GMC MDI 2 User manual

Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2 User Guide
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Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2 User Guide
© 2015 GM Customer Care and Aftersales
Made in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents...............................................................................................................2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................3
Customer Support Overview...............................................................................................4
Important PC Hardware Guidelines....................................................................................5
Symbols Used....................................................................................................................6
Important User Information................................................................................................. 7
Safety Instructions..............................................................................................................8
Product Description..........................................................................................................11
Getting Started.................................................................................................................16
Installing the MDI Manager Software........................................................................... 16
Setting Up the MDI 2 Hardware................................................................................... 16
Setting Up Wireless Communications..........................................................................20
Power On Self-Test (POST).........................................................................................22
Connecting the MDI 2 to a Vehicle...............................................................................23
Finishing Up.....................................................................................................................24
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................26
Cleaning and Maintenance...............................................................................................31
Cleaning and Storing Your MDI 2 ................................................................................31
Recovering the MDI 2 Software...................................................................................31
Glossary...........................................................................................................................33

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Introduction
The Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2 (MDI 2) User Guide provides a quick reference and overview
of the Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2 system.
Everything contained in this manual is based on the latest production information available at
the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in
any form by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of GM Customer Care and
Aftersales. This includes all text tables, illustrations and charts.

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Customer Support Overview
To obtain assistance with your TIS software, contact the ACDelco Aftermarket Support Center.
Before Calling
Before making a call for ACDelco Aftermarket support, be sure to have the following information
ready:
Business name, address, ACDelco TDS Login ID, and the technician’s Telephone
number
Tell when the problem occurred
List any error messages
Give vehicle entry information
Making the Call
The ACDelco Aftermarket Support Center telephone lines operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
(Eastern Standard Time) Monday through Friday.
In the United States and Canada to contact Customer Support, dial:
1-888-212-8959

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Important PC Hardware Guidelines
ACDelco provides IT guidelines to help users have a seamless experience when using
TIS2Web software applications. To avoid unnecessary compliance issues with TIS2Web,
please review and adhere to the stated infrastructure guidelines at the following link:
http://www.gmdesolutions.com/services/standards.php
These guidelines for GM Dealers also apply to Independent Service Centers, Professional
Service Centers and Key Fleets using ACDelco Aftermarket subscriptions. For questions on
these guidelines, contact 888-212-8959, prompt #2.

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Symbols Used
Warning Notices - Structure and Meaning
Warning notices warn of dangers to the user or people in the vicinity.Warning notices also indicate
the consequences of thehazard as well as preventive action.Warning notices have the following
structure:
Warning Symbol
KEY WORD –Nature and source of hazard.
Consequences of hazard in the event of failure to observe action and
information given.
Hazard prevention action and information.
The key word indicates the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of the hazard in the event of
non-observance:
Key word
Probability of occurrence
Severity of danger if instructions not
observed
DANGER
Immediate impending danger
Death or severe injury
WARNING
Possible impending
danger
Death or severe injury
CAUTION
Possible dangerous
situation
Minor injury
Symbols in this Document
Symbol
Designation
Explanation
!
Attention
Warns about possible property damage.
i
Information
Practical hints and other
useful information.
Symbols on the Product
Observe all warning notices on products and ensure they remain legible.

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Important User Information
To increase effectiveness with the Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2 (MDI 2), users should
familiarize themselves with the format and information contained in this guide. Every attempt
has been made to provide complete and accurate technical information based on factory service
information available at the time of publication. However, the right is reserved to make changes
at any time without notice.
Before starting up, connecting and operating the MDI 2, it is absolutely essential that the
operating instructions/owner’s manual and, in particular, the safety instructions are studied
carefully. By doing so you can eradicate any uncertainties in handling this product and thus
associated safety risks upfront; something which is in the interests of your own safety and will
ultimately help avoid damage to the device. When this product is handed over to another
person, not only the operating instructions but also the safety instructions and information on its
designated use must be handed over to the person.

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Safety Instructions
Please read and review all instructions, warnings and information included in this manual prior to
start-up, connection and operation of the MDI 2 Vehicle Communication Interface.
This user manual is written for safe convenient setup and use of the product. We recommend
that you carefully read the manual prior to using the MDI 2 and software.
DANGER –High Electrical Voltage
Certain risk of personal injury or death
Always consult the vehicle's service manual for safety precautions
and procedures when working with high voltage vehicle systems
and/or passive restraint devices such as airbags, pretensioners and
other deployable devices.
WARNING –Dangerous Exhaust Gas
Possible risk of personal injury or death
When performing any checks with the engine running in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is proper ventilation. Never
inhale exhaust gases; they contain carbon monoxide - a colorless,
odorless, extremely dangerous gas which can cause unconsciousness
or death
WARNING –Parking Brake
Possible risk of personal injury
To help avoid personal injury, always set the parking brake securely
and block the drive wheels before performing any checks or repairs on
the vehicle.
CAUTION –Battery Clamps –Polarity
Possible risk of personal injury
Do not clasp battery clamps together when connected simultaneously
to the vehicle's 12 volt cigarette lighter or power supply. Reverse

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polarity in the vehicle's cigarette lighter may be present. Damage
could occur to the MDI 2 or to the vehicle. Make sure all cables and
adapters are firmly connected before starting to use the MDI 2 Always
read the instructions completely before attempting a new procedure.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
The MDI 2 satisfies the requirements of the EMC directive 2004/108/EG.
The MDI 2 is a class/category A product as defined by EN 55 022. The MDI 2 may cause high-
frequency household interference (radio interference) so that interference suppression may be
necessary. In such cases the user may be required to take the appropriate action.
Electronic Waste Disposal
This MDI 2 is subject to European guidelines 2002/96/EG (WEEE). Old electrical and electronic
devices, including cables and accessories or batteries must be disposed of separately from
normal household waste. Please use the return and collection systems in place for disposal in
your area.
Damage to the environment and hazards to personal health are prevented by properly disposing
of the MDI 2.
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his or her
expense.
All work conducted on electrical devices may be performed by persons with sufficient
knowledge and experience in the field of electrics and hydraulics.

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WiFi Compliance
This equipment complies with the following worldwide wireless standards.
Safety / Environmental Compliance
This equipment complies with the following worldwide safety and environmental standards.

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Product Description
Overview
The Multiple Diagnostic Interface 2 (MDI 2) is used by professional technicians as an aid in
diagnosing and repairing automotive electrical and electronic systems. The MDI 2 is designed to
connect the vehicle to a host PC computer application which then functions through the MDI 2
for data transfer and Electronic Control Unit (ECU) reprogramming.
Using the MDI Manager PC application software, you configure the MDI 2 to communicate with
a host computer. The MDI 2 is capable of communicating over a USB cable, Ethernet cable, or
wireless network (WLAN).
User group
The product may be used by skilled and instructed personnel only. Personnel scheduled to be
trained, familiarized, instructed or to take part in a general training course may only work with
the product under the supervision of an experienced person.
PC System Requirements
The MDI 2 Software runs on a PC/Laptop. The user interacts with the MDI 2 software for device
setup, and configuration for SAE J2534 or ISO 22900 data transfer and ECU reprogramming.
The following table lists the minimum PC/laptop requirements for installing and running the MDI
2 Software:
Item
System Requirements
Operating System
WIN 7 or Win 8 (32 bit and 64 bit PCs)
Available hard disk space
100 MB or greater
RAM
512 MB or greater
CPU
1 GHZ or higher
Communication Ports
2 USB
Video Resolution
1024 x 768 or higher

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MDI 2 Kit Contents
The MDI 2 Kit includes hardware and cables needed to transfer data and reprogram ECUs on
vehicles through the DLC connector.
The Wireless MDI 2 Kit (Bosch p/n EL-52100) US and Canada - Includes the MDI 2 assembly
with two USB Wireless Adapters, DLC Cable, USB Cable, and Ethernet Cable. The Self Test
Adapter is sold separately.
MDI 2 Connectors and Controls
A number of standard connectors and controls are available on the MDI 2 to facilitate operation
and communication with vehicles and workshop networks. These connectors and controls are
shown in the following illustrations.

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Item
Description
1
LED Indicators
2
Power Button LED
3
USB Port Type A
4
DB26 Connector (DLC Cable)
5
USB Port Type A
6
USB Port Type B - PC Connection Port
7
Wireless Adapter
8
Ethernet Port

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Universal Serial Bus (USB –Item 6)
The MDI 2 has a fixed USB configuration which cannot be changed. This ensures that the MDI
2 can always be connected to a single PC running the MDI Manager software so you can
configure LAN or WLAN settings required by your local network. In addition, it is important to
note that a USB connection is recommended to configure and update the firmware on the MDI
2. USB connection must be made directly with the PC port. Do not connect through a USB hub.
Ethernet
The Ethernet connection on the MDI 2 is set up and configured while the device is connected
over USB to a PC running the MDI Manager software. It is possible to update the firmware on
the MDI 2 using an Ethernet connection.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
The 802.11n WLAN connection on the MDI 2 is set up and configured while the device is
connected over USB to a PC running the MDI Manager software.
MDI Manager Software
The MDI Manager software is a host computer application which runs on the Microsoft Windows
operating system to configure and update MDI 2s. The MDI Manager software allows the
configuration of MDI 2-to-host PC communications and facilitates MDI 2 firmware updates.
SAE J2534 Pass-Thru Support
The MDI 2 has been validated to work with General Motors PC based diagnostics and
reprogramming applications.
The MDI 2 supports pass-thru programming of the flash calibration files that are stored in a
vehicle onboard controller (e.g., PCM, ABS, VTD). Refer to specific operating instructions
provided by General Motors.
The MDI 2 design is based on the SAE J2534 Pass-Thru and ISO 22900 Modular Vehicle
Interface standards, therefore the MDI 2 may also be compatible with vehicles built by other
OEMs
MDI 2 Features
Data Link Connector Cable
The Data Link Connector Cable is the external test equipment (ETE) cable that connects
the MDI 2 to the vehicle’s SAE J1962 Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC Cable with
the grey SAE 1962 connector is specifically designed for the MDI 2 and measures 1.8
meters in length.
Power Source
The MDI 2 is intended to be powered from the vehicle battery via the DLC Cable for
normal use. If the MDI 2 does not have sufficient power (12V) to perform vehicle
diagnostics, the MDI 2 will inform you of insufficient power for diagnostics by blinking the
Vehicle LED in the color Red. This scenario can be seen when the MDI 2 is only

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powered from the 5V USB connection to the PC. If 12V power is lost or not detected
while the MDI 2 is communicating with the GDS2 or Tech2Win application, the MDI 2
speaker will also beep to inform you of the loss of power. Beeping may occur if the DLC
is accidently dislodged.
The MDI 2 may be powered over USB only to perform firmware updates from your PC.
12V power can be supplied by the vehicle DLC or the DLC Cable Self Test Adapter.
Some IMPORTANT information about powering your MDI 2:
12V is required for Vehicle Communication
12V is required for Wireless Configuration and use
12V is required for use of the Self Test Adapter
5V or 12V required for MDI 2 firmware Update or Recovery
Note: The DLC Cable Self Test Adapter cannot be used for vehicle diagnostics.
LED Indicators
Seven Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are located on the front of the MDI 2. The LED
indicators provide the following status information.
LED Symbol
LED Function
Vehicle Communication
Error Indicator
PC Host Communication
Power Button
Power On Self Test
F1
Function 1
F2
Function 2

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Getting Started
The following sections provide the information needed to begin using the MDI 2 including
installing the MDI Manager software, updating the firmware on the device, configuring
connection methods, and communicating with the vehicle.
Installing the MDI Manager Software
The MDI Manager software is installed on the PC and provides access to the MDI 2s located on
your network. The MDI Manager must be installed on the PC in order to configure, update and
run diagnostic applications targeted for the PC. Initially you use the MDI Manager software to
set up the configuration of each MDI 2. The MDI Manager is also used to update the firmware
on the MDI 2. Use the following procedure to install the MDI Manager software on your PC.
Visit the TIS2Web/GlobalTIS website to determine if a newer version of MDI Manager software
is available for your device. If the software on the website is newer than your PC, download the
software to your computer.
If you downloaded the software from the website, double-click the downloaded file and follow
the instructions on the screen. The InstallShield Wizard starts and guides you through the
software installation.
The InstallShield wizard displays a panel indicating that the program is ready to be installed.
Click Install to proceed with the installation. A progress bar shows the status of the installation.
[You can click Cancel if you want to halt the installation process. You are prompted to respond if
you are sure you wish to cancel the installation.]
Click Finish to complete the installation. The InstallShield Wizard places the MDI Manager icon
on your desktop.
Setting Up the MDI 2 Hardware
Installing Your Wireless Adapter

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The wireless adapter must be installed into the MDI 2 before you can use the wireless features.
Use the following procedure to install the wireless adapter into your MDI 2.
Ensure power is removed from MDI 2.
Remove the lower boot from the MDI 2.
Install the wireless adapter into the USB port.
Replace the lower boot on the MDI 2.
If you have a wireless MDI 2 kit and are planning to use Point-to-Point wireless communication,
you must install the second wireless adapter from your kit into the PC. Use the following
procedure to install your wireless adapter into your PC.
Identify a USB 2.0 port on your PC that is accessible. Do not plug wireless adapter into a USB
hub.
Install the wireless adapter into the PC USB port. You may have to wait for your PC to install
and configure the wireless adapter driver onto your PC.
Reminder: You should use Windows to Safely Eject the wireless adapter before physically
removing it from your PC.
Identifying Your MDI 2
The MDI 2 label is located on the back of the MDI 2. The MDI 2 identification number has two
parts: a manufacturing code for traceability and a unique serial number. The serial number is
used to identify the MDI 2 in the MDI Manager software. You will need to refer to this serial
number when you are using MDI Manager to configure the MDI 2 and perform software
updates.

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Updating the MDI 2 Software
The MDI 2 is shipped from the factory without firmware. Before operating your MDI 2 we
recommend visiting the TIS2Web/GlobalTIS website to see if a newer version of the MDI 2
firmware is available for your MDI 2. Your first connection is to the PC where you have installed
MDI Manager software. You will need the USB cable to configure your MDI 2 using MDI
Manager.
Use the following procedure to update the firmware on your MDI 2
Select the MDI Manager icon from the PC Desktop. Before proceeding to the next step, make
sure your MDI 2 is powered on and the MDI 2 is connected to the PC using the USB cable. The
MDI 2 will boot in Recovery Mode.(only in factory setup)
When you click on the new MDI 2, the Connect button will change to the Recover button. Your
MDI 2 will be displayed without the serial number when initially connected to MDI Manager.
Select the Recover button to start the update process
Select the Start Update button to install firmware on the MDI 2.
Do not unplug the MDI 2 from the PC or remove power from the MDI 2 during the update
process. Select OK to continue.
The update process will take about 5 minutes to complete. Once the update process is
complete the MDI 2 will automatically reboot. Wait until you hear the beep from the MDI 2
before proceeding to use your MDI 2.
Configuring the MDI 2 Using MDI Manager
In order to configure a MDI 2 to communicate on your network you must connect the MDI 2, via
USB, to a PC running MDI Manager software. The MDI Manager icon displayed on the MDI 2
will inform you of the communication method to be used if the <Connect> button is selected.

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Icon
Description
MDI Manager will connect to MDI 2 via USB
MDI Manager will connect to MDI 2 via Ethernet
MDI Manager will connect to MDI 2 via Wireless
Wireless Point-to-Point is not set up. Connect MDI 2 to the PC using USB cable to
complete setup.
Wireless adapters in the PC and in the Tester are incompatible with each other.
MDI Manager is connected to the MDI 2
Use the following steps to configure your MDI 2
Double-click the MDI Manager icon on your desktop to launch the MDI Manager software.
In the MDI Manager software MDI 2 Explorer tab, select the MDI 2 in the window. Click the
Show Details button to see details about the selected MDI 2.
Click the Connect button to connect to the selected MDI 2 over USB. The MDI 2 is displayed
with a green check mark on your display indicating that your MDI Manager software is in control
of that MDI 2. Note: If your MDI 2 is connected to another networked PC, it will still be detected
by the MDI Manager but will not be available for selection. [If your MDI 2 is connected via USB
to your computer, the MDI Manager functions on all tabs are available; if your MDI 2 is not
connected via USB, the functions on the Network Setup and MDI 2 Update tabs are not
available.]
Check PC and MDI 2 Software Versions
Typically, the MDI Manager software installed on your PC and the software installed on the MDI
2 must have matching versions in order for the MDI 2 to operate properly. Use the following
steps to check your software versions.
1. Connect the MDI 2 to your computer via USB cable.
2. Double-click the MDI Manager icon on your desktop to launch the MDI Manager
software.

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3. On the MDI 2 Explorer tab, select your MDI 2 in the window.
4. Click the Show Details button to see the detail view of the selected MDI 2.
The MDI 2 Detailed View window shows the PC S/W Version information for the MDI Manager
software and the MDI 2 firmware Version for the MDI 2 as well as available interfaces and IP
addresses. If both the MDI Manager software version and the MDI 2 software version match,
you can use your MDI 2 with this PC.
Setting Up Wireless Communications
The MDI 2 is capable of communicating on your workshop network over Wireless. The Network
Setup tab in the MDI Manager software provides a number of functions used to select and
configure the MDI 2 network connection interfaces including wireless access and security
settings.
You must be connected to the MDI 2 via USB to access the settings on the Network Setup tab.
If you are not connected via USB, the controls on the Network Setup tab are disabled.
The MDI 2 supports two methods for wireless communication. With the Access Point Wireless
Communication method the MDI 2 connects to your PC through an access point in your
workshop. With the Point-to-Point Wireless Communication method the MDI 2 connects to your
PC directly using a USB wireless adapter. Each of these methods are described in the following
sections.
Enabling Access Point Wireless Communication
Your MDI 2 can be configured for Access Point Wireless Communication. Before starting, you
need to know the following:
1. An IP Address and Subnet Mask to assign to your MDI 2 (if your LAN does not
automatically assign IP addresses)
2. Wireless communication access point SSID (network name)
3. Wireless security password (encryption key)
4. The illustration below shows several MDI 2s connected to a single laptop PC using a
wireless access point.