I have read several threads concerning the tech 2 programmer and now I have a couple of questions.

I am installing a new BCM (08 Vert) and it needs programming. After talking with my mechanic and discussing the possible fee involved I am left with the feeling that I can buy the tech 2 and do the programming myself.

I am pretty mechanical. This is the 4th totaled rebuild I am working on as well as many big projects in the past. I initially though I had a wiring problem but after spending time with the car this week I am convinced that the BCM is a major problem (it's from a flood car and the corrosion is rampant). Some systems work while others do not respond. I am thinking once the BCM is installed and programmed that will put me much closer to starting the vehicle.

Is the Tech 2 fairly straight forward or is it something that can really screw things up?

Without getting really involved yet I understand some of the initial operations of the programmer and figure the worst case I can always take it to the dealer. My mechanic wants to give me an estimate of around 2K to get the car running. This is just a guess and is not bound by it +/-.

I originally believed I had a wiring problem but after close inspection the wiring is intact. The fobs programmed, the doors windows, seats and radio work in accessory mode. When you press the start button you hear what sounds like a chatter of a solenoid for about a second then the radio goes off then everything is dead. after a few minutes the seats and window will work. I have to reset with the battery cable to get the accessory mode to come on the radio to work again. One strange side effect is when the car sits for a few hours after not being messed with the radio will come on by itself and you cannot turn it off other than by disconnection the battery.

Well what do you think? Should a novice attempt this. For a little more I can buy a Tech 2 and experiment and keep the tools or just pay the mechanic whatever it turns out to be.

 

your not a novice IMO...if your going to work on just GM vehicles go for the tech 2, otherwise i would see what snap-on has to offer....(flood car = big can of WD-40...and a drying booth) Water isn't too bad, it's the corrosion that get's ya! ..good luck!

 

How much is the dealer going to charge you? First off only a Tech2 can do the programming, as Snap-on will not come close to the Tech2's capability and it will not program. The reason I ask you about what the BCM replacement is going to cost is because that is not really a big deal, it is just another module in the car. The Tech2 by the time you are done with it is going to cost you at least 5k. I everyone has seen them on the internet for about 3k but you don't get everything at that price and not even the 5k price. On a C6 you have to get the Candi module that is about a grand and then you have to buy the Techconnect service from AC Delco get actually get the programs to download on your car can that is $1200 a year. Take the car to the dealer, you will pay allot less in the long run.

 

Depending on how/where you buy a Tech II you will need to make sure you also get the 32mb memory card and CANDi module. Then it might need to have the software updated by a dealer. Then your good to go with setting the options in the BCM. If you wanted to program the ECM/TCM then you would still need a dealer though.

 

My usual mechanic is saying about 2K +/- that includes some trouble shooting and not including the BCM which I can get for around 250.00 new. I am looking into a local Tech2 that is updated thru the 09 model year with the 32meg card and Candi with all cables, etc... for 3K and I can do it myself. (I like toys and gadgets). I just did not know how hard or easy it would be especially starting with a new black BCM. I would be using on future builder projects as well, not a one time shot.

 

IF I had rebuilt this one I could badge it WD-C6

 

Water damaged electronics can be a serious, never-ending headache. With the BCM measuring current flows and watching for small voltage, high frequency TTL information from sensors and other processors in the car, the chances of intermittent error codes and perpetual problems are significant. Cleaning circuit boards and connectors will help, but the things that cause problems are microscopic and hidden all over the car in the most concealed places.

Best 'o luck.

 

Only the BCM in this car came from a flood car. After seeing it the BCM was obviously no good but I do agree that rebuilding a flood vehicle would present some serious challenges. I have opted to stay away other than to part out.

I have looked at a bunch of flood cars in Houston and there were a couple that had water just barely in the floor board according to the waterline BUT that's where some serious electronics are located.

 

Well you can buy a tech2 at between 2500 to 4000 depending on how you get it, at 2500 you don't get any of the operational software which means it comes to you DEAD. Without its OS it is useless. Also you just can't program any module without access to GMs programming software, meaning that you have to have the BCMs software that is coded to your VIN, which means that you have to access GMs TIS2WEB site, and in order to do this you have to be either a shop that has a subscription that costs upwards of 2000 per year or you are a GM dealer. So its not quite as simple to just buy a tech2 and program a module in your car. Just pay the dealer to do it, you will be money ahead, of if you are near me stop by and I can do it for cheaper than any dealer.

I worked on a flooded car once, its not just the BCM that can be affected. It could be any of the other "smart" modules that the BCM talks to, not to mention connectors and such that were wet and corroded the hell when water hit them when they still had power on them. I wish you good luck, the one I worked on was a track car, and it was a nightmare. So getting everything to work wasn't nearly as important as one that would be used as a everyday driver.

 

Well I am getting giddy. FedEx says my Tech 2 is on the way. I have a couple of questions if ya'll don't mind being with me a little longer.

I have a local shop that will sell me the VIN info for the car(s) that I am working on for my tech 2. The first question is can I store that info for future use either in the tech 2 or on my computer/laptop?

With the subscription to Tis2web can you access the info from different locations? I am sometimes in Orlando but most of the time in Pensacola. I would need to access the info from either place throught the web whether on my laptop or desktop.

I see read and write software on eBay for the tech2 but I have not investigated that very deep yet.

That's for any help.

 

Check it out:

http://departments.weber.edu/automot...7s%20Guide.pdf

 

Read??? are you kidding me??? Next you'll be the one to tell me to look stuff up in the owners manual too.

No actually I appreciate the link. I had downloaded a users manual a few days ago but was feeling lazy. I need a terminal in the bathroom for 21st century reading material.

Thanks

 

 

What do you mean sell you the VIN info for cars???

And you should be able to use Tis2Web from either computer as long as you use the same username and password.

 

I was hoping the Tis2Web would let me use different computers. That will make it a lot easier not having to use just the laptop all the time.

I talked with one of the GM service shops and asked if I didn't want to subscribe to Tis2Web (1300.00 yr) if they would let me bring in my Tech2 and get the car info downloaded to it. They told me they would for a minimum 1 hour service rate which would be about 62.00 contractors price. I don't know if I will do enough of my own cars to justify having the subscription unless it becomes a pain to go back and forth to the dealer especially if I mess up on the tech 2 and need the info again for some reason.

Do you know of any alternates?

 

I do not know of any alternatives.

What types of vehicles will you be programming, mostly C6's? There are some modules that require pass-through programming. That's where you need to have a PC connected to the techII and the vehicle all at the same time.

 

I had seen something in the manual about pass thru. I will be primarily trouble shooting my own C6's. I rebuild about a half dozen a year and find that the tech 2 will be a far better tool figuring out what's broke. Right now I starting to deal with a stubborn park solenoid.

The tech 2 makes it seem easy to diagnose. Until it gets here I am stuck with a multi tester and stuffing my self into the floor board. I use to the old nylon open/close switches on the brake pedal. I never have seen anything like what's under there now.

I am still reading the owners manual and feel there is still lots to learn. I'll be glad to get it in hand for a little on the job training.