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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:48 am 
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Location: Browerville, MN
Year and Trim: 2004 GXP - plus a handful of other Bonnevilles
I saw another forum member talking about getting a Tech2 for $300 and I was pretty skeptical, but after he posted that it was working fine, I had to try one.

I ordered one from AliExpress on July 10th and it arrived on July 19th via DHL. I paid $305 shipped. This is the package I received from China.

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Opened it up.
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Taking it out.
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All of it out and unpackaged.
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Connector ends.
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Software CD.
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Apply your own stickers!
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CANdi module and cables
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The new clone on the left, and my original legit Tech2 on the right. (stickers not applied yet)
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Back side.
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Bottom port.
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Right side.
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Top side.
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Left side.
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The back side after applying stickers.
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The VCI module pulled out.
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The 32mb PCMCIA data card pulled out.
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Booted up in the car.
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Displaying the Misfire Graphic screen.
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Displaying the Engine Data 1 screen.
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My overall impression after playing with it for a few days. Wow! This thing is cheap, works great, and is of the same build quality as my original. Some of the few differences that I immediately noticed are the buttons feel different and the screen is much brighter. The buttons on my original have a distinct "click" feel to them, and the clones are mushy. However I found that the more that I press them, the clickier they get. The screen being brighter is a plus.

The only thing I'm disappointed by that I didn't get the case. The other forum member stated that the price would be much more if you got the case. I wish I had done some more research because I found several sellers selling the same thing with the case for around the same price. However, I did feel more comfortable buying from the same source as the other member.

So what am I going to do with it? Well, having multiple Tech2's would be handy (one at home, one at the shop), but I think I'm going to give it to my Dad. He's been talking about getting one because he is jealous of mine. I'm not going to tell him it's a clone and see if he notices.

Would I recommend this to the ordinary backyard mechanic? YES! With most average scantools being around $150-200 to get ABS and other functions, spending another $100 to being able to access every module and system in the car makes it totally worth it. Most dealers charge a $100+ diagnostic fee just to hook theirs up to your car, what a joke. You can do this yourself and learn more about how your car's computer works. Buy one now!

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1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:11 am 
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Thanks, Andrew. Very useful information, especially with a direct comparison to a real Tech 2, as well as being by someone who is familiar with them.

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 2:22 am 
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Boy, I don't know. They can make some good knock off stuff over there, but something like this that deals with modules and can reflash a car's PCM, makes me squirm to trust it. I've heard rumor's those knockoff one's can't be updated and could fry your electronics out, any truth to that do you know?


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 2:26 am 
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To reflash a PCM you need to have a subscription to GM's services, which costs mega bucks. I don't have that capability on mine or the clone. The Tech2 can certainly be updated. The one I got has 2013 software on it, the same as my original. I'm not sure how a scantool would fry your electronics, got a link to that rumor?

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2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 2:30 am 
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No real link, just had googled it awhile ago. However, if you've ever heard of The Garage Journal, they have quite a bit to say about it. Anti-Chinese about everything automotive related which I don't prescribe to but you get the picture.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 8:50 am 
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Wow. Care to share any links of where you would feel comfortable buying this at?

Also, what functionality does the Tech 2 have on other manufacturers?

I forget, will it also do GM OBD1 and 1.5?

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:55 am 
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I already posted the link of where I felt comfortable buying from. If you wanted a case, you would have to do your own research.

A Tech2 is made specifically for GM. Even the most high end Snap-on scanners costing thousands can't do what this tool can do.

To do OBD1, you would need a Tech1.

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2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:02 am 
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Location: Eugene, Oregon
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Well keep us posted on how it works, especially when testing modules and such. Thanks for the info!


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:05 am 
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I just did a "Fast-Learn" on a G8's 6L80E last week with mine. A Snap-On MODUS was not able to do this. There are simply factory diagnostic procedures that a T2 can do on GM vehicles that no other tool can. But yes, to reflash PCM's, TCM's, etc, you need to have authorization from the Tech Center, which means you have to be a dealership or a paying subscriber to the service which is a serious chunk of $$$$.

With that said, Bosch (who now owns the rights to GM Tech 2's as they purchased out Vetronix), will not support the unit because it's a factory knock-off. So should you have to replace the VCI module (I've had to replace mine due to wear and tear on the connection where it damaged the motherboard inside), or any other necessary repair.

Also, T2's can only be updated through 2009 MY vehicle info, was my understanding from GM. For 2009+ GM has gone to a new setup called MDI. MDI is backwards compatible with pre-2009 GM vehicles (it even has the software on the screen to emulate the screens you'd see on the T2).

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Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited: Sold to neighbor
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... new plow truck
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - Daddy's winter beater and plow truck


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 7:59 pm 
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So is this teck 2 scanner able to check all GM before 2009 obd2 with out extra software? Also wonder if it can check the cam/ distributor retard timing on vortex 350


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 9:20 pm 
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I think the GM MDI system will go back to 2009, but the Tech2 seems to work as far as its updated. Obviously I don't have any 2012-2013 vehicles to try it on though.

It will work on any GM OBD2, meaning 1996+.

Here you can see its updated to 2013.
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Under the 2012 models it lists Chevrolet, Cadillac and Holden
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2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 9:36 pm 
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Location: Central Illinois
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2009 G8 GT
What about Buick and GMC?

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:04 pm 
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Not sure what to tell you there. The newest thing I'll be using it on is 2005, so I'm not worried.

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2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:51 pm 
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xcbullet wrote:
So is this teck 2 scanner able to check all GM before 2009 obd2 with out extra software? Also wonder if it can check the cam/ distributor retard timing on vortex 350


Yes, a Tech 2 will work on any GM OBDII vehicle from 1996 - 2005 INCLUDING the Vortec 5700 you have. Anything 2006+ will require a plug in called a CANdi module.

_________________
Image

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited: Sold to neighbor
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... new plow truck
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - Daddy's winter beater and plow truck


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:34 pm 
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SuperHbody wrote:
Boy, I don't know. They can make some good knock off stuff over there, but something like this that deals with modules and can reflash a car's PCM, makes me squirm to trust it. I've heard rumor's those knockoff one's can't be updated and could fry your electronics out, any truth to that do you know?
i am the first person here to buy one of these units. i have already updated the software in it directly off of the gm web site. i have also reprogrammed (flashed) my ecm, and the thing performs flawlessly. al;l the hype about them burning modules up and other hubub is all total bull sh!t !


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:37 pm 
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harofreak00 wrote:
To reflash a PCM you need to have a subscription to GM's services, which costs mega bucks. I don't have that capability on mine or the clone. The Tech2 can certainly be updated. The one I got has 2013 software on it, the same as my original. I'm not sure how a scantool would fry your electronics, got a link to that rumor?



hey haro, i reflashed my ecm. you only have to buy the 55 dollar three day access. the tis2000 software to flash, and the dongle key to unlock the functions to flash is and extra 25 dollars, and that was why my tech 2 cost me 325. cause i bought the software and dongle with it.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:40 pm 
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RJolly87 wrote:
Wow. Care to share any links of where you would feel comfortable buying this at?

Also, what functionality does the Tech 2 have on other manufacturers?

I forget, will it also do GM OBD1 and 1.5?


these will work on any gm based vehicle from 1999 to 2013. i have heard from people that have used them on many gm based cars and they all worked properly.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:42 pm 
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CMNTMXR57 wrote:
I just did a "Fast-Learn" on a G8's 6L80E last week with mine. A Snap-On MODUS was not able to do this. There are simply factory diagnostic procedures that a T2 can do on GM vehicles that no other tool can. But yes, to reflash PCM's, TCM's, etc, you need to have authorization from the Tech Center, which means you have to be a dealership or a paying subscriber to the service which is a serious chunk of $$$$.

With that said, Bosch (who now owns the rights to GM Tech 2's as they purchased out Vetronix), will not support the unit because it's a factory knock-off. So should you have to replace the VCI module (I've had to replace mine due to wear and tear on the connection where it damaged the motherboard inside), or any other necessary repair.

Also, T2's can only be updated through 2009 MY vehicle info, was my understanding from GM. For 2009+ GM has gone to a new setup called MDI. MDI is backwards compatible with pre-2009 GM vehicles (it even has the software on the screen to emulate the screens you'd see on the T2).



that's not totally true. i do passthrough programming with my clone tech 2 and the gm subscription only cost me 55 dollars for three days access to the downloads.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:45 pm 
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CMNTMXR57 wrote:
I

With that said, Bosch (who now owns the rights to GM Tech 2's as they purchased out Vetronix), will not support the unit because it's a factory knock-off. So should you have to replace the VCI module (I've had to replace mine due to wear and tear on the connection where it damaged the motherboard inside), or any other necessary repair.

Also, T2's can only be updated through 2009 MY vehicle info, was my understanding from GM. For 2009+ GM has gone to a new setup called MDI. MDI is backwards compatible with pre-2009 GM vehicles (it even has the software on the screen to emulate the screens you'd see on the T2).



these tech 2's are fully upgradeable with factory parts, andf i have updated mine to the newest software, direct from the gm website, and i had zero issues doing it. my tech 2 can do any vehicles from 1999 to 2013.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:47 pm 
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xcbullet wrote:
So is this teck 2 scanner able to check all GM before 2009 obd2 with out extra software? Also wonder if it can check the cam/ distributor retard timing on vortex 350



these will not work for vehicles before 1999. these cover from 1999 to 2013.


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