Looking for input on a MDI 1 or 2

[gmcman]

I like the Tech 2 for portability, but for programming, I will need to go with the MDI to save a bunch of headaches.

Curious what the current package deal is now for either interface, I figure the MDI 2 is the one to get but either will work.

I've searched and found a few clones in the sub-$300 range, not sure what to look for but I'm going to pull the trigger on one shortly.

Wasted almost a week diagnosing, replacing, trying to program....

 

[Mooseman]

@m.mcmillen is probably the most familiar with these. Hopefully he will make an appearance

 

[gmcman]

This is the one I was considering, not sure if it's missing any key components.

GM MDI 2 WIFI Global car Diagnostic Interface with Wifi Card

GM MDI 2 Diagnostic Interface with Wifi Card Support Cars From 1996 To 2022, can be used with Global TIS, GDS 2, Tech2Win software on a new laptop, provides full dealer level diagnostics and programming.

www.obd2eshop.com

 

[m.mcmillen]

This will do what you need. https://www.drewtech.com/mongoose/gm2.html

 

[Mooseman]

At $495USD , it ain't cheap though. And only works on GM. At that price, I'd want it to work on all vehicles.

 

[m.mcmillen]

Then you’ll spend $1800+

CarDAQ-Plus 3

www.drewtech.com

I wouldn’t trust clones. I’ve heard too many stories of them bricking modules while programming due to the subpar parts used to build them.

 

[Mooseman]

True. It comes to what your risk level is. My Tech 2 clone has been solid so my tolerance to risk may be a bit higher. Of course for anyone working in a professional shop, true name brand and reliable tools are a must.

 

[m.mcmillen]

Right. I can’t risk that.

Alternatively, you can keep an eye out on eBay for a used MDI 2. Another thing I’ve used to flash GM’s is a VCM2 which is what Ford uses. Bosch makes both the MDI2 and VCM2. I bought a used genuine VCM2 for about $900

 

[gmcman]

Thanks for the info.

Having spent a small amount of time with TDS, getting the 24 hr subscriptions for the Tech 2, I keep hearing of the tis2000 being phased out in late September.

Does this only apply to the Tech 2 support with tis2000 or does this include tis2web?

I will need module programming capabilities and I'm not well versed in what's staying or leaving.

 

[m.mcmillen]

Tis2web which included SPS was shut down last fall sometime. They’ve changed over to Techline Connect which includes SPS2. As far as I know, no one has been able to get their tech2 to work as a passthru device and GM is no help. They pretty much made it obsolete.

 

[Mooseman]

Tis2000, once cracked, is basically standalone but it only works for vehicles up to 2007. It hasn't been supported or updated since. After that, if you need to reprogram a module, you need a newer option, like a TDS online subscription, which are now 2 years for $40USD for a single VIN, unless they also changed that recently.

As for the Tech 2, it only works for vehicles up to 2013 for diagnostics.

Now they do still have the old SPS available but only if your particular vehicle's calibrations are not in the SPS2 database. A Caprice owner I've seen on another forum, each time he has to program a module using a different passthrough, has to contact ACDelco because they don't have calibrations for Caprices in the SPS2 database at all no matter what passthrough he uses. What they do is take control of your computer and take you to the old SPS while masking what they do, and then let you do what you need to do. If someone was savvy enough, they could maybe use a keylogger and screen grabber to record how they do it.

Someone on there did mention that the VCX Nano does work, however, over here, those trying to use it have had trouble with its software. Reading reviews on Amazon, which are all over the place, the instructions are apparently garbage but there is a lot of info in there to get it working.

 

[m.mcmillen]

which are now 2 years for $40USD for a single VIN, unless they also changed that recently.

They changed it last week to $45

 

[mrrsm]

An interesting "On Topic" Read...

GM New Techline Connect SPS2 vs. SPS - VXdiagshop.com

Related posts:JLR SDD install steps and win 7 linkMethod of register VXDIAG Benz Xentry / DAS DiagnosticsVXDIAG VCX Firmware & VCX Passthru Update History

blog.vxdiagshop.com

 

[Mooseman]

Man, talk about "Chinglish"!

 

[mrrsm]

Jesus Wept... Can you BELIEVE these People?

The Corporate Mooks and Bean Counters must have said...

"Look Guys... We are NOT selling enough Rolling Stock right now... so YOU Dudes (and Dudettes) are going to have to make up the Short Fall by Putting The Squeeze on the Non-Dealer Repair Shops that thrive on using Remote Diagnostics as their Business Model. NO BUCKS? NO BUCK ROGERS!!!"

...and so now...THIS:

ACDelco TDS

www.acdelcotds.com

Damn... I am SO glad that I STILL have my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Non-DOD) LM7 5.3 A4 that STILL has less than 75,000 Miles on it... and I can support it completely with the Mechanical Knowledge, the "GYMKO" Tech 2, Autel DS-708 Scan Tools and loads of other Diagnostic Gear as well.

"I Want for NOTHING..."

"Technology is a Useful Servant... But a Dangerous Master"
Christian Lous Lange