Global Diagnostic System

Over the past several years, there have been many rumors related to the next generation of vehicle diagnostics and what will replace the Tech 2. As vehicle launches move forward with new common architectures, there will be a gradual progression to a new diagnostic tool, GDS - Global Diagnostic System (fig. 6)

Last year, we rolled out the first half of this progression with the MDI. This new interface allowed communication between the vehicle and your service PC. The next step in the diagnostic evolution will be the GM GDS. GDS will be a PC-based vehicle diagnostic application that will give a technician the ability to manipulate vehicle data in ways not available on the Tech 2. As future vehicle architecture changes, the MDI/GDS combination will be the diagnostic tool used, while all other vehicles will continue to use the Tech 2. This makes the Tech 2, as well as the MDI/GDS, a combination of required diagnostic tools through at least 2012.
The first vehicle to use GDS will be the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2009, followed closely by the 2010 Buick LaCrosse (Allure in Canada). Before the vehicle release, there will be a GDS familiarization class, 16048.26W, available mid-late first quarter.
In order to prepare your dealership for this next step, we recommend the following: First, verify you have your MDI configured for your dealership's network and updated to the latest software version available in TIS2WEB/SPS. If you haven't done so yet, please review MDI Familiarization course 16048.25W. Also, realize that the MDI is now being used as a diagnostic tool, as well as SPS, so you may need to reassess how many MDIs your service department will require. Additional units can be ordered through 1-800-GM-TOOLS.
The second item to be addressed is mobility. In order to take full advantage of PC-based vehicle diagnostics, notebook and tablet computers will give the technician more mobility. The technician's ability to perform diagnostics on a road test, as well become more efficient by not having to go back and forth between the vehicle and a desktop PC, will be a key issue as older PCs are replaced. If your dealership is looking into purchasing additional computers, notebooks or desktops, a follow-up GM messenger will be sent with the latest PC specs.

The GDS icon in TIS2WEB allows the installation and use of the application. The application can be launched directly from the client desktop after the initial install.

At the log in screen, multiple user IDs can be created to track each user's activity. Diagnostic packages allow for current vehicle software to be added and updated.

The identification screen requires user input to identify the MDI being used, VIN and Year, Make and Model. Technicians can also review previously diagnosed vehicles under Vehicle Diagnostic History.