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Blog Post: GM Bosch Vetronix HP Tech 2 with CANDI


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General Motors Repair Technicians use a hand-held computer called the “Tech 2″ to diagnose and tune modern vehicles.   It is called the Tech 2 because there was originally a Tech 1, and this is the update.The Tech 2 is like a scan tool on steroids, with some additional tuning options thrown in.  As a scanning [...]

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Bruce

2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

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Being I have owned some of these units. Can offer some advice...

GM Tech 1, GM Tech 1a. Early and latter versions. Built and software by Vetronix. Petty much obsolite tool. GM coverage ended in 1997. 'Valuable' units would be with a GM MSC (mass storage cartridge thru 1997) or Global OBDII powertrain cartridge. MSC requires a VIM module for OBDII for 1994-1997.

I still have a Tech 1a with Global OBDII. Works on 2001 Cadillac, 2003 Saturn. Does not seem to work on 2005 Ford Mustang. Powertrain only.

Not worth much..

GM Tech 2. Info is correct about Hewlett Packard, Vetronix, and Bosch. Currently owned by Bosch.

There are GM logo versions, Saturn logo versions, MAC Tool, and OTC tool versions.

Early units used 10mb memory card. Current unit requires 32mb card. 2003 and newer require CAN adapter also know as a CANDI unit.

1996-1997. Ford and Chrysler software 'was' available.

Currently a GM 'only' tool. In 1996, it seemed like a very fast tool. Now, think 15 year old laptop.

Can access all systems. Air bag, abs, powertrian etc. Can program 'welcome' message on IPC etc.

GM Tech 2 cannot collect crash data from the air bag SDM. That requires a different tool: The Bosch CDR. The GM Tech 2 is considered a diagnostic tool, the Bosch CDR is considered a forenstic tool.

$8-9K for a GM Tech 2? There should be a law. In 1996 a new unit was $2600.

Bosch has a bulletin issued about fake China units. Stay away!

The real fire sale on GM Tech 2's was about 6 months ago. GM went bankrupt. Thousand of GM dealers were closing...we bought 2 Tech 2's from Saturn of Aurora for $1100 with 1 CANDI. One unit worked, one did not. Pretty good deal.

From the 2 units. We built one working 'best of' unit with CANDI. The other unit was parted out on eBay...paying for both. Great deal for us.

Be aware: Used dealership units are "played with hard and put away wet." Pretty rough use.

IMO. EBay units are way overpriced. Your best bet is if a nearby GM or Saturn dealer is closing. Inquire about any Tech 2's that may be available.

The only reason we found ours was from a different auction for a kent moore timing belt tool. We asked if they had any Tech 2's. Uhhh...yeah we do..

Search for GM dealers closing shop. On eBay, search Kent Moore tools, J tools, AC tools, transmission tools etc. Hoists, tire changers etc.

As mentioned, 6 months ago there were some deals. My local Saturn dealer is, for now, still open. Many GM dealers may actually be able to hang on. What, maybe another 700 GM dealers get to stay on. That said, most that are closing, have closed.

Find the Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer dealers closing shop.

IMO: $500-$1K would be the correct current value for a working GM Tech 2 with CANDI and 32mb card. EBay auctions are not where to find them.

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Nice. At $500-1K it would be a great buy. I did find one locally advertised for $1300, but without the CANDI unit so no sale. I think I'll keep an eye out but use $1K as the "max price".

Bruce

2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

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Wow..after looking around some. It appears the counterfeit GM Tech 2 problem is big enough that Bosch has suspended their Tech 2 exchange program.

Also AC Delco has a link:

http://acdelcotechconnect.com/pdf/imtn_V16I209.pdf

And there is a GM Techlink:

http://www.sandyblogs.com/techlink/2009/04/buyer-beware-counterfeit-tools.html

If I were to spend any real money, I would look into the newer MDI / laptop version.

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I am still confused a bit about the MDI laptop connection. It appears to be a pass-through connection to allow a laptop with the appropriate diagnostic software to communicate with the vehicle computers. It will be required for future cars, including the new epsilon and zeta models. Is the software interface when running on the laptop similar to the current tech 2 interface?

Bruce

2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

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Dont know. I've never used a GM MDI.

The GM Tech 2, at 15 years old, feels like it's 15 years old. That said, they do work and have software thru 2010.

It appears the new Camaro needs a MDI due to a newer type CAN system. Tech 2 won't work for diagnostics.

The MDI has been out since 2007. It was at first released as a reprogramming tool. It was reported that in time, it would offer GM vehicle diagnostics.

Question is, will the GM MDI diagnostics overlap the Tech 2 like they did with the Tech 1a? With the right software a GM Tech 2 can go all the way back to 1981. Wow, 29 years of coverage.

Ajxtcman posted this info on the MDI. It is from the other site:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-powertrain-control-module-pcm-tuning/142485-tech-ii-vs-mdi.html

If the MDI now has GM diagnostic software and can 'go back' farther then 2010. Maybe back to 2000 or so..It would be the tool I would be interested in. There was a GM MDI on eBay today that did not sell for $1200.

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  • 2 years later...

Thanks for all the great info on the Tech 1 & 2, I was surprised and delighted at the quick response. The price is way out of my reach, but they sound like nifty tools. I am a retired Flight Simulation Specialist so I appreciate good tools. In the past I usually did all work on my cars, including engine overhaul, but I fell behind the technology somewhat. I have two Eldorado ETC's a 1996 and a 2000 I have the service manuals for both but am just now (out of necessity) delving into them. I have recently learned to access the on-board diagnostics, but am not yet adept at it, thus my curiosity about scan tools. I don't need the latest and greatest, but if I can find a Tech I at a reasonable price I may invest. Anyway, thanks again for responding.

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