A while ago I decided that a Tech II would be handy, but the hand held unit was way over what I was prepared to pay. With a little research I found it was possible to connect an GM MDI unit to an existing laptop and use Tech II Win. I purchased the GM MDI clone from Buy Products Online from China Wholesalers at Aliexpress.com (there are other sellers on ebay and elsewhere so please do your own research. I got the first generation rounder looking unit.). With an older laptop, vmware player and some searching I was able to find the software online. Some sellers offer a HDD at extra cost. So far I have used it to reprogram my remote fobs, run an ABS purge and diagnose an ABS issue. Nothing earth shattering but everything worked. Thought I would share
Low cost Tech II
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65 Posts
Outstanding ! Boomer can I rent it lol
Here's a topic you might spread light on, yes by the way the new engine is amazing!
My lock buttons on the doors.. do not activate my locks... my fob works fine, when shifting into gear, th wy lock down and stay until shift into park... you think like I am and wondering if it's a programming issue to the RLM remote lock module? Thanks
Here's a topic you might spread light on, yes by the way the new engine is amazing!
My lock buttons on the doors.. do not activate my locks... my fob works fine, when shifting into gear, th wy lock down and stay until shift into park... you think like I am and wondering if it's a programming issue to the RLM remote lock module? Thanks
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283 Posts
Boomer uses ingenuity and skill to economically solve his issues and I much admire his input on this forum. My skill set is more modest. When I bought my G6 last year I planned to keep it as my last "toy" car and tried to economically obtain as many special tools as I could. I searched for a Tech II clone or compatible scanner and ultimately bought one of these:
Before buying it, I queried the vendor about compatibility with proprietary GM (Pontiac) systems (specifically the convertible top) and ultimately decided to give it a try. I've been very pleased with it and it was much more affordable for me than a Tech II. This in conjunction with a service manual on DVD have been invaluable.
When shopping for a Tech II compatible scanner, be sure to choose carefully. There are many models out there and in the case of this one, there are several models by the same manufacturer that are less applicable to the G6 than this one. Ask the seller questions and review their return policy in case the one you get isn't satisfactory.
Good luck. - Mark
GM General Motors Diagnostic Scanner Code Reader ABS SRS SAS Scan Tool Vident | eBay
Professional Multi-System Auto Diagnostic Scan Tool. The manufacturer is continuing updating the software to cover the latest vehicles. It has not only the basic functions such as reading/erasing codes and live data, but also advanced functions including actuation, adaptation and programming.
www.ebay.com
Before buying it, I queried the vendor about compatibility with proprietary GM (Pontiac) systems (specifically the convertible top) and ultimately decided to give it a try. I've been very pleased with it and it was much more affordable for me than a Tech II. This in conjunction with a service manual on DVD have been invaluable.
When shopping for a Tech II compatible scanner, be sure to choose carefully. There are many models out there and in the case of this one, there are several models by the same manufacturer that are less applicable to the G6 than this one. Ask the seller questions and review their return policy in case the one you get isn't satisfactory.
Good luck. - Mark
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32 Posts
you seem like you would know the answer to my question, because I have tried to find someone who might know something about the tech2 and the Pontiac G6. As I’m sure you know, the Pontiac G6 uses the brake lights as the rear turn signals, and I don’t want that. I want to have amber turn signals like a European car. And the Saturn Aura has exactly that. Separate brake lights and turn signals. Both cars use the same exact pin out on the BCM (center console fuse box), and the Saturn Aura uses the brake light power from the 3rd brake light, and the turn signals come from the BCM. The turn signal output on the BCM is the same output as the Pontiac G6 left/right turn signals. So my question is, is there an option in the tech2 setup or however it works, to change how the turn signals work. Basically I just want to isolate the turn signals from the brake light circuit without using a bunch of relays and resistors. And simply use mostly stock wiring from the BCM. Really hoping I explained it well enough.
TLDR; I want the right an left brake lights to only act as turn signals, not turn signals that also act as brake lights.
I do not recall seeing anything like that on the Tech II options. I don't know how far you have researched, but if it were me I would see if I could pick up an old rear light unit for the Aura from a breakers yard to see if it is more than just a wiring issue. You might find that the BCM does not play so much of a part and you have two power sources (brake and turn) routed to a single bulb on the G6. Hope you find something useful and sorry I could not be of more help.
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32 Posts
I’ve done a lot more research than I’d like to admit. The Aura is wired the exact same way as the G6. The only difference is that the brake lights come from one circuit. I have a friend from a workshop who has access to wiring diagrams, and pin outs from both the Aura and G6 BCM. The circuit that goes to the 3rd brake light on the G6 is broken off into 3 separate wires on the Aura which powers all 3 brake lights. Vs on the G6, the wires that go to the turn signals are used as both a brake light and a turn signal. While on the Aura the wires to the turn signals are only used as turn signals. I have yet to sink any money into this little project. I’ve made a few phone calls to gm dealers to see what they had to say, and they just said it’s a waste of money buying a new BCM only for it to probably not work. You don’t happen to still have your G6 and the Tech2 program, do you?
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