Whatever you want, chances are you can find it on the web. But one of the chances you take when buying items through an online sale or an auction website is if they're the real thing or fakes.
GM and Bosch Diagnostics have discovered counterfeit Tech 2 scan tools and GM Control Area Network diagnostic interface (CANdi) modules available to the aftermarket through online auction websites and other retail websites.
These tools appear very authentic from their exterior appearance. Everything is copied to closely resemble the real thing -- from the cables and plastic cases to the brand logos and serial numbers. However, some of these counterfeit tools acquired by GM and Bosch Diagnostics have been found to be built with lower grade components and electronics or with used equipment from other diagnostic tools. As a result, some of the counterfeit tools will not work right from the start, may fail quickly or will run extremely slowly.
You will also find these tools priced less than from an approved GM retailer like GM Dealer Equipment or Bosch Diagnostics. In some cases, they will be significantly less -- another sign that the tool may be a fake.
Can you tell the difference (fig. 14)?
The top CANdi module is counterfeit.
Scan tools and diagnostic tools such as the Tech 2 and CANdi module are large investments for many service departments. For buyers to ensure that they are getting the real tool, and the tech support and warranty protection (authentic Tech 2 scan tools and CANdi modules include a two-year warranty) that comes with it, purchases should only be made from approved retail channels such as GM Dealer Equipment or Bosch Diagnostics.
The bottom line may be that if the online deal for diagnostic and scan tools seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Thanks to Bob Stewart and Mike Waszczenko
GM and Bosch Diagnostics have discovered counterfeit Tech 2 scan tools and GM Control Area Network diagnostic interface (CANdi) modules available to the aftermarket through online auction websites and other retail websites.
These tools appear very authentic from their exterior appearance. Everything is copied to closely resemble the real thing -- from the cables and plastic cases to the brand logos and serial numbers. However, some of these counterfeit tools acquired by GM and Bosch Diagnostics have been found to be built with lower grade components and electronics or with used equipment from other diagnostic tools. As a result, some of the counterfeit tools will not work right from the start, may fail quickly or will run extremely slowly.
You will also find these tools priced less than from an approved GM retailer like GM Dealer Equipment or Bosch Diagnostics. In some cases, they will be significantly less -- another sign that the tool may be a fake.
Can you tell the difference (fig. 14)?
The top CANdi module is counterfeit.
Scan tools and diagnostic tools such as the Tech 2 and CANdi module are large investments for many service departments. For buyers to ensure that they are getting the real tool, and the tech support and warranty protection (authentic Tech 2 scan tools and CANdi modules include a two-year warranty) that comes with it, purchases should only be made from approved retail channels such as GM Dealer Equipment or Bosch Diagnostics.
The bottom line may be that if the online deal for diagnostic and scan tools seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Thanks to Bob Stewart and Mike Waszczenko
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