Is a Tech 2 Still The Way To Go?

[ARAMP1]

I have the dreaded Service Stabilitrak that randomly comes on when I turn my wheel. No codes picked up by the BlueDriver code reader. Figured I'd bite the bullet and pick up a Tech 2...Several on ebay in the $400 range. I don't mind spending more if there's something else out there that's possibly better.

 

[Doubeleive]

I have the dreaded Service Stabilitrak that randomly comes on when I turn my wheel. No codes picked up by the BlueDriver code reader. Figured I'd bite the bullet and pick up a Tech 2...Several on ebay in the $400 range. I don't mind spending more if there's something else out there that's possibly better.

I have a tech 2, I also have a few other tools and one I recently acquired is the innova 7111 tablet that seems to do a lot of things the tech2 does, it might save you a few bucks
it also does a lot of the gds as well, so for me it's a well rounded tool that's in the sub $500 range
if you want a tool that is dedicated to gm 96-2014 though the tech2 is the one, just note it will not work on a 14 silverado unless it is a LD

 

[petethepug]

Tech2 / literally old (internal battery powered) or Tech2 clone / new, yes.

Both are Simple, accurate, no subscription, works on vehicle in real time, not glitchy, tough. The alternative is a tech2 laptop clone made for a Window 7 or 10 PC / laptop. The laptop version is cheaper and allows potential tethering into other equipment to program / reprogram modules.

 

[ARAMP1]

The alternative is a tech2 laptop clone made for a Window 7 or 10 PC / laptop. The laptop version is cheaper and allows potential tethering into other equipment to program / reprogram modules.

Is it just a program that one could run on a Windows 10 laptop?

 

[Fless]

You're looking for Tech2Win. Google it. See https://gsitlc.ext.gm.com/userguides/GM_Tech2Win_User_Guide.pdf

You'll still need some sort of VCI (vehicle communication interface).

 

[petethepug]

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Or purchase VX Nano pre installed on a preloved laptop.

Full Set Lenovo X220 Laptop with 500GB HDD Pre-installed Software for USB VCX NANO

We offer bundle pack with Lenovo X220 Laptop with 500GB HDD, and offer any one Pre-Installed Software from the USB VCX NANO Ford/Mazda, JLR or GM/Opel, wifi vcx nano toyota. No need to install, Directly Use when receive.

www.vxdiagshop.com

FYI… note install info

V1 - [How To Install] VXDIAG - The poor man's Tech2

I noticed there wasn't a straight up how-to on the VXDIAG Tech2 tool, so I wanted to make a write up so no one else got confused on the installation. I hope this helps. Those of you who have potentiometers for pedal sensors will need to do a clutch-relearn should you replace that sensor...

dfkitcar.com

Yes, just a program to load on the computer.

The clone of the Tech2 shop tool is rugged. The emulator that runs on the 7/10 PC is easier to view for old eyes.

 

[fredcook]

For my 07-14's (and really anything else to comes along) I use TopDon's Phoenix Plus 2 scan tool and TopDon's RLink J2534 passthrough. The Plus 2 along with using the J25354 with Tech2Win (https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions) takes care of anything and everything. I use the Plus 2 for 90%+ of what i need for diagnostics, resets, etc. For deep dive diags I hang TopDon's Phoenix Scope (oscilloscope) off of the Plus 2. For other "stuff", I use TopDon's BT Mobile ProS battery tester, and their TC001 thermal camera. Both of these can integrate with the Plus 2 scan tool (but not required). To round things up, I have TopDon's Tornado 30000 battery charger and tender. Always good to use a good battery tender when programing and coding. Oh yeah... also have a couple of TopDon's V2200 jump starters. They replaced all of my batter cables. But those aren't diagnostics related.

Think maybe I've standardized on TopDon? They've proven to be a solid tool with great U.S. based live phone support. To be honest, I do own other brands of diagnostics tools... Autel, Launch, Innova. I try them from time to time to see what everyone is doing and keep an open mind. I always come back to and stay with TopDon.

 

[Doubeleive]

Is it just a program that one could run on a Windows 10 laptop?

It is, but you will need to be computer savvy it is literally hacked software, so windows security will need to be turned off because it changes files and then windows security freaks out.
not unlike old school trying to install a copy of photoshop (or any other expensive software) and then a crack gen to make it work, same thing....
it's usually on a small disc or thumb drive included with the vcx nano

 

[Scrappycrow]

Amazon.com

This says "It Can Only Support 12V Cars, No Trucks." Is that incorrect?

 

[petethepug]

Haha, there’s definitely a bad interpretation going on. You’d have to check with them but in their world, I’ll bet it refers to a truck as a Semi Truck

 

[homesick]

Haha, there’s definitely a bad interpretation going on. You’d have to check with them but in their world, I’ll bet it refers to a truck as a Semi Truck

I thought the same.

joe