TECH2 how it was used to diagnose and replace the right part

[thompsoj22]

The TECH2 or bidirectional scanner is "required" to troubleshoot our systems and deliver us to the most likely component replacement to repair the malfunction. This is extremely important from a cost/stress standpoint and im hoping it is worthy of a thread in the tech forum or any place the members feel it should be placed. Kind of a step by step navigation using the TECH2 and the results of the test performed. I am new to the use of the TECH2 and would love to see the methods/screens that other forum members utilize that are experienced with the scanner. What do you think? And if a thread is created it surely can be effectively renamed and dosent have to be associated with this post.

 

[Doubeleive]

without classroom training like the dealer tech's received it has a small learning curve, it is fairly intuitive if you can program a vcr as they say then you can use the tech2 without too much difficulty. when I got mine I did a quick self learn tech2 101 on the interwebz to figure out how the Vin code identifier works and quickly discovered my 03 silverado uses one number different than what it should be but most of it is pretty easy to figure out by just browsing the options. Its a great tool I have used it a few times and it was extremely helpful to diagnose problems that otherwise would have a complete guessing game. It's certainly a necessary tool if you want to save yourself the time, MONEY and hassle of having repairs done elsewhere. It's a one time expense that will pay off for many years.

 

[thompsoj22]

without classroom training like the dealer tech's received it has a small learning curve, it is fairly intuitive if you can program a vcr as they say then you can use the tech2 without too much difficulty. when I got mine I did a quick self learn tech2 101 on the interwebz to figure out how the Vin code identifier works and quickly discovered my 03 silverado uses one number different than what it should be but most of it is pretty easy to figure out by just browsing the options. Its a great tool I have used it a few times and it was extremely helpful to diagnose problems that otherwise would have a complete guessing game. It's certainly a necessary tool if you want to save yourself the time, MONEY and hassle of having repairs done elsewhere. It's a one time expense that will pay off for many years.

Thanks for the reply, Just keep the request on the back burner. I feel that an exclusive thread for the tech2 when it's used to TS would be really interesting and draw alot of attention from forum visitors that can possibly have their question/problem diagnosed using a previous post that the scanner effectively fixed a similar issue. Just outline the scanner inputs and the screen that finally outlined the bad component.

 

[Doubeleive]

Thanks for the reply, Just keep the request on the back burner. I feel that an exclusive thread for the tech2 when it's used to TS would be really interesting and draw alot of attention from forum visitors that can possibly have their question/problem diagnosed using a previous post that the scanner effectively fixed a similar issue. Just outline the scanner inputs and the screen that finally outlined the bad component.

I guess I miss understood the purpose, i have used mine to diagnose and fix "service suspension system" and a brake light warning and my HVAC system with the latter being a real doozy, lol

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for the reply, Just keep the request on the back burner. I feel that an exclusive thread for the tech2 when it's used to TS would be really interesting and draw alot of attention from forum visitors that can possibly have their question/problem diagnosed using a previous post that the scanner effectively fixed a similar issue. Just outline the scanner inputs and the screen that finally outlined the bad component.

Maybe I can entice my girls to help put something together. I'm not savvy enough to run the scanner and a movie camera at the same time, let alone speak at the same time!

 

[thompsoj22]

Thanks for considering the request, I was apprehensive of asking based upon the fact that the request means more time and effort for those savvy enough to put it together. I will have my 10 yo daughter help me in regard to learning to post pic's on the forum and document my own use of the tech2 to diagnose issues. Anyhow i think it has the potential of being somthing useful, Showing the application of the scanner in use is giving everyone a chance to see how the dealers/shops fix their cars.

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for considering the request, I was apprehensive of asking based upon the fact that the request means more time and effort for those savvy enough to put it together. I will have my 10 yo daughter help me in regard to learning to post pic's on the forum and document my own use of the tech2 to diagnose issues. Anyhow i think it has the potential of being somthing useful, Showing the application of the scanner in use is giving everyone a chance to see how the dealers/shops fix their cars.

I'll see about doing the P0442 small leak and the data as mine sets every third or fourth start. Tech-2 comes in handy clearing the codes and kicking the can down the road. But the kids are about ready to graduate so they're quite busy with school right now. We shall see.

 

[thompsoj22]

I'll see about doing the P0442 small leak and the data as mine sets every third or fourth start. Tech-2 comes in handy clearing the codes and kicking the can down the road. But the kids are about ready to graduate so they're quite busy with school right now. We shall see.

Thank you! Any post that will get the momentum going, If you have any ideas on renaming the thread please do! and than this initial thread could be deleted? possibly a sticky? visible without a search?

 

[swathdiver]

Thank you! Any post that will get the momentum going, If you have any ideas on renaming the thread please do! and than this initial thread could be deleted? possibly a sticky? visible without a search?

Well, we might begin each thread with something like, "Tech-2 tech - Code P0171 and graphing O2 Sensors" or "Tech-2 tech - Code P0442 Small Leak".

 

[thompsoj22]

Well, we might begin each thread with something like, "Tech-2 tech - Code P0171 and graphing O2 Sensors" or "Tech-2 tech - Code P0442 Small Leak".

i get it, starting threads with "Tech-2 tech" brings up all threads associated with the scanner's use and possibly some visual screen navigation steps/displayed info that defines,narrows down the bad part.

 

[PG01]

Nothing about a tech 2 here but isnt it crazy how we ‘rely’ on our children (mine are 13 and under) for advice on ‘technology’ ... annoys me to no end when i need to ask my daughter how to do something on these computers/iphone/ipads/kindles...etc, etc

 

[harveje]

On the Tech 2 topic-- I've seen some non original tech 2 scanners does anyone have one and if so thoughts on them and places to purchase? My brother has a genuine tech 2 and I've got a piece milled VXdiag unit that half *** works but I want something more reliable and that perform more diags and function testing.
Thanks,

 

[PG01]

On the Tech 2 topic-- I've seen some non original tech 2 scanners does anyone have one and if so thoughts on them and places to purchase? My brother has a genuine tech 2 and I've got a piece milled VXdiag unit that half *** works but I want something more reliable and that perform more diags and function testing.
Thanks,

@HiHoeSilver @swathdiver

 

[swathdiver]

Nothing about a tech 2 here but isnt it crazy how we ‘rely’ on our children (mine are 13 and under) for advice on ‘technology’ ... annoys me to no end when i need to ask my daughter how to do something on these computers/iphone/ipads/kindles...etc, etc

I'm tired of trying to keep up with Moore's Law. Been using computers since I was a kid but being forced to upgrade from XP and my S4 Mini phone have soured me on electronics. When I built this PC, I had to completely relearn everything as many of the terms and ways computing is done changed from 2005 when I built the last. Sure hope the Lord comes soon, I'm tired of this stuff!

I have no qualms having the little ones fix or program apps for me anymore!

As for the Tech-2. Well, my advice is find a seller with good reviews/feedback and make sure you get software version 33.004 and the CANDI module is you'r using this on a GMT-900 platform with the CAN BUS computer architecture.

I used to think they were the same as original save for stickers, coming out of same factory in China that made them for Vetronix. Some of that may be true but know that mine at least does not have same power supply. The only downside is the Tech-2 re-booting when starting the vehicle from key on. Hasn't slowed me down any though.

Regardless, you have to have one to work on these things and it will pay for itself in short order.

 

[2011SSVHOE]

got mine on Ebay for 300.00 good investment

 

[gooffeyguy]

I'm looking into getting one also. I do currently have a Bluetooth OBDLink dongle and use Torque Pro to read any codes and get info such as ethanol % and intake and oil temps, but I'd like something more capable.

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18

 

[thompsoj22]

I'm tired of trying to keep up with Moore's Law. Been using computers since I was a kid but being forced to upgrade from XP and my S4 Mini phone have soured me on electronics. When I built this PC, I had to completely relearn everything as many of the terms and ways computing is done changed from 2005 when I built the last. Sure hope the Lord comes soon, I'm tired of this stuff!

I have no qualms having the little ones fix or program apps for me anymore!

As for the Tech-2. Well, my advice is find a seller with good reviews/feedback and make sure you get software version 33.004 and the CANDI module is you'r using this on a GMT-900 platform with the CAN BUS computer architecture.

I used to think they were the same as original save for stickers, coming out of same factory in China that made them for Vetronix. Some of that may be true but know that mine at least does not have same power supply. The only downside is the Tech-2 re-booting when starting the vehicle from key on. Hasn't slowed me down any though.

Regardless, you have to have one to work on these things and it will pay for itself in short order.

Can i use ther remote power supply plugged in to the unit in conjunction with the DIC power to prevent the reboot from key on to start? and is the reboot detremental to the unit or simply a power interruption?

 

[Fless]

If you'll be cycling the ignition you can and should use external power (unless you have the upgraded power board in the Tech 2). I'd probably avoid the cigar lighter option -- but yours may work okay with that power source - and go for the 110v adapter, both came with mine. On an ignition cycle my Tech 2 resets and I have to go through the vehicle and function selections from the start again.

EDIT: I've used a spare car battery sitting on the passenger floor to power mine externally.

 

[swathdiver]

Can i use ther remote power supply plugged in to the unit in conjunction with the DIC power to prevent the reboot from key on to start? and is the reboot detremental to the unit or simply a power interruption?

I once plugged the unit into the cigar lighter and it still rebooted when the key was cycled.

Late last year the screen went white on me while I was fooling around with the tire air pressures. The key was on and the motor off and the Hybrid Compressor plugged in to the other cigar lighter was pumping air into the tires. Even after turning off the compressor, the Tech-2 was still acting up and put it away. Took it out a week or so later and it's been fine ever since.

 

[RonnieMc]

Maybe I can entice my girls to help put something together. I'm not savvy enough to run the scanner and a movie camera at the same time, let alone speak at the same time!

I too would like to see you have a topic such as this added to the forum! I think it would bring new members into the forum.