GM MDI 2 Clone Scan Tool Unboxing, Review, Counterfeit Detection, & Protocol Differences

[@DrShock]

PSA: Effective September 12th, 2024 GM has implemented software blocks to prevent the use of cloned MDI2 devices with its Techline Connect software. This applies to both GDS2 and SPS2. If you are experiencing an E4214 error, this is more than likely caused by the use of a clone MDI or MDI2.

[@coltonlefever4100]

@@DrShock I was just about to buy a clone for the shop. GM genuine only route to go at this point now?

[@DrShock]

Pretty much, I've had a few folks comment that they already ran into this.

[@philh9238]

You just saved me a headache I had a clone mdi 2 bought it 2 years ago couldn’t ever get mdi manager to recognize it. Kept selecting mdi2 would never recognize it. Blew the dust off of it hit mdi 1 worked I said holy crap tech line connect recognized it.

[@justinledoux2326]

Thanks again for the the detailed video review. It's good to know these work with TLC as I would've have thought ACD would have banned the serial number by now. Lol. Guess it's revenue for them regardless.

[@ED-ti5tc]

Is this like a scan tool? I have a 98 Chevy 5.7 vortec and need a not too expensive scan tool that will read my cam , crank sensor after install of distributor. I used one with live data but it showed timing but not the other. Can you recommend one that won't break the bank? Thanks

[@Milkmans_Son]

Yes it's a scan tool but no it's not not too expensive. The easiest way to find what you're looking for is to search for the required PID, which in your case is CMP RETARD OFFSET (or CAM RETARD OFFSET or GM.CMPRET) then see what scanner & software combo people are currently recommending. I use a bafx type bluetooth scanner with Dash Command (plus the optional GM enhanced pids) on an old android phone, so I'm into it for less than $50. The problem is this was probably 10 years ago now and both software and hardware change constantly, which is why you're probably better off searching for the PID to see what's available now.

[@DrShock]

I wouldn't recommend the MDI, or MDI2 for such an old vehicle. These tools are _primarily_ intended for module re-progamming using ACDelco TDS. They do not have any built-in functionality, but instead are just J2534 interface modules between a Windows laptop and the vehicle. The actual software you have to pay a subscription to use. Both GDS2 for diagnostics, and SPS2 for module reprogramming. If you wanted a GM dealer type tool for a 1998, I would instead recommend a clone of the Tech2 tool. For something aftermarket, I would suggest one of the tools made by Launch.

[@ED-ti5tc]

@@DrShock I appreciate that! Thanks

[@brandongary7649]

100% Tech2 clone for older GM vehicles I’ve tested my clone as early as 1992 on my brother 5.7L TBI C/K 15000 series truck, worked fine for reading what you’re wanting on a couple 1997 1500s and 1999 obs and even several early 2000s trucks

[@Randy1290]

awesome work. been wanting to get one.

[@gerasimoskarokis1389]

Hello, is mdi clone useful for sps programming Saab 9-3 2004 model, z18xe motor? If no what passthru device is usefulcfos sps programming? If there is something clone not the original, because its pricey.

[@DrShock]

You could likely get by with a clone Tech2 for that year. With the MDI you’ll have to pay a subscription fee to ACDelco for SPS2 as SPS has been deprecated for a few years now. Also Techline Connect is not as compatible with pre-2008 models as the Tech2 with a TIS2000 DVD would be.

[@noteevanbro8054]

good thorough review

[@Tomcat71]

Really wish I could find the files to update my Tech 2

[@DrShock]

The last North American Operations (NAO) version update was 33.004. You can purchase that update from www.acdelcotds.com

[@cobra30689]

Does that clone you bought have any issues connecting to an older, J1850/Class 2 car or to the low speed GMLAN circuit of a 08-12 car? These are issues I have had with clones in the past (my present MDI clone works fine on my older Class 2 cars, but will only connect to the high speed GMLAN circuit of my 2009 Saturn). Wondering if that has been addressed with time.

[@DrShock]

I deal with many vehicles and many years here shop wise. I don't use the MDI tools on vehicles prior to model year 2008. For those I'd recommend a Tech2, or clone thereof, instead as it's far more reliable (and superior) in functionality to GDS2. Other than that, I've seen no class 2 issues over the eight years or so of using the MDI clones (regularly use them on 2012 - 2016 models). It's important to point out here that there are multiple Chinese clone designs of the MDI, but only one is a highly accurate copy. Unfortunately though, SPS was retired last year. So if you have to program a module from prior to 2008, only SPS2 is available and it dropped support for the Tech2. So you'll have to muddle thru it with the MDI which can be very hit or miss for 1990s era modules using Techline Connect.

[@robertperez4047]

Can this program a tcm on a 2017 chevy impala

[@DrShock]

This is only an _interface_ between a laptop and. vehicle. It doesn't do anything by itself. You'll need a subscription to GMs SPS2 to program a module, but you can use this device as the _interface_ yes.

[@saslic1886]

with this device mdi can i unlock radio such camaro terrain silverado etc?

[@DrShock]

On older GM vehicles, newer ones they've blocked the ability to do a VIN relearn on an used module (GM would prefer you buy a new radio instead).

[@brandongary7649]

@@DrShockso does that include all module reprogramming such as window modules, bcm, transmission controllers etc? because this was one question I was curious of when GM made the switch to TLC (I was using a VCXnano and older TIS2000 to accomplish a few things but that included “software” was sketchy)

[@DrShock]

Since the VXNano is an aftermarket J2534 device, it did experience incompatibilities when Techline Connect replaced TIS2Web. But the MDI is the official GM dealership tool, so no such interruptions occurred. This particular MDI clone is a variation of the most compatible in the market, and we experienced no downtime when Techline Connect came out using our earlier model (without the fake MDI2 case). An MDI will handle all functionality of SPS2, unlike many aftermarket tools. A high quality clone gets you that compatibility, for lower hardware cost. You still have to pay the same software subscription fees for GDS2, SPS2, and Tech2Win though. Beware of clone tool sellers offering pirated copies of obsolete earlier versions GM GDS2 or Tech2Win on hard disks as these will often not pass an antivirus scan too. Get the tool, pay for the subscription to the most current software.

[@brandongary7649]

@@DrShock so for clarification sake, with “supported” clone MDI working on up to 2018 year models - can you program used modules (vin or firmware updates) ? Wasn’t sure what the SPS cost - I vaguely remember for 55.00 or so you could have the ability to do just that (program a junkyard bcm to a vehicle) just curious to see if that’s still possible or if they jumped their cost / rates up or locked the ability

[@DrShock]

An MDI can do ALL GM modules but only GM modules (you cannot use this tool on any other vehicle manufacturers models). The MDI, and the MDI 2 clone I review here, are both good thru model year 2020 before the new global B architecture started to roll out. These newer GM vehicles require a genuine MDI 2 (no clones exist that will handle all of the module programming needs for a GM global B architecture vehicle as I go over in this video). So an MDI, clone or otherwise, starts to phase out after model year 2020. It supports back to model year 2008 very well. Older than that I'd suggest a Tech2 instead. You can still do a two year per VIN SPS2 subscription deal at www.acdelcotds.com. But in a lot of models they have blocked using salvage yard modules, so you'll have to buy new or reman instead if you have a newer GM vehicle.

[@eprohoda]

How are things?-you did cool done- have agood day,👋

[@philh9238]

How many times have you used your mdi clone? The one you had for 5 years

[@DrShock]

I'd say SPS2 at least once a month, and GDS2 probably 3X monthly over those years. They hold up very well (just don't drop them as the soldering is typical Chinese quality). I have two MDIs, both clones.

[@philh9238]

@@DrShock so the mdi clone is basically a really good clone of mdi1? Just the 2 is a scam?I need to use my mdi2 clone I bought 3 years ago but never used it for a tech2 win Subscription for a 2008 Saturn Astra to program keys to get it to start no dealer wants to mess with it in ohio

[@DrShock]

They are both the same electronics design, which is what I went over in the video. The Chinese haven't made the MDI clone in a number of years now. So the "MDI 2" flavor, which is a cosmetic difference only, is what you'll more easily find as "new". Though there is old stock of the previous clone out there still.

[@philh9238]

What I was asking since the clones are the same. How does the clone compare to the original mdi? As in performance @@DrShock

[@DrShock]

Again, identical since they (the MDI1 clone and OG) are _the same_ design. If you open these up, the clone design I speak of is chip for chip identical to the Bosch ETAS tool. There is nothing different about them in function, performance, or Techline connect compatibility. The only differences are in build quality, that the clones do not utilize AA batteries during crank voltage drop events, and that the clones have a fixed serial number so in a shop setting you can't use more than one at a time. For the MDI2 clone, it's the same MDI1 in an MDI2 plastic case so cosmetic differences only there.

[@eriksony6398]

Good scan tool

[@sara78130]

Hi mine gm2 come hard drive window 7. How can put window 10 ?

[@sam-by6go]

mine says “update mdi” then page goes unresponsive

[@toronetp]

Please recommend a certified replica. I will buy it with confidence.

[@BealleMoriniE]

Maxwell Viaduct