tech 1 and tech 2 ..... I need a 101 on these

[evil16v]

I own 94 k1500 and a 95 k2500 suburban (both OBD I). I also take care of my folks' 2000 GS (OBD II). I see these vehicles going nowhere in the next few years. I maintain these almost 100% myself .I am pretty stuborn about too. Here's the jist.....

I bought this Suburban with issues a couple years ago and have done the rear brakes (opened system to replace cylinders). Now I have air in the ABS I can not get out. I also have an ABS light on (since I have had it). This means I can't just slam on the brakes and make the ABS cycle and let the air out.

I need something that can read ABS codes and cycle the ABS (BIdirectional). I could use a tech I pretty handly on both these trucks. BUT.... I notice there is now a tech II that would take care of these both and the 2000 GS (this is the one I really feel blind with when issues arise).

I notice there are clones... are these any good? Are there other bidirectional scanners out there? What cartridges/software do I need with either one of these? Anyone selling one? I may even have the folks chip in a couple hundred on it since it benifits them.

Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[Toolhorder]

If you want the factory scan tool don't waste your tech with a tech 1. Get a tech 2 with the software for the older stuff and you can do both with one tool.

 

[Joelfke]

If you want the factory scan tool don't waste your tech with a tech 1. Get a tech 2 with the software for the older stuff and you can do both with one tool.

x2 they make adaptors for the tech 2 to be plugged into the obd1 port and you can command things and read everything GM wanted a tech to see.

the newer ABS systems may require you to command the EBCM to bleed itself then you can bleed the system normally

 

[Toolhorder]

When I worked at Saturn days ago we used a tech2 and the OBD1 adaptors for the older cars and it worked just fine. No need for two scanners.

 

[bmxr4life87]

well at work we use a laptop based software from ease diagnostics that has generic obd 1&2 plus manufacturer specific support and bi controls for ford and gm but im sure that uhaul is getting a nice discount because it has all the shops on the same setup but we also have full access to manufacturer repair manuals online through gm and ford websites... sorry to rant but we also have an otc genysis and i know obd2 has bi controls but im unsure of its obd 1 capabilities

 

[t100]

All we have in the family are Toyota's. I have FSM(Factory Service Manual, not Haynes or Chilton stuff) of every single vehicle. On the Toyota manual, it shows how to do a Zero Point Calibration with and without the factory scanner. you many want to google for one of yours.

 

[Toolhorder]

All we have in the family are Toyota's. I have FSM(Factory Service Manual, not Haynes or Chilton stuff) of every single vehicle. On the Toyota manual, it shows how to do a Zero Point Calibration with and without the factory scanner. you many want to google for one of yours.

I've been a Honda tech forever (minus that Saturn job) and I've been slowly converting my fleet to Toyota's. Honda is starting to **** quality wise (i.e. transmissions, build quality) and I wanted a real 4WD SUV which they refuse to do so I bought an FJ from Toyota. Best vehicle I ever had so far. Have an older 87 1 ton too that refuses to die. I too use the factory manuals from Helms. I had Honda's version of the tech 2 (vetronix) and I sold it because after 02 it wasn't supported. I wish I would have known Toyota used the same scanner with a Toyota software card or I would have kept it.

 

[evil16v]

I'll look up the otc stuff.... I forgot about them.
I have a subscription to all data. It has been helpful but misses at several points on the 3/4 ton/suburban. I am fairly familiar with these trucks, so it hasn't been an issue yet.
The first use will be the brake bleed on the 'burban. that is the one that is realy killing me right now. A scanner with bi directional is the ONLY way to do it. I also need to make a couple pin tools for the ABS unit too.

thanks guys... Keep it coming!