I have a Tech 2 Scanner in hand, so is it necessary to buy a new GM MDI interface?
I am using Tech 2 off https://www.obd2tool.com/goods-1568-GM+Tech2+GM+Scanner+-CANdi++TIS+(Works+for+GMSAABOPELSUZUKIISUZUHolden).html
Here you go
The Future of the Tech 2
The Tech 2 remains an essential tool through at least the 2010 model year. The GM MDI will not support past models when its diagnostic capabilities are introduced. And, the Tech2 will continue to be needed to diagnose all vehicles fromprevious model years. Remote programming with the Tech 2 will continue to be supported for use on all 2007 and previous vehicles.Additional information will be supplied in future.
HOW WILL THE G-M MDI BE USED?
The new G-M MDI can be used only in the Pass-Thru method. This means you can use it as your programming tool, while your Tech 2/CANdi remains available for diagnostics and other duties.
This is exact paragraph from a sales pitch document for the MDI. I have issues with it, however:
The GM MDI will not support past models when its diagnostic capabilities are introduced.
I’m not sure what this means. The GM MDI WILL clearly support past model years with the tech2win applications. So I’m not sure what this statement actually means. The only thing I can think of is that GM will remove pass thru support at a later date, but since it’s all been cracked already, this shouldn’t matter.
The new G-M MDI can be used only in the Pass-Thru method. This means you can use it as your programming tool, while your Tech 2/CANdi remains available for diagnostics and other duties.
This statement implies that the pass thru method is a bad thing. Considering the tech2win application works perfectly with EVERY function on all GM vehicles as far back as 1996, I don’t understand what this is really saying. It implies that you can’t do diagnostic troubleshooting using pass-thru, when in fact you can.
As far as I can tell from my testing, this is a basic sales pitch in order to encourage people to keep the tech2 as well as purchase a MDI2 unit – both of which are incredibly expensive if purchased legitimately through GM.
In reality, you don’t need a tech2 and a MDI2. An MDI interface is more than enough especially on our older cars like the C5 corvette which GM will unlikely ever release further PCM upgrades for given the fact they were discontinued over 10 years ago.