which tech 2 scan tool to buy?

[beeman212]

Have a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville ssei.
Need to buy gm tech 2 scan tool so I can use my gm dealer service manuals so I can diagnose electrical issues but not surewhich one iI need and what accessories I need like programs or "candi" and what is needed to use it for reprogramming.... any info would be appreciated...
Any questions just ask....
And if u look at my other posts my problems are explained there.... thank you for your time......

[haro1225]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 43833.html

[CMNTMXR57]

1) The thread linked above will buy you a clone. Not a genuine HP/Vetronix/Bosch GM Tech 2. It's not that it's bad, several here have purchased it and seem happy. But I'll reserve my judgement until they use them on 100's of GM vehicles, over several years, being subjected to the level of wear/tear that a genuine one gets used as. You can also look on Fleabay and scour message forums. I ended up buying mine from another former Technician on LS1Tech a few years back. However, I also then had to fix a few things, including my VCI module and I will probably need a new cord in the not to distant future.

2) You will not need a CANdi module for your car. CANdi is only needed on 2006+ CAN (GMLAN) vehicles. You're just regular OBDII. Or more or less, the Tech2 unit itself with the regular supplied cord, and the correct DLC port adaptor.

3) You do not necessarily need a GM Tech2 to do basic diagnostics on your vehicle. Any cheap code reader will get you the info you need. Now granted you won't get the bi-directional capability (being able to command things on/off/etc like you can with a Tech 2 or other similar level tool). You will also not be able to "tune" things with it. It merely does what the PCM/BCM will let it do, or another words, OEM settings.

4) Be sure that it has been set up/updated through your applicable model year(s). It should be, but just covering that base just in case.

[beeman212]

Thanks buddy that's what I wanted to know... I found gm ones for 319 to 350 new in box with all cables and 32mb card with updates on it

[CMNTMXR57]

It's amazing how prices are dropping now that they're being replaced with MDI.

I wish Chrysler's would drop. The DRBIII I need for our van is nearly just as expensive as the StarSCAN they now use.

[beeman212]

Yea only bad part is waiting for it to ship from hong Kong which takes forever but the price you pay makes it worth the extra wait

[1tinindian]

It's amazing how prices are dropping now that they're being replaced with MDI.

I wish Chrysler's would drop. The DRBIII I need for our van is nearly just as expensive as the StarSCAN they now use.

From his last reply, I'd say he bought a knock off.
That price point is going rate for them.

Leon