Chinaman says unless you can offer some more advice.

 

[swathdiver]

Still trying. Went back to basics and installed loopbacks and powered it up on my kitchen table. CANdi works every time. I wonder if it is not the OBDII connector or maybe even my own connector on my truck now!

Curiously, the loopback and OBDII connectors are stamped with the opposite part numbers. Do you have that? The OBDII says GM 30000109 and VTX 02002953

 

[sk1dm4rk]

ok. Going back to basics. What autos do you have access to? My Escalade is the only thing I own that requires the CANdi. The other 2 GM products I own are 2005 MY and don't. If you can, try using the unit on a pre 2007 auto without the CANdi hooked up and see if you can get in and view data. I am just trying to identify which piece doesn't work.

I wish we were closer, I'd try mine to see if it works on your autos and if my CANdi works with your T2, etc... I am in Maryland :-/

I will look at the stampings. However, as this thing is a clone, I never bothered to look that closely as it is all made up anyway.

 

[about20ninj45]

Check for loose pins on the back of the adld connector study called the obd2 port