I'm really thinking about buying a GM Tech II programmer. I'm tired of service departments not knowing what's going on. Sometimes I feel that I'm actually smarter than most techs that work in the service departments at dealerships. And if I'm not any smarter, at least I'll care more, and take the time to figure it out because it's my own vehicle.

If I pick up the Tech II programmer and the latest TIS software (Version 6.5) along with a 12-month subscription to the authentic GM aftermarket Expertec TIS software on CD-ROM disks, is that all I'll need? Is there something more the dealership has? Are they able to connect to a website that has the latest stuff, that I won't have access to, or will the 12 month TIS subscription suffice? Maybe even that subscription comes along with web access?

I guess the simple way to ask this question is, can I basically get the exact same information that the dealership gets?

Just trying to figure out the protocol. Once I understand how it works I'll be cool. I know there are people on the forum that work at dealerships and understand how it all works hence the questions.

Standing by...

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How much would one set you back?

 

I've seen them as low as $1200 all the way up to $4000. They're on ebay all of the time.

 

im glad my shop has one that i can borrow if needed. its too expensive to get your computer read in my opinion.

 

I've comtemplated this myself, but from the looks of it, it seems that the computer is being updated all the time. I could be wrong......

 

That's great that your shop has one. Did you know anything about how it works, the updates that is? Are the techs connecting to the Internet each and everytime or does GM just send out new discs all of the time?

 

TMW,

I would have to think it would be electronic updates, I would think that any other form would be way to slow. I imagine everything is done over a GM database or someting? Dont you think?

 

Yes, that's exactly what I think. Now with this tread started, I"m hoping to get confirmation of just that. Again, just want to know if I have my own mechanic shop, and own the Tech II machine, will I be extended the same courtesy as a dealership with the updates in order to repair vehicles.

 

Guys I don't think that I would but a Tech 2 yet. GM is going to be replacing their diagnostic tool soon. The new tool will be PC based. It will consist of a VCI (vehicle communication interface) that will connect between the OBD 2 diagnostic connector and a laptop or palm pilot. Some of the 08 platforms will use it and plans are for all to by 2010.
In order to update a Tech 2 or to get reprograming info requires a subscription to TIS 2000. An expensive subscription. Updates are released quarterly on DVDs. They cannot be copied! The dealers update through dealer world on the internet.

 

Thank you for that.