Problem:
Failed to install driver for VXDIAG VCX NANO GM scanner. VX Manager gives error MDI driver not installed and device license for this application is invalid or expired.
Solution:
Usually, you don’t need to install SGM RDS driver. It is for Chinese brands.
If need to diagnose Chinese GM with RDS, your license has expired. Update license before installing the SGM RDS driver.
Update:
Got the license update. When installing driver again, it says GM GDS2 or Tech2win Software Not Installed.
Solution:
Just as indicated, install GDS2 and Tech2win software, then install this driver.
Tutorial: How to program 2017 Chevrolet Volt LT to allow Openpilot Operation using Techline Connect SPS.
Several people have successfully enabled Openpilot operation on 2017 LT Volts without stock Premier features. This section will cover the firmware modifications required to enable Openpilot. Hardware modifications are also required. Stock cruise control will be inoperative after these modifications, only cruise available will be Openpilot once it is booted.
Introduction
The Chevrolet Volt (2016-2018) is a popular vehicle to use with OpenPilot and the C2/C3. Out of the box, only the Premier optioned Volt with the Driver Convenience II package is supported. This model includes a radar behind the bow tie on the grille, LKAS, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The LT version is not officially supported, nor is the Premier version without radar Adaptive Cruise Control. But…. There is a way! Either way you have to have a radar which can easily be bought on eBay and wired to the OBDII port, as well as the radar transparent bow tie which is much harder to come by. I believe this is optional if you want to use the very Alpha E2E longitudinal model.
All of the main modules in the vehicle are the same between LT and Premier versions. This means that the only limitation is in software, i.e. which commands the ECM (Engine Control Module), BCM (Body Control Module), Brake Module, Power Steering Module, and Cluster are willing to accept/transmit between each other and OpenPilot. GM may change their software in the future, breaking the process. As always, do at your own risk. Worst case scenario can leave a vehicle module inoperative if done incorrectly. Firmware modification like this will result in DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) that will be invisible to the user (no dash icons) but will be visible if you take the vehicle to the dealer. All codes reference lost communication with Premier modules that do not exist such as Park Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring and do not affect normal operation.
After programming, stock cruise control will cease to exist, you must always use Openpilot.
If you do not disable Anti-Virus and firewall you will have issues! VX Manager is highlighted as a virus for some reason. I installed on a fresh Windows install out of caution.
ACDelcoTDS is GM’s online portal to vehicle diagnostics and programming. A single VIN costs $45 for a year.
Sign into https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions, or create an account if needed.
When purchasing a VIN through the system, you will need to find a VIN that has the software you desire. i.e. a Premier with Driver Confidence II package (make sure it has a flat plastic trim where the bow tie is on the grille). Also, ensure the VIN you select is the same year as your vehicle.
Optionally purchase another VIN that is the actual vehicle that you own, in case things don’t work you can flash the original firmware back to the car (or if you sell the car and wish to return to stock).
Once purchased you will see your active VINs under “My Subscriptions”. Click “View”, then select the Premier VIN. This will bring you to a page to download and install TechLine Connect if you have not already. If TechLine Connect is installed, you will see an option to start it. Before running/installing TechLine Connect, open VX Manager, your VCX Nano will beep to verify connection, if it does not, select reconnect on the main screen.
VIN Subscriptions.
VXManager Reconnect if needed.
Once TechLine connect is opened, make sure your Premier VIN is selected, then click “Select”.
A dialog box will pop up to select the interface with the vehicle, select “VXDIAG”.
Ensure Premier VIN is selected at top dropdown box. Click “Next”.
A listing of all the control modules from the Premier VIN is shown. From this point forward, this screen will be where you select the module you would like to program.
The system will give you an error at the selection of each module, letting you know the VIN selected does not match your VIN, always select “OVERRIDE”.
The following photos show the programming process as well as the ECU list. It will be the same process for each module, although the information displayed will vary.
ECU List Page 1-3
ECU Programming Page 1-4
Body control module programming is required to allow lateral/longitudinal operation of Openpilot. This module may not need to be programmed if you already have lateral control with Openpilot and are currently using a Pedal for longitudinal control.
Engine control module programming is required to enable longitudinal operation of Openpilot
Power Steering Control Module programming is required to enable lateral operation of Openpilot. Not required for Volts that already have LKAS
Electronic Brake Control Module programming is required to enable longitudinal operation of Openpilot
Brake Booster Control Module programming is required to enable longitudinal operation of Openpilot
Instrument Cluster programming is not required for Openpilot operation, although it does offer a more streamlined user experience.
Without programming: Cruise Control icons will appear distorted
With programming:
Instrument Cluster programming is a bit more involved. If you flash with the
Premier firmware, you will fix the above issues, but the cluster will also
display errors for ECUs that your vehicle does not have (for an LT Volt you will
receive “Service Park Assist” and “Service Blind Spot Monitor” errors EVERY TIME
YOU START THE VEHICLE. It will also dash out the mileage after an undetermined
amount of time due to a VIN MISMATCH. We need to tell the Instrument Cluster
that we do not have these systems installed so we no longer receive these errors
AND keep our original VIN. This is done using an XML/RPO Build File. A “recipe”
per se for the cluster firmware.
At the end of this document, I will document
how these files are acquired. For your enjoyment I have attached this file, for
a 2017 Volt, here. (unzip
it). I have also attached an
example XMLFile.txt
here. All
you need to do is replace YOUR_VIN with, well, your VIN.
NOTE: Using the following directions, you will temporarily receive a "Service Front Camera" error anytime Openpilot is disconnected or not fully booted. Go to the next section to see how to fix this issue if you find it to be annoying.
Copy “XMLFile.xml” to /DPS/Config.
Open “Developmental Programming System”. Select “Program” at the top of the window, then “Dev. Programming Tool”
Select “1 (33.3KBd)” from the “Diagnostic Pin” dropdown box. Select “ECU Configuration”.
Select “Select XML Config File”, choose the file you just copied to /DPS/Config. Select “Create Build Data File .TXT”
Ensure the VIN at the top is populated with YOUR VIN. Select options under “RPO Selections”.
For an LT Volt:
Select “Write RPO Build Data”
Ensure “Build Data File” box has been populated with the file you just created.
Select “Execute”, do not interrupt process until it finishes or errors out.
To quickly verify correct execution, try to turn on cruise control on the steering wheel, you will see the new icons!
In short, the firmware is a generic cake (could be chocolate, could be
vanilla) lol. The XMLFile.xml
is the
recipe to make any generic cake minus the flavor.
The XMLFile.txt
file that we create tells
the recipe XMLFile.xml
to make a
chocolate cake vs a vanilla cake. Make sense?
GMs intention is to make this process seamless, and for most users this is
fine. But when we want to modify the firmware we have to do this manually.
Timing is important for this,
the XMLFile.xml
is temporary while the
firmware is being downloaded and is immediately deleted. We have to copy the
file at JUST the right moment.
In Windows File Explorer, navigate
to /USERNAME/sps/type4
, if this folder does not exist,
create and open it. Keep it visible alongside the TechLine Connect software.
Go through the process of programming the “Instrument Cluster” just like you would any of the other modules, get to the point where you select “Start Programming”
After clicking “Start Programming”, the program will have a spinning circle
as it makes connection with the vehicle. As SOON as it gets to the next step of
downloading the firmware, pull the VCX Nano out of the OBDII port (to prevent
actually programming anything). AT THE SAME TIME there should be a new folder in
the type4
folder. Either open it and drag
the XMLFile.xml
to the desktop, or drag
the entire folder to the desktop. At this point TechLine Connect will report an
error (because the precious files are gone). That’s fine. Exit TechLine Connect
and use the XMLFile.xml
in DPS as
described earlier. Even better, open that file in notepad and you can see what
each RPO code in the build file does.
Note: Not all ECUs have an XMLFile.xml
, there seems
to be no reason an ECU has it vs not. What’s important is the Instrument Cluster
has this file and allows us to cherry pick the features we want and don’t want,
allowing an LT Volt to have Premier ACC icons without additional system errors,
while at the same time keeping YOUR VIN on the ECU, preventing a VIN mismatch
error (dashed out mileage).
One of the things that bothered me with this setup is the “Service Front
Camera” error that temporarily pops up before Openpilot is fully booted. So I
dove down the task of getting rid of it, and sure enough, it's possible! I have
loaded the modified XMLFile.xml
here.
Two RPO codes when applied to the IPC create this
DTC/error. KSG: CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATIC, ADAPTIVE WITH
STOP/GO
, and UHX: LANE ACTIVE SAFETY-KEEP
ASSIST
. This makes sense as the stock Premium Volt has a camera for both
of these systems.
The file that will be edited for this is
the XMLFile.xml
This file has several sections that are important. DPS looks at the XMLFile.txt on how to build the instruction set to the IPC. So everything is based solely off RPO codes.
At the very bottom of the file, there is a section that simply lists RPO codes, for example:
<RpoCodeItem>
<OptionCodeID>OCKSG</OptionCodeID>
<OptionCode>KSG</OptionCode>
<Description>CRUISE CONTROL-AUTOMATIC, ADAPTIVE, WITH STOP/GO</Description>
</RpoCodeItem>"
Above this section are the RPO options themselves.
Then above that, there are DTCs that can be set! For example:
<Parameter ParamDefaultValue="00">
<ParameterName>P_ENABLE_DTC_C23A_FTB_00</ParameterName>
<StartByte>3</StartByte>
<StartBit>4</StartBit>
<BitLength>1</BitLength>
<ConfData useConfData="true">
<ConfigData Value="00" AutoGenExpression="(!KSG)">
<Product>
<RpoCodeRef IDREF="OCKSG" hasToBeAvailable="false" />
</Product>
</ConfigData>
<ConfigData Value="01" AutoGenExpression="(KSG)">
<Product>
<RpoCodeRef IDREF="OCKSG" hasToBeAvailable="true" />
</Product>
</ConfigData>
</ConfData>
<ServiceSection IsServiceAccessAllowed="false">
<Interpretation Text="Disable" Value="00" />
<Interpretation Text="Enable" Value="01" />
</ServiceSection>
</Parameter>
The first RPO code that will throw DTCs, as well as the "Service Front
Camera" error, is KSG: CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATIC, ADAPTIVE
WITH STOP/GO
. Pay attention to the above section. First, you can see that
this block of code references setting a DTC if the RPO code
of KSG
is selected. For
the ParamDefaultValue
, it
shows 00
meaning this DTC is set
to DISABLED. But, if you
have the KSG
option, the DTC value
is 01
, meaning this DTC is set
to ENABLED so if the IPC finds an
issue with option KSG
you will get an
error on the display. Changing
the 01
to 00
disables
the DTC even with this RPO code selected! This will have to be completed on line
969. No more “Service Front Camera”, for Adaptive Cruise Control!!!
The second RPO code that will throw DTCs, as well as the “Service Front
Camera” error, is the UHX: LANE ACTIVE SAFETY-KEEP
ASSIST
. Notice in the DTC list of XMLFile.xml, there is no DTC item
matching up to the RPO code
of UHX
. BUT… notice that
there are two different sections for UHX
. One
is P_LANE_KEEPER_ASSIST_INDICATOR_ENABLED
and
the other is P_OPTION_LANE_KEEPER_PRESENT
. So on line
1595, we change
the 01
to 00
.
This tells the IPC not to look for the system on the CANBUS, while the indicator
is still enabled.
After editing the XMLFile.xml
, load it into DPS as
the instructions dictate, and flash the IPC. You will never receive “Service
Front Camera” ever again.
FINAL NOTES: Like I said earlier, do all this AT YOUR OWN RISK. It worked on mine, but differing models/years could be different. After programming, you may need to use GDS2 to remove all DTCs, or a code reader to clear out the check engine light. This is normal. Also needed is a window re-calibration (move driver’s window full up and full down to calibrate automatic operation). Last but not least, you may have to accomplish a parking brake re-calibration through GDS2, which basically walks you through setting the electronic parking brake while the system reads it’s position. Viewing all DTCs in GDS2 will let you know if you need to accomplish this. GDS2 will list “Parking Brake Relearn Required” under the full list of DTCs.
Troubleshooting
If you're getting a "Cruise Fault" and unable to enable openpilot control after confirming all firmware has flashed correctly, try recalibrating the brake pedal position sensor through SPS.
Problem:
One of vxdiagshop.com's customer reported that
his vxdiag
vcx nano Nissan scanner can not seen in c3plus software.
All
are installed by instructions.
All fixed. Fixed by our engineer via Teamviewer.
Reinstall Nissan Bosch VCI driver.
(Nissan requires Bosch VCI driver installation separately. Don’t need to install Nissan driver in vx manager)
Now the Consult 3 plus software can see vcx nano device.
Connect fine both USB and WiFi.
Problem:
One of vxdiagshop.com's customer reported that
his vxdiag
vcx nano Nissan scanner can not seen in c3plus software.
All
are installed by instructions.
All fixed. Fixed by our engineer via Teamviewer.
Reinstall Nissan Bosch VCI driver.
(Nissan requires Bosch VCI driver installation separately. Don’t need to install Nissan driver in vx manager)
Now the Consult 3 plus software can see vcx nano device.
Connect fine both USB and WiFi.
Here vxdiagshop.com shows you how to install VXDIAG VCX NANO GM GDS2 2024.5.8 and Tech2win software on Windows 10 (64 bit) system.
Check software and download the information in the previous post
Main steps:
Install GDS2
Install DPS patch
Install Tech2win
Install VX Manager
Run Software
Procedure:
1.Download and unzip software folder
Open GDS2
folder
Install GDS2AutoInstall.exe until
completed
2.Install 2.gm_installer.exe to install DPS patch
Then delete DPS shortcut on desktop.
NOTE: The gm_installer.exe here is used as DPS patch for GDS2.
If not installed the DPS patch, system will report PC Software Installation Error when running GDS2.
You can also install DPS 4.52 software but it will ask for license. Need to purchase license from official. If don’t want to purchase license, change date to 2023 or use this dps patch.
3.Run Tech2win
folder
Install AutoInstall.exe
If Windows
asks to install virual com port driver
Press Install
Tech2win Install
OK
4.Install VX Manager 1.8.9
Connect vxdiag vcx nano gm scanner and check device is well-connected
Go to Diagnostic, Install GM GDS2/T2W driver
Update firmware and license to latest version.
5.Run GDS2 from patch on desktop
Start diagnosis