First I'd like to thank the posters in this thread, from whom I've learned quite a lot: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-pleased.html

I bought my unit from AliExpress, seller "Super obd OBD". Searching on the site kind of sucks, but a search for "gm tech2" should turn something up.

Paid with my Visa. $250 shipped. Wasn't too concerned that Ali would steal my identity. Ordered on Sunday, received on Thursday. DHL sent link by text, I chose delivery without signature, went smoothly.

The unit performs flawlessly. I'm convinced this is manufactured by the same manufacturer who built the official units for GM (Vetronix), or at least built based on official plans. It's not a "clone" per se, but the actual product un-branded (you get official stickers in a bag if you need those kinds of things. I threw them away). One of the most likely opinions I've read is that these are the manufacturer's old stock getting dumped since GM is not buying these anymore.

Tried all self-tests, including CANdi (important: CANdi only works when connected to the car). I went through the DTCs of all the systems, logged some ABS sensors, actuated some solenoids. Everything went smoothly.

Before I got started I spent some time reading through the manual (http://www.auto-diagnostics.info/pdf...sers_guide.pdf) and doing the self tests, which was a waste of my time. Some of the instructions have mistakes, the manual is hard to navigate and pretty badly organized. Should've just connected the candi with obd2 and gotten to work. At least I should've jumped to the end of the manual for CANdi setup instructions. So I'll give some tips here to save some time for first time users.

Quick start guide a la Steve:

-Unpack unit. There is a bunch of junk you don't need.

-Insert PCMCIA card into slot under flap at top of unit. Only one slot is accessible. The card will go in both ways, but will only seat fully one way. If it doesn't seat all the way, don't force it, try the other way. Eject with the button to the right of the card socket.

-Connect main cable to Tech 2. Make sure lock lever is all the way left, so it doesn't get in the way of the cable connector.

-Connect CANdi module to the main cable. This is the cable with the large rectangular box module on it. The connectors can be hard to connect at first. Don't be afraid to use some force and some wiggling until the metal tab clicks into the hole.

-Connect OBD2 plug to CANdi module.

-Connect OBD2 to vehicle.

-You generally don't need any power adapter, as the unit is powered through the OBD2 port. If you have grounding issues, you can try the lighter adapter. I had no issues.

-Turn ignition to ACC or ON (some modules only work when ON, some maybe only with engine running).

-Turn on the Tech 2.

-Unit goes through power on self test.

-CANdi module should have flashing LED to signify it's working. If it's off or lit solid when connected to the car with Tech 2 powered on, you have a problem.

-Press Enter to get into the menus.

-Go to diagnostics.

-Enter year and make of your car when prompted. Model is "Y" for Corvette. Might also ask you for transmission or other things depending on the module you're trying to diagnose. (It's really dumb that the unit doesn't have an auto-detect function for this based on ECU VIN.)

-Going through the rest of the menus is self explanatory.

-If you get stuck at any point, read the CANdi section at the end of the manual. If you're still stuck, read the whole manual.

 

Hey steel_3d, thanks for the quick start guide. I recently bought a tech2 from an AliExpress vendor to program a spare keyless entry fob I bought for my 2007 C6. I haven't been able to get that far yet. That is why your quick start guide came in handy. I am still learning about it. I recently connected the tech2 to an old WinXP PC I have. Do you know anything about the USB dongle? What do you need it for? OK. Thanks.

 

Sorry, I haven't messed with a PC connection, as most functions are available directly on the tech2.

 

OK, thanks.

 

Link doesn’t take me there?

 

Looks like the links change on Ali. Updated post.

 

If the XP computer has a serial port that's all you need to hook up the Tech 2.

 

Thanks. I was just wondering how the USB flash drive doongle fit into the scheme of things. When I installed the TIS2000 software, I skipped over the part that asked to identify the type of dongle that was to be used. Every thing I purchased seems to work great. I hope I can get some use out of it.