Are you an El Camino owner facing engine issues, especially if you’ve upgraded to a powerful LS engine? Diagnosing problems in these classic vehicles, particularly with modern engine swaps, can be challenging. Many enthusiasts find themselves needing a reliable scan tool that can bridge the gap between old and new technology. In this review, we delve into the VXDIAG VCX NANO, a diagnostic tool that’s proving to be a game-changer for LS engine diagnostics in vehicles like the El Camino. This isn’t just another generic OBD2 scanner; it’s a GM “TECH2” emulator designed for in-depth diagnostics and bi-directional control, crucial for pinpointing issues accurately. Let’s explore how the VXDIAG VCX NANO can be your go-to “El Camino Scan Tool” and solve complex problems, just like it helped me tackle a perplexing misfire in my LS engine project.
Before discovering the VXDIAG VCX NANO, like many DIYers, I relied on budget-friendly Bluetooth OBD2 modules, like the ELM327 protocol devices. Paired with my tablet or PC, they were okay for basic fault code reading. Upgrading to a slightly more capable “OBDLink MX” allowed for PCM flashing, which was a step up. These tools could flag a general P0300 misfire code, but they often lacked the precision needed for LS engines, sometimes missing specific cylinder misfires like a P0308 for cylinder 8. The limitation was clear: these tools weren’t fully bi-directional and lacked the depth for serious diagnostics when chasing intermittent or complex issues in an LS swapped El Camino.
Enter the VXDIAG VCX NANO. For around $100 on eBay, this tool promised more than just basic OBD2 readings. Encouraged by positive reviews and discussions on forums like LS1Tech and Gearhead-EFI, I decided to give it a try. Specifically designed for GM vehicles, the NANO connects via USB to your computer and interfaces with your vehicle through the standard OBD2 port – a familiar setup but with vastly superior capabilities.
Upon setting up the VXDIAG VCX NANO, the extent of my engine misfire issue became shockingly clear. It wasn’t just cylinder 8; the scan revealed misfires across seven cylinders! For any LS engine aficionado, multiple random misfires immediately trigger thoughts of grounding problems. It’s a logical first step – poor grounding can wreak havoc on modern engine management systems.
My troubleshooting began with reinforcing the engine grounds. I installed heavy-duty, half-inch braided copper ground cables from each cylinder head directly to the battery’s negative terminal. I also meticulously checked the factory PCM ground wires. Despite these efforts, the misfires persisted. An old-school timing light confirmed real misfires, not phantom readings. Spark plugs looked good, and swapping coil packs and plug wires yielded no improvement. Interestingly, the engine ran surprisingly smoothly despite the chaos under the hood.
At this point, with basic checks exhausted, the powertrain control module (PCM) emerged as the prime suspect. LS engine PCMs are readily available and affordable, especially from junkyards. With a collection of both 512k byte “P01” and 1 megabyte “P59” PCMs for experimentation, and the ability to flash them for free using software like Tuner Pro RT and PCM Hammer, I had nothing to lose. Swapping in a spare 512k PCM instantly resolved the issue. The VXDIAG VCX NANO’s misfire graph now showed a clean bill of health. While the exact cause of the PCM failure remains a mystery, the NANO definitively pinpointed the problem.
Beyond basic diagnostics, the VXDIAG VCX NANO unlocks PCM control while the engine is running – a feature sorely missed with my previous tools. Crucially, it allowed me to perform a “Crankshaft Position Re-Learn,” a procedure sometimes necessary after PCM changes or engine work. While it didn’t fix the misfire in this particular instance, having this capability is invaluable for LS engine tuning and maintenance.
The VXDIAG VCX NANO’s software suite includes “TIS2000,” a legacy GM diagnostic tool covering vehicles from 1999 to 2007 – perfectly aligned with the P01 and P59 PCM era common in many LS swaps. For later models, it also supports “Global Diagnostic System 2” (GDS2) for vehicles up to around 2014. Everything accessible through basic OBD2 programs is also within the TECH2WIN program included with the NANO, along with a wealth of advanced diagnostic and control functions.
Installation involves “VX Manager,” which orchestrates drivers, licensing, and firmware updates. Following online video guides is highly recommended for smooth setup. Firmware updates for the NANO device itself are common and easily handled through VX Manager. Remember to launch VX Manager before starting Tech2WIN, the main diagnostic application.
A word of caution: some users have reported antivirus warnings during installation. My Windows Defender flagged a potential issue, quarantining a file. However, a subsequent scan with PC Matic found no threats, and Windows Defender has remained quiet since. It’s wise to proceed with caution and ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date.
The Tech2WIN interface may seem dated, reminiscent of mid-90s software, but it’s functional and effective. The on-screen keypad is often more efficient than using a laptop keyboard within the application.
One minor drawback: the Tech2 emulator seems to time out after about fifteen minutes of use, requiring a restart. While this hasn’t hindered most diagnostic tasks, it might be an inconvenience for extended sessions. However, considering the tool’s price point, this limitation is easily overlooked.
For El Camino owners tackling LS swaps or maintaining original GM powertrains, the VXDIAG VCX NANO emerges as an exceptional “el camino scan tool”. It offers dealership-level diagnostic capabilities at a fraction of the cost, empowering DIY mechanics to confidently diagnose and resolve complex engine and transmission issues. Whether you’re chasing down misfires, performing crucial relearn procedures, or simply want deeper insight into your El Camino’s engine health, the VXDIAG VCX NANO is a worthy investment.
