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The $305 Tech2 clone review
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Author:  havoc1482 [ Fri Nov 13, 2015 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
CMNTMXR57 wrote:
Typically if the VCI module is toast (as mine ended up), it'll send your vehicle into an epileptic seizure sending gauges crazy, activating ABS modulator, setting all lights on your dash, etc, etc...


Yep thats what happened. It doesn't harm the car, but its just a paperweight right now. I have a dispute with the seller open right now. Hopefully I can get this resolved. Of course it would be ME that gets burned while everyone else enjoys theirs lol :dontknow:
Author:  havoc1482 [ Fri Nov 20, 2015 2:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Lol they tried to claim that I was a novice user and that I didn't know what I was doing. I uploaded a video and multiple pictures of evidence then escalated the dispute and now AliExpress is on my side. Now I'm getting messages asking to send the VCI back for fix/replacement. Scared to lose their money lol.
Author:  BobB [ Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
I just got one this past Friday.Took a week from order placement to delivery. Was $259,no box.Only problem was the DLC cable end interfered with the VCI lock tab.
It powered right up.So far so good. Now I just need to learn how to use all the features :wink:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Auto-Dia ... eb201560_3
Author:  havoc1482 [ Wed Dec 23, 2015 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
I got a 60% refund on mine, didn't ship it back. So its still in the trunk of my car. I could try getting a cloned VCI, but i'll wait until the holidays are over and my wallet recovers
Author:  CMNTMXR57 [ Thu Dec 24, 2015 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Just contact Bosch. That's what I did. I don't know whether or not it being a clone will matter. I think they asked for my serial number on the unit and then it was just a matter of them sending me the new VCI and me sending back the old defective one.
Author:  ddalder [ Thu Dec 24, 2015 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
I'm still a little skeptical about these clones. I know someone on another forum who tried to use his and most functions seem to work but others don't.
Author:  CMNTMXR57 [ Fri Dec 25, 2015 12:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Same here. I said that from day 1.

And this might be a perfect example if there isn't a legitimate serial number to get a replacement VCI module.
Author:  rmorton [ Mon Dec 28, 2015 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Been reading the reviews on these for about a year now. I've decided I've got to have one.

So has the price dropped? I'm seeing it for $260 shipped.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-free ... eb201560_4

Anything I should be leery of with this? I've never used Ali Express before.

Also - has anybody else had luck programming their own dongle? According to what I've read in this post, it can be done with the software and a usb stick....?
Author:  Whitecrystal1 [ Mon Dec 28, 2015 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Your not getting a case with that one. The hard case is worth it IMO
Author:  havoc1482 [ Tue Dec 29, 2015 3:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
CMNTMXR57 wrote:
Just contact Bosch. That's what I did. I don't know whether or not it being a clone will matter. I think they asked for my serial number on the unit and then it was just a matter of them sending me the new VCI and me sending back the old defective one.


I thought about that, but if its not a legit Tech2 wouldn't they not accept it? It does have a serial number, but I figured that was a non-legitimate one generated by the clone manufacturer. What the hell, couldn't hurt to try I guess.
Author:  ddalder [ Tue Dec 29, 2015 5:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
I have seen some correspondence from Bosch stating that they will not support, in any manner, clone products. The circuit boards are apparently different which is one way they will be able to tell. Simply put, if they support these it will cost them money to help the people (the clone manufacturer) trying to steal their business.
Author:  CMNTMXR57 [ Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
havoc1482 wrote:
CMNTMXR57 wrote:
Just contact Bosch. That's what I did. I don't know whether or not it being a clone will matter. I think they asked for my serial number on the unit and then it was just a matter of them sending me the new VCI and me sending back the old defective one.


I thought about that, but if its not a legit Tech2 wouldn't they not accept it? It does have a serial number, but I figured that was a non-legitimate one generated by the clone manufacturer. What the hell, couldn't hurt to try I guess.


That is what I'm saying.

A REAL Tech2 with a REAL serial number will have support by Bosch. A clone/fake/replica/etc Tech2 may not necessarily have a correct serial number and therefore not be covered/supported by Bosch (Bosch assumed all Tech2 production/parts from HP and subsequently Vetronix).

So in all honesty, if you have a problem with one of these clones, you are basically SOL it sounds. The price for getting one so cheap I presume.
Author:  ddalder [ Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Agree. It's one of those things... If it works and never gives you grief, probably worth it. Mine is absolutely legit but cost me a little over $3K when I bought it. Never had any problem with it, but back then, clones weren't even available. I'm sure I've had it the better part of ten years. If I were to do it all over again, I'd still buy the real deal. Just who I am.
Author:  2005SAAB93 [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 1:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Please tell me which seller you purchased the Tech2 on AliExpress. There are so many sellers on AliExpress.

Thank you for posting your experience with AliExpress. Good to hear your Tech2 works well.

Thank you for your help

God bless you
Author:  harofreak00 [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 9:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
I purchased from Shenzhen win-win Electronics Technology Co.,Ltd, however just like ebay, you can get the same product from multiple sellers. As long as they have good feedback, I'd order from anyone on AliExpress.
Author:  2005SAAB93 [ Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Thank you

God bless you
Author:  ForestCat [ Sun Dec 18, 2016 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
Hi,
Been lurking a bit, gonna bite the bullet on a clone Tech2. I've read through the thread (and the one by 02 Bonnie Beast), and I've seen a number of aliexpress links, but the thread is pretty old, some of the links are dead, etc.. Would any of you guys who bought a clone Tech2 weigh in on whether your Tech2's have been reliable (or not), the sellers, the support, etc. The link to Aliexpress seller 'Shenzhen WinWin Technology Co,.Ltd' by the thread author is dead, the guy at WinWin who responded to my email doesn't (says he can't...) sell them on Ali any more, but he still does have some. The guy has been responsive to emails, his prices are higher than other Ali sellers, but I'm cool with that IF his stuff/support is a cut above.

Any experiences?? Thanks so much.
Author:  Chris In The Bay [ Wed Mar 22, 2017 9:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
harofreak00 wrote:
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.
Image

Under the 2012 models it lists Chevrolet, Cadillac and Holden
Image


I work for a cab fleet of 95% Impalas from 2007 thru to 2013. So one of these clones would work ok for all diagnostics and bi direction functions on what we have now? Also, once we get anything newer than a 2013 down the road, is it possible to get more updates for the clone? Or would you need to switch over to the MDI system? I seen some of those on AliExpress as well but doesn't come with the software.
Author:  CMNTMXR57 [ Wed Mar 22, 2017 12:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
According to people here, it functions exactly the same as the real thing for diagnostic and bi-directional use.

Updating it will be the issue though, for a couple reasons;

1) I don't believe it has a valid Vetronix/Bosch serial number that authenticates it with GM, allowing it to be update through GM's tech channels.

2) GM has converted to a new system called MDI. At some point, say for example a 2018 model, will only be supported by MDI, therefore, GM would no longer support the old tool (Tech 2), if their new products don't even utilize the old tool. Not sure on the technicality of when GM will cut-off any Tech 2 use within their service departments though (I prefer it over MDI personally) because 1) I'm stubborn and 2) I like the self contained unit that isn't reliant on a fixed base network (in a service terminal at a techlink point in the service department). Think of it something like Microsoft... Eventually Microsoft will no longer support an old OS like Windows XP as they have progressed and moved on in newer versions like Vista, 7, 8 and 10. At some point, XP is archaic and not worth it.

The positive from all this is that real Tech 2's should start becoming very affordable for this generation of GM vehicles and be great for the average enthusiast to own/operate. On the flip side, as I have started to ponder personally, as I start to update my fleet, when will I need to consider my own version of MDI.
Author:  Chris In The Bay [ Wed Mar 22, 2017 2:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The $305 Tech2 clone review
I see the MDI units on AliExpress as well, but again not familiar with what all you would need to utilize these units, looks like it runs off a laptop. Have the laptop (use AutoEnginuity at the moment for our Impalas) but apparently it needs a subscription and software? And would it be compatible back to 2007 models? Most of our fleet is 2007,08 and 09's with one '13 at the moment. So we would get good use from the clone as it comes I suppose without any need to worry about updates beyond 2013. Down the road when the time comes, picking up one of the MDI units will be the way to go.
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