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Tech 2 type tool?

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Old May 10, 2021 | 10:36 AM
  #1  
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Default Tech 2 type tool?

Follow up on my thread about my crank sensor going out. Since I have no way to re-learn the sensor I'm sort of stuck with sending the car to the mechanic for now. If I wanted to pick up a tool with some Tech 2 functionality so I can handle more work myself what would be my best bet?

Currently sitting on three OBD2 GM vehicles (99 Buick Riv, 03 C5Z and 14 CTS V Sport). So upping my game might be prudent even if it just works for those cars. That said, I also have two non-GM OBD2 vehicles (97 Jeep XJ, 97 Infiniti J30) that would be pretty awesome if I had enhanced functionality for working on. Though the Jeep has never needed anything like that in my two years of ownership I'd imagine the Infiniti may have some common problems that need a bi-directional tool.

Can anyone suggest some tools for me and give me an idea of what they run?
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Old May 10, 2021 | 11:00 AM
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I recently bought the VXDIAG VCX Nano:
Amazon Amazon
It's to be used with Tech2Win software on a PC, and ought to offer the same/similar functionality to a standalone Tech2 device. Full disclosure, I haven't gotten a chance to play with it yet, but it sounds like plenty of others have had success with it on C5s.
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Old May 10, 2021 | 06:44 PM
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Any decent bi directional scan tool these days is going to run you about $1,000.00. I have an Autel MS906 which is just about that much and it’s comes with some OBD1 adapters but I don’t see an Infiniti nor a Jeep...so can buy those separately. If you do buy from Autel you should by from them direct...some Autels are “gray market” so Autel won’t honor the warranty on those...If you are looking for a top level scan tool I’d suggest a used Snap On Verus Pro D10...there is a lot of extras built into them plus it also has a 4 channel scope...you can pick up a used one on EBay for around $2,000-4,000 based on the current software...my Verus Pro is my “go to” scan tool hands down !!


Last edited by C5 Diag; May 10, 2021 at 06:47 PM.
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Old May 10, 2021 | 08:13 PM
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This question is about the VXDIAG device. Can you program with it or is it simply a scanner at this point. I would presume you would need to buy the GM subscription in order to actually program? Is that correct?
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Old May 10, 2021 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 1wholikescars
This question is about the VXDIAG device. Can you program with it or is it simply a scanner at this point. I would presume you would need to buy the GM subscription in order to actually program? Is that correct?
Just a scan tool..and yes you would need to use GM’s SPS website.
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Old May 11, 2021 | 08:12 AM
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Originally Posted by MetalMan2
I recently bought the VXDIAG VCX Nano: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074365Q6H
It's to be used with Tech2Win software on a PC, and ought to offer the same/similar functionality to a standalone Tech2 device. Full disclosure, I haven't gotten a chance to play with it yet, but it sounds like plenty of others have had success with it on C5s.
good luck. Returned the one I bought.
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Old May 11, 2021 | 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by dskinsler83
good luck. Returned the one I bought.
So is it pretty much a waste of time and money?
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Old May 11, 2021 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by old stingray
So is it pretty much a waste of time and money?

some get it to work. When I ordered mine I didnt see or it isnt listed that it requires a Win7 based computer. I like most of the modern world no
longer have a Win7 computer. There is apparently a work around someone listed here but sounds like a bunch of mess plus you have to have all the antivirus turned off which was another red flag for me. Just wasnt worth it after hearing all that.
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Old May 11, 2021 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by old stingray
So is it pretty much a waste of time and money?
No it's not a waste of money. It works like a tech2 and It works very well with Windows 7. It can also work under Windows 10 as a virtual machine with Vmware. YouTube has videos on how to set it up. Your antivirus software sees the installer as a security threat, but I haven't seen anyone reporting that it's an actual virus or malware.
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Old May 11, 2021 | 01:01 PM
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My two cents on the VXDIAG: It works fine on my Windows 10 laptop. It was difficult to download correctly. Took me a few tries to get it to load correctly on my laptop.

The Tech2win functions just like a Tech2 handheld for 1996-2014 vehicles. I was able program option codes to a new BCM on my C5 and diagnose ABS and trailer brake issues on my Silverado.

The GDS 2 software performs all the functions for 2014 + vehicles. It functions well on my 2017 SS sedan and 2018 Z06. Although I have not tried it, it appears that with the proper subscription one can download and install updates from GM.
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Old May 11, 2021 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by dskinsler83
some get it to work. When I ordered mine I didnt see or it isnt listed that it requires a Win7 based computer. I like most of the modern world no
longer have a Win7 computer. There is apparently a work around someone listed here but sounds like a bunch of mess plus you have to have all the antivirus turned off which was another red flag for me. Just wasnt worth it after hearing all that.
Originally Posted by C5MSG2004Vert
No it's not a waste of money. It works like a tech2 and It works very well with Windows 7. It can also work under Windows 10 as a virtual machine with Vmware. YouTube has videos on how to set it up. Your antivirus software sees the installer as a security threat, but I haven't seen anyone reporting that it's an actual virus or malware.
Originally Posted by MGorman
My two cents on the VXDIAG: It works fine on my Windows 10 laptop. It was difficult to download correctly. Took me a few tries to get it to load correctly on my laptop.

The Tech2win functions just like a Tech2 handheld for 1996-2014 vehicles. I was able program option codes to a new BCM on my C5 and diagnose ABS and trailer brake issues on my Silverado.

The GDS 2 software performs all the functions for 2014 + vehicles. It functions well on my 2017 SS sedan and 2018 Z06. Although I have not tried it, it appears that with the proper subscription one can download and install updates from GM.
Thanks, I may have to pull the trigger on the VXDIAG.
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