Tell me why I need a Tech 2.

[Oldmopars]

I have been doing a lot of reading and see posts about the Tech 2.
Please help me understand why I need one. I have a 2008 2500 Suburban with 6.0L.
It has no air ride, no stability control, etc.
What will it do for me that a regular OBDII won’t do?
Please understand I know very little about them, so this is a honest question.
BTW, I am a certified mechanic, but have been out of the game since I joined the military in 1993.(late start)
After that it was aircraft wrenching and heavy equipment. Thanks.

 

[Doubeleive]

it is a better troubleshooting tool, it has direct communication with the vehicle bcm and sub modules that a off the shelf scanner does not. So it can save you time and a trip to the dealer and each time it does you get to keep a $100+ bucks in your wallet, yes it has a initial cost but it will eventually pay for it's self and when you move on to another vehicle you can get most of your money back out of it by selling it to someone else. you could also potentially use it to make a little side money if the opportunity arose by helping out a acquaintance, neighbor, etc.

 

[OR VietVet]

Before @Doubeleive said what he said, I was just gonna say, "Because you do" but Wes said it best.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Not only does the Tech 2 read trouble codes, it also helps you diagnose the root cause of the issue, so that you can make an informed decision on whether to fix it yourself or have someone perform the work. Also, the Tech 2 can monitor your systems' actions in real time for many functions, which further assists you in diagnosing issues.

The Tech 2 also programs various modules in your truck that need to be programmed into your truck's system, when replaced. For example, I received a trouble code that the Tech 2 told me was directly related to my BCM (Body Control Module), I researched the information that the Tech 2 gave me, and I determined that my BCM needed to be replaced. I purchased a BCM from Rock Auto for $85 (which would have been more than double the cost at the dealer), and I used the Tech 2 to program it into my truck's system (which would have been well over $100 at the dealer). In addition, I saved $80+ for the 'diagnosis', which the dealer would have charged me, just to look at the issue on my truck.

Since I payed ~$330 for my Tech 2, this one BCM issue resolution using the Tech 2 more than paid for its cost.

Since you were/are a certified mechanic, I believe that the purchase of a Tech 2 should be a no-brainer for you.

 

[dkad260]

This is a good thread as I'm also looking for one as well. I didn't need it much with my 02 GMT 360 but the 2012 Yukon is a different story. Not trying to hijack, but hopefully help the OP and others who are looking to purchase one.


Are there any limitations with the clones for 2008+ years in regards to programming? It seems there's a handful of vehicles that fall into this category but I don't see the GMT900's in that.....which is good.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

This is a good thread as I'm also looking for one as well. I didn't need it much with my 02 GMT 360 but the 2012 Yukon is a different story. Not trying to hijack, but hopefully help the OP and others who are looking to purchase one.


Are there any limitations with the clones for 2008+ years in regards to programming? It seems there's a handful of vehicles that fall into this category but I don't see the GMT900's in that.....which is good.

I am not aware of any limitations on the clones that would have been available on the original GM Tech 2's.

Adding @swathdiver for his thoughts and perspectives on your question.

 

[CaptainAmerica1]

Yeah m waiting for someone to throw up a link to a reputable US based seller and I’m in.

 

[OR VietVet]

You see them on ebay quite a bit and will have to sort thru the sellers

 

[Doubeleive]

This is a good thread as I'm also looking for one as well. I didn't need it much with my 02 GMT 360 but the 2012 Yukon is a different story. Not trying to hijack, but hopefully help the OP and others who are looking to purchase one.


Are there any limitations with the clones for 2008+ years in regards to programming? It seems there's a handful of vehicles that fall into this category but I don't see the GMT900's in that.....which is good.

Not really they started moving a few vehicles over to GDS2 around 2013/2014 if you google there is list that shows what works with the tech2 and what requires gds2 and generally it is mostly 2014 and later

 

[George B]

Mine has saved me three dealer trips in less than 9 months between the two trucks I own.

 

[Doubeleive]

Yeah m waiting for someone to throw up a link to a reputable US based seller and I’m in.

right now there isn't any but chinacardiags is legit they ship fairly quickly normally you should have it in your hands in about 2 weeks. or wait and keep checking ebay for usa inventory they come and go.

 

[swathdiver]

Yeah m waiting for someone to throw up a link to a reputable US based seller and I’m in.

When looking to buy one of these, make sure they come with the 33.004 software and all the accessory cables and cables and such. The factory case may or may not be included so decide whether or not you want it.

As for sellers, I looked for ones with lots of good feedback. At the time, I purchased mine through AliExpress but ChinaCarDiags has been good as have the reputable ebay sellers that have sold them from time to time. These have not been made in the USA for decades. The factory(s) in China kept making them after GM switched over to the MDI and that's why they come from the Chicoms.

Why do you need it? Because you cannot successfully, quickly and accurately work on these trucks without one. They were made to be serviced with this tool along with the service manual which was written to use this tool in diagnosis and repair.

There are alternatives, such as the MDI or MDI2 using the GDS or GDS2 software on a laptop or a Snap-On or Bosch bi-directional scan tool, those work too. I do not consider them handy for use in the truck while driving.

The included software is obsolete but I find it useful for replaying a recording taken from the Tech-2, the small screen limits what you can see at once on playback.

 

[dkad260]

Pardon my ignorance, but would we need the tis2000 software along with the handheld Tech 2? I'm not sure if the Tech 2 needs PC support.

 

[swathdiver]

Pardon my ignorance, but would we need the tis2000 software along with the handheld Tech 2? I'm not sure if the Tech 2 needs PC support.

Like I wrote above, the software is obsolete and not necessary unless you want to program modules on other older platforms. The only time you connect the Tech-2 to the internet is when you are programming modules. For that you need a subscription to ACDelco's TDS system and an adapter to connect to a USB port. You do not need this for diagnosis and testing. It was three years before I signed up with ACDelco to do some programming but used the Tech-2 almost every day in the interim.

 

[Doubeleive]

the tech2 will work with a serial adapter and windows 10 thru tdsweb if you need to do programming, it loads a java program online thru your web browser

 

[exp500]

Your mechanic buddy pay snap off $50+ a month for licence fee on His single scanner. VX diag pro will cost $250 once.
https://www.chinacardiags.com/wholesale/vxdiag-car-software-authorization-license.html
https://www.chinacardiags.com/whole...pro-obd2-diagnostic-tool-with-3-free-car.html
Or just the VCX Nano $80-
https://www.chinacardiags.com/wholesale/xdiag-vcx-nano-for-gm-opel-gds2-diagnostic-tool-17409.html
Or the Tech 2 that is limited after 2007 (and slower programming).
https://www.chinacardiags.com/whole...el-suzuki-isuzu-holden-with-full-package.html

 

[CaptainAmerica1]

Ordered Thanks

 

[TollKeeper]

The only catch that I know with the ChinaClone versions is -SOMETIMES- they dont actually make it into the US. USBC (US Border and Customs) has been stopping some from making it in. A few members on GMTNation had this issue.

That being said, I just bought my Tech2 a few weeks ago. Have already used it to diagnose what specifically is wrong with my Z55, and my chime. Paid 280 for it, already saved me $120 diag fee at my local dealer.

I know I will need it eventually for my Wifes Aztek, as they seem to eat BCM's. So I know I will eventually come out very ahead.

I still have a cheaper TOPDON Elite model, for MIL, ABS, and SRS codes. But for anything more than "resetting the light" I will break out the Tech2.

 

[Rocket Man]

I fought buying a Tech2 for a long time and finally gave in after reading how handy they are mostly due to @swathdiver (thanks James). I am sure glad I did. It makes diagnosing these vehicles so much easier it’s ridiculous. I also maintain alldatadiy subscriptions for both my trucks which is the same as having service manuals. It’s really the best way to work on these rigs. I have also programmed a few modules - my BCM and driver door switch modules and a HVAC module. Without a Tech2 all of those would have been trips to the dealer. I also used the Tech2 to diagnose an ABS issue as well as an SRS issue which are systems thst are inaccessible to other diagnostic tools. It’s paid for itself many times over.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I fought buying a Tech2 for a long time and finally gave in after reading how handy they are mostly due to @swathdiver (thanks James). I am sure glad I did. It makes diagnosing these vehicles so much easier it’s ridiculous. I also maintain alldatadiy subscriptions for both my trucks which is the same as having service manuals. It’s really the best way to work on these rigs. I have also programmed a few modules - my BCM and driver door switch modules and a HVAC module. Without a Tech2 all of those would have been trips to the dealer. I also used the Tech2 to diagnose an ABS issue as well as an SRS issue which are systems thst are inaccessible to other diagnostic tools. It’s paid for itself many times over.

X2 on assistance and mentoring from @swathdiver ! A second thank you, James.