TOOLS & Knowledge or How-To>>>

Ok all you Do-it-Yourselfers

My warenty is about to die/expire on my 2005 Silvarado. I have 55K and it is toast at 60K. I hate the dealerships so I think this is a good reason to buy tools instead of a 3rd party extended warenty waytogo

SO!
Can anyone recomend a diagnostic tool, service manual, specialty tools, looking for any and all info you all may have to share..

Is this a GM owner specific question?

I was embarrased with myself this morning when I couldn't even find the throttle linkage:doah: (it was dark and early so I forgave myselfrotfl )

Thanks for your opionons
Burt

 

Well, the reason why you couldn't find the throttle cable is probably because it doesn't have one really. I am pretty sure it's by wire.:doah: Does your truck give you a code number? The Dodges do so I would imagine the GM's do also. Once you get the code you can hop on the net and find out what it is. Then you have a good idea what you are chasing. For tools.... a multimeter can test sensors, but you have to know what the sensor should show to test them. You will need a really good service manual, that is the main thing imho.

 

Well if it does have a way to get the code I don't know how to doit...just the engine light...I don't have an engine light on at this point.
Maybe I should talk to Dave about this:
http://www.bd-power.com/gmc/product.php?pn=BD%20Intimidator&tt=gmc

It says it can read and clear codes too..??

 

Burt,

If you have a laptop, look into getting AutoEnginuity for it. Seems the Duramax guys seem to like it for DIY diagnostics. There are plenty of other choices for laptop stuff, including OBD-2, which I have, and works OK. If you really want to do it right, get a Tech 2, but they cost about 2 grand.

Then, get a good multimeter and learn how to use it properly. I would also get a factory service manual, or subscribe to AllData. Also, you do realize that then engine warranty is good for 100,000, right?

 

Thanks!
I just hate the dealerships so much I want to have the power not to take it in and do SOMETHING on my own..other than change the fluids hahahaa
Ya I remember that I got 100K on the Duramax..I should be at that mark this time next year...so I got a year to learn waytogo
I have like 3 laptops so got that covered waytogo
I guess I should start with getting a GM service manual...I have a Fluke DMM already

 

I wanted a way to read codes with my D-max so I got the Predator tuner. It reads codes and changes for tire size etc. I have only had to read codes a time or two that was all my doing but it has come in handy.

I would get a tuner that reads codes if it was me.

James in right though you still have a warrenty on the motor and maybe tranny.

 

Ya that link above is a 'tuner' and code reader right?
My drivetrain is 100% stock
hmmmmmm To modify or not to modify hmmmmmm
opcorn:

 

Correct and Modify

I would check around before you buy something if you are going for something that is a tuner.
I bought the Predator as it was all there was at the time. Now there are much better tuners out there.

I am running the Predator on 65hp all of the time and love the extra power. I haven't tried any other tuners so I can't say what if anything is better.
The trouble is tuners need guages and exhaust. It is a never ending saga once you start.

 

Ya I don't want to do the 5 thousand dollor dance or dommino effect were you change one thing then another then another.............

My rig performs great towing as is and when I am not towing I am dayly driving/commuting in it.
Increased fuel millage would be cool...I'm at about 17-18 area now
More power is also fun idea too...but I don't have a very big budjet to play with...over the next few years I suppose I could build my rig on mod at a time and get there that way....Just like my K5...14yrs and counting hahahhaaa

 

Another thing Burt is learning the trouble spots of your truck. I know of most major and minor things that can go wrong with the Dodges of my year. Learn of what sensors people seem to have the most trouble with etc...

That BD tuner looks pretty good. You would love the power it would give you. I agree that you already have a lot, you walked away from me last year on Pacheko pass when that garlic truck got in front of us and then cleared out of the way. But, a bunch of power is good, too much power is just right....rotfl

 

True! Learning the ins & outs is a must. Having LOTS of power is fun too.
OK so now I need the winning lotto numbers for California's SupreLotto, it is getting crazy big!! ahhaaarotfl :doah:

"Honey! I need more money! I gots me lots of plans!" hehehe


Hay Bobby, prolly get some Amsoil from you soon...it's time to change it so...I'll let you know.

 

a generuc tuner/code reader will NOT give you 1/4 of the info a $500 laptop scanner system will...
not an 1/8th of what a GM tech2 can do......

 

Talk too me browaytogo
So do you have any online links were I can read more about thease applications that load onto laptops?
Sounds interesting for sureopcorn:

 

What is AllData?

 

http://www.alldatadiy.com/

I have never joined, but as far as I know, you are able to view and print PDF files of factory service manuals for just about anything.

 

all data is a info program on how your truck runs.
to diagnose your truck.
skip the tuner, the work that they say it does to get you codes is practically worthless and you should not buy it for that reason.

i am not up to date on which laptops setups are nice, as i have factory scan tools where i work(for GM tech2, for fords we have a WDS and a NGS. a DRB for chrysler) and a snap on new style brick for all the others.
a GM tech2 will do anything you need to do for your truck from programming new modules,(though you need special computer software for this) adding new security remotes, resetting any and all dash lights, tire lights, monitoring, engine, trans, abs, traction control data/codes
it will scan all the modules on your truck, not just the PCM.
but it is most likely overkill for your application and use, plus way pricey...........
a good option is to get a older style snap on brick scanner used.... get only the cord with OBD 2 connector, and a k2(ford and generic obd2) and k9 key(gm) and then get the cartriges with torubler shooter for your application of what you primary want to use it on. you could probably do this for $500 wit ha OBD2 generic cartriage to also scan your wifes or friends cars from 96 to what year cartriage update you have. it wont be as detailed like what you would have for your pickup, but would be a good aide.

look into factory service manuals for your truck. kinda pricey(usually over $150) but well worth it for the detailed info and step by step diagnostic tables.

 

not factory manuals, aftermarket manuals.. factory ones are far more detailed and have MUCH better flow charts.

 

Cool, thanks for your time and input BB waytogo

Are you a factory tech for Ford?
I guess I will take some notes and check out Ebay for some used diag tools and get me a factory service manual for my truck.

This morning my rig did it again....NO THROTTLE!!
I was getting fuel before my commute and fired it up..no throttle..started getting pissed at it..shut it down, turned it on, moved to R then D then L nothing was giving me my throttle back...then vvvarrom vvaarrroooom started working again and I drive to work:doah:

So My first priority will be identifying ALL components,harness,plugs,realys,sensors,etc..... that have to deal with THROTTLE!
I hate intermittent issues:doah:

Thanks again and if anything else comes to mind please let me know.
Burt

 

Do thease books look like the ones I am after?

Ebay for 85 bucks...?

 

Is this what you were talkin bout?