GM Diagnostic Tool

[Customer]

Does the GM diagnostics interface Mongoose GM (VPW/CAN) - p/n M-VPWCAN allow the entire set of diagnostic tests ( as GM TECH 2) with the GM TIS 2000 software.

[xtreme 2]

Yes, in the case of the GM Mongoose, you can run any function the TIS2000 software allows via J2534, which I believe does include the full diagnostic suite of tests

[wetfoot]

Yes, in the case of the GM Mongoose, you can run any function the TIS2000 software allows via J2534, which I believe does include the full diagnostic suite of tests

This is an old post that I came up with googling. Does anyone have further experience using the Mongoose with TIS2000 software to diagnose body modules such as brakes, HVAC, drivers door, radios?

thanks

[Sales@Tunertools]

The new GM Mongoose is available at this link and the current software from GM is TIS2WEB available over the internet directly from GM

Please note that these are designed as J2534 reflash tools for updating the OEM calibration files in the PCM modules and that diagnostics is a side benefit, not the main purpose of the tool. For diagnostics on General Motors, you'll need to add software such as ScanXL with the GM enhanced data

[wetfoot]

Thanks for the response. This is the gist of what I'm getting from talking to a few interface manufacturers and software companies:

I wrote to Palmer about ScanXL with the GM "package" and here is their reply: No, we do not support them yet. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

This means that servicing the various body modules that are on the serial data line is left to the realm of Tech-2 scanners and the dealers. My Escalade as an example, has 11 computer systems located on that line. The drivers door module, radio, HVAC, rear HVAC, Entertainment, rear-hatch and probably a few others can only be serviced by the dealer.

It's seems like enough aftermarket people are out there that will help tweak engine and tranny settings. Isn't anyone interested in the service market?

[Sales@Tunertools]

You need to separate diagnostic trouble codes from reprogramming.

ScanXL with GM enhanced data does provide the trouble codes & reset any lights caused by them. This level of diagnostics can be performed by ScanXL so long as you have the enhanced data pack.

Programming is available via any J2534 device + the GM TIS2WEB software for those times when a module needs to be replaced.

Performance of diagnostics via a J2534 tool and GM TIS2WEB is somewhat limited as this set up is officially only authorized for reflashing / resetting the modules.

Unfortunately, the OEM manufacturers completely control their own intellectual property and this limits how far the aftermarket can go down this path without either violating GM's proprietary data and/or paying exhorbitant license fees for licensing the the data. Such tools are available, but due to the need to fully license GM diagnostic data, the cost of such tools is upward from $3000 or more.

Rest assured, if there is any room to make a profit, the aftermarket developers are more than willing.

[wetfoot]

Hi Lloyd,

Where do items like matching VIN's and resetting learn bits in HVAC systems or radios fall? Is this reprogramming or diagnostics.

GM and Chrysler have lost a lot of dealers. GM has considerable module support issues in it's early 2000 computer module systems. I would like to offer services other than performance tuning for domestic car owners. I'm unsure of the best equipment route. It seems like there are a number of issues that fall somewhere between reprogram and service units. This makes equipment purchase difficult. I would love to go the Mongoose or Cardaq route but I'm not sure these are complete solutions.

[Sales@Tunertools]

Hi Lloyd,

Where do items like matching VIN's and resetting learn bits in HVAC systems or radios fall? Is this reprogramming or diagnostics.

These are programming functions and can be done with either the Mongoose (if you have the right Mongoose for the vehicle) or the CarDAQ-plus which covers all makes and models.

The exact methods vary by make, year and vehicle and there's a bit of a learning curve just locating the documentation for exact process to follow, but yes all this can be done via a good SAE J2534 tool.

[wetfoot]

I understand that the J2534 tool is capable of the interface functions. If it is indeed based on CAN or something similar this comes down to reading and writing given locations. Which brings me back to where I started:

Which piece of software will address these tasks? According to Palmer, their product ScanXL will not support the extended body module functions. This has to indicate you feel the OEM software is the answer. It's interesting that GM claims that up until the 2009 model year, there is no real J1850 (or should I say diagnostic?) support for the MDI interface and the dealers must stay with the Tech-2 unit. This unit is capable of both full diagnostics and reflash, as such there are no crumbs falling off the table. Maybe this is the reason that OTC, SNAP-ON and the others are out there with products. Though I'm no sure these guys can fully support a given car manufacturer.

[Sales@Tunertools]

Palmer is correct in that ScanXL will not support these reprogramming functions as it does not support anything bi-directional at all and is read only. For these functions, you must use the GM J2534 reflash software and there are procedures in place to replace these modules, re-match them with the VIN and even to replace the main ECU (VIN re-writing). It gets a little bit complicated as there are also security steps built in requiring the steps be performed in an exact sequence but the J2534 tools do in fact support this and this is considered reprogramming, not diagnostics.

ScanXL is diagnostics and it will report back any trouble codes from these systems as well as reset any alert that has been set. ScanXL will not support replacing the modules as they have to be reprogrammed to match the VIN and system.