About to use my Tech 1a for the first time, pointers? ---

[alwayscode390]

About to use my Tech 1a for the first time.

From what I understand, just plugging it in will let me read the codes ... then to erase the codes I need to insert a cartridge?

Will it tell me which cartridge to use?

I guess I threw a code when my floorboard got wet last week, it flashes "SYS" where my instant mileage is now.

Also, I want to try and erase my INF RST code while I am at it to see if it pops back up until I get a chance to put some dielectric grease on my sensors.

I probably wont get a reply until after I tried using it, so I may post back up with any issues I run into.

Thanks! ---

[Roadster]

:happy1: will be watching this thread closely as my
Tech 1 should be coming soon, so keep us posted. Thx

[alwayscode390]

I came across my owners manual that I decided to study on tonight before I went out and played around.

The weather started looking real bad and I didn't want to feel rushed.

I'll make sure to update as I go :) ---

[Roadster]

It should be interesting to say the least, mine is a Tech 1 and I forget what the difference is between the the 1 and the 1A which you have. I imagine that yours may be able to accomplish more.......I might have to get some type of power cord to use the unit. But it has the cartridges necessary to get the info....
We will have to compare notes........have fun.....

[mike100]

You will plug the needed cartridge in before hooking it up top the car. The mass-storage cartridge is a more modern big memory chip style that contains many of the earlier cartridges in an all-in-one unit. I have not been able to communicate with my ABS unit with my bosch cartridge (maybe its bad), but he mass-storage pretty much works for everything else.

it will give you choices to enter if you want to read codes, erase codes, look at live sensor data, record while running, or a few other choices.

[alwayscode390]

I know once I get into it , it will make sense ( I hope ).

For some reason its confusing the hell out of me with how to know what cartridge to use.

I'll start it up with the "mass-storage 30003" connected to the bottom... that helped, thanks Mike!

Then, I'll go to trouble codes.

I have the "body systems" and "ecm" cartridges. I'm thinking body systems will take out my INF RST light, and ecm will take out the SYS light?

I also have the "brake systems" cartridge with the bosch adapter, and the "eeprom v2.0" cartridge which I honestly have no clue what it does.

How do you know when to use a cartridge up top? I think they are smaller then the ones I have anyway so I don't think I ever will need that, right? ---

[mike100]

For the 2nd cartridge...I read about it once, but I don't know what diagnostic application used it. Some of the older ones needed it- remember in the mid 80's that computer memory was mucho tiny and probably the add-on 2nd cartridge is a leftover from the 16kb days.

The body one interfaces with the CCM computer- I tried mine once- you can control the radio without touching the radio- it was fun. Did you know the factory Bose radio has a l/r balance control? you don't have a knob for it, but the Tech1 software has a function to fade/balance the sound to just one speaker so you can test them individually. The mass-storage unit has body system functions built into it so you may never use the dedicated one. I think it may be possible the dedicated modules may have some functions the 300003 cartridge doesn't, but for the most part, you will be using that MSC.

To hook it up- get power thru the lighter and ign key to the on position. See if it prompts you for the year of the car and the vin code for the engine- once that is selected, Don't select the self-test mode (hit 'no') try to read live data (the engine doesn't have to be running, but it is more interesting if it is). you scroll thru the screens with the arrow keys. The exit key brings you back a level and you can get to the screen to read/erase codes. It makes sense once you get communication with the vehicle. The hardest part will be accessing the stupid ALDL plug under the dash. Mine is unscrewed so I can grab it easier.

The best part is that you can really easily diagnose many other early GM cars and trucks too.

[alwayscode390]

Mike you just made it seem like this is going to be fun!

You cleared up a lot of questions I had.

Will it say LT5 , or what is the vin code for our cars?

Thanks so much for your time and help ... I hope to try it out tomorrow. :) ---

[Dynomite]

:happy1:
Interesting Thread :thumbsup:

[mike100]

the 8th digit of the VIN number is the engine code. It is J for our cars. You can also select engine type rather than by vin, but just make sure it says 5.7 dohc when you confirm the selection.

[c4koh]

And I believe the main difference between the Tech 1 and Tech 1A is simply that the 1A (the later model) has the built-in telephone jack for RS232 (serial port) connection to something like a printer, PC (and so on). Other than that, I am not aware of any difference.

As mike100 just wrote, VIN J and the year (just 2 digits) is needed, that should get you into it as needed.

(if anyone though had any links to PDFs of the various cartridge functions, that'd be very, very nice... ) :)

[tf95ZR1]

So where did you guys get your Tech 1/1a's ?
Again, OBD II connector but OBD I system?
Boy, I bet I could REALLY screw things up with one
of these!

[Roadster]

So where did you guys get your Tech 1/1a's ?
Again, OBD II connector but OBD I system?
Boy, I bet I could REALLY screw things up with one
of these!

With no intention of a thread hijack to the OP.......
Mine was purchased from a CF member in Canada and it has already crossed the boarder, so there may be a possibility I've have it during the weekend.
I may be wrong, but I'm almost sure it is still an OBD 1 connector and that you can purchase an adapter for OBD II if the kit doesn't have one.

[alwayscode390]

Roadster is right ... its an obd1 connector that can be adapted to obd2 but I am not sure how all that works.

I went out to try mine yesterday and I am having power supply issues. I think my cord has a short/broken wire in it. Now to find time to fix it or search for a new one!

It would power up and ask me the year if I held the cord just perfectly, but when I moved to punch the buttons in it would short in and out and never take past the 9 LOL.

I knew there was a reason I was waiting to go out and try it LOL. Finding parts for this thing can be frustrating! ---

[92whiteZ]

The Tech 1 is a very useful tool. Newer scan tools dont work as well for backwards compatibility.

The "Mass Storage Cartridge" is basically all the other cartridges combined like the ECM/Brakes/ABS/SIR etc.

I have the all the manuals on PDF somewhere but i think you can find them online as well. Very useful for finding out which adapter is required for each application. the adapters are critical for it work work as needed.

MIKE - this may be why your ABS scan isn't working. almost every individual system requires a specific adapter to function properly.

GENERAL NOTE: the main cable is known for failure. wires degrade or somehow lose connection at either the tool or OBD 1 side of the cable. Ebay is a good source for main cable but are "hit or miss". Have yet to come across anyone who "repairs" them so most people with Tech 1 tools have multiple main cables in anticipation of this happening.

[tf95ZR1]

C4 FYI:

1994-1996 were "transition years"

------
94 & 95 ZR-1's OBDI with the OBDII port.
96 LT1 & LT4 are OBDII

Thanks, Jeff!

[mike100]

...
MIKE - this may be why your ABS scan isn't working. almost every individual system requires a specific adapter to function properly.

Hmm, ok good- I do have an adapter, but it could be for an earlier abs system- (it times out on communication failure). someday I hope to try somebody else's combo of cord, adapter, tech1 to see where the problem is.

GENERAL NOTE: the main cable is known for failure. wires degrade or somehow lose connection at either the tool or OBD 1 side of the cable. Ebay is a good source for main cable but are "hit or miss". Have yet to come across anyone who "repairs" them so most people with Tech 1 tools have multiple main cables in anticipation of this happening.

Mine was bad- be sure to treat it right. Vetronix may not have them for sale anymore, but if they do it is more than a c-note. If it is only the 12v portion, you might be able to repair that since that portion of the cord is just two wires.




red replies above. also check the spring loaded fuse portion in the cig lighter adapter part.

[Hog]

C4 FYI:

1994-1996 were "transition years"

------
94 & 95 ZR-1's OBDI with the OBDII port.
96 LT1 & LT4 are OBDII

Thanks, Jeff!

Yes, quite often the GM 94-95 stuff is referred to as OBD-1.5. In the LT1 cars the PCM's were actually used flash memory just like the 1996+ cars/trucks.

I have a buddy that used to do a lot of work with the Tech 1. He said that he would hook up the Tech 1, start it on a job, and then go outside for a cigarette. Things went much quicker with Tech 2 and OBD-2.

I tell ya, if the 2nd Generation LT5 got the green light, it really would have been cool.

[Hog]

red replies above. also check the spring loaded fuse portion in the cig lighter adapter part.
And also make sure the cig lighter fuse is good. Many a time I have been flashing a PCM wondering why I cant connect to the PCM, only to find out that the fuse for teh cig. lighter is blown. If this is blown, on many cars, the OBD connector will also be dead.(not sure about C4 Y-bodies-but is true for many GM vehicles)

[alwayscode390]

I never realized that about the 94/95 Corvettes ... is that a Corvette thing only? ---

[Hog]

I never realized that about the 94/95 Corvettes ... is that a Corvette thing only? ---

I dont believe the 95-95 being referred to as OBD1.5 is an "official" designation. I often see it referred to as such because of flash PCM's that many GM vehicles picked up in 94-95, but still hadnt adopted certain OBD2 protocols such as catalyst monitoring(after cat O2 sensor) or Misfire detection which uses a crankshaft position sensor to measure minute off-nominal crankshaft accelerations which are caused by a misfiring cylinder.

The misfire detection really comes down to catalyst protection as well, as a misfiring cylinder is potentially dumping excessive hydrocarbons into the cat(s), which will decrease catalyst efficiency and lifespan.

I do know that some of the 94-95 S-10 trucks, LT1 F-bodies and IIRC the 94 or 95 Y-bodies as well.

Tuning software between the OBD 1.5" and OBD 2 is slightly different, which is where I usually see the 1.5 to OBD 2 differentiation.

I worked on a GM assembly line in 1996 and 100% everything was OBD full flashable PCM memory. I worked beside the guy that, scanned the vehicles VIN from the buildsheet "rider"(a pice of paper that is tyaped to teh hood and "rides" the vehicle down the assembly line. After scanning the VIN, he hooked his computer up to the OBD2 port and then "flashed" the PCM with its calibration. Then his computer would run diagnostics on the PCM and other systems. This is where the term Assembly Line Diagnostic Link or ALDL originated.
As far as assembly line work went, his job certainly was preferred.

Here is verification about the 94-95 using the OBD2 port, but being wired differently than a conventional 1996+ OBD 2 connector.

The OBDI LT1 Tuning Kits are complete packages with everything you need to tune your 1994/1995 LT1 car. They allow you to read the calibration information currently stored in the car's computer, view and edit this information as needed and then program the car's computer with the modified calibration.
NOTE: While the -2 and -Y kits include cables that mate with the OBD2 style 16-pin ALDL connector, these kits do not support the 1996 - 97 LT1 cars which are OBDII vehicles. To tune these vehicles you'll need our OBDII Tuner (http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/jetlicense.html) program.

[Roadster]

C4 FYI:

1994-1996 were "transition years"

------
94 & 95 ZR-1's OBDI with the OBDII port.
96 LT1 & LT4 are OBDII

Thanks, Jeff!

So if I am understanding this correctly, since I have a 94, I will need the adapter that allows the Tech 1 (OBD I) to plug into an OBD II port (ALDL) that is on the 94, correct????

Side note.....my Tech 1 got delivered today, and I will be going out to the garage real soon to open it up.......it should be interesting to compare notes with all Tech I members.......:dancing

[alwayscode390]

Best of luck, I hope it goes smoothly for you :) ---

[Roadster]

Best of luck, I hope it goes smoothly for you :) ---

Thanks, wish it was.....but don't think so right now (may have bought too soon).....thinking about starting my own thread, as I don't want you to feel like I'm intruding here......so just let me know if ok with you to continue or if you prefer me to start another thread!!!

As mentioned, received mine earlier today. Went out to the garage and opened the package. Tech 1 itself is in decent shape.
Came with the following:
....Tech 1
....Tech 1 operators manual
....Tech 1 OBD II Vehicle Interface Module (VIM) part # 3000091
which is connected to Tech 1 14/12 pin VIM adapter part # 3000086 (do not use with Tech 1A)
....12 pin connector cable w/power cable for cig lighter (one unit together)
....Mass Storage Cartridge part # 3000003
on rear of cartridge...updated 12/5/94....4/10/95....3/28/96
....an 87-89 ECM cartridge (which doesn't do me any good)

I may have bought this too soon without checking exactly what I would need for both the 82 & 94.

I am assuming that I or (we) would need and could use....
VETRONIX 2001 COMPLETE DOMESTIC WITH GLOBAL OBD 2 CARTRIDGE PART #02003035 FOR MASTERTECH, TECH 1, OR TECH 1A SCAN TOOLS. IT COVERS GM 81-2001 POWERTAIN, GM 86-2001 CHASSIS, GM 88-2001 BODY

can I or (we) use the above Global cartridge in place of individual cartridges????
as I would need 81-86 ECM, 90-95 ECM, etc., etc.
any advice is appreciated......

hope this helps someone out in their quest for a Tech 1 or 1A


UPDATE......UPDATE.....

I may stand corrected on some items, waiting for a response from the seller.
I am assuming the following:
....that the Mass Storage Cartridge contains the following:
81-96 Powertrain

GM 88-96 Chassis

88-96 GM Body Systems

GM 90-96 Service Programming

GM 91-94 J/L/N ABS VI EBCM Reprogramming

if this is the case then I won't need what I thought above. Pics were sent to me of the Tech 1 displaying these items, hope that it is what it is.....

[alwayscode390]

No worries Tom, we can make this the Tech 1 thread :)

So when you open the Mass Storage, there is a menu that lets you choose between stored cartridges? Is every Mass Storage the same or do they vary? ---

[Roadster]

The Tech 1 is a very useful tool. Newer scan tools dont work as well for backwards compatibility.

The "Mass Storage Cartridge" is basically all the other cartridges combined like the ECM/Brakes/ABS/SIR etc.

I have the all the manuals on PDF somewhere but i think you can find them online as well. Very useful for finding out which adapter is required for each application. the adapters are critical for it work work as needed.


Reread the thread and 92whiteZ (don't know your first name) provided the answer, above in "BOLD". And since my "Mass Storage Cartridge" as been updated as stated above in my previous post, all should be good. Just have to figure out how to plug in the adapters the correct way.....


No worries Tom, we can make this the Tech 1 thread :)

So when you open the Mass Storage, there is a menu that lets you choose between stored cartridges? Is every Mass Storage the same or do they vary? ---

Thanks alwayscode390, (also don't know your first name) it is appreciated.:cheers:

Have not plugged my unit in yet, hopefully later today or tonight. Received a return email from the seller, who had never used the unit before, he took pics of the screen to show the different menus you can access, with the "MSC" installed. As mentioned above it looks like if we have the "MSC", that there isn't any need for the individual cartridges, which is a good thing. It appears that the most important item is that the "MSC" is updated to contain all of the said menus. I would assume there is only one "MSC" that if updated, that is all you would need. And I would imagine, that your local Chevrolet dealer could do an update for anyone who needs it done.

Hopefully Hog, (don't know your first name) and others who have experience with the Tech 1 can provide more additional info, as they have being doing.

We need a thread just for first names.......:D

Side note....I would also assume that the Global Cartridge mentioned in my prevoius post is the same as a "MSC".
I know, I know, I assume alot of things..........

[alwayscode390]

My "MSC" doesn't mention if its been updated, and this is the first I have heard of that.

I'll have to dig deeper and see if my local dealership will check it out for me ---

[Roadster]

My "MSC" doesn't mention if its been updated, and this is the first I have heard of that.

I'll have to dig deeper and see if my local dealership will check it out for me ---

The best way to do that is to power up the unit with the "MSC" installed and see what menus you get. That way you will know if your updated or not....
If you get the menus I listed then you are good, but since you have an early Z, you might not need what is in mine.

[alwayscode390]

I'll see what years mine goes up to, I bet I'll be ok with the early car and all ---

[alwayscode390]

OK, I finally got a chance to go out and use my setup.

It said I had 1 stored code ... "Code 12" but no current codes.

I erased the stored code ... started the car up , and now the "SYS" alert is flashing where my MPG screen is LOL.

Is that because I erased a stored code, so it just came back up ... and after driving it will store itself again?

I also tried to erase my INFL RST code w/ the body systems cartridge and it said I needed the S.I.R./DUAL UART adapter to do that. Luckily I found one for sale on Ebay, Part No. TA00065 , I think its what I needed ... on the back it states "To be used with the TECH 1 when testing the S.I.R. Systems on GM's 1990 Y Vehicles and 1991 L Vehicles." Our cars are 4th digit vin Y cars, and mine is a 1990.

I'll let you know what happens when I try to test out the adapter, but for now I am curious about the new SYS deal.

When I put the "ECM Plus" cartridge in , it says NO stored OR Current codes ... so I cleared it just in case , and the SYS light is still on the dash when I start it up. If anyone can just confirm that I am clearing the codes, but they are just immediately coming back up before they can be stored again ... that would make me feel a lot better. Anyone know offhand what a code 12 is anyway? I'm off to try and research that right now.

THANKS! ---

[alwayscode390]

OK, here is what I found so far, looks like the code 12 was normal?

* "The 90 procedure is:
1.) Ing "OFF"
2.) Ground "K" terminal. (Hold the door bell button)
3.) Turn Ing "ON".
4.) Wait for fault codes to begin flashing, takes about 5 seconds. When DTC's begin flashing, unground "K" for 3 seconds, +/- 1/2 seconds. ( finger off button for 3 seconds)
5.) Ground "K" for 3 seconds, + /- 1/2 seconds. ( push the bell button )
6.) Unground "K" and wait 10 seconds ( finger off button ). Before turning ING "off", verify that the only code is "12" being flashed ( push the bell button to see "12" ). If not repeat from step "1".
That's the book version for a 90. I tried without the mechanical aid & no joy. Once I red necked the door bell, I got it first shot. If you want to use a toggle switch it may be easier?

Under step 6 it says "make sure code 12 is the only one there" . What exactly is a code 12 telling you?

THEN after messing with my Tech 1 with the door open a long time ( interior lights on and the car off powering the Tech 1 ... the car BARELY started. It looks like that may be what set my SYS light without actually setting a code? Here is what I found while searching:

* "A "SYS" code is 99.99% of the time a warning just before the battery craps out. The only other explanation is after an aftermarket radio install"

I'm not quite sure what the aftermarket radio will do in this situation, but I have one installed also... its been in the car for years though.

It looks like everything is good until I go to clear the INFL RST code next :) ? ---

[ghlkal]

OK, here is what I found so far, looks like the code 12 was normal?


That's strange that the Tech 1 shows a code 12. "Code 12" indicates the system is OK, and starts the sequence if there are codes to follow ...

When I'm using the Tech 1, I put the battery tender junior on just to keep the battery topped up.

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for confirming code 12, and for the tip on the tender.

I only saw the code 12 once, then when I erased it I never saw it again.

I hooked up a couple more times w/ a couple different cartridges trying to get the SYS code to delete... and it didn't show code 12 again for me.

I guess when SYS comes up for a battery it doesn't actually throw a code? ---

[mike100]

The 'SYS' is an error with the CCM (or body control computer). You would need to set the diagnostic to 'body' rather than powertrain.

That said, there is a way to get those codes displayed on the orange center gauge LCD without the use of the tech1.

[alwayscode390]

Yeah Mike, I think the procedure is on the post that starts this page in the thread.

Thanks for letting me know which cartridge to use to clear the SYS code... that's definitely going to be a learning experience for me. :) ---

[ghlkal]

I'm not quite sure what the aftermarket radio will do in this situation, but I have one installed also... its been in the car for years though.


There are two lines from the factory head unit that go back to the CCM which usually aren't present on an aftermarket radio. Lines for the LCD and LED dimming circuits are open without the factory radio and CCM codes 72 and 74 can be set. If that happens, SYS will also flash.

The PO had an aftermarket radio in my Z, but I didn't have SYS flashing. Codes 72 and 74 were set though in history though.

There is a fix for this involving adding two resistors in the circuit. (TSB 93-68-9A) I did do this, mainly because I was wondering if it was the cause of my dim dash lights (it wasn't). I think the procedure is on our site somewhere. I've heard that many other owners haven't done the fix and there is no SYS light with an aftermarket radio.