BOSCH TECH 2 Presented by Bob Pattengale
BOSCH TECH 2 Presented by Bob Pattengale
BOSCH TECH 2 Presented by Bob Pattengale
This manual contains test procedures and test information obtained by an ASE Certified Master Technician with
known good test equipment on real vehicles, your tests may vary due to your equipment or technician procedures.
No warranty can be made from the ideas presented due to personal testing procedures, nor does the author or
anyone connected with him assume responsibilities or liabilities. The use of this manual is conditional on the
acceptance of this disclaimer. If the terms of this disclaimer are not acceptable, please return this manual.
Content authored for Automotive Video Inc. by Heritage Technical LLC, Cochranville, PA. Copyrighted © in 2010 by
Heritage Technical LLC. No portion of this manual may be copied, altered, or reproduced without written permission
of the author.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 TECH 2 VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
COMMON CONNECTORS AND COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Special Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Module ID Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
SETTING UP THE TECH 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Power Up And Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Body Control Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
HOW TO FIND THE ONLINE MANUALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Instrument Panel Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
UPDATING THE SOFTWARE VERSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Lighting Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Tech 2 Update Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 EVAP Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TASK FORCE (NASTF) . . . . . . . .11 BASIC COMPONENT TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
REGISTERING AN ACCOUNT WITH TIS2WEB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
TIS2WEB OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 REPROGRAMMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
SETTING UP TECH 2 VIEW (T2 VIEW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Getting Prepared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
MAIN MENU NAVIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Vehicle Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
POWERTRAIN NAVIGATION MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Performing The Reprogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Building A Vehicle In The Tech 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Reprogramming Calibration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
1. Select the year of the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 TECH 2 VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
2. Select the vehicle type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Oil Life Monitor Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
3. Select the vehicle make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 EVAP SERVICE BAY TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
4. Select the product line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Setting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
5. Select the engine type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 CHECKING FOR LEAKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
POWERTRAIN NAVIGATION MENU REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 EVAP Testing Using A Smoke Machine And The Tech 2 . . . . . . . .55
Diagnostic Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 GM MDI INTERFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Data display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Online Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Special functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 What Is Included In The Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Using the CANDi module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GM MDI VS THE MASTERTECH VCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 What Is The Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 GM MDI SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
BCM Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Setting Up The GDS Software And GM MDI Manager . . . . . . . . .60
QUICK SNAPSHOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 GDS SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Recording Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Basic Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
POWERTRAIN NAVIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Power Steering Control Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Vehicle & Module Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
MDI Tool And GDS Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
OVERVIEW
This training presentation will cover the use of the BOSCH Tech 2 diagnostic scan tool and the
GM Multiple Diagnostic Interface. Specifically, we will be focusing on diagnosing all GM
manufactured vehicles.
General Motors has a rich history in the diagnostic world. In fact, GM was the first automotive
manufacturer to create a diagnostic scan tool called the Tech 1. The Tech 1 began in 1994 and
was in use until late 1995. In 1996 GM moved to the Tech 2. The Tech 2 began in 1992 and
continues to service the current vehicles of today.
GM is now transitioning to a new tool called the Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI). Many have
assumed that the MDI will immediately replace the Tech 2, but that is not the case. The Tech 2
remains an essential tool for many vehicles through at least the 2012 model year. It will also
continue to be needed to diagnose all vehicles from previous model years. As such, it remains a
very valuable diagnostic tool and, with the launch of the MDI as a faster reprogramming tool, the
Tech 2 can be dedicated to diagnostic applications.
OVERVIEW
As we cover these tools during the presentation, our primary focus will be on the Tech 2 with an
introduction to the MDI. Later we will discuss the use of an inexpensive device that can be used
for GM reprogramming.
Whey you purchase a Tech 2, you will find that it comes with many cables, components, and
connectors. The most critical pieces that you will use most are the Tech 2 itself, the data link
cable, the OBD II connector, and for the newer vehicles the CANDi module.
GETTING STARTED
The Tech 2 is ready to go right out of the box. There is a 32 MB data card inside of the tool that
has software already pre-loaded onto it. It may not be the most current software available, but it
will be ready to start working on vehicles.
The first thing you will want to do is make the cable connections to the tool and to the vehicle
that you will be working on. Connect the data link cable to the Tech 2, then the OBD II connector
to the data link cable. Once you have the tool connected to the cable, locate the data link
connector on the vehicle and plug the data link cable into the vehicle connector.
The [PWR] key is used to turn the Tech 2 on or off. The status indicator light above this key is
illuminated green when the Tech 2 is operational.
The [SHIFT] key is used with the up and down arrow keys to change screen brightness and
contrast.
The Tech 2 should return to normal operation after following the above steps.
You may have noticed that when you purchased your Tech 2 that a manual was not included.
This is because they want you to have the latest version of the manual. The manuals for the Tech
2 can be found online at:
http://www.boschdiagnostics.com/support/documentation/Pages/DiagnosticsDocumentation.a
spx?type=UnderHood
Once you have pointed your browser to the website, you can use the drop down menu in the
middle of the screen to select the tool that you want to download the manual for.
From there you will see all of the available downloads for the tool that you have selected as well
as a link to ACDelco TechConnect.
A common question that technicians ask when starting to use the Tech 2 is: “How often or when
should I update the tool?”.
When you power up the Tech 2 the first screen that shows up on the display indicates what
software version is loaded on the tool.
The software download function of TIS 2000 is used to update Tech 2 Scan Tool software to the
latest version. Like all computers, the Tech 2 scan tools each store software that determine how
they run and what they can do. This software allows the scan tools to perform diagnostic routines
on or for the following vehicle applications: Powertrain, Body, Chassis, and Service Programming.
Scan tool software is regularly updated to reflect changes in vehicle engineering or diagnostics.
Tech 2 software is stored on a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA)
card. The contents of the card are not distinct applications as is the case with certain Tech 1
cartridges.
A write-protected slide mechanism is on the top edge of the card under a white plastic CPA-type
device. The correct position is to the middle of the card (unlocked). If the write protect is in the
locked position, Snapshots and Capture Info. cannot be stored, and Service Programming does
not work.
The Software Download function of TIS 2000 allows updating of the Tech 2 with the latest
service information. The Software Download function transfer (downloads) updates scan tool
software from the terminal to the scan tool. There are two download modes: Standard and
Custom.
Standard Update
To perform a Standard Tech 2 update:
1. Connect the scan tool to the terminal using the RS-
232 cable Fig.1.
Fig. 1
4. From the TIS 2000 main screen, select the Software
Download icon Fig. 2.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
5. At the Select Diagnostic Tool for Download screen, highlight and verify your selection Fig 3.
• Standard installs the newest software onto the scan tool.
• Custom allows backdating or installing of non-NAO software onto the scan tool.
6. After confirming the selection, select Next. A message appears indicating the terminal is
reading the contents of the diagnostic tool.
Fig. 4
7. The terminal displays a Confirm Software Change screen, Fig. 4, showing what the Tech 2
currently contains and what it will contain after the download. Select Next to continue.
This software download can take a fair amount of time depending on the speed of your internet
connection. The quicker your connection, the quicker the download. Remember, do not interrupt
the download and update process once it has begun.
NOTES
The National Automotive Service Task Force is a not-for-profit, no-dues task force established to
facilitate the identification and correction of gaps in the availability and accessibility of
automotive service information, service training, diagnostic tools and equipment, and
communications for the benefit of automotive service professionals. NASTF is a voluntary,
cooperative effort among the automotive service industry, the equipment and tool industry, and
automotive manufacturers.
General Motors
Reprogramming Information
For access to J-2534 Information on the General Motors service information website:
1. Click on "GM Tech Info" in the blue box at the bottom of the page.
2. Click on the GM icon next to Reprogramming.
3. Click on "Reprogramming Equipment".
4. Click on "J2534 Reprogrammers"
Which models and model years are reprogrammable for which functions?
GM started service programming of Engine Controllers with some vehicles in the 1993 model
year and ramped up to nearly 100% by the 1995 model year. The last engine controllers were for
diesel engines used in medium duty trucks. All OBDII ECUs are programmable.
Body and chassis controllers were programmable in some vehicles starting in the 1996 MY, and
phased in the next few years. Today some vehicles have as many as 28 reprogrammable
controllers.
General Information
Go to www.gmtechinfo.com or call the ACDelco eBusiness Helpdesk 1-800-825-5886 prompt #3
TIS 2 Web ACDelco technical support can be reached at 1-888-212-8959.
Where can I find information on the use of TIS 2 Web, Service Information and Tech 2®?
http://service.gm.com/userguides/index.pdf
Once you have created your account you will need to make a selection as to what you want to
subscribe to. If you own a Tech 2 and you want to keep the software current, you are going to
want to choose the TIS2 Web option. This option includes Tech 2 diagnostic software updates,
Tech 2 View, Tech 2 Snap Shot, and Service programming software.
Quick Tip: Bookmark this site in your favorites menu of your web browser. This will make it quick
to find the site that you are looking for rather than having to go to the NASTF website over and
over again.
TIS2WEB OVERVIEW
Once you have your TIS2 Web account set up, you will need to know what functions and options
are available. Below is a brief overview of each option that you will have available to you.
1. Software Download (SWDL): This option gives you the ability to download the most current
software update for your Tech 2.
2. Service Programming System (SPS): The service programming system (SPS) option allows you
to reflash control modules in the GM vehicles that you will be working on.
3. Calibration Information (SPS Info): This option is very similar to the corresponding option on
the free side of the website. This option allows you to enter the VIN of the vehicle that you are
working on and give you a list of flashes that are available for that vehicle.
4. Security Access (Security): Newer GM vehicles are going to start having PIN numbers. This PIN
will be required to initialize the security within the keys. Currently, all that needs to be done is to
use the Pass Lock System and match the keys up to the modules.
5. Snapshot (Snap): This is where you will be extracting information from the Tech 2 that you
have saved.
6. Tech2 View (T2 View): This option allows you to view the Tech2 on a PC as well as on the
screen of the tool.
Most of you will be using the Tech 2 in a stand alone mode. For demonstration purposes, we will
show you how to set the Tech 2 up to be viewed on a larger screen. To do this we need to
connect the Tech 2 to the PC as described earlier in this presentation, and we also need to log
into the Tech2 View (T2 View) option at the TIS2Web website.
Once we have logged in you will be prompted to load the Java platform. Once the Java platform
has been loaded, a screen will appear on your PC that will emulate the screen of the Tech 2.
Next, click on the “connect” icon at the top left corner of your PC screen and follow the prompts
on the screen.
Once you have established a communication link with the Tech 2, you should see a screen that is
similar to the screen capture below.
Pictured above is a screen shot of the main navigation menu of the Tech 2 as it is viewed on a
PC using Tech2 View. Below is a brief overview of each option available. Later in the presentation
we will cover each option in more detail.
F1: Service Programming System - This function allows you to do “Pass Thru” reprogramming of
modules in the vehicle.
F2: View Captured Data - From this menu option we can view screen captures that we have
saved during the diagnostic process.
F3: GM Performance Parts Diagnostics - This is a new menu for the Tech 2 and when you select
it, you will notice that it is only applicable to certain 2010 model year vehicles. The GM
performance division would direct you here if there was a unique reflash available for the vehicle
that you are working on.
F4: Tool Options - This option allows you to set up options for your tool such as setting the clock,
screen contrast, units of measurements, language etc.
F5: Getting Started - Using this function is a great way to practice using your Tech 2 at home
without having to connect to a live vehicle. This option contains example data that you can use to
practice navigating the Diagnostics menu of the tool.
You will be able to build most vehicles without a problem. However, sometimes you need a little
help. Use a GM VIN Card as illustrated below for help with unfamiliar vehicles. You can find these
VIN cards at http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/
For demonstration purposes we will show you how to build a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD
VIN: 2CNDL73F6760XXXXX.
Diagnostics Menu
Diagnostics Menu
When we enter the Engine Controls option, you can see that in the screen capture above we have
several different options to choose from. Below is a brief description of some of them. Later in
the presentation will will cover some of these functions in more depth.
Diagnostics Menu
Diagnostics Menu
Data Display
Diagnostics Menu
Special Functions
Diagnostics Menu
Data Display
Diagnostics Menu
Diagnostics Menu
A good habit to get into regarding this procedure is to begin to document the DTCs on your
diagnostic worksheet. This is a good way to keep a log on the vehicle as you diagnose it, just in
case you accidentally clear the codes during your diagnostic process.
After clearing the codes you may want to test the system again and see if the trouble codes
come back. This is a good way to verify repairs to such things as loose wires to modules or
sensors or the replacement of components.
BCM Data
BCM Data
QUICk sNAPshOT
Recording Data
POWeRTRAIN NAvIgATION
For our subject vehicle the steering angle sensor PID is located in the Data Display section of the
Power steering Control Module option. you can see that in the screen capture the tool is
currently reporting the steering Wheel Position at 0°.
POWeRTRAIN NAvIgATION
Data Display
In this portion of the presentation we are going to take a closer look at the Data Display function
of the Tech 2. you will be spending a lot of time working with this function, and what you need to
know are some of the unique features that are part of the Tech 2.
you can see in the screen capture that we have
entered the Data Display function for the
powertrain system of our subject vehicle.
POWeRTRAIN NAvIgATION
Data Display
keep in mind that this is a scan tool and the data will not refresh as fast as a labscope. This is
intended to be a quick check to see if the sensor(s) are responding at all. If you find a fault, move
over to a labscope with a faster data sampling rate to better view live waveforms.
TeCh 2 vIeW
special Functions
The special Functions option in the gM world
means that you will be turning something on
and off to test an individual component.
Module ID Information
sPeCIAl FUNCTIONs
One of the key power features of the Tech 2 is its ability to have bi-directional control over the
available actuators within the vehicle. This means that you will have the ability to turn things On
or Off using the Tech 2.
A good example would be if a customer had a complaint about an intermittent door lock
problem. Using the Tech 2, you have the ability to command the door lock actuators to lock and
unlock to verify if that the actuator is
functioning correctly.
sPeCIAl FUNCTIONs
sPeCIAl FUNCTIONs
sPeCIAl FUNCTIONs
lighting systems
sPeCIAl FUNCTIONs
evAP systems
One of the most important PIDs that we need to keep an eye on during this test is the Fuel Tank
Pressure sensor. As we seal off the system and start to introduce smoke, we should see the fuel
tank pressure rise. At this point all that is needed is to carry out the test using an evAP machine
and determine if there is a leak in the system and what type of leak it may be.
RePROgRAMMINg
getting Prepared
One of the most important things you need to remember when you are going to reprogram any
modules in any vehicle, is to make sure the vehicle is prepared before you attempt to do it.
Too many technicians will just rush right into reprogramming a module without checking the
basics. As we have already covered in this presentation, you need to have the right software from
the manufacturer, a PC that meets the requirements to do the job, and a reprogramming device
such as the Tech 2 or MDI.
Another item you need to address before reflashing any module is the electrical system. you
need to test the integrity of the electrical system using some type of electrical system analyzer to
determine if there are any voltage drops that could cause the reflash process to fail.
you also want to use a multimeter to check for voltage at the pins of the Data link Connector
(DlC). you need to make sure you have the correct amount of voltage at pin 16 of the DlC.
Again, the incorrect amount of voltage could cause the reflash process to fail.
One other item you should be using is a clean power supply. A clean power supply should put out
a constant 13.4 volts and have no AC ripple coming from the battery charger. Do not use a
regular shop battery charger for this process. A shop battery charger puts out far too much
voltage and has the possibility of having AC voltage coming out of the charger itself.
Once again, a successful reflash is dependent on prepping the vehicle correctly. Following the
instructions on the screen is the easy part. having the vehicle properly prepared for the reflash
before doing it and this will save you time, money and a few headaches.
vehicle setUp
RePROgRAMMINg
vehicle setUp
RePROgRAMMINg
RePROgRAMMINg
The next step in the reprogramming process is to select the vehicle from the menu that we will
be reprogramming. For our purposes we will be working on a 2005 Pontiac g6.
RePROgRAMMINg
At this point, the program is going to ask us to select the controller that we want to reprogram
from a list of supported controllers. For our purposes we are going to choose to reprogram the
PCM/vCM and we will be programming it normally instead of using vCI.
RePROgRAMMINg
After the reprogramming is complete, you will be prompted to do some controller specific
procedures. you need to follow any procedures listed before moving on to the next step.
One thing you need to keep in mind here is that we have only reflashed the PCM. If by chance
there were other updates for other controllers such as the BCM, you would need to click on the
“Proceed with same vIN” tab at the bottom of the screen. By doing this, you will be able to
reprogram any control module that has an update available.
gM has made it very easy to find all of the available calibrations for their vehicles. All you need
to do is go to https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/techinfo. Once you have navigated to
the site, just click on the “Reprogramming” option to continue.
RePROgRAMMINg
Next you will need to click on the “Reprogramming Calibration Information” option to continue.
Once you enter this option, you will be prompted to enter the vIN of the vehicle that you are
working on. Once you enter the vIN, a list of available control modules will appear and you will
be prompted to select the controller that you want to search for calibration information.
Complete history
For demonstration purposes we have chosen the PCM. you can see in the screen capture above
that there are quite a few calibrations available for our subject vehicle. The most important thing
to do at this point is to click on the “Complete history” option at the top left of the screen. This
will open up a list of the complete history of calibrations for the vehicle that you are working on.
RePROgRAMMINg
Pictured above is a screen capture of the complete history of the calibration information for the
PCM of our subject vehicle. At this point you need to consult the calibration information of the
vehicle that you are working using the Tech 2. If there are newer calibrations available for the
vehicle that you are working on you need to update them.
TeCh 2 vIeW
Another procedure that you will be performing on a regular basis is the Oil life Reset. This
procedure is performed on all gM vehicles equipped with the Oil life Monitor and is performed
after every oil change.
The Oil life Monitor monitors the condition of the engine oil. When the monitor determines that
the engine oil needs to be changed, it will command the maintenance lamp in the instrument
cluster to illuminate.
It is important to remember that if you do not reset the Oil life Monitor after you change the
engine oil, the maintenance lamp will continue to illuminate until you reset it. Always reset the
Oil life Monitor after every engine oil change. There is nothing worse than having a customer
complaint regarding things like this after a normal service has been performed.
TeCh 2 vIeW
TeCh 2 vIeW
setting Up
setting Up
While the pressure in the system builds, it is important to monitor the flow ball indicator on the
smoke machine. The flow ball on the smoke machine for our demonstration is staying at the top
of the indicator indicating that there is a gross leak somewhere in the evAP system.
At this point you should visually inspect the vehicles evAP system and see if there is any smoke
coming from a leak. For our purposes we did in fact find that smoke was leaking from the gas
cap area. After further diagnosis it was determined that the gas cap was loose and only needed
to be tightened and not replaced.
gM MDI INTeRFACe
Overview
This training presentation will cover the use of the BOsCh Tech 2 diagnostic scan tool and the
gM Multiple Diagnostic Interface. specifically, we will be focusing on diagnosing all gM
manufactured vehicles.
general Motors has a rich history in the diagnostic world. In fact, gM was the first automotive
manufacturer to create a diagnostic scan tool called the Tech 1. The Tech 1 began in 1994 and
was in use until late 1995. In 1996 gM moved to to the Tech 2. The Tech 2 began in 1992 and
continues to service the current vehicles of today.
gM is now transitioning to a new tool called the Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI). Many have
assumed that the MDI will immediately replace the Tech 2, but that is not the case. The Tech 2
remains an essential tool for many vehicles through at least the 2012 model year. It will also
continue to be needed to diagnose all vehicles from previous model years. As such, it remains a
very valuable diagnostic tool and, with the launch of the MDI as a faster reprogramming tool, the
Tech 2 can be dedicated to diagnostic applications.
gM MDI INTeRFACe
Overview
As we cover these tools during the presentation, our primary focus will be on the Tech 2 with an
introduction to the MDI. later we will discuss the use of an inexpensive device that can be used
for gM reprogramming.
gM MDI INTeRFACe
Online Information
To find the latest information regarding the MDI, all you need to do is go to
https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/techinfo. Once you have navigated to the site, just
click on the “Reprogramming” option to continue.
Next you will need to click on the “Reprogramming equipment” option to continue.
gM MDI INTeRFACe
Online Information
select the MDI from the list of diagnostic tools displayed in the left sidebar menu on the screen.
All of the current information on the MDI will appear in the browser. From here you can click on,
and navigate all of the options that are currently available for the MDI.
keep in mind that at the time of this presentation, the software for using the MDI is only
available to gM dealerships and fleet management shops that are set up with the gDs software.
In the near future, this will be available to the aftermarket so you will need to visit this site
regularly for any updates concerning availability to you.
When you purchase the MDI you will find that you will have a UsB cable, power supply, an OBD II
connector as well as the MDI itself. One nice feature of the MDI is that the CANDi module is built
right into the unit eliminating the need to purchase one.
One common question that is asked is “What is the difference between the gM MDI and the
Bosch Mastertech vCI”.
The gM MDI was designed to be the factory scan tool for all gM vehicles. gM is not concerned
about working on other makes of vehicles such as Ford, honda or Toyota. The gM MDI supports
gM protocols 8192 UART, Class 2 (J1850 vPW), kWP2000, gMlAN (sW/DW). The Mastertech
vCI adds non-gM protocols J1850PWM, IsO9141-2, DDl2, kW71, kW81, kW82, h92, h95, h99,
Ford DCl, Chrysler sCI, Chrysler CCD, etc. It is also important to note that the Mastertech vCI will
run gM dealer apps, but not vice-versa.
gM MDI sOFTWARe
There are two pieces of software that are needed to use the MDI. The MDI Manager and the gDs
software. The MDI Manager software is responsible for testing the MDI and making sure it is
operating correctly. The MID Manager is also where you would set up a wireless network to
communicate with the MDI as well as updating the firmware in the MDI.
gDs sOFTWARe
Basic Navigation
When you launch the gDs software it immediately goes to the gDs website and looks for
updates to the MDI and the gDs software. keep in mind that you need to have Internet access
for this to happen. If you do not have Internet access, you will not be able to download any
updates or new diagnostic packages that may be available for the MDI or the gDs.
The main menu of the gDs program gives you the options to set the user default, close the
application, add new diagnostic packages and update diagnostic packages. At least once a week
it is a good idea to click on the add new diagnostic package option and see if there any updates
available. This will ensure that your software is always current.
The User Default menu option is where you will begin your diagnostic process. here you will be
prompted to establish communication with the MDI as well as enter the details of the vehicle
that you are working on.
gDs sOFTWARe
Basic Navigation
Once you have entered all of the needed vehicle criteria and clicked the Next Action tab, you will
have the options of vehicle Diagnosis and Module Diagnosis.
When you click on the vehicle Diagnosis option you will be prompted to select the appropriate
engine and RPO option. If you do not know the appropriate RPO option, you can find a sticker in
either the glove compartment or the trunk of the vehicle that will list all of the RPO option codes
applicable to the vehicle that you are working on.
After you have identified the engine and selected the corresponding RPO option, you will be
prompted to select the transmission type. select the transmission type and click on the next
action tab at the bottom right of the screen.
gDs sOFTWARe
Basic Navigation
you can see in the screen capture that a new option has appeared. The vehicle DTC Information
option is what you want to select to scan the entire vehicle for DTCs stored in the memories of all
of the modules that the vehicle is equipped with.
After selecting the vehicle DTC information option, you will be prompted to answer several
questions such as lighting options. Again, these options can be found on the RPO sticker of the
vehicle that you are working on.
Tip: Take a picture of the RPO sticker with a digital camera before diagnosing a vehicle and keep
it handy while you are answering these questions.
gDs sOFTWARe
Basic Navigation
After answering all of the prompted questions and selecting the next action, the software scans
each of the vehicles control modules and reports back if the modules do or do not have DTCs
stored in memory.
At this point you have the option to click on the code for more information as well as clearing all
of the codes.
NOTES
gDs sOFTWARe
Basic Navigation
The Module Diagnosis function gives you the ability to diagnose each module individually. very
similar to the Tech 2, you can see the DTCs of the individual modules as well as the ID
information, data display, control functions, and the configure/reset functions.
NOTES
gDs sOFTWARe
Data Display
Pictured above is a screen capture of the Data Display function. you can see that it displays all of
the available PIDs just like the Tech 2. Also like the Tech 2 you have the ability to choose only
certain PIDs for viewing as well as recording and saving snaphots.
To view any recordings or snapshots that you have taken, back out to the main menu screen and
you will see them listed on the right hand side of the display.
NOTES
gDs sOFTWARe
Taking a closer look at the vehicle Diagnosis section, you can see in the screen capture above
that we have scanned all of the modules that are equipped on our subject vehicle which is a
2011 Chevrolet Camaro.
you can also see that there are green check marks as well as red and yellow symbols in the
status column. A green check mark indicates that the module has passed with no DTCs present.
A red symbol indicates that there is no communication with the module listed. A yellow symbol
indicates that there are DTCs stored in that particular module.
To clear the DTCs, click on the Continue tab at the bottom of the screen and follow the prompts
on the screen to clear the DTCs.
gDs sOFTWARe
RevIeW
One of the important things to remember about both the Tech 2 and the MDI is that the MDI is
very similar in design to the Tech 2. The navigation software of the Tech 2 is very similar to the
navigation of the gDs software. If you are comfortable using the Tech 2, the transition to using
the MDI will be very easy.