GM Tech2 Scan Tool Clone Fix for Restarts or Reboots While Cranking Engine Problem
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- Typically most Tech2 clones reboot / restart when you crank the engine. This is due to the voltage drop that naturally occurs across the vehicles battery when the engine starter motor is engaged. The genuine original GM Tech2 contained a proprietary and custom DC-DC 5VDC converter device on the printed circuit board (PCB) of the Tech2 that could handle as low as 7VDC and still supply the specified voltage to the PCB. But nothing off the shelf DC-DC converter wise today can go that low, the best replacement converter (Mornsun VRB1205LD-15W or VRB1205LD-15WR2) can only handle down to 9VDC before cutting out. While the voltage drop across a healthy ACDelco battery of the era the Tech2 covers would be unlikely to drop below 9VDC during cranking, at that level the output voltage can dip just below 5VDC momentarily which is what triggers the Tech2 to reboot. So while you can repair the power to the Tech2 (clone or original), you used to have to give up the ability to crank the engine and not restart the scan tool. Not anymore.
In this video I show you why this happens, and a fairly inexpensive solution to the problem.
The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:
You can find the Autool OBDII switched extension cable I show here: ebay.us/hznZor or here amzn.to/3noDLCS
If you're looking to buy your own GM Tech2 scan tool: ebay.us/seoz6w
And if I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! ko-fi.com/drshock
Chapters:
0:00 - Problem overview
1:03 - Solution unboxing
1:38 - Installation
1:55 - Testing
#drshock #tech2
Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this RUclips channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle. 
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But what is exactly the problem on low voltage or amperage coming from the diagnostic connector?
There isn't a problem on the diagnostic link connector of the vehicles, it's just the normal unavoidable voltage drop across the battery during cranking that occurs. The original genuine Tech2 had a custom designed DC-DC voltage converter specifically engineered to maintain the minimum power needs of the Tech2 during such battery voltage drops - that's why a "real" Tech2 works just fine. But the Chinese clones of the Tech2, or a repaired Tech2 where these original chips are unobtainium, are using off the shelf DC-DC parts which cannot handle voltage that low. So they cut out (most of the time), resulting in the Tech2 rebooting (I cover this in another video linked at 0:21) . I say most of the time as some vehicles don't have as much battery voltage drop as others and you get away without the Tech2 rebooting. But this is highly random. You can get around this issue reliably by simply supplying voltage from another source than the vehicles battery, but you have to remove the voltage from the ODBII path for the Tech2 to use that source. Hence this video.
DrShock excellent DrShock,no better explanation than this,I'm a GM mechanic for more than 25 years and I found this problem sometimes in my Tech 2,that's why my question,only some times this problem occurred,thanks ✌🏼️
I just ordered this on Amazon. Very slick.
Excellent video and very helpful. We appreciate your effort showing us an interesting easy and cheap solution. Please do more videos about the Tech 2 and thank you so much.
Excellent work around. My clone has been resetting/blue screen while connected- tripping my cluster brake and seat belt lamps. Also it immediately drained the battery to the point it would barely "click" while cranking. I got one of those OBD adapters and I must say- it works flawless!
++2021 update: I just reflashed my 2004 TB EXT 4.2L PCM using this obd adapter and it.....worked great. Only 2 minutes of stressful waiting!
Nice tool,thanks for sharing the fix video
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Doc!
GENIUS!
Ah, I got one of the extension cables, and at first I thought it didn't work, cause my Tech 2 was cutting off still no matter how I had the switch on the extension cable....THEN it hit me.... I was using the cigarette lighter plug for power.... AND that was fluctuating when I tried to start the car...... then I connected power directly to the battery, and or plug in adapter and it worked.... problem solved.... make SURE you have a constant source of power when you do this.
My Tech 2 clone will run off the AC adaptor through a start when the adaptor plugged directly into the Tech 2. There is a socket on the Tech 2 body just next to the data cable. Have you tired plugging into the Tech 2 rather than down by the OBD connector?
The power connection near the OBD connector is connected directly to the vehicle's OBD power. When starting, the vehicle voltage will drop. The AC adaptor will supply current to the vehicle to attempt to make up for the voltage drop. Of course, it will not be able to and will go into current limit mode dropping its voltage.
On the other hand, the Tech 2 will run off the AC adaptor when it is plugged into the body of the Tech 2. In this case, there is electronics to pick out the best power supply.
What you're describing is known not to work for all clone models, as some circuit board designs will favor the OBDII jack 12VDC regardless. Most all clones suffer this problem because they lack the same specification for the DC-DC voltage converter from the original HP built Tech2s of the 1990s. The converter being a proprietary chip designed for GM that the Chinese choose not to copy, most likely due to excessive costs to meet the voltage drop specifications. Hence this cable approach came about which I've tested across several models to work reliably. A must when performing data collections or monitoring across multiple engine re-crank events and doing vehicle diagnostics.
@@DrShock I must have gotten lucky with my clone. I'd would still suggest trying to plug directly into the Tech 2 with the adapter first. It may just work as it did for me. I got a nice graph of my cranking voltage going to 9.2 volts with my Tech 2. PS thanks for the videos.
Can you make more videos using the tech 2 please.
Hello great video , could you tell me where would be the best place to pick up a good clone i my interested in trying one out thanks for your time .
I added an eBay link to the description - that's where I got mine maybe 3 or 4 years ago. You shouldn't pay more than around $375 or so. Try and pick a USA based seller but its harder nowadays, it's going to be the same thing from a China seller just takes forever to get here.
Great video looks like you have lots of experience with the tech 2.
I was wondering if you could help me out. I have a tech 2 clone and when I do a self
test on the vci most of the tests fail it doesn’t even recognize that I have the loopback connected. I was wondering if I replaced the vci module would it fix the failed test or could it be the unit itself
There's no schematics or repair information available for the clone units, so they are effectively unrepairable other than for obvious things like no power or broken jacks/connectors. It's possible you have a bad VCI module, but no way with a clone to say for sure.
@@DrShock Would you know a reliable place I can order a vci from as the tech 2 I bought was defective from day one never knew about the self test till recent. I don’t want to buy one from the same place.
These Tech2 clones are not as commonly available as a few years ago, as the MDI clones came in. I have search links in the video description for eBay. I would suggest avoiding Aliexpress or any private websites. I don't believe Amazon allows these as they would be considered a _counterfeit_ item. But eBay has them, just select a USA based seller with photos that clearly show what all you will be receiving. As best I recall there were two main Chinese factories of these Tech2 clones, and the higher quality one is the one that comes as a kit with all of the possible DLC adapters, an AC power adapter, all of the loopback connectors, and DVD-ROMs of the TIS2000 software.
Hi there DrShock, Thanks for this video. Do you happen to know what the cause of no communication usually turns out to be and how it can be repaired? I've done the dc-dc converter replacement and have pin16 isolation switch with remote power. The symptom is that it will generally connect properly first try but subsequent attempts need to be hrs apart to succeed. Very frustrating. Thanks again, Scott.
No communication with the vehicle, or no communication with a PC?
@@DrShock Oh, No communication with the vehicle. I feel like something gets warm and disconnects or something. I get one good run. Then after a restart it just won't connect to the vehicle again for up to an hour. Self test reports shift key fault and also RTC fault.??? I've tried on other vehicles and it's the same.
RTC reporting a problem on POST (power on self test) is common given the age of these tools. Shift key fault is not, neither of my two have that error, though I doubt it's related to what you're experiencing. I believe that would be a membrane keyboard error, that the shift key is stuck in the pushed state.
Rather than rely on just the POST, I would run the built in diagnostics and connect up the loopback connectors to see if it finds anything. Can't say I've ever seen or heard of this sort of problem before.
@@DrShock Thank you Doc, I'll do that.
@@DrShock The RTC and also the keyboard fault were user (me) error. After resolving my misunderstanding of the use of the shift key I was able to complete the self test. Unfortunately the VCI failed miserably. Do you know where I can buy one?
My Tech2 boots to a white screen and stays that way now any idea what that might be ? Appreciate your time and reply 😎👍🏼
These tools are generally not repairable, if its a clone/knock-off version. The OEM one is a mail in/exchange type repair that is very costly. If you have the clone Tech2, I'd suggest:
- With the unit disconnected from power, open the access door and remove the firmware memory card. Try rebooting without that card installed. If it works, you need a new memory card.
- If the memory card wasn't causing the behavior, some folks have had success replacing the voltage converter. I did a video on that some years ago - ruclips.net/video/VAmGybyWfJ4/видео.html
Awesome fix ! My problem is I broke 2 pins off on the main scanner plug. Have a fix for that?
If you mean the connector on the Tech2 itself, that's part of the vehicle communications interface (VCI) module that can be removed and replaced.
@@DrShock yes the main 32 pin connector whatever it is right there at the base of the tech 2 scanner thank you very much I couldn't remember what that modules called PCI where can I pick one of those up
That's a major part of the circuitry so not cheap, if you have a clone will be less than if you have a genuine Tech2. Here's a couple of affiliate links for it on eBay: ebay.us/sqEJjH and Amazon: amzn.to/2Sp3aTb
@@DrShock thanks again. Yes its a clone. One I will never loan out again. Thanks I will order one up asap
Can you put a link to where we can get such an extension....it seems all the extensions locally does not have an off/on switch
In the description already.
Hey Dr. Shock, Ordered one of those Cables from your YT Video. Also I have question. I have a GM Tech 2. The Display has some pixels missing in the horizontal rows which makes the images blurry. Do you know of anywhere I can buy a new display board complete. They are all over Ebay ..but they are the Chinese versions. Any place in the USA you might know of to get GM Tech 2 components? Thanks Mark
Thanks. The genuine Tech2 never had any publicly available spare parts, as these were ship in for repair only tools. Only two options I believe you have are waiting for a dead one to appear on eBay to cannibalize it for the LCD screen. Or, paying Bosch for an out of warranty repair.
@@DrShock thanks for the reply Dr shock looks like it'll be an eBay thing I find a dead one but the last Dead one I saw on eBay was bit up to 480 bucks crazy money thanks for your time and trouble
hi drshock I have an original tech2 that suffered a short, I have no idea how to fix the tracks of the vci module and the tech has a burned track, I can't find any service that can repair it here in Mexico, is there the possibility that you have that repair service?
No, I don't do commercial repair work. But if you have an original Tech2, then the investment could warrant a repair. If you had a clone, I would say recycle it and buy another.
There are no published schematics for the Tech2, so they cannot be _repaired_ in the conventional sense. But if it's just damaged circuit traces on the PCB or a jack/connector that needs to be replaced I can recommend @NorthridgeFix in California for that kind of micro soldering work though. They are not cheap, but they are _better than factory_ when completed. ;-)
Can these clones do a crank relearn? Or if i change the distro will it relearn timing on the new part? Thanks in advance.
The best ones are identical to the Bosch made in China originals. Here's a video where I use a clone Tech2 to relearn a diesel crankshaft sensor top dead center, for example. ruclips.net/video/yDGwnRofpKc/видео.html&lc=UgzHOXtVttJxs4Ckwwd4AaABAg
i have downloaded tech2win and running it through the MDI clone and it does not give any engine data live stats or anything like that. im in australia, using the australia holden bin file, just only gives the basic scan tool stuff, what am i doing wrong?
I'm not a Tech2Win subscriber having a physical Tech2 as in this video. The subscriptions I have with my MDI are SPS and GDS2 only. You might find out faster calling technical support at ACDelco TDS - www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions#
@@DrShock thanks
When my Tech2 starts up it beeps 4 times and the screen stays blue with no text or image. What do you think could be wrong.
Power on self test (POST) failure. Likely dead, and unfortunately not user repairable as there are no schematics. One thing you might try is swapping another PCMCIA firmware card in case its just corrupted but I would have low expectations. If its a genuine Tech2, you can pay Bosch to repair it. If it's a clone, time for the recycling bin or to eBay out for its parts. Before I tossed it though, I'd open it up and check for any loose connections, another long shot but worth checking.
I got a new teck 2 and i cannot get it to work , was wondering if I could send it to you to check it out and see if it's not working properly or if it's operator error. I'm not very teck savvy
I'm not a business to do that, but if you want to comment what the error code is I might be able to point you in the right direction.
@DrShock when I hook it to a car it goes through the pass test then the screen just turns white tried it on 3 different cars same thing on all of them
Could be a voltage problem. Try powering it up from the AC adapter and the barrel port for that power input instead (do not connect the DLC cable to the vehicle port). The Tech2 should have came with an AC adapter. See if the screen behavior is any different.
Hi, i need repair one tech 2 original and one clone, the original repair in california and only work 7 months. The warranty us onle 3 month. Are you repair for costumer, the original all parts is new onle no on. Thanks.
No, I don't do any retail repairs. Just a hobby.
Can i use this tool to deploy my airbags?
_Deploy_ is probably not the word you're looking for here ;-) But you can use a Tech2 to setup a *new* SDM (sensing and diagnostic module) for SIR (supplemental inflatable restraint) systems in vehicles 2008 and earlier. You cannot reuse used modules using GM tools. You can further use a Tech2 with SPS (Service Programming System) to update the calibration on the SDM, to the latest programming if necessary, using TIS2000 (DVD) or TIS2Web (www.acdelcotds.com).
@@DrShock while I was actually jokingly asking if I could set off the airbags haha I appreciate your well thought out and timely response. You sir have earned my subscription! I did purchase a tech 2 last night and hopefully wont deploy my airbags while im using it. 😂
Basically, a cord that has no power wires going to the vehicle hookup.
Yeah but finding that design commercially will be tough, but these switched cables are less than $6 to the door and quite common.
What is that extra cord really for???
I mention in the video, it's for those OBDII adapters that Bluetooth communicate to smartphone apps on your vehicles health.
@@DrShock no the extra cord the tech 2 comes with why is that
When you buy them brand new it's all in a big kit. You get adapters for ODBI and ODBII, Saab, Saturn, etc as older vehicles didn't have standardized diagnostics ports. You get an AC adapter as that's needed for SPS programming with TIS2000 off vehicle. You get self-test loopback adapters for the ADLC and communications ports. And you get two more power adapters, one for the 12V accessory plug for ODBI vehicles and another that you can use with the battery instead. So this $6 switched extension cable I've tested and video'd for you guys one can just toss into the box with all this other stuff and use it when necessary as you'll already have the AC power adapter, the 12V accessory power adapter, and the battery jumper clip power adapter to choose from that came with your Tech2 kit.
Tech 2 work on 95 K1500
Tech2 model year coverage is 1993 thru 2013, but the coverage on the oldest years and the newest years is limited. I don't have first hand experience with a 1995 truck, so I would be guessing but I would have an expectation it would work. You may need the ODBI connector adapter for it though, I can't recall when the ODBII switchover happened but it was sometime near 1995.
@@DrShock 1996 was the switch over.
DrShock Tech 2 works from 95 to 2012 with no problem, some 94 and down you need to have an adapter to use it with Tech 2 or Tech 1
I dont know the answer to your question, but if you cant get coverage with the Tech 2, the next best thing I believe (but limited compared to Tech2) would be an Snap On "Brick" MT2500/MTG2500. For older vehicles- those cartridges give a great deal of engine info plots and bidirectional controls. Specifically versions 9.2 for primary and 8.2 for troubleshooter- I believe those were the last versions produced...at least those were the only(latest) ones I could find when I purchased.
You could even use power cord that plugs to wall outlet on extension cord
Nope, you cannot. That approach will not work for this situation with a Tech2 clone. That's because the design of the clone tool is to only source power from the DLC when detected, the power from the AC adapter will be ignored during a voltage drop encountered during a cranking event. Additionally the DC-DC voltage converter device used in the clones cannot handle a voltage drop below 9VDC, whereas the genuine Tech2 can. So the solution presented here, which bypasses that DLC voltage check, is the only route to avoid the reboot of the tool.
Are you a gm mechanic?
engineer ;-)
Engineers tend to over think things
I'm looking for a 6.5 diesel mechanic in the Akron Canton area of Ohio