Tech 1

[Brett_jjj]

Hi,I just won a tech1 diagnostic scanner on ebay.I got it for $150
It comes with a heap of manuals etc,and about 14 cartridges.I was just wanting to know if I will need different cartridges for Aussie Cars, or are they all the same.
Ive tried to put up a link to the item,but I cant get it to work.

[ScoHar]

When I used to use a Tech 1 there were different cartridges for different cars, although alot of them interchanged, hope you get a manual with it.

[HoldenOnn]

Hi,I just won a tech1 diagnostic scanner on ebay.It was In America,got it for $150 US.
It comes with a heap of manuals etc,and about 8 cartridges.I was just wanting to know if I will need different cartridges for Aussie Cars, or are they all the same.
Thankyou.

Did you do research before you actually won the item to make sure its going to do what you want it to do?

[Vee-ard]

Did you do research before you actually won the item to make sure its going to do what you want it to do?

Yeah I have to agree

[Brett_jjj]

Yeah,got a heap of different manuals etc with it, and at $150 if it dont work, well too bad,but it all looks pretty good.It should do everything I want to do with it.I hope I can get the cartridges for commodores etc if i need them .If anyone has any info on the tech 1 or the cartridges, it would be greatly appreciated.The following cartridges come with it.


Hydra-matic 88-91

Hydra-matic 88-90

GM 90-91 3.1,3.4,4.0,5.0,5.7 PFI FTD

87-90 ECM plus

GM 88-91 Body systems

GM truck 89-92 REAL/4WAL

GM 88-92 BODY SYSTEMS

GM 88-91 2.3L PFI FTD

MASS SORAGE CARTRIDGE

W 1988 GM10 SYSTEM

BOSH ABS ADAPTOR

GM 88-92 BRAKE

88-89 ABS/IPC AND ALL 88-89 E&C SYSTEM

F/Y86-89 5 AND 5.7L FTD

[Brett_jjj]

I ve tried to find info about it,google etc,cant find much about it anywhere.You would think someone on here would know something about these things and what it can do.(besides checking error codes).

[greenfoam]

I don't know much about them but I will assume the early ones do nothing other than check codes

[Brett_jjj]

I know that it can program keys if you know your bcm code,holden usually look this up via the VIN number online when they program new keys.I know theres other stuff,but am not sure what exactly.

[delcowizzid]

doesnt tech 1 only do vn and vp so wont be coding any keys

[Brett_jjj]

funny that, I was at holden about 4 months ago, got 2 new keys programmed, and he USED A TECH 1 to do it. we were talking about them and how they changed to a tech 2 . I wish I asked him more about them, so I dont know where you heard that from.All this is what Im trying to find out about,I own a vs 95 and he definitely had a tech 1 plugged in to it,I watched him do it.It said tech 1 on the front,and looks exactly the same as the one I got.Thats why I bought it,soon as I seen it,I recognised it strait away.I got the bcm /key code from the holden mechanic as well,its a six digit code.
Does anyone else know anything about this.

[hako]

Check out this link, it talks about the Tech1/2 and you may be able to glean some secrets from the post. They would be a good toy to play with.
Tech1/Tech2/OBD1/OBD2 non Vetronix - MIG Performance Vauxhalls

[Vee-ard]

lol you pretty much just told the only 2 authorities on anything to do with this to get stuffed.

delco and greenfoam have forgotten more about tuning and commodores than you will ever learn.

[Brett_jjj]

Mate Im not here to tell anyone to get stuffed.Im not bullshitting about all this,I watched this guy do this,Im not some 16 year old idiot,Im on here trying to get info .I saw the same scanner on ebay and got it..exact same scanner,The tech 2 is different.I just wanna find out for sure because Ive read online elsewhere that tech 2 is VT onwards as well.VS had a OBD11 plug ,but used old protocol,so did VR ,Ive got a burnt out VR,(Idiots) that has the same plug under dash,VN and VP connecter is different and next to the ecu,This scanner has different plug adapters with it for the different types,so I just dont know what to think about all this,wait until I get it I guess and see.
Thanks People

[woteva]

Can you post a link or picture ?
Just interested to see what it looks like.

[Brett_jjj]

Ive tried to post a link here to ebay,but I cant get it to work,Ive stuffed around with it for ages.Ive copied the photos from ebay to my desktop,but when I click on insert image at the top of the box, it asks for a web address,can anyone help with this.

[woteva]

You need to host the pictures somewhere on the internets and put the url there.
eg.
TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
ImageShack® - Image Hosting
etc...

[Brett_jjj]

[Brett_jjj]

#4 13-08-2008, 12:29 PM
vrsialac

Ride: vr calais
Join Date: Jun 2008
Trade Rating: (0)
Posts: 65



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3.3 TECH 1 DIAGNOSTICS

TECH 1 interfaces with the SRS serial data communication information via the Data Link Connector (DLC), which is attached to the instrument panel lower right hand trim, to the left of the steering column. Figure 12M-74
1. Ensure that ignition switch is in 'OFF' position.2. Install VS/T4 Systems cartridge to TECH 1. Ensure that there is no other cartridge installed in opposite port of TECH 1.3. Ensure that DLC adaptor is fitted to TECH 1 lead and connect adaptor to DLC.4. TECH 1 ready for operation.For additional general information on connecting and operating TECH 1, refer to TECH 1 OPERATOR'S MANUAL supplied with the cartridge.The Tech 1 has three modes for diagnosing the SRS. The three modes as detailed on the following page: Figure 12M-75


F5: SRS, F0: DATA LIST

With Tech 1 in the F5: SRS, F0: DATA LIST mode, the following chart displays the Tech 1 screen data list pairs. A description explaining the display is included in the chart.
For additional information on selecting different systems and scrolling through the various screens, refer to the Tech 1 Operators Manual supplied with the VS/T4 SYSTEMS Cartridge.

SCREEN DISPLAY PAIR DESCRIPTION
AIRBAG CONFIG DRV & PASS This screen displays what system configuration the SDM has been programmed for. This example displays that the SDM has been programmed at manufacture for a driver's and front passenger's air bags.Other displays are for DRIVER SRS for driver's air bag only and NOT PROGRMD should the SDM not be configured. If NOT PROGRMD is displayed, the SDM must be replaced.
PRETENS. CONFIG NONE Not applicable to VS Series Models.
DRV RESISTANCE 2.1 OHMS Displays resistance of driver's air bag loop resistances. Typically resistance should be approximately 2.1 Ohms. If 6.3 Ohm is displayed, the driver's air bag loop is open circuited.
PASS RESISTANCE 2.2 OHMS Displays resistance of front passenger's air bag loop resistances. Typically resistance should be approximately 2.2 Ohms. If 6.3 Ohm is displayed, the front passenger's air bag loop is open circuited.
DR PRETEN RESIST 6.3 OHMS Not applicable to VS Series Models.
P. PRETEN RESIST 6.3 OHMS Not applicable to VS Series Models.
SRS LAMP ON Displays current state of the SDM's internal SRS 'AIRBAG' warning lamp driver.
SYSTEM VOLTAGE 13.9 V Displays vehicle system input voltage to SDM terminal no. 8
SRS LAMP ON Displays current state of the SDM's internal SRS 'AIRBAG' warning lamp driver.
DTC STATUS NO DTC's Displays NO DTC's or DTC's SET to indicate if any system faults are detected by the SDM.
F5: SRS, F1: SRS P/N-VER DATA LIST

With Tech 1 in the F5: SRS, F1: SRS P/N VER DATA LIST mode, the following chart displays the Tech 1 screen data list pairs. A description explaining the display is included in the chart.
For additional information on selecting different systems and scrolling through the various screens, refer to the Tech 1 Operators Manual supplied with the VS SYSTEMS Cartridge.

SCREEN DISPLAY PAIR DESCRIPTION
SRS MODULE P/N16208008 Displays SDM assembly part number.16208008 Driver's and front passenger's airbag SDM.16201049 Driver's air bag only SDM.
SRS S/W P/NS1H96xXZxx Displays SDM's internal software part number.
SRS VERSION08 This screen displays what system configuration the SDM has been programmed for.08 Driver's and front passenger's airbags.06 Driver's air bag only.
PRODUCTION DATEWWYY Displays the SDM production date. The first two digits (WW) indicate the week no. of the year (numbers from 01 to 52) with the last two digits (YY) indicating the year of manufacture.
F5: SRS, F2: DTC

In this mode, diagnostic trouble codes (either current or history) stored in the SDM's memory may be displayed or cleared.
The following chart sets out all the possible diagnostic trouble codes as indicated by TECH 1.
Refer to the relevant diagnostic chart in this Section when attempting rectification of a system problem or failure.


DTC CODE DESCRIPTION PAGE No. IN THIS SECTION
13 Driver's Airbag Circuit Short to Earth 12M-58
15 Driver's Airbag Circuit Short to Battery 12M-60
23 Passenger's Airbag Circuit Short to Earth 12M-62
25 Passenger's Airbag Circuit Short to Battery 12M-64
31 Driver's Airbag Loop Resistance High 12M-66
32 Driver's Airbag Loop Resistance Low 12M-68
33 Passenger's Airbag Loop Resistance High 12M-70
34 Passenger's Airbag Loop Resistance Low 12M-72
43 SRS Warning Lamp Short to Battery 12M-74
44 SRS Warning Lamp Circuit Fault 12M-76
48 Ignition Input Voltage Low 12M-78
49 Ignition Input Voltage High 12M-80
53 Configuration Mis-Match 12M-82
55 Sensing Diagnostic Module Fault 12M-84
66 Airbag Deployment Commanded 12M-86

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Last edited by vrsialac; 13-08-2008 at 12:54 PM.

I found this on JC,and copied it They talk about tech1 and vs/t4 cartridge,someone here has to know what models these things can read from, and what else they can do.Also I dont think vn vp were available with srs(airbags),I could be wrong,but I thought they only came out as an option on vr-vs and later ,which if the tech 1 only worked on vn-vp,it would'nt have srs options would it?.I wonder if the guy who posted this is still a member here,he sounds like he knows somthing about it.And thanks to the people who have taken the time to answer me.Does anyone else know anything?

[Cheap6]

For $150 that's probably a huge score.

Tech 1 does do up to and including VS but the cartridges are specific to models and tasks. You might be best to plug and try. I doubt - but can't guarantee - that you can damage anything. The reasoning being that it would be almost certain that a technician will have been expected to plug the tool in at some point with the wrong cartridge fitted.

In Aust., from memory, there was a cartridge that did VN,VP, JD,JE,(Camira),LD(Astra), another one that did VR, one for VS 1 and 2, and yet another one that did SB Barina (possibly also early Opel based Astra and Vectra), another one for the Isuzu based Holdens.

There were a number of adaptors to suit the different plugs in the various cars.

There were cartridges for VP BCM, for SRS and for ABS in various models.

Only Tech 1's supplied to dealers have the provision for reprogramming remote keys using the BCM cartridge.

Most stuff should be self explanatory when you look at it, with the soft keys - F0, F1 etc. - matched to headings on the menu screens.

You can clear fault codes and look at all the sensor data.

There is some provision for datalogging of sensor outputs in "Snapshot" mode which can capture the sensor data when a fault code occurs or for a set period of time. What can be done with that depends on which cartridge/vehicle model.

[Brett_jjj]

Mate thankyou ,This is what Ive been trying to find out,This tech1 came from a dealer in USA that closed down.I will post here what I find out when I get it.Looks like I might have to get a commodore cartridge from somewhere,I was reading that dealers can update these cartridges,something to do with the mass storage cartridge,I might go see the local dealer here and see what they have to say about it.
But again, thankyou heaps.If anyone else knows anything about this,I would appreciate your input.

[Brett_jjj]

For anyone interested, Ive found out some more stuff about Tech 1.I copied this off the web-
The are two versions of the Tech1 which were used by GM. The early ones are just a Tech1 the newer ones are known as the Tech1a. You can easily tell the difference. Tech1 has a 15way D PLUG and the Tech1a has a 26way HD (3 line) D SOCKET. The Tech1a also has a power socket and a RJ45 socket on the side for connecting to the RS232 port of a PC (the Tech1 requires an additional cartridge to add this functionality)

They are very much functionally identical for most tasks. The main difference is you cannot program a MSC (Mass Storage Cartridge) with a Tech1 unless you have the optional plug in communications module (with RJ45 socket). You also have to power the unit from the car (you can't power it on the bench!).Tech2 superseded the Tech1/1a . From what Ive read online on USA websites is that cars that have OBD11 plugs(16 pin) but use OBD1 protocols, eg VR/VS commodores ,need a special adapter,which apparently is still available in USA for $70US.

[Brett_jjj]

Hi,Just picked up the Tech1 I bought.It turned out to be a Tech 1A,happy about that.Anyone thinking of buying one of these for use on VR-VS should know that you definitely need an adaptor P/N 3000053,which is for a car that has sixteen pin obd2 plug,but uses obd1 protocol.The mass storage cartridge can be upgraded for different models at a holden dealer(if you can find one that will do it)and you can buy an obd2 interface to use on later models,not sure up to which model,VT onward uses obd2.Ive been looking through the manuals that came with it and this tool can do some mad shit,injector balances,pulse widths,heaps more stuff to numerous to write here.Id love to see a Tech 2 in action,the Tech 1 is mad enough.All I need now is the adaptor that I mentioned before, and I can use it.Im waiting on one from USA.Ive been playing around with it though,did a self test on it,(another different adaptor),all good.Checked out the different cartridges that came with it.I will keep anyone interested in this stuff up to date on what else I find out, here.

[admir87]

hi mate i was at holden the other day to clear an airbag error light, and the guy grabbed the tech2, then went 'oh its a vs' and went back and grabbed a tech1....

just confirming definetly tech1 is up to vs models, vt onwards is tech2

[DannyboyDS]

it doesn't look like the device that was used to program my two keys recently at Mr Minit (Thats how they spell it)

Does it have a provision for the key to plug into?

[Brett_jjj]

New keys are just put in the ignition,turned on and programming is done though the aldl connector with the scanner.You have to know your key/BCM number to do this.Mr Minit use the old key to partly program the new key,then all you do is use it to finish the process.