MDI Clones and Techline

[julespatch]

Yep, just installed on another laptop and it's all working fine

[radrace19]

Emails from Techline

Attention: All Service Department Personnel

GM and Bosch Diagnostics have discovered counterfeit MDI and MDI 2 tools available to the aftermarket through online 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. In the case of the MDI 2 it's actually an MDI 1 internal board which means at a minimum it can't be used on newer vehicles that require the MDI 2. In addition, the devices have been found to contain malware that can compromise a user's PC and will result in a permanent lock on that ID. If the helpdesk informs you of this situation, you must work with your Partner Security Coordinator to create a new ID and it may require working with your local IT support to format and reload your PC Operating System.

You will also find these tools priced less than from an approved GM retailer like Bosch Diagnostics. In some cases, they will be significantly less — another sign that the tool may be a fake.

Scan tools and diagnostic tools such as the MDI 2 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 that comes with it, purchases should only be made from approved retail channels such as Bosch Diagnostics. You can order an MDI 2 by emailing Bosch at:

km@service-solutions.com

Starting September 12th, 2024, GM will begin blocking counterfeit devices from use with GM service applications. Users connecting counterfeit devices will result in that user ID being prevented from logging into GM service applications and could negatively impact warranty claims as well. If you experience any issues or errors logging into Techline Connect, please contact TCSC (800-828-6860) to have your ID reset.

Thank you,

Techline Team ​

[ironduke]

Gotta love how the email came out well after the Sept 12 date specified.. lmao..

[gmtech825]

Gotta love how the email came out well after the Sept 12 date specified.. lmao..

yeah...no surprise there

[Tazzi]

Contains malware... umm... what?
The clones run the updates from the official Bosch website, all factory firmware in them.

Unless they are talking about the sketch harddrives/downloads that come with the clone MDIs which most certainly have suspicious files with them.

Some are just a VX diag in a MDI case.. which that could also be what they are referring to since their installers tend to flag as malicious still.

I find it pretty incredible they are lockout out the dealer accounts and forcing a new one to be made, thats a bit nuts!

[ironduke]

Contains malware... umm... what?
The clones run the updates from the official Bosch website, all factory firmware in them.

Unless they are talking about the sketch harddrives/downloads that come with the clone MDIs which most certainly have suspicious files with them.

Some are just a VX diag in a MDI case.. which that could also be what they are referring to since their installers tend to flag as malicious still.

I find it pretty incredible they are lockout out the dealer accounts and forcing a new one to be made, thats a bit nuts!

I think the malware they're talking about is from the software that comes with some of the mdi's and also from some malware out there in general.. GM did have an issue 6 months ago or so with someone posting up software for global b calculation that was changing the proxy on the computers in an attempt to sniff out usernames and passwords for gm. There was even a bulletin for it. I saw it on mhh and another site, I even downloaded it but ran it in a vm and caught it. I'm guessing the people running that software coincided greatly with the clone mdi's serial number..
I haven't heard a peep yet and I'm running clones, but they do have changed serial numbers. Had too much of an issue with running them wireless and all having the same serial number. I will say that 90% of my programming is now done with the MDI2 just because most 22's and up require it. Have not seen an actual MDI2 clone yet, just mdi 1's inside the case of an MDI2.. Actually looking at purchasing a second mdi2 just because of the amount of work I do with it now.

[Tazzi]

Well.. that would do it...

That whole global B market is a bit bonkers at the moment. Everyone racing to try offer a remote solution to change VINs... without a clue on what they are actually doing... and just letting any random sketchy person install software then steal their credentials.

Thatll change soon enough. Global B support is in development...

[beeradoc]

Contains malware... umm... what?
The clones run the updates from the official Bosch website, all factory firmware in them.

Unless they are talking about the sketch harddrives/downloads that come with the clone MDIs which most certainly have suspicious files with them.

Some are just a VX diag in a MDI case.. which that could also be what they are referring to since their installers tend to flag as malicious still.

I find it pretty incredible they are lockout out the dealer accounts and forcing a new one to be made, thats a bit nuts!

Ah yes this is exactly what I thought, very first thing I did with mine was format sd card and reload with mdi manager.

I did try a vxdiag before that but it was junk and didnt even work on holden stuff.

I did just have a obdsync arrive from HDL this week so looking foward to trying that out

[hjtrbo]

Is there a procedure to change the serial number on mdi1 clones?

[pman92]

Is there a procedure to change the serial number on mdi1 clones?

Would like to know how as well if anyone knows