Chinacargiags - "gm tech2 lacks the chips"

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

shegarty

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Posts
135
Reaction score
95
Morning folks - just received a shipping notification from Chinacardiags that the "gm tech2 lacks the chips". Anyone here have any leads on another source that has units in North America or a different unit (Autel maybe?) that I could get my hands on in Canada? I'm chasing an airbag issue that I am fairly confident is the ABM under the drivers seat (hole in the floor leading to water infiltration and corrosion of the aluminum casing). I have found a replacement but I need to be able to program it to the VIN. Alternatively, I'm located about an hour east of Toronto if anyone around here has one to lend or some spare time to help me out. TIA
 

MassHoe04

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2021
Posts
1,588
Reaction score
2,841
Location
Western MA
That's too bad they can't get chips to fill your order!
Chinacardiags.com had them at a good price and their turnaround time form order to delivery was really quick to the US. I had mine on my door in less than a week. Customer service was great! Time differences meant replies to email questions come in the middle of the night or next day, but they always responded and were helpful. I am sure they will be back with production soon.

Google lists a few alternative sources.

Here is one place I think I have heard of a few times...

 
Last edited:

MassHoe04

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2021
Posts
1,588
Reaction score
2,841
Location
Western MA
Youtube mechanic Scotty Kilmer seems to give a lot of honest opinions and recommendations on things. Not always what everyone likes to hear, but he seems like a straight-shooter. If he says something is good or bad, I am willing to trust him.

He did this scan tool review in February...

Here is the tool he reviewed.
$700
 
Joined
Apr 11, 2018
Posts
7,124
Reaction score
14,375
Location
St. Louis
Morning folks - just received a shipping notification from Chinacardiags that the "gm tech2 lacks the chips". Anyone here have any leads on another source that has units in North America or a different unit (Autel maybe?) that I could get my hands on in Canada? I'm chasing an airbag issue that I am fairly confident is the ABM under the drivers seat (hole in the floor leading to water infiltration and corrosion of the aluminum casing). I have found a replacement but I need to be able to program it to the VIN. Alternatively, I'm located about an hour east of Toronto if anyone around here has one to lend or some spare time to help me out. TIA
So they shipped you a Tech2 but it doesn't have the chips in it to work?
 
OP
OP
S

shegarty

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Posts
135
Reaction score
95
So they shipped you a Tech2 but it doesn't have the chips in it to work?
No - they charged my card, didn't give any indication that they are backordered and only said that they don't have chips to make them after I emailed them because the order history hadn't been updated in a week.
 

exp500

Full Access Member
Joined
May 14, 2017
Posts
2,016
Reaction score
1,965
Alibaba another place to check, then there is a british spot that you can find by looking for VCX Nano. ( and software downloads for them.) The Brit spot probably has some local in Canadia. Good luck.
 

MassHoe04

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2021
Posts
1,588
Reaction score
2,841
Location
Western MA
Chinacardiags.com does sell Autel scan tools.


Since they already have your funds, it may be fastest option to switch the order over to an Autel tablet if they have what you want in stock. That might be much easier and faster than pulling the plug and getting something from a different vendor.

I believe they better bi-directional tablets are in the $600-$800 range. More, if you want extra special super duper pro models.
 
OP
OP
S

shegarty

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Posts
135
Reaction score
95
Alibaba another place to check, then there is a british spot that you can find by looking for VCX Nano. ( and software downloads for them.) The Brit spot probably has some local in Canadia. Good luck.
I've heard mixed reviews for the VCX Nano - lots of people have trouble with the software. Do you have any personal experience with it?
 
OP
OP
S

shegarty

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Posts
135
Reaction score
95
Chinacardiags.com does sell Autel scan tools.


Since they already have your funds, it may be fastest option to switch the order over to an Autel tablet if they have what you want in stock. That might be much easier and faster than pulling the plug and getting something from a different vendor.

I believe they better bi-directional tablets are in the $600-$800 range. More, if you want extra special super duper pro models.
Any recommendations on an Autel that will do reprogramming for modules? Or is that a common function on the bidirectional scanners?
 

George B

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Joined
Feb 5, 2020
Posts
7,881
Reaction score
18,989
Location
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066
I've heard mixed reviews for the VCX Nano - lots of people have trouble with the software. Do you have any personal experience with it?
Some here have had luck with it. I had one and had it working. I like the hand held option better than needing a PC or tablet to use it. I returned it and bought a Tech2. I think @Doubeleive has one working.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
30,514
Reaction score
47,934
Location
Stockton, Ca.
I would jump on ebay and see if there are any listed (new or used) before the price starts to jump up more, because that's how things go supply & demand.....
you can use the VCXnano they run about $100-120, yes the software is a major pita, but can be done, it will provide tech2win which will do what you need, supposedly there are some functions it will not do that the actual tech2 would, but I never ran into them and I believe they are just technical, but you will need a computer to use the vcx, either a dektop, laptop or windows tablet, you just need to be able to hook up to the obd port with a usb cable. when you install the software disable any security software, automatic updates and any firewall and the install should go smooth, just follow the directions, if you do not disable security it will install but it wont work because it is hacked software and it needs to change files when it installs and windows detects that as a virus. Then if you disable protection and it still wont work you have to try again, remove any temp files, etc. It also has firmware that has to update on the device that allows the software to run, it can be a pain to get up and running but once it does your good to go.
 
OP
OP
S

shegarty

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Posts
135
Reaction score
95
I would jump on ebay and see if there are any listed (new or used) before the price starts to jump up more, because that's how things go supply & demand.....
you can use the VCXnano they run about $100-120, yes the software is a major pita, but can be done, it will provide tech2win which will do what you need, supposedly there are some functions it will not do that the actual tech2 would, but I never ran into them and I believe they are just technical, but you will need a computer to use the vcx, either a dektop, laptop or windows tablet, you just need to be able to hook up to the obd port with a usb cable. when you install the software disable any security software, automatic updates and any firewall and the install should go smooth, just follow the directions, if you do not disable security it will install but it wont work because it is hacked software and it needs to change files when it installs and windows detects that as a virus. Then if you disable protection and it still wont work you have to try again, remove any temp files, etc. It also has firmware that has to update on the device that allows the software to run, it can be a pain to get up and running but once it does your good to go.
Sounds like the VCXNano might be a viable option - any links to reputable sellers? Also, would I need to find a subscription for the tis2000 software to run on the laptop?
 
Last edited:

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
30,514
Reaction score
47,934
Location
Stockton, Ca.
Sounds like the VCXNano might be a viable option - any links to reputable sellers? Also, would I need to find a subscription for the tis2000 software to run on the laptop?
no tis2000 is not needed nor used, it's very old for previous generations and it is generally hacked as well with a very small file change.
you can get the vcxnano from the same website or even amazon, ebay.
 

MassHoe04

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2021
Posts
1,588
Reaction score
2,841
Location
Western MA
Any recommendations on an Autel that will do reprogramming for modules? Or is that a common function on the bidirectional scanners?
Here is a direct source for Autel.

I am not the product expert. But, it looks like the ones that list "ECU" programming are the ones that are $2k+.

If you can't find something suitable that is already sitting at Chinacrdiags.com, cancel that and get refund.

If time is critical (or at least somewhat important to you), I would look to get a Tech 2 that is ready to go.
While the VXNano is a great option once it is installed and running... There is no way of telling how easy that process will go. You could end up farting around, trying to get the program running.

It really might be best to get a Tech 2 that is in stock and ready to ship. New or even used.
I would start with that OBD2 website and just get what you need and have it ready to go out of the box as soon as it comes in. And for $300 or so, we know what it can do, which is pretty near everything under the sun when it comes to our GM trucks.

 

exp500

Full Access Member
Joined
May 14, 2017
Posts
2,016
Reaction score
1,965
Yes, the VCX nano is a possibility for you, but I was trying to explain how to find a Tech2. Usually they have full range including (MDI ithink its called).
 

Joseph Garcia

Elite Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
Posts
10,284
Reaction score
14,891
I used AliExpress and their dealer network to purchase my Tech 2, as well as numerous other items.

AliExpress.jpg


This is a snapshot of a partial page, and there are more Tech 2's available at various price points when scrolling up or down. Just make sure that it is the Tech 2 for GM (not Opel or Saab), and note whether shipping is included in the posted price, or an add on.
 

Fless

Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
16,281
Reaction score
33,650
Location
People's Republic of Colorado
Sounds like the VCXNano might be a viable option - any links to reputable sellers? Also, would I need to find a subscription for the tis2000 software to run on the laptop?

You can run TIS2000 on a WinXP laptop; if using a more modern OS you'll need to set up VirtualXP and that can be a PITA but not impossible.

I can program through 2006 with my XP laptop, Tech 2, and TIS2000 (offline), but if you want to program later years you'll need to do it using Techline (online), still with a Tech 2 or VCX Nano but not using TIS2000.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
137,702
Posts
1,990,012
Members
102,698
Latest member
JamesinAbilene
Back
Top