Rock Auto?

[Joseph Garcia]

I've been trying to access Rock Auto's web site for the past 2+ days, and I keep receiving the same message.

This site can’t be reached​

www.rockauto.com took too long to respond.


Is it just me?

 

[OR VietVet]

I just tried with no problems.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I just tried with no problems.

Thank you for your quick reply. Much appreciated.

So, knowing that someone else can still connect to Rock Auto with no issue, I disabled my Secure VPN setting in my Norton 360 app (which I had recently enabled as an additional security provision), and Rock Auto immediately connected. I re-enabled Secure VPN, and I could not again connect to Rock Auto. Issue solved!

Hopefully, only the Secure VPN by Norton 360 is the only VPN offering that impacts the connection with Rock Auto, and not all VPN offerings.

@RockAuto

 

[swathdiver]

Thank you for your quick reply. Much appreciated.

So, knowing that someone else can still connect to Rock Auto with no issue, I disabled my Secure VPN setting in my Norton 360 app (which I had recently enabled as an additional security provision), and Rock Auto immediately connected. I re-enabled Secure VPN, and I could not again connect to Rock Auto. Issue solved!

Hopefully, only the Secure VPN by Norton 360 is the only VPN offering that impacts the connection with Rock Auto, and not all VPN offerings.

@RockAuto

You pay your bill Joe? LOL Do you have a VPN going? When mine is on I often lose access to certain sites.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

You pay your bill Joe? LOL Do you have a VPN going? When mine is on I often lose access to certain sites.

Yes, I am finding that out regarding VPN, and is completely understandable. I'm seeing longer login times on some sites, including this one, or forcing a 3 step authentication process, like on my bank site.

I may need to consider the cost (increased authentication time and additional steps) versus the benefits (additional security) of this VPN offering.

 

[swathdiver]

Yes, I am finding that out regarding VPN, and is completely understandable. I'm seeing longer login times on some sites, including this one, or forcing a 3 step authentication process, like on my bank site.

I may need to consider the cost (increased authentication time and additional steps) versus the benefits (additional security) of this VPN offering.

It's a pain I know. Looks like TDS updated their computer requirements and I cannot use my old laptop anymore for programming. I think they will only allow pass-thru programming so I can't use my desktop either! On top of that, unlike those screenshots you sent me, I have no option for selecting or seeing a Tech-2, only the MDIs. Fun!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

It's a pain I know. Looks like TDS updated their computer requirements and I cannot use my old laptop anymore for programming. I think they will only allow pass-thru programming so I can't use my desktop either! On top of that, unlike those screenshots you sent me, I have no option for selecting or seeing a Tech-2, only the MDIs. Fun!

Yes, the Support Tech stated that pass-thru programming appears to be the only option, thus eliminating the remote programming option.

So, after logging into Techline Connect, you see and close the pop-up screen that asks you to select one of 2 MDI options. Then, do you see the tab SPS2 in the upper left of the screen? When you click on it, does it bring you to a new screen? It does for me, sometimes I have to try twice to get to the desired screen where Tech 2 options exist.

 

[swathdiver]

Yes, the Support Tech stated that pass-thru programming appears to be the only option, thus eliminating the remote programming option.

So, after logging into Techline Connect, you see and close the pop-up screen that asks you to select one of 2 MDI options. Then, do you see the tab SPS2 in the upper left of the screen? When you click on it, does it bring you to a new screen? It does for me, sometimes I have to try twice to get to the desired screen where Tech 2 options exist.

Do you have the Tech-2 connected before you get to that screen? If pass-through only works from now on, I'm definitely not dragging my PC out to the car! LOL Not driving it around back and opening the sliding glass doors either! Cables are just a couple feet too short for that too! LOL

Well, even though I have 6 months left on my subscription, it's useless until I buy a new laptop. Was kinda proud of the old HP DV8000 from 2006 still kicking along after all these years! Guess we'll soon put it out to pasture.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I have a 100' USB extension cable (Why I have it, who knows! LOL) that I use to run from my computer in the house to my Tech 2 in my truck in the driveway.

After logging into Techline Connect, this is the first screen that I see.

I select my truck under the Recent Vehicles column, and then I see this screen, which shows me modern MDI-based tools, but not the Tech 2:

I click on Cancel, and I see this screen:

If clicking on Cancel does not product this screen above, then click on the SPS2 tab at the upper left of the screen.

I click on Manually Select Tool, and I see this screen:

At this point, the Tech 2 needs to be connected to my computer (If I were doing an actual project, I would also have to connect the Tech 2 to the truck at this time). I connect my Tech 2 to my computer, select Tech 2 Legacy Pass-thru and and Reprogram (or Replace and Reprogram, depending on your situation). I click on Next, and I see this screen, where I can see the list of control modules:

At this point, the Tech 2 would need to be connected to the truck to proceed further, as Techline Connect would need to retrieve information from the truck regarding the installed modules and the current version of the software that is installed on each of these modules, so that can know what the current baseline is.


Hopefully, this is helpful to you, James.

 

[Fless]

100' is awful long for a USB cable but if it works, it works. I think that the flat cable that comes with the Tech 2 and has RJ45 ends is wired the same as a standard ethernet cable, so you may be able to use a long one of those for 1) the computer connection to the router - if your wifi doesn't reach - or 2) the cable between the laptop and the Tech 2.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

100' is awful long for a USB cable but if it works, it works. I think that the flat cable that comes with the Tech 2 and has RJ45 ends is wired the same as a standard ethernet cable, so you may be able to use a long one of those for 1) the computer connection to the router - if your wifi doesn't reach - or 2) the cable between the laptop and the Tech 2.

Since there is a relatively small amount of data being transferred, and since transmission speed is not an issue in this application, the 100' USB cable extension is not an issue.

Yes, the ribbon cable that comes with the Tech 2 is an equivalent of a CAT3 Ethernet cable. For a long run, you could replace it with a CAT5 or CAT6 cable. Of course, your Tech 2 would be at your computer, rather than at your truck during the programming process, but that does not really matter, as you don't need to be doing anything specific with the Tech 2 during the pass-thru programming process.

 

[swathdiver]

I have a 100' USB extension cable (Why I have it, who knows! LOL) that I use to run from my computer in the house to my Tech 2 in my truck in the driveway.

After logging into Techline Connect, this is the first screen that I see.

View attachment 353560

I select my truck under the Recent Vehicles column, and then I see this screen, which shows me modern MDI-based tools, but not the Tech 2:

View attachment 353561

I click on Cancel, and I see this screen:

View attachment 353562
If clicking on Cancel does not product this screen above, then click on the SPS2 tab at the upper left of the screen.

I click on Manually Select Tool, and I see this screen:

View attachment 353563

At this point, the Tech 2 needs to be connected to my computer (If I were doing an actual project, I would also have to connect the Tech 2 to the truck at this time). I connect my Tech 2 to my computer, select Tech 2 Legacy Pass-thru and and Reprogram (or Replace and Reprogram, depending on your situation). I click on Next, and I see this screen, where I can see the list of control modules:

View attachment 353564

At this point, the Tech 2 would need to be connected to the truck to proceed further, as Techline Connect would need to retrieve information from the truck regarding the installed modules and the current version of the software that is installed on each of these modules, so that can know what the current baseline is.


Hopefully, this is helpful to you, James.

Thank you very much Joe! I finally understand how it works! LOL Now, to measure for a cable...

 

[swathdiver]

...Of course, your Tech 2 would be at your computer, rather than at your truck during the programming process,

Do you have a long OBDII connector as well to do this? Or a wireless option?

 

[BG1988]

I've been trying to access Rock Auto's web site for the past 2+ days, and I keep receiving the same message.

This site can’t be reached​

www.rockauto.com took too long to respond.


Is it just me?

https://198.27.61.99/ but secure link might not work

if it works then u have an DNS issue

 

[Bill 1960]

I have intermittent issues with some websites using my VPN and some others like Netflix just never work because the streaming companies blacklist every VPN they identify. My guess is RA uses a firewall or protection service that’s doing the same.

(Edit- I just tested it and RA won’t respond if I’m on my VPN but it’s fine without it)

Recently my VPN provider has begun offering a permanent individual fixed IP for an extra charge for customers who want to avoid these issues.

It’s a continuous Cold War between people who desire some privacy and big business/brother who wants to monitor everything and everyone 24/7.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Do you have a long OBDII connector as well to do this? Or a wireless option?

I'm just using the OBDII connector supplied with the Tech 2, but it has to first connect with the CanBus unit for my truck, so I've got lots of wire coiled up under the Tech 2. My computer does not have a wireless option.

 

[energizedtech]

Very cool. Just playing with the SPS2 and so far the only thing I am wondering is does the Tech2 need to be attached to both the computer with SPS2 and the vehicle at the same time?

 

[energizedtech]

Curious. I can see the option to use VCI and seems to give me options to play with RPO option adding but you need to call and get a "VCI activation" for the VIN. I am going to guess this is a "Dealer only option" and not something a regular person on the street paying for SPS2 can do.... or can they?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If you are intending to replace or reprogram a control module, then the computer, the Tech 2, and the truck all need to be connected. Through this connection, GM Techline Connect can see what control modules are present on your truck, and what version of software is currently installed on each control module. You will also see if there are any newer versions of the software available.

If you are only doing diagnostic/troubleshooting work with your Tech 2, then you only need to have the Tech 2 connected to your truck, and you do not need GM Techline Connect.

I do not believe that VCI is applicable for our year trucks.

 

[energizedtech]

Hmm maybe my term is incorrect. In theory if I drive my 2006 Suburban to GM to add on the RPO code to enable the steering wheel controls (provided the clock spring is already wired up) there is a process in which GM goes to use the Tech 2 on my vehicle in combination with getting a VCI (or let's call it an Activation Code) which ties that to my VIN so if I download a fresh bin for my Vehicle it now knows that option is a part of my truck and it's enabled in the BCM.

*or* with all the tools at my hand, is it a lot simpler than that now that I have the SPS2, a functional Tech 2 and willing BCM with my VIN as a hapless victim

(I have two working BCM's with my VIN on it so.... I can play a little)

Really don't need to do much other than enable the TPS, Car Alarm (it has it, but it's off) and get the BCM to recognize the Clock Spring is there to pass the pulses down to the Serial wire in the Radio

I have two separate adapters listening and neither work which leads me to believe the BCM has no clue on my new Clock Spring and it's desire to control the Radio.

I've read through a couple of other forums and it all suggests adding the RPO option into the BCM, which usually involves GM talking to Techline and charging a $40USD Activation fee on top of the labour to use the Tech2.

I don't mind paying provided I don't end up with a bricked BCM.... again

But if the process really just involves me having the Tech2, SPS and a donor BCM to play with.... Well let's see what I get to do