GM Tech 2 options

[kevm14]

Some info on MDI/Global A.

http://oemtools.com/homeproducts/generalmotors.html

GM MDI: This newest release GM factory scan tool begins it's coverage in model year 2010. MDI when combined with the Global Diagnostic System 2 (GDS2) software application allows servicing of GM's new Global Architecure Platform (Global A) vehicles. Model coverage currently includes 2010-2013 Buick LaCrosse, 2010-2013 Cadillac SRX, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro, 2010-2013 Equinox, 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt, 2011-2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 GMC Terrain and 2011 Buick Regal. By model year 2014 virtually all GM vehicles are serviced by using the MDI/GDS application. For all other 2010-2013 GM vehicles you will need either a GM Tech-2 or the optional 'Tech-2 Emulator' program to achieve OEM level functionality. The 'Tech-2 Emulator' uses the MDI interface device as the communications interface between pc and vehicle.

The GM MDI when coupled up with the software application 'GDS-2' allows your shop to be 'dealer level' capable on all the above listed GM cars. Scan, pull codes, graph data and have all bi-directional controls available for all vehicle systems including Powertrain, Body, Chassis and Network. This tool will also allow you to re-program controllers as long as you have internet access on the laptop your MDI/GDS application is installed on. Click here to view MDI operators manual.

The entire MDI/GDS-2 package can be ordered from OEMTools preloaded on a new Dell or Panasonic laptop with all needed reference materials and links pre-installed and ready to operate the day it arrives. This complete package also includes a 1 year subscription for model year updates to the MDI/GDS application. Tech-2 Emulator with TIS re-programming can also be configured on the same laptop for the most complete GM OEM level of tooling. Click here for Brochure. Call OEMTools.com to order or click here for quotation request form.

[bill25]

So... 2010 Camaro is MDI - Global A, not totally sure what happens to Camaro after 2013... Just says 2014 and after is MDI, which is also 2010-1013??? What is the difference?

Granted, I want a 2013, but why would all these modules change mid model generation (2014)?

[kevm14]

Is this a genuine one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-tech-2-vetro ... SwhYdZvvnf

If it is, it is twice the price. Which isn't that bad actually. Not sure how to tell though...

[kevm14]

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/ca ... s-mdi.html

and

http://www.ebay.com/gds/GM-TECH-2-Diagn ... 787/g.html

and

I bought a clone knowingly. Now, it has been working well. Several folks have bought this. It came with candi and all the stickers separate in a bag. The seller includes memory 32mb and buyer must state vehicle make and model since each brand has different cards. I was able to relearn a transplanted navigation stereo head unit instead of go to the dealer and pay for the service. It came with genuine bosch discs and good quality hardware. Im not saying all clones are good but the one i bought off ali baba express is not the ebay clones. Mine came free shipping from hong kong in 2 days. It works flawlessly and has the actual same software and memory card as the real tech 2.
Thanks for the article and i do agree that buyer beware. There are a couple videos on youtube that disassemble the clones and they are the same and even better (such as using solid brass cable ends vs aluminum) than the real tech2. According to one video, even some of the real tech 2 candi failed while the clones still work well.
Be careful when buying. Ali baba gave buyer protection and even sent me emails asking if my purchase was acceptable before transferring money to seller.

[kevm14]

Made a lot of progress here. The options are down to these:
1. Tech 2 clone from the China Car Diags people. It is $309 (for like 20 more hours). It comes with a scan tool, a 32MB card, TIS2000 and the CANDi module, and a case. I am told to forget the TIS2000 stuff and just do my $55 2-day subscription to GM's real TIS2Web system and get the up to date calibrations if I really need that. But assuming I could actually get that software to install, it would include calibrations released up to 2007. Without paying for a subscription to anything. This must just be a pirated version of GM's old calibration distribution system which was PC based before internet services for this kind of thing really matured (2008 sounds right).

2. MDI. MDI requires a laptop for everything and can emulate the Tech 2 on a laptop (plug-in connection). Their cheapest option is $175 shipped. For that, I believe you get GDS2, and Tech2Win. You need to go to TIS2Web for calibrations, which is fine. They have more expensive options with WiFi and with some calibration data which is not a good value. This would support Global A.

So for a little more than half the price, the MDI option is interesting. But I like having a real scan tool that can interrogate all modules AND do bi-directional control, without a laptop required. It does need a laptop to program.

What say you?

My opinion is get the Tech 2. Resell if we don't like it. The MDI is more of the current system and the price probably will not go up over time. The Tech 2 is a legacy system.

https://acdelcotechconnect.com/pdf/imtn_V16I209.pdf

[Adam]

I don't have anything that needs anything newer than a Tech II. So...

[Adam]

In fact, I only one one car that even needs OBD-II...

[kevm14]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-To ... b3832f2a44

[kevm14]

Bought this last night.
http://m.chinacardiags.com/wholesale/gm ... -1011.html

Still $309. For probably 2 more hours or so. One thing that was a relief is that I paid through real Paypal.

[kevm14]

Package has shipped. From Hong Kong. 11 lbs via DHL. Really interested to see if there is any kind of tracking fidelity here. I have a tracking #.