For automotive DIY enthusiasts and budget-conscious mechanics, the allure of Chinese Clone Scan Tools is undeniable. Offering a fraction of the price of their official counterparts, these tools promise access to advanced diagnostic capabilities, sparking curiosity and debate within the automotive community. My past experiences successfully utilizing GM TIS2000 software on various PC platforms have emboldened me to explore the practicality of these more affordable alternatives. Now, I’m taking the plunge to test a Chinese MDI-2 Clone purchased from Amazon (ACOUTO) to see if it can replicate the functionality of more expensive, brand-name tools, even with older software and diverse computer setups.
My previous ventures involved proving the versatility of GM TIS2000 software across different Windows operating systems and hardware. I’ve successfully performed bench-top programming for PCM and module updates using various laptops and PCs. These successes, especially with a “GYMKO” Tech 2 clone for tasks like VIN cloning on a P-01 PCM, give me a foundation of confidence as I delve into this MDI-2 clone. The goal is to determine if this new device can work retroactively with my RCA Cambio II Tablet, running a 32-bit version of Windows 10, and the TIS2000 software suite.
My prior successful setups, utilizing a GM “GYMKO” Tech 2 Clone as a PASS-THRU device with TIS2000’s SPS programming (from the 3 CD software installation disk set), included a range of hardware and software combinations:
- Dell Precision M65 Windows XP Pro 32 Bit OS
- Dell Precision M65 Windows 2000 Pro Sp-1-5 32 Bit OS (Native 16 Bit Drivers)
- Dell Precision M4800 Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit OS (VMWare with Windows 95)
- Dell Precision M4800 Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit OS (VMWare with Windows 95)
- Dell Precision M6800 Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit OS (VMWare with Windows 95)
- Dell Precision M6800 Linux Mint Version 20.3 OS (VirtualBox with Windows 95)
- RCA Cambio II Windows 10 (Tweaked for 16 Bit Driver Compatibility)
Encouraged by these past achievements, I’ve acquired the MDI-2 Clone Kit, anticipating its arrival by the end of August.
Interestingly, while Bosch, a reputable manufacturer of diagnostic tools, does not officially support software downloads for MDI-2 clones, they direct users to ACDelco for initial registration and software/firmware updates. This suggests a complex landscape for users of chinese clone scan tools.
https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/software-updates/software-gm-mdi-and-mdi-2
Adding another layer to the narrative, ACDelco themselves offer an “Official Clone” of the Bosch OEM GM MDI-2 Unit, as detailed in their brochure. This raises questions about the definition of “clone” and the varying levels of official endorsement within the aftermarket diagnostic tool market.
https://www.acdelco.com/content/dam…c-Interface-Tool-01.07.22-USMCDWNCN413T32.pdf
However, proceeding with chinese clone scan tools requires caution. As highlighted in several online resources, users have reported software and hardware registration issues with various MDI-2 clones. These potential pitfalls necessitate a careful approach to avoid mistakes during the registration and update process, especially when interacting with official GM-Bosch software or websites. The stakes are even higher when considering setting up an ACDelco TDS account and purchasing yearly subscriptions for GM vehicle PCM calibrations and security updates.
The journey into the world of chinese clone scan tools is filled with both promise and potential challenges. My upcoming tests with the MDI-2 clone will aim to shed more light on the viability and limitations of these affordable diagnostic solutions. Stay tuned for further updates as I delve deeper into this exploration.
