Autotap or similar? C4C5specialist or anyone else-

[KANE]

I am just getting my feet wet to the LS1 and OBDII. I have been living in closed loop 1991 for the last six years with my 78, so I am looking to get into the diagnostics realm and capabilities of the new PCM management systems through some sort of GM car to laptop interface software.

I have heard of autotap- has anyone used it before? What's better? I'd like to have something similar to the GM TECH 1 in terms of capabilities. Of course, I don't want to drop 3K either.

Any thoughts?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Autotap is functional for basic data and code retreival. It will probably help you do what you need, however, it is slower than a Tech 2 and does not have alot of the function needed to do professional diagnosis and repair.
For your needs, it will probably serve you well.
And it is alot less expensive than Tech 2.
Allthebest, c4c5 :eek

 

[Mr Cowl Hood]

HI there,
Autotap is functional for basic data and code retreival. It will probably help you do what you need, however, it is slower than a Tech 2 and does not have alot of the function needed to do professional diagnosis and repair.
For your needs, it will probably serve you well.
And it is alot less expensive than Tech 2.
Allthebest, c4c5 :eek

I agree. I have used ATAP for several years and the newest version will support CAN bus technology that will probably be available on the C6. Thoughts c4c5?

I have ATAP version 2.04 and with my custom windows I can monitor all that I need, spark advance, knock retard, Ltrims, gearing, temps, etc. I can reset DTC's with it, but you can do that already on your dash. It also allows logging of data that can be useful when you can't afford to look at your PC at 100+ mph.

A tech 2 is better, but overkill unless you're a technician.

 

[fhturner]

HI there,
Autotap is functional for basic data and code retreival. It will probably help you do what you need, however, it is slower than a Tech 2 and does not have alot of the function needed to do professional diagnosis and repair.

Hey c4c5--

Can you recommend a more affordable alternative to the Tech 2 that would have "a lot of the function needed to do professional diagnosis and repair"? I'd like to put my service manuals (and my enjoyment of troubleshooting!) to more effective use.

Thanks,
Fred

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hey c4c5--

Can you recommend a more affordable alternative to the Tech 2 that would have "a lot of the function needed to do professional diagnosis and repair"? I'd like to put my service manuals (and my enjoyment of troubleshooting!) to more effective use.

Thanks,
Fred

HI there,
No, not really. Tech 2 is really the best and most usable of any scan tool.
After owning many in the past, Tech 2 is the only one I use on GM vehicles.
The features are many, bidirectional control(being able to turn stuff on and off by command), reprogram control modules, live plot(being able to see a graph on a particular data stream), fuel trim resetting. I can go on for hours, literally.
$2400 may seem alot, but for what it does in my field, it is a necessity.
As for the car owners, I would think it would be overkill.
Allthebest, c4c5 :eek

 

[danc5]

I have been thinking that the OTC scanner can do the same thing and it is usable on other cars. Cost is about the same. I would like to know if this is incorect before I buy the wrong one.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
What model of scanner are you getting????
c4c5

 

[danc5]

I can't find the info I wrote, but it came out about 9 months ago and came with domestic and import module for $1800. Maby modle 2800? Can you give me a quick reply about whats the best trans fluid to use with an A4 service on a '98?

 

[c4c5specialist]

I can't find the info I wrote, but it came out about 9 months ago and came with domestic and import module for $1800. Maby modle 2800? Can you give me a quick reply about whats the best trans fluid to use with an A4 service on a '98?

Hi there,
You are paying for the import cartridge more than just the domestic also.
Honestly, there isnt a scanner out there that is as well equipped as Tech2.
Allthebest, c4c5 :eek

 

[bossvette]

will the autotap diagnose a 96 vortec truck that will not start, I stopped and filled up my truck last friday night and it hasnt started since. Thinking of getting an autotap as I have several GM vehicles and will eventually buy a C-4 0r C-5, I plan on buying the basic unit and the upgraded GM software. I try to do most of my own work and have been doing so for 40 years and have been toying with the Idea of getting a diagnostic tool.
thanks]
Craig sr

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Well, that depends on what system caused the failure to start. And also, what model and engine size.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[bossvette]

96 chev with 5.7 vortec I stopped for gas last friday night, filled up and truck would not start. no fuel at the shraeder valve replaced filter,relay even tried splicing in a 15 lb carter electric pump in the line so I can move it (it is outside in a foot of snow).
fuses look good but I did not check them with a meter(next half decent day). it turns over but isnt gvetting any fuel.
will it diagnose a bad computer?

the worse part is I have a 30x48 pole barn with a lift and cannot get the truck in it :cry
thanks
Craig sr

 

[Chuck2kc5]

Craig,

Sounds to me like you picked up some water in your system and it froze in the line. If you can get the truck to an above freezing environment for a while and add some alcohol (non-drinking kind) to your gas tank, you'll probably get it running again.

Chuck

 

[danc5]

Hi,
If I buy a tech 2, is there anything I cannot do with it. I heard that flashing the PCM can only be done by a dealer? Is that true? Anything else?
Thanks, Daniel

 

[dman]

96 vortec 60 lbsi of fuel psi or it will not start or run..

 

[dman]

ps. my o2 fuel pump inop... .allso if i know the vortec motor your intake gaskts are seaping dex cool @ front cyl passages , and most pos on # 3 alt by now

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi,
If I buy a tech 2, is there anything I cannot do with it. I heard that flashing the PCM can only be done by a dealer? Is that true? Anything else?
Thanks, Daniel

HI there,
The reason that the flashing can only be done by a dealership, is the software and program algorithm database that the franchise pays for. The Tech 2 requires that we load the VIN into the unit, request information, then go to the PC for final upload, before we download to the vehicle in question,.
As for the Vortec truck, yes, it can help you there, because you can command the fuel pump on, and see if you are getting pressure with a gauge at the schrader valve. You can also command to see if the fuel pump relay is working.
This will also tell you if the driver in the PCM is working for the fuel pump. You can also check fuel injectors, to see if they are working, and every thing else in the line of PCM.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[bossvette]

As for the Vortec truck, yes, it can help you there

Thanks, looking forward to seeing you at cruise-fest
Craig sr