It’s about GM computer programming – useful set up, software support and the stuff you cant learn in school!

Its old but still has its place in the tool box of today’s technician.
TIS2000 and GM Tech 2:
Cnsider purchasing a decent copy of TIS2000 software
This will allow you to program and update controllers up to 2008 on most GM family vehicles. On the good side, you can use TIS2000 as well as TIS on WEB in both pass thru mode, as well as remote mode if your PC is not close to the car your working on. TIS2000 can also be configured to use a J tool in pass thru meaning if you were to acquire a J2534 unit or an MDI down the road, you can configure TIS2000 to work directly in concert with it. Another benefit to using TIS2000, even WITH a subscription to TIS on WEB is that TIS on WEB is no longer supporting VTD re-learning on a lot of pre CAN products. Its worth its salt just for that feature alone. TIS2000 allows you to use your Tech 2 as a pass thru unit and you would have the flashes resident to your PC. You do not need to have internet access to flash program cars from TIS2000. This is all upside!
Downside is that TIS2000 is not known to play nice with Windows OS beyond windows XP. It also does not work on a solid state hard drives or memory devices. It has to be a good fashioned platter drive. It takes up a good amount of HD space as well (as much as 4GB).
If you can believe it, OTC actually provided programming software to allow an OTC Genisys, Mentor, Taskmaster, Deturminator to do programming on ALL GM modules in Pre O8. As a matter of fact, the data disc updates are directly from GM and work with TIS2000 software to update it. The only catch is that you need to have the TIS2000 program installation disc and a software security key to make it work on a PC.
I have personally posted TIS2000 discs and security keys on auction sites and the feedback I get on how well it works is outstanding as to its usefulness and functionality.
For some newer vehicles, as new as 2007 (caddy’s and W body cars in particular), they love to tell you to go blow when it comes to pass-thru programming or even using a remote mode of programming with MDI, Tech 2 or generic J 2534 units. Believe it or not, I have had to use gm Tech 2 Legacy feature to get into some of these modules.
Yea, yea, it all sounds kinda overwhelming, but trust me, its all there, you just have to know what it means when you’re looking at it. Once you know where its at, you will know when its time to use it.

PC Selection for GM programming:
Now that Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, lots of folks have moved away from XP as an OS. If you want to continue to use programs like TIS2000, better think it over before re-formatting your PC.
Windows XP:
Ipersonally, use a Toughbook CF19 with windows XP on a platter drive specifically for the purpose of working with GM products. Its a little more expensive than the CF18’s or CF24’s that most folks use because they are much cheaper. The only reason I use CF19 is because it has SATA hard drive capabilities. The wonderful thing about Toughbook is that it has a removable hard drive caddy in the side. You can slide the hard drive, hard drive heater and caddy out in seconds, and slip in another unit with whatever load of windows you like. Personally, I have one platter drive equipped caddy with all my GM software using Windows XP. When I need some other application like Ford IDS, or Chrysler witech, or Honda HDS, I simply pop the GM HD out of my PC and slip in a Solid State HD with Windows 7 in and fire it up. Some folks are astonished that Windows 7 will work well on such a Puny processor, but with a little added RAM, (4 Gig total) and a SSHD, it works great! If your already using windows 7 on a platter drive, you can easily install a virtual windows XP onto it. There is actually a feature within windows 7 to do just that.
MacOS:
Afraid of an Apple Mac Book for programming? Think again! It may be the best unit out there!
I also like to use my MacBook Pro and a program called parallels to run OS10 for general computing, than I can do the 2 finger slide into windows 7 and 2 finger side into XP as I need to. I do not need to close down a virtual machine like Windows requires you to do when you want to toggle between multiple operating systems. You simply put two fingers on the mouse pad and SSSLLLLLIIIIIDDDDDEEEEE to whatever OS you want to use. Parallels shares the USB ports and wireless, so there is no loss of connectivity or functionality. Truth be told, MacBook is FAR superior to PC even with a windows OS on it. You can also use programs like Virtual Box on MacBook to jump from Apple OS10 to Whatever windows OS you like, but I find parallels to be far more user friendly and light years faster! I have not even broached Linux operating systems like Ubuntu which also work great with some of this software and are just incredibly fast!
Smart phone:
Connecting to the Internet……PICK UP THE PHONE!!!!!!!!
The last thing I want to discuss is how you can use your smart phone to connect your PC to the net to get on GM TIS ON WEB. Sure, you can make most smart phones like I phone and Android an internet “hot spot” BUT…..This is slow, and insecure! I prefer to use a cell phone app called “PDA NET.” This allows me to tether my cell phone directly to my PC through USB and gives me lightning fast internet service. The trial app can be had for free, but I’m telling you, spend the eight bucks to buy the app. Its way better, has far more features and folks, if you use this one single time to update a controller, it will more than pay for itself!
Finally, bear in mind, I am by no means a computer expert/geek! I am nominal in skill level at best! I rely on the kindness of others to show me the way. This is why our always welcome to reach out with questions.

Here are some information for you: Frequently Asked Questions about gm tech 2 car diagnostic tool

Q: Can Tech 2 Scan Tool read VIN?
A: Yes, it can do.

Q: Does gm tech2 do Hummer H3?
A: Yes, it does. GM Tech2 can do diagnose for Hummer h3 model.

Q: Can gm tech2 do airbag resetting for Chev Tahoe 2007?
A: Yes, it can do airbag reset for this model.

Q: Does gm tech2 support Saturn?
A: No, it doen’t.

Q: Does tech2 work 2007 Cadillac Escalade?
A: The software car list includes the Cadillac model.
Q: It can clear the fault code on Saab 2005 1.9 TDi
A: Yes, it can do this

Q: Can this product do coding?
A: Yes,it can do. With TIS2000 software, it can program GM cars before 2007.

Q: Does it include one 32 mb card, or i have to buy so22-b again?
A: the item sp23-b includes one 32 mb card, you can choose which software you need, and if you need extra 32 mb cards, you can buy so22-b and choose other software you need.

Q: GM Tech2 Scanner can support gmc and pontic and saturn car model?
A: YES.

Q: Can GM Tech2 send commands to the various modules and is it able to do diagnostics on a climate control programmer?
To what year is the scanner effective? I own a 1997 Cadillac DeVille and a 2001 Chevrolet Venture.
A: Yes, you can use GM TECH2 to diagnose climate control programmer, when it has communication GM Tech2 can send commands to the modules.

Q: Can it do key coding and control unit programming for all Opel and Isuzu?
A: GM TECH 2 can’t do key coding, but can diagnose for most Opel and Isuzu from 1992-2011

Q: Does the tech2 includes the dongle?
A: For this GM Tech2, it has no dongle included by default.
If you need the dongle and do coding, you could buy tis2000 CD USB Key.

Q: It can work on windows7?
A: No, it can only work on Windows XP.

Q: Does it support for K-LINE?
A: Yes, it does

Q: Whether this item can program Opel, SAAB and Suzuki?
A: No, it can only do programming for GM cars before 2007; can not do programming for Opel, SAAB and Suzuki.

Q: Can GM Tech2 Scan Tool work diagnose 2005 GMC – Sierra 1500 truck?
A: Want to use our GM tech2 to diagnose truck, you need to buy an additional truck adapter, because our GM tech is compatible with truck, but only packed with the car adapter.
Q: I bought one GM TECH2 and the TIS2000 software can’t be installed and no identification, what’s the problem?

A: If the TIS2000 you are trying to install is contained in the GM TECH2 software, then it is useless to install TIS2000 software. To program electronic control unit, I advise you to buy an extra TIS2000 to work with GM tech2.

Q: After receiving GM TECH2, I got some errors.
A: If it is the Blue screen, just replace the Blue Screen Chip. If it is not the problem of Blue screen, please send us the self-test report to check where the problem is;
have no idea on how to operate self-test? Refer the self-test manual at GM TECH2 “technical support/service”.

Q: GM TECH2 one button doesn’t work how to fix?
A: If you have new version GM tech2, there are two ways to solve:
1) we send you a new button to replace;
2) please send back to repair.
If you have old version GM tech2 installed with the newest software, the button maybe won’t work.

Q: When I use vehicle diagnostic tool GM TECH2 for the second times, the tool starts to smoke, and my car voltage become 14V from 12V, what’s the matter?
A: Please follow the correct operation steps: before diagnosing, turn on the ignition and then connect the GM TECH2 with the car, when the car starts you’d better test the voltage, because during this process a part of cars’voltage will reach up to 24V or more, especially the car which has a poor contact of electrical ground.

GM Tech2 Description:
The Tech-2 is the same tester GM Technicians use to diagnose GM vehicles. The Vetronix Tech 2 comes with Authentic GM software and provides support for on-board diagnostics on all GM systems 1992 thru 2011.
Car model supported: GM/SAAB/OPEL/SUZUKI/ISUZU/HOLDEN

Tech2 Specification:
1) Dimensions: 12
2) Microprocessor: 32 bit,16 MHz
3) Memory: 32 MB flash type II PCMCIA. Type III slot available for future expansion.
4) Communications: Integral RS232 communication port.
5) Screen: 3.8.8 backlit monochrome with full graphics capability: 320,40 pixels. Displays up to 9 vehicle parameters at once .Download Tech2 Brochure (5.2 Mb)

GM Tech 2 Scan Tool Features
1) Authentic GM software in the Tech 2 Flash means the most comprehensive diagnostic software available for late model GM vehicles.
2) Support for on-board diagnostics on all GM systems 1992 thru 2011.
3) Removable hardware modules provide insurance against scan tool obsolescence.
4) Large, easy-to-read backlit screen.
5) RS232 & RS485 ports provide the avenue to connect future devices to your Tech 2 Flash.
6) Ability to capture stored DTCs, Freeze Frame, and Failure Record for later review.
7) Ability to view the status of vehicle diagnostic tests as they run.
8) Bi-directional The authentic GM 1992-current year software will provide full bi-directional control when performing power train, chassis, and body diagnostics.

An industry change in protocol from OBD II to Controller Area Network (CAN) has begun. In order to perform diagnostics on a vehicle that uses the CAN interface; you will need the Tech 2 Flash and a CAN diagnostic interface module. The module connects between the Tech 2 Flashs diagnostic link cable and the OBD adapter. Once the module is connected, it can be used on all GM vehicle applications,even those vehicles using other platforms such as OBD I and OBD II.

The Following GM Vehicles Utilize The CAN Interface
05 Buick Allure (3.6L)
05 Buick LaCrosse (3.6L)
05 Buick Rainier (5.3L)
04-05 Buick Rendezvous (3.6L)
04-05 Cadillac CTS (3.6L)
04-05 Cadillac SRX (3.6L / 4.6L)
04-05 Cadillac XLR (4.6L)
05 Cadillac STS (3.6L / 4.6L)
05 Chevrolet Cobalt (2.2L)
05 Chevrolet Corvette (6.0L)
05 Chevrolet Equinox (3.4L)
05 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (5.3L)
05 Chevrolet SSR (6.0L)
04 Chevrolet Malibu (Body/Chassis only)
05 Chevrolet Malibu (3.5L)
05 GMC Envoy (5.3L)
05 Pontiac G6 (3.5L)
05 Pontiac GTO (6.0L)
05 Pontiac Pursuit (2.2L)

GM Tech2 Package List:
Tech-2 Flash Tester
32 MB PCMCIA Card with GM OE Applications
CAN diagnostic interface module(Candi) and instruction sheet download (199.2 kb)
RS232 cable and user manual
RS232-DB9 adapter
DLC Cable, DLC Loopback Adapter
12V Cigarette Lighter Power Cable
SAE 16/19 Adapter
NAO 12/19 Adapter
Battery Power Cable
Storage Case

Notice:

1. It Can Only Support 12V Cars, No Trucks
2. One Device only Has One 32MB Card As Default, If You Want do more vehicles, Please Buy Additional 32MB Memory Card
3.The TIS2000 including is without usb key version, please need buy the usb version in our website: www.cnautotool.com

355The Candi Module should not plugged into your Tech 2 Scan Tool unless you’re working on a later car ..generally 2005 plus. Olders car from 96 should NOT have the Candi Module attached.

OBD I only has 1 ground, so 12 pin adapter connects signal and chassis ground to the Tech 2 cable.

OBD II has chassis and signal ground and they are connected in the cars wiring.

How I was trying to get GM TECH2 CANdi module to work:
Nothing on CANdi end of cable.

Boot screen not showing CANdi present, diagnostics for CANdi says it isn’t seen.

Here I connected OBD I adapter to end of CANdi cable:
OBD I adapter connected.

CANdi module shows up at boot screen.

Green LED flashes about once every second.

Diagnostic screens for CANdi now present. Hit ENTER, 4, 7 to get to this screen.

POST Results.

Self Test Results.
The weird looking screen is because I have not removed the protective plastic yet.