What is a "Tech 2 Scan Tool" and where can I get one?
04-25-2007, 08:24 PM
#21
Drifting
Thanks for the info!! Guess I was wrong about the code thing. I ordered mine Monday and can't wait to get started.
I'll bet I have my car not running in less than a week!
I'll bet I have my car not running in less than a week!
HPTuners will allow you to scan pretty much any GM vehicle's PCM/BCM from 97+ for codes as well as hundreds of other parameters. It also allows you to reprogram the pcm and in most calibrations that consists of over 500 editable parameters not including codes 
. Although it will NOT allow you to program the bcm it will show you any bcm codes you may have which can help in diagnosing any issues you may have.
. Although it will NOT allow you to program the bcm it will show you any bcm codes you may have which can help in diagnosing any issues you may have.
04-25-2007, 08:40 PM
#22
Tech Contributor
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If you want a lower cost method of maintaining a car you should look at the following:
http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html
About $500 and a computer (obsolete used laptop) or PDA will get you a pretty good package that allows you to perform the operations suggested in the Service Manuals.
Bill
http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html
About $500 and a computer (obsolete used laptop) or PDA will get you a pretty good package that allows you to perform the operations suggested in the Service Manuals.
Bill
04-25-2007, 08:48 PM
#23
Le Mans Master
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Cruise-In VII Veteran
you can find a used Tech II for about 1500/2000, the shop next door to us has one, deleted the F45 adjustable suspension for an APS TT customer recently
04-25-2007, 08:56 PM
#24
Race Director
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Cruise-In 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
You can also pick up a brand spankin' new one on Fleabay for around $2800.
04-26-2007, 12:29 AM
#25
Burning Brakes
If you want a lower cost method of maintaining a car you should look at the following:
http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html
About $500 and a computer (obsolete used laptop) or PDA will get you a pretty good package that allows you to perform the operations suggested in the Service Manuals.
Bill
http://www.autoenginuity.com/order.html
About $500 and a computer (obsolete used laptop) or PDA will get you a pretty good package that allows you to perform the operations suggested in the Service Manuals.
Bill
04-26-2007, 12:38 AM
#26
Racer
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good thing about living here in Detroit, about 10 of my friends have them and we have 2 at work
Tech 2 is good for doing anything for GM vechicals like updating your PCM firmware, Removing the dreaded Theftlock if you buy a radio off of Ebay..EtC those tuners won't do that
Tech 2 is good for doing anything for GM vechicals like updating your PCM firmware, Removing the dreaded Theftlock if you buy a radio off of Ebay..EtC those tuners won't do that
04-26-2007, 12:53 AM
#27
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It looks like Autotap doesn't have the command mode so it can command the car to do things that are required in various diagnostic procedures. It also looks like it is mostly engine related with few of the other On Board system sensors being monitored. If you read the forums you can quickly see that you need more than an OBD II scanner to maintain the car.
I have the 97-04 Service Manuals for all GM vehicles and when I tried to diagnose a problem in my Tahoe's Level Ride system last year found out I needed a tool that could command the Level Ride to do certain things in order to sort out which part was bad. The diagnostics for the Corvette's systems require the same types of commands.
The problem is that most low cost tools are going to be at a huge disadvantage compared to the Tech 2 which can read codes, reset them, command the computers to perform certain actions and also act as a meter. You do get what you pay for.
Bill
I have the 97-04 Service Manuals for all GM vehicles and when I tried to diagnose a problem in my Tahoe's Level Ride system last year found out I needed a tool that could command the Level Ride to do certain things in order to sort out which part was bad. The diagnostics for the Corvette's systems require the same types of commands.
The problem is that most low cost tools are going to be at a huge disadvantage compared to the Tech 2 which can read codes, reset them, command the computers to perform certain actions and also act as a meter. You do get what you pay for.
Bill
04-26-2007, 05:48 AM
#28
Burning Brakes
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The Tech II is a diagnostic tool for all GM vehicles. Period. It has access to all electronic controllers and modules and can perform various diagnostic functions to determine faults. One of it's nice features is being able to activate functions, relays and modules that would not be on normally unless you're driving at certain speed or certain operating conditions.
You or the dealer cannot tweak the timing curves ,AFR and many other parameters with a Tech II that HP tuners or other Cal software can. GM likes it that way for Warranty purposes to guard against Dummies at the dealer or anyone else with a Tech II .
GM can do it though. It's in the form of a flash update.
That is why you really need both if you want complete access to your Vehicles systems.
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You or the dealer cannot tweak the timing curves ,AFR and many other parameters with a Tech II that HP tuners or other Cal software can. GM likes it that way for Warranty purposes to guard against Dummies at the dealer or anyone else with a Tech II .
GM can do it though. It's in the form of a flash update.
That is why you really need both if you want complete access to your Vehicles systems.
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.
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Last edited by C6dude; 04-26-2007 at 05:51 AM. Reason: spelling
04-26-2007, 10:18 AM
#29
Le Mans Master
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The GM/Vetronix TECH2 is the best scan tool for any GM based vehicle bar none. That is what I use in my shop for all diagnoistic purposes. For me its an invaluable tool for datalogging during tuning and for diagnosis. I have access via "friends" so I can update my TECH2 every time there is an update. If you buy one used, I can update the flash card for you. Or if you want a new unit I can get you one for less than what you find on "fleabay" or from that US Tools Warehouse. I get them without any software, then I "load" it or rather clone the flash memory card with my TECH2 which will have the latest software in it. If you are interested PM me and I will get you a price.
