I'd like to get some kind of professional level diagnostic software for GM cars. I see I can get a tech 2 with the candi module on ebay for $2150. I've got to do a CASE relearn on an 06 STS and I replaced a transmission ecu and it needs to be reprogrammed. I figure each one of those will cost $100 plus I have other uses for a good system. Is there anything that is cheaper that will do the same things?

Some member posted info on a PC-based system. Try the search advanced functions.

What is a CASE relearn?

You can buy a Tech 2, but to program a transmission control module you have to buy access from GM to TIS2WEB and I am pretty sure that won't come cheap.
If you mean the transmission shift adapt relearn you can do that with the Tech 2.
For any Service Programming you have to be able to access the calibration database which is done using the TIS2WEB application that launches from the Globalconnect website using your login.

Seems like an awful lot of money to spend to avoid taking it to a dealer and asking them to do a couple of things for you.

With so many dealers having gone "belly-up" you've got to be able to find used Tech-2's around....


Also, while not a Tech-2, the AutoEngunity (PC based) scanner with the GM "Enhanced" package is good alternative for 80% less ;)

I was looking for the same thing and there are alot of solutions out there that cover all makes and models and therefore are as expensive or almost as expensive as a Tech II. I spoke with someone by phone last week who I had emailed asking what the capabilities were of his PC based scan/programming system and he told me that any system sold by anyone is not going to be 100%. He said they 'like' to be around 90%. He said the only way to get 100% is to get a Tech II and keep it updated.

By the way there is a Tech II for $1700 on Ebay right now. Its actually listed for $1911 obo but the guy already told me he would do it for $1700. If you want I can give you his email address. I had just saw one end the other day with 0 bids and the starting bid was $1400 no reserve.

What is a CASE relearn?

Crank Angle Sensor Error You have to do it when the ECM is replaced.





You can buy a Tech 2, but to program a transmission control module you have to buy access from GM to TIS2WEB and I am pretty sure that won't come cheap.
If you mean the transmission shift adapt relearn you can do that with the Tech 2.
For any Service Programming you have to be able to access the calibration database which is done using the TIS2WEB application that launches from the Globalconnect website using your login.

Seems like an awful lot of money to spend to avoid taking it to a dealer and asking them to do a couple of things for you.

This is the conclusion that I reached. I'll just eat it and let the dealer make some money. My reasoning for wanting one is that I've been buying and fixing totaled STSs and it would be nice to have a Tech 2 for stuff like that CASE relearn and flashing the new TCU I had to put on my latest repair. Once I thought about it a little more I figured that I'd be able to do the CASE relearn but I wouldn't have any software to flash to the new TCU.

I guess you are talking about resetting the shift adapts?
Yeah, they make that stuff accessible but it can cost big money for access to the applications you need to keep it going.

All of you beware about buying "Tech 2's" on the web.
Half of them are stolen, and some of the ones that aren't are knockoffs. We have been hearing about places buying them cheap and then finding out that the tool or the CANdi module is counterfeit.
There are some places you can find more info.
Sometimes too good to be true... is.

Hey ewill,

Would I be able to unlock radios and change vehicle settings around with a tech II without having to connect to that GM network?

You can modify some settings like radio options (for replacement) and some vehicle features but control varies by make/model/year.
Without being specific for an application I am forced to say yes, but that doesn't mean it is all possible.
Some things are done via programming using a Techline terminal and for that you have to have access.

Most radio theft unlocks are done by Tech 2 only.
It just clears the VIN information and the radio learns the VIN on the next ignition cycle.