Chat about all things Bonneville (and related cars). Off-topic stuff should be in the lounge, and all mechanical problems should be posted in the proper forum.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech: 2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Daily Drivers: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC 2011 Camaro SS 2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP 1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
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.
Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release, Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation[/size][/color]
Daily Drivers: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC 2011 Camaro SS 2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP 1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
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....?
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.
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.
Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release, Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation[/size][/color]
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.
Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech: 2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Daily Drivers: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC 2011 Camaro SS 2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP 1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
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.
Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release, Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation[/size][/color]
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.
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited 2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen 1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner 2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler 2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler
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.
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.
Under the 2012 models it lists Chevrolet, Cadillac and Holden
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.
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.
Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech: 2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Daily Drivers: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC 2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC 2011 Camaro SS 2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD: Victory Red - 8.1L Big Block and Allison 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... RIP 1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - RIP
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.
