Does anyone rent Tech II’s? I am thinking about changing shocks and don’t want codes so I’ll need to program them out. I’d love to have one of these things, but there is no way I am shelling out a couple of grand for one. What do you think a dealer would charge me for use of one? Maybe I should start watching fleabay for a used unit…

 

I kinda doubt a dealer will "rent" one out ... the ones they buy run about $6,000.00 new, and so it's not like they have a bunch of "spares" lying around. They are pretty much in constant use.

For more details on the Tech2 see:

http://www.vetronix.com/aftermarket/

Select "Scan Tools" from the menu on the left ... then "Tech2 Tester Kits"

Fleabay has used ones for purchase on occasion.

Some dealers will, for a labor fee, do the delete of the RTD option. Be sure to get the instructions printed out on how to do this, as the procedure is not listed in the GM service manuals, and it is not a procedure all dealers are familiar with, take the instructions in and ask the Service Manager what labor charge he would hit you with. Should be 30 minutes (or less).

 

Thanks for the info. I checked the vertronix site and saw the ACDelco TIS 2000 Starter Kit, does this have the same functionality as the Tech 2 tool? I could probably swing one of those.

Thanks!

 

Don't know where you saw data about TIS on the Vetronix site, but maybe this will help you ....

The Tech2 is MUCH more sophisticated than most people realize. It is not only capable of connecting to your car and performing all kinds of functions when connected, but it also can be connected (via a PC interface) to the GM TIS (Techline Information System). For more info on TIS you can go to:

http://service.gm.com/userguides/eng...gsplash-en.pdf

But, in a nutshell, here's an example of how the Tech2 and TIS work together ...

Let's say your car is towed into a dealer and they determine that the PCM (the engine/transmission control computer - Powertrain Control Module) is fried.

The dealer puts a new PCM into the car ... but a new PCM is a computer with no programs installed. It is just a box (again I'm simplifying things ... it has a BIOS already installed). For example, the new PCM has NO IDEA what your car's VIN is (and to work with other computers in the car ... such as the BCM and SDM ... it has to know your car's VIN).

Through a series of steps (this is a simplified version of what happens) the dealer connects the Tech2 to TIS (through a PC/web interface) .... tells TIS your VIN number, and TIS then downloads the CORRECT software for your SPECIFIC vehicle (for example the VIN lets TIS look up and decide whether your car needs the software for an automatic transmission or a manual transmission). TIS then downloads the PCM software (again via the PC/web interface) to the Tech2. The dealer then disconnects the Tech2 from the PC and attaches it to your car, and all the correct software is loaded into your PCM. At the end of the process the PCM knows your vehicles VIN and has all the software (plus updates) that the car left the factory with.

TIS is a "password" protected system. You need a license to access TIS from GM.

Think of it this way ... you have a FREE web browser with most PC operating systems, but if you want to access certain sites on the web you have to obtain a password (and often pay a fee) for access. TIS is the same kind of thing ... without a password for TIS access, TIS software/hardware is useless. Even worse, without a Tech2, even if you had TIS access, you cannot connect your car directly to TIS, the interface between TIS and your car is the Tech2.

HTH

 

The TIS is sold separately from the TECH2. So, if you want to flash, you have to buy both. And then theres an annual subscription.
If you're not doing a bunch of them, it doesnt make sense.
PS, the same can be done with a Vetronix Master Tech scanner. You may be able to find an independent shop in your area that flashes GM cars.