I believe that a good scan tool to use would be a Chinese-made handheld Tech 2 tool. They used to cost about $200 shipped before the COVID-19 situation, but the tool can perform nearly any function on the Escalade control systems including calibrations. I have a handheld Tech 2 tool that have been useful over the years for repairs like bleeding the ABS after a brake fluid flush and chasing trouble codes. Tech 2 tools is what the dealership techs used to use to work our trucks before the newer hardware/software came out.

VCX diagnostics makes a Tech2 win tool for about $100 that uses your laptop which work on newer GM models as well. I also have that tool as well for a newer GM model I used to own that needed the newer GDS2 software, but it worked on my Escalade. However, the handheld is the easier tool to use.

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The VCX installed on my laptop. Uses WIFI to make a wireless connection to laptop.

 

Thanks for detailed reply.
I wasn't sure on those Chinese Tech2 replicas.
But if you say so, I guess I'll go with it.
I know how capable Tech2 is from my dealer


Edit:
Watched some tutorials on YouTube and VCX also looks pretty cool but a little bit complicated.
So, according to your opinion, considering that I am a newbie, which one I should go with?
For now I will be using diagnostic on 2005 Escalade only but who knows what will happen in the future

 

Well, from my experince I would just buy the handheld Tech 2 if you only work on the Escalade. The Tech 2 is very easy to use, unlike the VCX. However, if you are planning on working on a newer 2007+ GM vehicle also then I would just buy the VCX to save money in the future. I ended up wasting money buying both, because I traded the 2014 GM vehicle. So now I have two GM specific scanners, but need only the one Tech 2 handheld for my Escalade. My other cars are Asian makes so I have to use an even different scan tool for those repair jobs.

Looking back, I should have just bought the VCX since it work on old and newer GM cars.

 

Planing to go for 3rd generation in about 2 years

 

Depends on what you need. The blue driver is pretty good. You might be able to get everything you need with the Torque Pro app (if you have Android) and a cheap bluetooth OBD2 dongle. These things are read only, and can't perform test functions, such as evap tests (not bi-directional). Torque Pro and a BT dongle will be less than $30 USD investment. There is a free Torque app, but it can basically only read codes. Can't provide misfire counts and a bunch of other useful scan tool data. Pro version is $3-4, and is definitely worth it.

Tech 2 will work for most GM vehicles up to 2013 (some models even later), so even if you upgrade to a 07-14 Escalade, you should be good too. Tech 2 will support bi-directional controls.

If you want something that will work for most vehicles, and support bi-directional controls, get one of the Autel tablets. They aren't cheap ($500+ USD), but they can do just about everything. Key here is this will work for non-GM vehicles, model year 96+ too.

 

Depends on what you need. The blue driver is pretty good. You might be able to get everything you need with the Torque Pro app (if you have Android) and a cheap bluetooth OBD2 dongle. These things are read only, and can't perform test functions, such as evap tests (not bi-directional). Torque Pro and a BT dongle will be less than $30 USD investment. There is a free Torque app, but it can basically only read codes. Can't provide misfire counts and a bunch of other useful scan tool data. Pro version is $3-4, and is definitely worth it.

Tech 2 will work for most GM vehicles up to 2013 (some models even later), so even if you upgrade to a 07-14 Escalade, you should be good too. Tech 2 will support bi-directional controls.

If you want something that will work for most vehicles, and support bi-directional controls, get one of the Autel tablets. They aren't cheap ($500+ USD), but they can do just about everything. Key here is this will work for non-GM vehicles, model year 96+ too.

Thanks for your detailed reply.

I am not a mechanic but I want to start working on my Escalade so I need a little bit capable device.
According to your and @carguy75 's advices, Tech2 seems enough for me.

 

I recently bought a vcx thru amazon, for a little over $100. But when trying to install software it was flagged as a Trojan!! Exchanged several emails with support group, they wanted me to disable my antivirus!! That's a no for me, so I returned it..

 

You just adjust your antivirus to allow for that exception. I haven't heard of anyone who has ever had a virus from installing and using that software. I guess if you wanted to be super safe, use the VCX in a virtual machine. If anything really happens, you just shut down the virtual machine and you have lost nothing but a little time.

 

I just ordered a Tech2 from chinacardiags.com. There is a coupon for 6% off and free shipping. It is much cheaper if you get it in the cardboard box instead of the plastic case. I will see how long it takes to get here and let you know how it works. Now to find a Windows XP laptop, because I don't want to load that software on my good one.

 

You do not need to load any software to use your chinacardiags.com Tech2.

 

The poster is probably referring to the Bosch documentation discs (instructions) that comes with the Tech 2 handheld. I did not install them either to minimize download any Trojan virus software onto my computer.

 

I did install the documentation from the CD and it was virus free.

 

I bit the bullet and bought a Tech2 - $60 shipping! I really need to get rid of the EVAP CEL. Hopefully it will work on other things.

 

Buy this! Easy to use and wireless. Works awesome!

 

A Tech2 can do a lot more, and you are posting in the wrong group. 1999 - 2006 here.

 

I'm sorry, I thought this website was for Cadillac owners trying to help out other owners. I did not know I was ONLY supposed to post in my year truck forum.