About: How to setup and install GM Tech2 software TIS2000 on a computer

A lot of info I found over at SaabCentral but it is just a giant thread to read through although a lot of the info is on the first page. And a lot doesn’t apply since it’s geared towards Saab (even the 9-7x doesn’t apply, it’s under GM).

So you have a Tech2 scan tool but a lot of the things you would like to do is locked out because you don’t have access to the computer software to allow you to do it. Things like updating PCM’s and modules and anything security related are locked out. If you bought one of the Tech2 clones, it probably came with a CD with the Tis2000 software. If you install it and try to use it, it says that it can’t find the USB security dongle or something like that. That’s because only dealers have those or a clone of one wasn’t included.

First of all, this is old software. It was discontinued in 2008 by GM which means that it works only for vehicles up to model year 2007. It will have PCM and module updates included. For example, I was able to update all of the modules and PCM in my 2006 9-7x even though it had only been a year or two since production and issue of this software. It will also allow you to reprogram a module that you are replacing.

The Tech2 communicates with the computer using a serial port on the computer running Windows XP SP3. This can be a problem if you only have newer computers. Best and easiest scenario is to use an older laptop computer that has a serial port running windows XP. In my setup, I used an old IBM T40 laptop, which is fairly decent processor wise, installed a fresh copy of Windows XP SP3 and used a docking station with it that has a serial port. Laptops that have actual serial ports built in are probably so old that they are too slow or have age and reliability issues. Another solution would be to get a USB to serial port adapter and specify the proper COM port number during the install of Tis2000.

Another possible solution would be to use a virtual environment on a host computer. VMWare is free to use and it has been done from what I read but could be a fairly involved process because of the serial port issue, especially when using a USB to serial adapter. The challenge of communicating from the virtual environment through the real computer’s hardware ports can make it difficult but can be done. I’m not going to discuss this type of installation but the basic software installation and use will be the same. If anyone gets a virtual install working, please post it up.

In some detail, this is what I did. Keep in mind that you should have some computer knowledge and know how to install Windows.

1.Installed a fresh copy of Windows XP SP3. I didn’t bother with updating anything else as far as security updates to Windows or install a virus scan because this computer will never be connected to the Internet or used for anything else.

2.Installed ALL the required drivers until there were no more yellow check marks in Device Manager. I failed to do this at first and caused a lot of headaches later, including a BSOD during software installation.

If you’re using a USB to serial adapter, plug it in now and set it up. Go into Device Manager and make note of the COM port used by the adapter.

3.Install the Professional Diagnostic Tool Tis2000 software from the CD included with the Tech2. During the install, it will ask you to specify the COM port. If you have a serial port on the computer, it’s probably COM 1 or use the one from the USB adapter.

4.Before you can use Tis2000 with your Tech2, you have to make it “think” that there is a dongle connected that authorizes it. You can download the crack below. Follow the read me file for instructions on how to use it.

That’s it. More threads will come explaining how to do stuff with it but this will get you going.

And if you need them:TIS2000 Software & USB Key

Warning: In Tis2000, whatever you do, DO NOT USE THE “SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD” BUTTON! This will retrograde the card in your Tech2 to an old version from 2008.

Some more install info, especially for VM’s, is also available in this thread from obd2tool

If you are interested in GM Tech2 to replace the BCM on 98 Sonoma and would like to hear anyone’s feedback. Here we go.

Been there, done it. I’m happy with my purchase. I keep mine in an old 1980’s womens makeup case with multiple layers of 1″ foam rubber I got at wallyworld for cheap.

My Tech2 will not give ABS codes if the ABS light is on. Dumb because the ABS light won’t go out until you fix the problem. I bought an Innova 3030f from Obd2tool.com to over come that minor issue. Don’t get a 3030 a-e. They don’t read ABS. Some less honest sellers will tell you they do. And some think they can get $100 for one. Mine was new for $25.

BCM’s are real cheap in junkyards. If they want over $10 go somewhere else. They never sell any. and they work fine. Hint- call it the security module. Most are easy to get out. Just match the part number.

The Dongle thingy is the least of your worries if you intend to do programming, tho. You MUST have windows XP on your laptop. I installed it on my Dell as a second operating system. I tried doing a virtual OS with miserable results. I bought a DVD off ebay for $25 that had every version of XP on it. Since it is no longer supported, I guess it’s OK to sell copies now. My Dell E6400 came out just as XP was ending and Vista came out so all the drivers are available from Dell. Anything newer could be an issue. I’m running 7 and XP on it. Don’t think I’d try it with 10. Don’t trust it to not want to take over the other OS. The E6400 is a fast computer and was one of the most popular business laptops of it’s day. And very expensive new. I paid $200 for it.

The Tech2 is designed to work with a serial port. Remember them? You have to keep in mind the Tech 2 Scanner was introduced about the time Windows 95 and the first GUI and mouse were being added to PC’s, but old PC’s with serial ports are slugs.

Problem is connecting the Tech2 to a USB port on anything fast. It can be done, but ONLY, I repeat ONLY with a Tripp-Lite USA-19HS serial to USB adapter. It is the only one GM ever approved and the only one that will work. Amazon has them for around $27.

Tech 2 $270, Laptop $200, XP dvd $25, usb adapter $27. You’ll be all in for around $525.

Keep in mind this is a high end 2 way scanner. It’s not EFI Live or similar. You can’t do custom tunes or any of that stuff. But you aren’t spending near as much and EFI Live isn’t a scanner . If you want to both, you need both.

One more question, if it’s the first time that you want to buy GM TECH2 from China.

Look on the Saab forum. They have tons of info on Tech2 clones. When GM and told Saab the had to use more GM parts in their cars Saab stopped making cars and concentrated all their effort on their aircraft production. Since GM had sold Saabs in this country all the owners were left stranded because the dealerships didn’t want to service them since they no longer sold them.

A lot of Saab owners then started buying the Tech2 clones so they could do their own maintenance. From what I understand the Saabs we’re very dependent on the Tech2 for all kinds of modules that needed programming. Way more so than GM’s own vehicles.

I read a lot before ordering mine. Once in a while someone does get burned.

In reality when Bosch bought Vetronix they moved the manufacturing to China. They are still made in the same factories. The Chinese just kept making them after Bosch switched to the GM MDI and MDI 2.

Difference is Bosch isn’t getting the extra $2500 markup. I’m sure the Chinese are also now using cheaper components where they can since Bosch isn’t specifying what has to be used. Parts are currently available for them.

Here is what I got. The weird thing is they sent the original Bosche Discs but Burned copies of the Software but Burned copies of the Software. The AC/DC adapter is so generic it doesn’t even have a UPC code on it. I was actually very surprised by it all and DHL delivered a day early.

BTY, I got GM TECH2 from this shop:

http://www.obd2tool.com/goods-1568-GM+Tech2+GM+Scanner+-CANdi++TIS+(Works+for+GMSAABOPELSUZUKIISUZUHolden).html

I ordered one during their Chinese New Year Promotion. $239 not incl. shipping cost.

The burned Cd is for the thumb drive. It contains TIS 2000. All the factory ECM programs thru 2007. It’s a hack so you don’t have to subscribe to GM’s online service ($55 for 2 days) to simply update to the latest program for a vehicle.

I found the stickers are a tiny bit too big for the recesses in the housing. You need to trim them before installation if you want it to look like a genuine Vetronix Tech 2.

The long grey line (no not West Point) is to connect to a serial port on antique laptops. That’s where the Tripp-Lite USA-19HS adapter comes in. You install the Tripp_Lite on your laptop, connect it to a USB port, connect the serial cable to the TL and the other end to the Tech2. There are 2 ports on the Tech 2 one is for the serial cable and the other is for a self test cable. The real little cable. The 2 ports are not the same even though the look very similar.

Don’t you think you get all info you want to know and enhance your confidence to order it.

Car List:

2007-2009 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent mid-size crossovers
2008-2009 GM full size Vans

Equipment:
GM Tech 2 Scanner /Tech2 OBDⅡdiagnostic scan tool
CANdi module
TIS2000 software CD +soft USB key
A laptop running Win XP home

NOTE:
CANdi interface and TIS2000 software CD can be purchased separately. There are several Tech2 packages in obd2tool.com, like GM Tech2 with CANdi interface, GM Tech2 with 32 MB card and TIS2000 etc. You need to get the left stuff.

Programming cruise control with Tech 2 instruction:

Ⅰ Cruise Control Installation

Here are some picture instructions:

Ⅱ BCM programming

1. Turn the ignition to ON position
2. Connect the Tech 2 Scanner with vehicle via OBD port
3. Power up the Tech2 device. Enter the main menu
4. Select F1: Service Programming System
5. Select F0:Request Info
6. Select Continue with USB software key
7. Select vehicle model Chevrolet or Pontiac
8. Select vehicle year, like 2007
9. Select LD TRK, MPV, Incomplete
10. Select detail specific model: Equinox or Torrent
11. Follow the system prompts and select Continue with USB soft key
12. Click Yes to verify the displayed VIN and confirm it is correct
13. Turn the ignition OFF. Unplug the Tech2 scan tool from the vehicle.
14. Connect the Tech 2 to the TIS computer
15. Power up the Tech2 and start running the TIS software program
16. Select Diagnostic Tool: Car Diagnostic Tool Tech 2
17. Select Programming Process: Replace and Reprogram ECU
18. Select ECU location: Vehicle
19. Click Next until the VIN id displayed
20. Verify the VIN by click Yes and then click Next to continue.
21. Select Controller: BCM
22. Select Programming Type: Normal
There are 3 options in the program: System, Interior/Exterior Lighting and Power-train Control.
For System Select Calibration, choose #25828506-Steering Wheel Control UK3
For Interior/Exterior Lighting, choose #25828503(No Fog Lights) or #25828504(With Fog Lights)
For Power-train Control, choose #25828488-Cruise Control K34
23. Verify calibration files are correct, click Next to continue
24. When complete load data to Tech2 scanner, click Close
25. Disconnect TECH2 OBDⅡscanner from TIS2000 and vehicle
26. Turn the ignition ON and power up the Tech2 device.
27. Select F1: Service Programming System
28. Select F0: Program ECU. Verify the VIN is correct.
29. Follow the screen prompts and click Continue with USB soft key
30. Wait about 2 minutes to download the data. Then turn off the ignition for 10 sec.

Ⅲ BPP Sensor Calibration

31. Turn the ignition to ON
32. Click Continue with USB software key
33. Click Exit button to back to the Start menu and select F0-Daignostics
34. Select vehicle year: 2007
35. Select LD, MPV, Incomplete
36. Select vehicle model: Chevrolet Truck or Pontiac MPV
37. Select body: L Body
38. Select F3-Vehicle Control System
39. Select engine: (F)3.4L V6 LNJ
40. Select F2-Module Setup
41. Select Body Control Module
42. Select F0-BPP Sensor Calibration. Do not touch the brake pedal and insure that the vehicle is on park.
43. Click Continue with USB soft key. Press Exit button when all procedures are complete.

Ⅳ Primary Key Configuration

44. Select F1-Set Up SDM Primary Key in BCM, click Enter
45. Then the system will prompts: “Procedure Complete”, click Exit button
46. Turn the ignition OFF for 10sec and then start the engine
47. Back to TECH2 scanner main menu and select Diagnostics
48. Select vehicle year: 2007
49. Select LD, MPV, Incomplete
50. Select vehicle model: Chevrolet Truck or Pontiac MPV
51. Select body: L Body
52. Select F3-Vehicle Control Module
53. Select F0-Vehicle DTC Information
54. Select F0-DTC Display
55. Click View all DTCs with soft key, click Yes to Clear all DTCs.
56. Drive a road test to make sure the cruise control is working

VXDIAG VCX NANO for GM/Opel/Vauxhall is finally available on obd2tool.com. The VXDIAG GM supports  GM Tech2Win and GDS2 software. It is the perfect replacement of original WIFI wireless GM MDI diagnostic scanner. It is fully compatible with applications that diagnose engines, transmissions, ABS, instrument panels and more.

 Top features  of GM  VXDIAG VCX Nano:
1. Support: GM Tech2win 2.302, GDS2 v12.0.00835.  Can replace original GM MDI WIFI system.
2. Compatible with applications that diagnose engines, transmissions, ABS, instrument panels and more
3. Firmware upgradeable
4. Quick access to vehicle data for maintenance or management reports
5. Support both WIFI and USB connection
6. GDS2 updates received via TIS2Web.

VCX Nano GM Kit support both GDS & GDS2. GDS 2 works similar to the original GDS, easier and faster.

NOTE:  Expiration date problem was fixed, tech2win still showed 42 days, gds2 still showed 30days, do not need to make lease renewal every month.

tech2 scanner will never be expiration, it always to display 42 days. Extra installed drivers and for Allscanner VXDIAG VCX NANO because it’s supported by GM Tech2Win.

VXDIAG VCX NANO for GM/OPEL FEATURES:
* Fully compatible with SAE-J2534-1 & SAE-J2534-2
* USB vehicle-to-PC connectivity
* All current and most legacy vehicle protocols: CAN, UART, KW2000, Class2, GM LAN, etc.
* Supports Windows? XP
* CE and FCC compliance for hardware
* Firmware Updatable

COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE:

* Support PC-based diagnostics with rollout of the Global Diagnostic System GDS & GDS2
* Support GM TIS2WEB online Service Programming System (SPS)
* Support Tech2Win application to offering a larger screen with all of the Tech 2 tool functionality
Global Diagnostic System (GDS & GDS2)

* New Diagnostic Application Software required for all GM Global Architecture (Global A) Vehicles.
* GDS & GDS2 is software which runs on a specific PC. Updates received via TIS2Web.

VCX Nano GM Kit support both GDS & GDS2. GDS 2 works similar to the original GDS. easier and faster

GDS 2 provides the following capabilities in multiple languages:

* Read codes, code status, Freeze Frame data and Clear Codes.
* Read VIN, ECU part numbers and software numbers.
* Record, store and replay Stored data.
* Control and monitor Output Control functions.
* Configure and Reset functions.
* Record or display history of the previous vehicle diagnostic sessions.

Service Programming System (SPS)

* passthrough programming on GM past model and Global A vehicles
* Increase reprogramming speed 20-70% and get ready to service new models

For pass-through programming of electronic control units on all vehicles built since 1996 and future model releases. The VCX Nano Prime GM KIT is between 20% and 70% faster than Tech 2.For example, on a new Tahoe hybrid with 7 ECUS, it would normally take 2 full hours to reprogram. But, with VCX Nano the process is completed in just 45 minutes. That’s a 64% difference and means you could service 10vehicles rather than 4in an 8-hour day! The potential to increase revenues is dramatic.

New Vehicles Model list

VCX Nano Prime GM KIT is the only full-spectrum diagnostic and reprogramming tool capable of servicing new Delta and Epsilon vehicles (with auxiliary CAN bus that cannot be serviced by Tech2).Below  is the list of vehicles being delivered this year that will rely exclusively on this tool for service.

Tech2Win Function

Tech2Win, an application version of the tech 2 scan tool and CANdi (Control Area Network diagnostic interface) moduleTech2Win can be used during a vehicle road test, offering a larger screen with all of the Tech 2 tool functionality. The Tech2Win application offers all of the features and functions of the Tech 2 for Opel, Saab etc.