For years, enthusiasts and professionals in automotive repair have explored cost-effective alternatives to official diagnostic tools. My own journey has involved extensive testing of various hardware and software setups, particularly concerning GM vehicle diagnostics and programming. Previously, I successfully demonstrated the compatibility of GM TIS2000 software with diverse laptop and PC configurations, running on various Windows operating systems under bench conditions for PCM and module updates. This prior experience has given me the confidence to venture into evaluating an MDI-2 Clone, specifically the unit from vendor ACOUTO, currently available at an appealing price of $278.14. My primary objective is to determine if this clone device can seamlessly integrate with my RCA Cambio II Tablet, operating on a 32-bit version of Windows 10, and function effectively with the TIS2000 suite.
My aspiration is to replicate the success I experienced with my “GYMKO” Tech 2 clone. That tool proved invaluable in reprogramming an older P-01 PCM from a Corvette, successfully cloning the VIN and calibration from my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L truck, all within a similar bench-top environment.
These successful setups with the “GYMKO” Tech 2 clone, acting as a PASS-THRU device, were achieved using SPS programming via TIS2000 from the 3 CD software installation set. These tests involved a 2002+ P-10 PCM for Trailblazers and Envoys, utilizing custom-designed harnesses, and were conducted across a range of hardware and software combinations:
- Dell Precision M65 running Windows XP Pro 32 Bit OS
- Dell Precision M65 running Windows 2000 Pro SP-1-5 32 Bit OS (Native 16 Bit Drivers)
- Dell Precision M4800 running Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit OS (VMWare with Windows 95)
- Dell Precision M4800 running Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit OS (VMWare with Windows 95)
- Dell Precision M6800 running Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit OS (VMWare with Windows 95)
- Dell Precision M6800 running Linux Mint Version 20.3 OS (VirtualBox with Windows 95)
- RCA Cambio II Windows 10 (Tweaked for 16 Bit Driver Compatibility)
Now, I am hopeful for similar positive outcomes with this newly purchased MDI-2 clone kit, anticipating its arrival by the end of August. The specific product link is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4JGLCPX/?tag=gmtnation-20
Interestingly, Bosch, the original manufacturer of the OEM GM MDI-2 unit, does not offer software downloads for clone devices. They direct users to ACDelco for the necessary initial registration of “Non Bosch” MDI-2 hardware and for downloading and installing software and firmware updates, as detailed here: https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/software-updates/software-gm-mdi-and-mdi-2.
Furthermore, ACDelco themselves offer an “Official Clone” of the Bosch OEM GM MDI-2 Unit, as outlined in this two-page PDF brochure: https://www.acdelco.com/content/dam…c-Interface-Tool-01.07.22-USMCDWNCN413T32.pdf. This highlights the complexity and varying levels of official and unofficial support within the clone scan tool market.
It’s crucial to acknowledge potential challenges associated with MDI-2 clones. Software and hardware registration issues have been reported, as highlighted in these videos:
[Video 1 demonstrating potential MDI-2 clone registration issues]
[Video 2 showcasing MDI-2 clone software compatibility concerns]
[Video 3 discussing hardware limitations of MDI-2 clone tools]
Therefore, proceeding with caution is advisable, particularly during the registration and update processes of this clone MDI-2 device using official GM-Bosch software or the Bosch websites. This is especially important when setting up an ACDelco TDS account and purchasing yearly subscriptions for GM vehicle PCM calibrations via SPS or necessary security updates.
The evaluation of this clone scan tool will continue, and further updates on its performance and compatibility will be shared.
