What is tech2?
The Tech 2 is a powerful, versatile hand-held diagnostic computer, designed to help diagnose and repair today’s automotive electronic systems. The Tech 2 supports the changes in the on-board electronic systems for model years 1996 and beyond. With the addition of the CAN Diagnostic Interface (CANdi) module, Tech 2 will support GM on-board electronic systems for years to come.
The CANdi is an in-cable module that works with existing Tech 2 components including the VCI, cables and adapters to add CAN diagnostic capability to the Tech 2 tester. The CANdi module is fully backward compatible with current Tech 2 functionality and operates transparently when diagnosing non-CAN-equipped vehicles.
The Tech 2 provides extensive diagnostic capability through the 32MB PCMCIA card. The PCMCIA card stores diagnostic information intended to diagnose powertrain, body or chassis control modules and related vehicle malfunctions. It also contains the Service Programming System (SPS) application which allows the Tech 2 to program control modules with vehicle calibration data.
The PCMCIA card is updated by linking the Tech 2 to a PC that has access to the ACDelco TDS website. This method of communication provides flexibility for updating the card with vehicle calibration data, mid-year and new-model-year vehicle diagnostics and Tech 2 software enhancements. Software updates are distributed to GM dealers automatically via TIS2WEB at the GM Global Connect web site or go directly to the TIS2WEB site to download updates at any time.
The Tech 2 is capable of capturing a snapshot of vital performance data at idle or during a test drive. You can replay the snapshot or plot and graph the data directly on the Tech 2, or the snapshot file may be uploaded to an approved GM Techline terminal. The file may also be stored on the CD-ROM terminal for future reference. The snapshot capability allows you to see where an intermittent fault occurred, even if it did not set a trouble code.
Model Year Coverage
92 up OBD systems CAN equipped vehicle coverage with CANdi module
PC Requirements:
Only required if reprogramming or Tech 2 diagnostic software update is performed. Tech 2 is a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Currently GM is recommending a minimum Intel i5 processor
Recommended package:
Intel Core i5 at 2.6GHz 64 bit
2) USB 2.0 (or better) ports
500GB Hard drive
4GB ram
Windows 7 Professional 64bit
Internet Explorer 9 +
Wireless capability
Note: The Tech 2 uses a legacy DB9 Serial Null modem cable to connect to PC. Current spec PC do not have this connection. It will be necessary to have the null modem cable and a Tripplite Serial to USB adapter properly configured on the machine to perform reprogramming or diagnostic software updates.
Software License
Available as three different subscriptions:
Complete GM Service Support Package Includes: GM SI, Tis2Web – All Access, GDS 2, and Tech2Win
Tech 2 Service and programming package which includes software updates and license for the Tech 2 operating software, Service programming software, Tech 2 View, Tech 2 Snap Shot, and Tech2Win
Tech 2 Diagnostics Includes: Car Diagnostic Tool Tech 2 Diagnostic software updates
The Tech 2 does not time out if the software becomes outdated. The tool will display a message to update as a reminder and may not operate correctly with newer vehicles if it is not updated regularly.