Rocket Man’s 2008 Tahoe Build Thread

[PG01]

I have the Autel MaxiTPMS TS900. It seems to work great on some things and not so great on others. I use it rarely so it's likely user error? Also, the $299 annual renewal fee that I didn't know when I bought it. It works great for programing TPMS and relearn procedures tho.

The update process takes forever. Not sure why it has so many updates every time I power it on

Hey i got the same thing… ive used it 2x .. lol but you’re right updated each time. Im not renewing anything tho.. f that… if its a brick its a brick…

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Hey i got the same thing… ive used it 2x .. lol but you’re right updated each time. Im not renewing anything tho.. f that… if its a brick its a brick…

If the vehicle that you are using the scanner on is no longer receiving GM software updates, you'll most likely never need to purchase the annual update package (I think).

 

[Rocket Man]

I have the Autel MaxiTPMS TS900. It seems to work great on some things and not so great on others. I use it rarely so it's likely user error? Also, the $299 annual renewal fee that I didn't know when I bought it. It works great for programing TPMS and relearn procedures tho.

The update process takes forever. Not sure why it has so many updates every time I power it on

That’s because you’re letting it update every single car manufacturer on earth. If you choose which updates you think you’ll ever need (I updated all the major ones, took me a few minutes to decide on the first go around) it doesn’t take long.

Great to read on the Autel scanner comments. I purchased the exact same one off Amazon during Prime Week, as its price was reduced by $100, but I have not yet opened the box. Please continue to offer your thoughts on this scanner, so that when I ultimately unpackage it, I'll already have some virtual familiarity with it.

First thoughts are it’s awesome and I haven’t even touched the surface, this one seems to do everything. All service procedures, diagnostics, etc for any vehicle I want to work on. And uts super easy to use. I just dove in and found my way around.

Hey i got the same thing… ive used it 2x .. lol but you’re right updated each time. Im not renewing anything tho.. f that… if its a brick its a brick…

It doesn’t turn into a brick, it just stops updating. So you wont have to worry about waiting after you turn it on! Also, you don’t have to let it update before- you can use it and then let it update after you’re done with it. It still works the same as the day you set it down. Plus if you look at what each update does you probably don’t even want to mess with them- things like adding some weird feature to a brand new car that you’ll never see.

If the vehicle that you are using the scanner on is no longer receiving GM software updates, you'll most likely never need to purchase the annual update package (I think).

Correct. It just stops receiving software updates. It will still continue working forever. Then updates I looked at were for brand new vehicles anyway and could all be done in the future in one shot instead of updating every vehicle every few months which results in tons of updates per vehicle. Since this type of scanner covers all the vehicles in the known universe ( I think, at least it looks like it does) the amount of updates is probably huge. I just did the manufacturers I might see in my lifetime.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

That’s because you’re letting it update every single car manufacturer on earth. If you choose which updates you think you’ll ever need (I updated all the major ones, took me a few minutes to decide on the first go around) it doesn’t take long.

First thoughts are it’s awesome and I haven’t even touched the surface, this one seems to do everything. All service procedures, diagnostics, etc for any vehicle I want to work on. And uts super easy to use. I just dove in and found my way around.

It doesn’t turn into a brick, it just stops updating. So you wont have to worry about waiting after you turn it on! Also, you don’t have to let it update before- you can use it and then let it update after you’re done with it. It still works the same as the day you set it down. Plus if you look at what each update does you probably don’t even want to mess with them- things like adding some weird feature to a brand new car that you’ll never see.

Correct. It just stops receiving software updates. It will still continue working forever. Then updates I looked at were for brand new vehicles anyway and could all be done in the future in one shot instead of updating every vehicle every few months which results in tons of updates per vehicle. Since this type of scanner covers all the vehicles in the known universe ( I think, at least it looks like it does) the amount of updates is probably huge. I just did the manufacturers I might see in my lifetime.

Thank you for your clarifications/confirmations, Mark. Makes perfect sense.

 

[Rocket Man]

That's nice. Was it really expensive? From Amazon

It was $620 on Amazon. Autel was running a Halloween sale on their website- $659 shipped instead of $789 list and I almost bit but decided to see if Amazon was matching. Glad I did. I’m just tired of the old Tech 2 and its 80’s era interface. Plus it has let me down a few times.

 

[Fless]

That’s because you’re letting it update every single car manufacturer on earth. If you choose which updates you think you’ll ever need (I updated all the major ones, took me a few minutes to decide on the first go around) it doesn’t take long.

First thoughts are it’s awesome and I haven’t even touched the surface, this one seems to do everything. All service procedures, diagnostics, etc for any vehicle I want to work on. And uts super easy to use. I just dove in and found my way around.

It doesn’t turn into a brick, it just stops updating. So you wont have to worry about waiting after you turn it on! Also, you don’t have to let it update before- you can use it and then let it update after you’re done with it. It still works the same as the day you set it down. Plus if you look at what each update does you probably don’t even want to mess with them- things like adding some weird feature to a brand new car that you’ll never see.

Correct. It just stops receiving software updates. It will still continue working forever. Then updates I looked at were for brand new vehicles anyway and could all be done in the future in one shot instead of updating every vehicle every few months which results in tons of updates per vehicle. Since this type of scanner covers all the vehicles in the known universe ( I think, at least it looks like it does) the amount of updates is probably huge. I just did the manufacturers I might see in my lifetime.

This is exactly the experience I've had with my Autel MaxiPRO MP808S-TS. I won't need to pay for the update until I need it for a newer model than what mine has support for now. Yes, it pesters me to update when it boots but I just click through that message.

 

[pwtr02ss]

But the little red dots drive me nuts!

I haven't updated the subscription, just something I wanted to point out for others. They don't make that clear when you purchase.

 

[Rocket Man]

But the little red dots drive me nuts!

I haven't updated the subscription, just something I wanted to point out for others. They don't make that clear when you purchase.

I’m not sure where you purchased it, but the Autel website does clearly state it comes with one year of free updates and one year of free warranty, its listed on the bottom of the features section. I don’t believe any diagnostic software comes with lifetime free updates anymore especially vehicle diagnostics. You’re talking new vehicles added by the thousands every year. Anyway, I knew what I was getting. It works perfectly fine, the updates aren’t for my old vehicles. With a Tech 2 , I had one old set of software from who knows when that never updated once in 10 years.

 

[pwtr02ss]

I’m not sure where you purchased it, but the Autel website does clearly state it comes with one year of free updates and one year of free warranty, its listed on the bottom of the features section. I don’t believe any diagnostic software comes with lifetime free updates anymore especially vehicle diagnostics. You’re talking new vehicles added by the thousands every year. Anyway, I knew what I was getting. It works perfectly fine, the updates aren’t for my old vehicles. With a Tech 2 , I had one old set of software from who knows when that never updated once in 10 years. View attachment 471037

I bought mine from scAmazon. I see where it clearly states the $299 update in your screenshot as well

I get what you're saying and I did see the one free year of software updates. I've also never owned a scan tool that has a million stupid updates every time I power it on. Not ******** on the product as a whole, just not a huge fan of the little things. It does its job. It's programmed every tpms sensor I've needed it to, and it even pointed out my bad airbag sensor on my avalanche. All in all, it's ok I guess.

My complaints are likely self inflicted from lack of research and buying on a whim.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I bought mine from scAmazon. I see where it clearly states the $299 update in your screenshot as well

I get what you're saying and I did see the one free year of software updates. I've also never owned a scan tool that has a million stupid updates every time I power it on. Not ******** on the product as a whole, just not a huge fan of the little things. It does its job. It's programmed every tpms sensor I've needed it to, and it even pointed out my bad airbag sensor on my avalanche. All in all, it's ok I guess.

My complaints are likely self inflicted from lack of research and buying on a whim.

Welcome to the Subscription Era, the new way for companies to guarantee a continuing income stream. (Not really new, as large corporations have been doing this for decades, but the small companies are now using this 'newly found' income generating tool.) Probably not going to change going forward.

 

[Fless]

Welcome to the Subscription Era, the new way for companies to guarantee a continuing income stream. (Not really new, as large corporations have been doing this for decades, but the small companies are now using this 'newly found' income generating tool.) Probably not going to change going forward.

From my point of view the Autel approach isn't bad -- at least the tool works for the software you have and doesn't just die when the subscription ends. Think about the cost of updating the base software every time a manufacturer issues a new update or new auto models. Certainly there's some value to the end user to pay for those kinds of updates, if wanted. At least we got what we paid for.

 

[pwtr02ss]

From my point of view the Autel approach isn't bad -- at least the tool works for the software you have and doesn't just die when the subscription ends. Think about the cost of updating the base software every time a manufacturer issues a new update or new auto models. Certainly there's some value to the end user to pay for those kinds of updates, if wanted. At least we got what we paid for.

You make a good point. At least the thing still works.

My renewal just came up, so I was originally thinking I "had" to pay for the update.

After hearing the feedback here, it seems that's not the case. I'll just ignore the updates and upgrade as needed

 

[Joseph Garcia]

From my point of view the Autel approach isn't bad -- at least the tool works for the software you have and doesn't just die when the subscription ends. Think about the cost of updating the base software every time a manufacturer issues a new update or new auto models. Certainly there's some value to the end user to pay for those kinds of updates, if wanted. At least we got what we paid for.

I totally agree. The Subscription Model certainly fits our Tech era today, and it may actually slow down a wee bit the migration to disposable versus updateable/upgradeable equipment

 

[Rocket Man]

Too bad the new scanner wont tell me where the damn water is coming from on the left cowl area. It’s soaking the driver side front carpet. I took everything apart on the driver side interior and removed the cowl. The drain with the flapper thing was full of leaves and crap so I figured aha that was it. But no bueno. I have the carpet, pad and the padded plastic piece that goes up the firewall already by the electrical harness propped up so I can see the actual metal pan and where it angles up towards the firewall. As soon as I apply any water inside the cowl area outside, I see it literally flowing like a small stream inside. Do any of you know what I need to look for and seal up? I have it parked under cover until I figure this out.

 

[Rocket Man]

While I’m working on the leak, I had to pull some plastic pieces off and of course had to restore them. I love using Cerakote. The door sills looked terrible, the aluminum inserts were all messed up. I removed them and found out they were clear coated and that was most of the problem. I removed it and painted them. I still don’t think I’ll go with them though because they have dents and slight waves. New ones are about $200 if you can find them. I think the driver side is NLA. I ordered a set of used like new pickup ones that are black. They will fit, I tried the ones off my Silverado. The back doors are a different story though because the Tahoe ones are shorter than the pickup ones so I can’t get black ones. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle different ones in the front than the back but I’ll see. The back ones are in good condition.

 

[pwtr02ss]

While I’m working on the leak, I had to pull some plastic pieces off and of course had to restore them. I love using Cerakote. The door sills looked terrible, the aluminum inserts were all messed up. I removed them and found out they were clear coated and that was most of the problem. I removed it and painted them. I still don’t think I’ll go with them though because they have dents and slight waves. New ones are about $200 if you can find them. I think the driver side is NLA. I ordered a set of used like new pickup ones that are black. They will fit, I tried the ones off my Silverado. The back doors are a different story though because the Tahoe ones are shorter than the pickup ones so I can’t get black ones. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle different ones in the front than the back but I’ll see. The back ones are in good condition.View attachment 472070View attachment 472071View attachment 472072

Those look brand new. What is ceracote and how is it used? Ive used wipe new a time or 6 on the avalanche, but I haven't used it in a while.

 

[Rocket Man]

Those look brand new. What is ceracote and how is it used? Ive used wipe new a time or 6 on the avalanche, but I haven't used it in a while.

Cerakote makes a wipe-on product that lasts about a year, depending on the environment; they state 200 washes. It makes the black plastics look like brand new no matter how faded they start out. I’ve been using it for years and wont do without it. It keeps the exterior plastics looking new and its super easy to use as well as inexpensive. Their headlight restoration kit works amazing too for hazy headlights.
CERAKOTE® Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer - Ceramic Coating Guaranteed Restoration to Last Over 200 Washes – A Ceramic Coating, Not a Dressing https://a.co/d/8cvNDjC

 

[Rocket Man]

Water leak update. I removed the wipers and cowl and propped up the carpet and pad so I could see the water coming in. I started by applying water at the far outside of the cowl by the fender. As soon as I put water inside the cowl, I could see it flowing out inside. It was running down and out the flapper that’s inside there but also coming inside. I figured it was that seam in the cowl. It runs all the way side to side and down inside a ways. The part of the sealer that is squished out seems to be a foam material. I cut that out and used a polyurethane seam sealer and let it dry a day. That area is super hard to access without laying across the engine so it’s not a pretty job.

 

[Rocket Man]

Today I water tested and thought I had it. It didn’t leak for quite awhile as I started slowly again, starting by just applying it near the fender , inside the cowl. I slowly worked towards the middle of the cowl and kept stopping and going inside looking. After 10 minutes or so I saw a stream inside at the far left corner of the floorboard where it meets the left kick panel sheet metal. I couldn’t get the rubber pad to lift up until I figured out to remove the hood latch duh. So now I’ve got that rubber pad that’s still wet pulled up and I can see where there’s a couple of seams there and right where there’s this dark dirty hole I could watch the water come through. At least I think it was coming through there. I did not cut the factory sealer out- that stuff is super tough. I opted to clean it all with alcohol and scotch brite and seal over the top. I will test again tomorrow.

 

[89Suburban]

Today I water tested and thought I had it. It didn’t leak for quite awhile as I started slowly again, starting by just applying it near the fender , inside the cowl. I slowly worked towards the middle of the cowl and kept stopping and going inside looking. After 10 minutes or so I saw a stream inside at the far left corner of the floorboard where it meets the left kick panel sheet metal. I couldn’t get the rubber pad to lift up until I figured out to remove the hood latch duh. So now I’ve got that rubber pad that’s still wet pulled up and I can see where there’s a couple of seams there and right where there’s this dark dirty hole I could watch the water come through. At least I think it was coming through there. I did not cut the factory sealer out- that stuff is super tough. I opted to clean it all with alcohol and scotch brite and seal over the top. I will test again tomorrow. View attachment 472360View attachment 472361View attachment 472362View attachment 472363View attachment 472364

Damn. I am watching this. I have the same leak. It's a ***** to figure out.