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First off: I've browsed, searched, Googled, etc. on bi-directional scanners for C8s. I have a 2020 that just dropped out of its 5 year powertrain warranty period and am looking towards doing more serious work (maintenance/repairs, not mods) for the entire car. It appears that the Launch X431 has the most consensus, but which model? Also, PLEASE EXCLUDE THE ENTIRE DCT HSF DISCUSSION. That seems to be where most of the conversations land, and I'm wondering about working with other systems on the vehicle (ABS, etc.).
First off: I've browsed, searched, Googled, etc. on bi-directional scanners for C8s. I have a 2020 that just dropped out of its 5 year powertrain warranty period and am looking towards doing more serious work (maintenance/repairs, not mods) for the entire car. It appears that the Launch X431 has the most consensus, but which model? Also, PLEASE EXCLUDE THE ENTIRE DCT HSF DISCUSSION. That seems to be where most of the conversations land, and I'm wondering about working with other systems on the vehicle (ABS, etc.).
So, recommendations?
TIA, and have a good one,
Mike
If you want the complete solution, use the GM MDI2 scan tool along with the proper subscriptions. Costly, but complete.
Bringing this back up to the top. So far one reply for buy the GM option + subscriptions (without which I'm not sure it'll work), and one from a sponsor that doesn't reference anything outside the engine systems (I'm wanting to be able to interact with ABS, BCM, etc.). Still looking for any advice on the variations on the Launch X431 systems.
Bringing this back up to the top. So far one reply for buy the GM option + subscriptions (without which I'm not sure it'll work), and one from a sponsor that doesn't reference anything outside the engine systems (I'm wanting to be able to interact with ABS, BCM, etc.). Still looking for any advice on the variations on the Launch X431 systems.
Have a good one,
Mike
As someone else mentioned, the best solution that will give OEM data is to use the OEM tool and the OEM software. You can buy a MDI2 (careful with copies/knock offs). The genuine GM one goes for about $1450 to $1750.
And then you subscribe to the GM software (see below).
Or you can use other J2534 compatible interface devices with the same software. Some J2534 devices are more compatible with all of the functions than others. I have had good compatibility with the Opus SuperGoose-Plus for performing diagnostics/scan tool functions of multiple vehicle modules on Global B GM vehicles.
Software pricing:
GM Light Duty Global Diagnostics 2-GDS 2 (Includes CAN Data Bus Diagnostic Tool) Vehicles Covered
3 Days $64.00
1 Month $254.00
1 Year $644.00
Last edited by ProServ; Oct 13, 2025 at 10:07 PM.
Reason: removed confusing info
I recently got my Z06. Been a mechanic for a long time. I was looking for a scanner for the Z for a while. My main concern was having the ability for bi-directional controls and to perform the required trans flush procedure. I settled on the Foxwell NT710. While I havent actually performed the flush procedure, it does come up in the scanners menu. I was able to interface with the multitude of modules as well. I hope I never need it for more than trans flush, but I think it will perform well. Its definitely not an MDI2 but should do.
As someone else mentioned, the best solution that will give OEM data is to use the OEM tool and the OEM software. You can buy a MDI2 (careful with copies/knock offs). The genuine GM one goes for about $1450 to $1750.
And then you subscribe to the GM software (see below).
Or you can use other J2534 compatible interface devices with the same software. Some J2534 devices are more compatible with all of the functions than others. I have had good compatibility with the Opus SuperGoose-Plus for performing diagnostics/scan tool functions of multiple vehicle modules on Global B GM vehicles.
Software pricing:
GM Light Duty Global Diagnostics 2-GDS 2 (Includes CAN Data Bus Diagnostic Tool) Vehicles Covered
3 Days $64.00
1 Month $254.00
1 Year $644.00
That is a great price for the OEM tool. Thanks for sharing that link. Cheaper than getting a Supergoose+ actually.
Anyone know if an MDI2 can also act as a generic J2534 device (so you could use it with other software including other OEM pay to use portal software)?
BTW - I was concerned that URL might be a fake but I did a WHOIS search on it and it appears to be owned by Robert Bosch (who makes the MDI2 for GM).
Note on the counterfeit MDI2 devices - GM and Bosch have made software updates that check for the counterfeit tools and cause the GM software not to work with them so be very careful on the low cost copies.
I recently got my Z06. Been a mechanic for a long time. I was looking for a scanner for the Z for a while. My main concern was having the ability for bi-directional controls and to perform the required trans flush procedure. I settled on the Foxwell NT710. While I havent actually performed the flush procedure, it does come up in the scanners menu. I was able to interface with the multitude of modules as well. I hope I never need it for more than trans flush, but I think it will perform well. Its definitely not an MDI2 but should do.
Vinny,
Thanks for the info. Do you know if your module can support multiple brands of vehicles for the price of the brand's software package? I was looking on Foxwell's catalog but couldn't figure it out.
Thanks for the info. Do you know if your module can support multiple brands of vehicles for the price of the brand's software package? I was looking on Foxwell's catalog but couldn't figure it out.
Thanks, and have a good one,
Mike
Mike,
I ordered my Foxwell with only GM software. I use an Autel for all other vehicles. I am fairly certain, you can load this Foxwell with the required software for multiple vehicle brands . There is a charge for each addtional brand. If you're interested in that, I would suggest sending off an email to foxwell support. I did for a question or 2 that I had. They responded in a reasonable amount of time.
I’m in a similiar situation. My 2021 will be 5 years old next month. I’d like to do routine maintenance like the front lift fluid flush and DCT flush without going the GDS2 route, mainly due to the recurring software cost.
Has anyone found a bi-directional scanner (Foxwell, XPTool, etc) that can perform these functions?
Mike,
I ordered my Foxwell with only GM software. I use an Autel for all other vehicles. I am fairly certain, you can load this Foxwell with the required software for multiple vehicle brands . There is a charge for each addtional brand. If you're interested in that, I would suggest sending off an email to foxwell support. I did for a question or 2 that I had. They responded in a reasonable amount of time.
For the Foxwell GM bi-directional capability, is that a one time cost or is it a recurring (monthly, annual etc) type charge?
I’m in a similiar situation. My 2021 will be 5 years old next month. I’d like to do routine maintenance like the front lift fluid flush and DCT flush without going the GDS2 route, mainly due to the recurring software cost.
Has anyone found a bi-directional scanner (Foxwell, XPTool, etc) that can perform these functions?
Note that for the GM software cost, you can pay for that on an as needed basis or annual. Since you probably don't need to do DCT flush, etc on that frequent a basis, the GM GDS2 software ends up being not that expensive and gives access to the full OEM software.
Cost of the GM software:
GM Light Duty Global Diagnostics 2-GDS 2(Includes CAN Data Bus Diagnostic Tool)
3 Days $64.00
1 Month $254.00
1 Year $644.00
For the Foxwell GM bi-directional capability, is that a one time cost or is it a recurring (monthly, annual etc) type charge?
The Foxwell comes with 1 year of updates. After that, there is a yearly charge. Sorry, but I am not sure what the charge is. However, there are no additional charges to get that scanner to perform the HSF or any other functions that it can do, up to the latest update you had installed. So, once you get the scanner, update it regularly before the first year is up. It will perform everything it can at that time for as long as you own it. There are no monthly fees or subscriptions needed. Just yearly updates,if you desire.It may not perform all functions on later model year cars unless you update it.
FYI - for some reason if I click on that link directly from the web page it takes me to the wrong place (some discount club site). But if I copy the link text into a browser then it takes me to an Amazon page for an Autel device (in case anyone else has the same issue). The full URL for that link comes up as this for me:
I’m in a similiar situation. My 2021 will be 5 years old next month. I’d like to do routine maintenance like the front lift fluid flush and DCT flush without going the GDS2 route, mainly due to the recurring software cost.
Has anyone found a bi-directional scanner (Foxwell, XPTool, etc) that can perform these functions?
If you main motivation is doing the Hydraulic System Flush because its called out in the Service Procedures, you may want to be aware of three things:
1) The HSF step has been removed from the filter change procedure,
2) The HSF step has been added as the last step for changing the fluid (not to be confused with the filter change),
3) and the Corvette Engineering Team according to a recent post by Steve Garrett, said that if doing it yourself, just change the fluid and filter on schedule - the HSF is unnecessary.
I am making no recommendation here - just sharing some information on the forum. The changes were observed in the official GM service procedures by a member that got a three day subscription.
Looking for a Bi-directional Scanner for my '20
