The $305 Tech2 clone review

[1tinindian]

UPDATE:
I recently bought one from the same seller as Andrew and I have to say, I have been very pleased with the Tech 2 so far.
Not done much with it at home, but I have unlocked a replacement radio for my sons 2004 Bonneville and saved some freeze frame data from a recent DTC on my 1998 GMC Sierra.

I am at a loss about the need for the dongle (didn't get one with this unit, but have the two disc).
Took it to work and hooked it up to the GM web site and it would not connect to the server to update.
I always get a screen message at start up saying the software may need updated.
All though, everything still seems to work without the update.
The software version that came on mine is 32.002 and the most recent version on the Tech 2s at work is 33.004.

For what its worth, the $306 it cost was well worth it.
I would like to understand the dongle aspect to this, as it is something I have never dealt with before.

If any one of you could break it down for me, in easy to understand terms, I would be grateful.

Leon

[Powderboy]

Hi Guys,

Based on what I have read here, I decided to order on of these. However, I have not been able to get past the ordering process. First, the charge was flagged by my credit card company. I placed the order again once I straightened that out with the credit card company and now AliExpress has denied the charge "for security reasons". Now they want me to "submit a claim" to "validate my payment information". To do that they want a photocopy of my driver's license or passport as well as all of the information on my credit card statement! This sounds like a flat-out scam to me. I would have to be insane to send them everything they need to steal my identify!

Did any of you encounter similar problems? I should also mention that I sent the seller a question about this and have NOT heard anything back. I also did some investigation into AliExpress and the feedback I've seen has been EXTREMELY bad. I want to believe that this is a legitimate product, but now I'm very skeptical.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[crash93ssei]

That is definitely odd and something I would be cautious of... I believe it is somewhat similar to Amazon or ebay with different sellers, maybe try to see if there is another seller? I had no issues at all with my purchase, there was good customer service and I was notified quickly of anything needed, which was just more information on what vehicles I need the scanner to work on.

I sure as hell wouldn't be giving them my passport and other information.

[harofreak00]

I didn't experience any of those problems. It was quick and straight-forward.

AlliExpress is like the Chinese version of ebay. There are thousands of sellers. Is the issue with AlliExpress as a whole, or just the seller you chose?

[Archon]

I had some problems ordering mine, also. First, I had problems in getting the payment through. It would consistently come back saying that an error had occurred. I did finally get one to go through that was cancelled by them due to something with accepting the credit card. I contacted AliExpress whose only suggestion was to keep trying. I placed another order, and then was also asked for more information. However, that just included the usual name, address, etc.. Nothing as personal as what you have been asked for. I also received no answer to a question to the seller. After doing the extra, the order finally went through. The whole process took about 3 weeks, from the start until the product arrived.

[Powderboy]

Thanks guys. I did receive a message from AliExpress today asking if I could use Paypal. I would prefer that, but didn't see it as an option on their site. I'll see what they have to say about that and let you know how things go. I'm sure others would prefer Paypal too if it were an option.

[Powderboy]

I was able to order using Paypal without issue. The unit arrived 7 days later via DHL express, exactly as promised. Although I'm no Tech2 expert, it seems to work fine as far as I can tell. I used it to diagnose and repair my airbag light issue without a problem. Turned out to be the right front sensor, which cost 60 bucks and was a super easy repair. So the total cost to repair, including the Tech2, was about $400, probably about what I would have had to pay the stealer to do it. By the way, I discovered that the basic Tech2 comes with the software you need to program your own USB key for the TIS2000 system, so no need to buy the additional $25 dongle. If you have your own USB stick you generate you own key using the included SW on one of the enclosed CDs.

[mikeluscher159]

Good to hear everyone's happy with there knockoff Tech 2's.
I've had a knockoff VCM II I've used for a while on some of my Ford products, and quite well it works.

Would any owners be interested in renting there's out for a few days for a full deposit and covered both way shipping?

[731Loadmaster]

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/GM-Tech- ... 63558.html

Is this the same one that everyone else got? This one is $360 with a box. I like it and would want to get one in the next month.

[Powderboy]

This is the one I bought. $345 with the box.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html

[Whitecrystal1]

Can anyone tell me which is the most current software/unit?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html
G--M-English 33.004 1991-2013
349.99 free shipping

or

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Sup ... 32214.html
G--M English 32.002 1991-2013
355.00 plus 14.13 shipping TOTAL of 369.13
This one is advertised as 2015 Support 6 Software.

EDIT: I got a message back from them that the 349.99 has the most current software. This one http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html

I ordered it. Maybe I can figure out why my 2013 Enclave keeps going into limp mode and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. My dealership has no clue

[GaryDoug]

This Tech 2 clone can be used on OBD1 cars back to 1991. I regularly use it on a 94 Trans Am. The kit includes the necessary connector adapter and power adapter.

[CMNTMXR57]

All GM diagnostic tools that supercede a previous generation are always backwards compatible. Currently MDI is backwards compatible for vehicles that had been OBDII or CANbus Tech 2 diagnostic tool coverage.

From GM;

TECH 2 PRODUCT INFORMATION

- VEHICLE COVERAGE FOR THE POWERTRAIN, BODY AND CHASSIS APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETROACTIVE OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS BACK TO THE 1992 MODEL YEAR.

[havoc1482]

Can anyone tell me which is the most current software/unit?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html
G--M-English 33.004 1991-2013
349.99 free shipping

or

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Sup ... 32214.html
G--M English 32.002 1991-2013
355.00 plus 14.13 shipping TOTAL of 369.13
This one is advertised as 2015 Support 6 Software.

EDIT: I got a message back from them that the 349.99 has the most current software. This one http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html

I ordered it. Maybe I can figure out why my 2013 Enclave keeps going into limp mode and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. My dealership has no clue

How'd it work out for you? Thinking about getting the one from the last link you posted. Everyone else in this thread seems to be a dead link (probably due to post age) and I'm just being overly-cautious lol

[Whitecrystal1]

Can anyone tell me which is the most current software/unit?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html
G--M-English 33.004 1991-2013
349.99 free shipping

or

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Sup ... 32214.html
G--M English 32.002 1991-2013
355.00 plus 14.13 shipping TOTAL of 369.13
This one is advertised as 2015 Support 6 Software.

EDIT: I got a message back from them that the 349.99 has the most current software. This one http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html

I ordered it. Maybe I can figure out why my 2013 Enclave keeps going into limp mode and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. My dealership has no clue

How'd it work out for you? Thinking about getting the one from the last link you posted. Everyone else in this thread seems to be a dead link (probably due to post age) and I'm just being overly-cautious lol

No issue at all. Buy it!

[havoc1482]

Can anyone tell me which is the most current software/unit?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html
G--M-English 33.004 1991-2013
349.99 free shipping

or

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Sup ... 32214.html
G--M English 32.002 1991-2013
355.00 plus 14.13 shipping TOTAL of 369.13
This one is advertised as 2015 Support 6 Software.

EDIT: I got a message back from them that the 349.99 has the most current software. This one http://www.aliexpress.com/item/DHL-Free ... 41195.html

I ordered it. Maybe I can figure out why my 2013 Enclave keeps going into limp mode and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. My dealership has no clue

How'd it work out for you? Thinking about getting the one from the last link you posted. Everyone else in this thread seems to be a dead link (probably due to post age) and I'm just being overly-cautious lol

No issue at all. Buy it!

Just ordered mine. Hopefully it'll give me an edge in keeping up with my GXPs eventual quirks. With 165xxx miles I'd like to be prepared for anything lol.

[havoc1482]

having trouble getting mine to connect to the Bonnie. Self tests say the unit is fine. I got it to connect once. I saw engine data, though it wasn't running so everything just had a star next to it lol. I'm thinking my OBDII slot isn't psychically connecting well. The autostore scanner had to be wiggled around when I tried to get a code pulled. Although the OBDII slot does power the Tech 2. When I connect it everything goes wonkey, the SVS light comes on, the Gas gauge drops to 0, and Service Airbag and Service Suspension System comes up in the DIC and the car won't start unless I unplug it. When I do unplug it everything starts and functions perfectly. I must be overlooking something. Hopefully I can figure it out.

[havoc1482]

Think I found the problem: DLC 1 and 2 keep failing on the self-test even with the loopback adapter plugged directly into the VCI. What a bummer. Don't know If I have a faulty cable and/or loopback adapter or the VCI is *shoot*

[Whitecrystal1]

That sucks. Did you get this resolved?

[CMNTMXR57]

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...