The GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2) car scanner, a comprehensive diagnostic tool for General Motors (GM) vehicles, provides access to a wealth of vehicle information and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). While powerful, using GDS2 improperly can potentially lead to unexpected issues. This article explores the potential of a Gds Car Scanner to induce problems, using real-world examples of various GM vehicles, focusing specifically on the challenges encountered with a 2014 Chevrolet Volt.
GDS2 Car Scanner: Diagnostics and Potential Issues
GDS2 offers a direct pathway to vehicle diagnostics through the sequence: Diagnostics -> Vehicle Diagnostics -> Vehicle DTC Information. This comprehensive scan attempts to read DTCs from all vehicle modules simultaneously. However, this approach can sometimes cause problems, particularly in vehicles with existing electrical or communication issues. Several cases illustrate this:
- 2013 & 2014 Chevrolet Cruze (with and without CEL): Intermittent warning lights, including airbag and traction control, cycling on and off every 10 seconds suggest underlying communication problems potentially exacerbated by the GDS2 global scan.
- 2014 Chevrolet Volt: Experiences included fault setting, fluctuating energy modes, radio resets, reduced propulsion power, and an inability to shut off the engine. Numerous U-codes related to low-speed bus communication further indicate communication network problems.
- 2017 Chevrolet Volt (with CEL): This vehicle, with a stable system, exhibited no adverse effects when scanned with GDS2, and the retrieved codes aligned with those from a dealership scanner.
Focusing on the 2014 Volt, a significant issue emerged after charging (both 240V and Voltec). The vehicle became immobile, requiring a 12V battery disconnect to regain drivability. However, charging remained impossible due to a system lockout. Initially, a Centec scanner identified P0AF8 (Hybrid Battery System Voltage) and P0D22 (Battery Charging System) codes. Subsequently, the Centec lost communication with the relevant module. A dealership diagnosis, focused on replacing the 12V battery, proved inconclusive.
Module-Specific Scanning: A Safer Approach with GDS2
Interestingly, scanning individual modules within GDS2, instead of the global DTC scan, did not produce the erratic behavior observed in the global scan. This suggests that the global scan might overload already compromised communication systems, triggering unexpected responses like flashing lights and fault codes. This highlights the importance of a careful, methodical approach to diagnostics.
Could GDS2 Cause Problems?
While GDS2 itself is unlikely to directly cause hardware damage, it can potentially exacerbate pre-existing issues in vulnerable systems by flooding the communication network with requests. The global scan function appears more susceptible to triggering such problems compared to module-specific scanning. Factors like the vehicle’s condition, existing faults, and the stability of the communication network play crucial roles.
Conclusion: Using GDS2 Effectively
The GDS car scanner offers a powerful diagnostic tool for GM vehicles. However, technicians should exercise caution, especially when using the global DTC scan function on vehicles exhibiting symptoms of communication issues. A module-by-module diagnostic approach can provide valuable information without potentially aggravating existing problems. In complex cases, consulting with experienced technicians or utilizing dealership-level equipment might be necessary for accurate and safe diagnostics. Remember, a thorough understanding of the vehicle’s systems and the capabilities of the diagnostic tool are paramount for successful troubleshooting.
