![\"GM](\"http:\/\/caddyinfo.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/tech2.jpg\" "\\"tech2\\"")
<\/a>Tech 2<\/p><\/div>\n
The Tech 2 is like a scan tool on steroids, with some additional tuning options thrown in.\u00a0 As a scanning tool, the Tech 2 excels.\u00a0 While an off the shelf scanner will read the Engine Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), the Tech 2 will read and report information from all the car’s systems, including ABS, Air Conditioning, Air Bags, and other systems a standard scanner will not read.\u00a0 For example, in my CTS Seat experiment<\/a> after the seat was replaced the Tech 2 must be used to run a Passenger Presence System relearn.\u00a0 There is no other way to run this tuning step other than with the Tech 2.\u00a0 Similarly some vehicle customizations or radio resets require a Tech 2 to perform.<\/p>\n Bosch has this informative video on the Tech 2: Bosch Tech 2 Video<\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong>Vetronix made the Tech 1.\u00a0 The original GM Tech 2 was made by Hewlett Packard and used Vetronix software.\u00a0 Vetronix purchased the Tech 2 manufacturing rights from HP.\u00a0 In 2003, Vetronix was acquired by ETAS, a supplier of standardized development and diagnostic tools for electronic control units. In 2006, the Vetronix Aftermarket division merged with Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, responsible for supply, sales and logistics of automotive parts for service of the vehicle.\u00a0 So today the Tech 2 is ‘made’ by Bosch.<\/p>\n The Tech 2 is used for GM Vehicles from 1992-present.\u00a0 It is kept up to date by updating the 32\u00a0 MB Pcmcia memory card with the latest diagnostic software.\u00a0 Current cars with the CAN bus require the CANDI interface for the Tech II to communicate with the vehicle.<\/p>\n A Tech 2 costs — pick a number.\u00a0 New models appear to cost as much as $4K, and the retail price is shown as even higher — as much as $8K or $9K depending on the site.\u00a0 Discount new units are available for as low as $2300 on ebay for example, and used units run a bit less.\u00a0 There appears to be a market in Chinese clones for the Tech 2 and software, although I am opposed to piracy of intellectual property.\u00a0 My impression from shopping is that you should budget around $2K for an authentic Tech 2 in good condition with all accessories, 32 MB card, and CANDI module.<\/p>\n In the future GM appears to be moving to a laptop based scanning and diagnostic tool using the GM Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) EL-47955.\u00a0 The GM MDI will replace the Tech 2 for diagnostics in the future, but will not replace the Tech 2 for 1992-2009 vehicles.<\/p>\n The GM MDI is a compact communication module that manages the transfer of data between a vehicles onboard ECU network and a PC.\u00a0 The GM MDI offers faster programming speed at a lower cost. Depending on the vehicle architecture, the MDI can be 20%-70% faster than the Tech2.\u00a0 The GM MDI allows the user to perform Pass-Thru programming procedures using software running on a laptop or desktop PC.\u00a0\u00a0 Any PC can be used.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" General Motors Repair Technicians use a hand-held computer called the “Tech 2” to diagnose and tune modern vehicles.\u00a0\u00a0 It is called the Tech 2 because there was originally a Tech 1, and this is the update. The Tech 2 is … Continue reading