The best diagnostic tool for C5 Corvettes - TECH2

[cavettefan]

I visited the dealer today for what I thought was a problem with my automatic transmission - not downshifting in part throttle situations. Since it was a slow day, the Service Manager went with me for a test drive to recreate the "problem". Hooked to the On Board Diagnostic port was the TECH2 scanner. An hour later, I was blown away by the amount of information that is available to/accessible by the TECH2. With the TECH2, you have to work hard to not be able to diagnose problems with the car. Basically, if the OBD sensors can detect a problem, the TECH2 will find it. You could even detect the application of the electric seat switches....

I was so amazed that I had to post this experience with my Corvette and the dealer that I got it from.

P.S.: The problem that I originally went in for turned out to not be a problem - the engine produces gobs of torque and therefore, the transmission does not need to downshift, so it doesn't. In the test drive, the engine delivered 347 ft/lbs of torque at 2500 rpm per the TECH2....

 

[Greg C]

Yeah well, your not talkin' about a tool from Sears here.......who's got $3,295.00 to spend on a Tech 2.........? Would be nice though........

 

[cavettefan]

$3,295 is a reason to be on good terms with your dealer. If you have a competent dealer (and those can be few and far between...), the TECH2 scanner helps the diagnosis of any problems to be first-time-right. Good mechanical insight narrows the search, but the TECH2 confirms (or denies) the diagnosis.

 

[justafamilyman]

Hi cavettefan,
Actually this for general consumption, but if you can add to it, please do.
Are there any lower priced diagnistic tools that may be...oh... 3 digits in price and maybe not be a detailled but can point the used in the right direction?
Blue Borg Brian 1 of 58

 

[hawaii-5-lo]

the tech 2 is it,for sure,but for 250 bucks at checker auto i bought a scan tool that lets me read all the sensors,records,the enhanced version(download off web site)does tranny,etc...cant change any settings,but ive modded the car some and ported the MAS(BAD MOVE)after that theres a WOT lean condition.would not have known this without the scan tool.just my .02
Todd.

 

[justafamilyman]

Hey Todd,
What is the name of the new tool?
To All Others,
Either Vette or Corvette Fever had an article about 3 different diagnistic scaners. Does anyone know which issue the article is in?
Blue Borg Brian 1 of 58

 

[E. J.]

This is the one I use. I'm happy with what it does.

In my opinion, for powertrain diagnosis it's the best for the money.

Ed


http://www.autotap.com/

 

[hawaii-5-lo]

aloha,
it is auto-tap:cool
Todd.

 

[Rain]

This is what I hooked up to today.
http://www.softwareforcars.com/AeroCart/list.asp?cat=2,14,19,24,0