Just got the scanner. The one dvd won't work so I'm waiting for the new one. I plugged it in and its like the all-seeing eye. Pretty amazing. Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it. I'm afraid to try anything yet. I think you could really mess up your ride if you don't know what you're doing. The only thing I regret is not getting the case with it. Lot of parts. Didn't think of that. Don't understand what they mean by "counts". That's how the top, trunk etc works. Can't remember who posted about it but if you do you're own work its definitely the way to go. Unless you like getting raped by Cadillac. Difference is they know how to use it....FOR NOW.
Select "Y" body with the correct year and you're in. If you don't know what something is, don't experiment if it will be writing to a module. Reading module data is fine, and there's a lot to read. And yes, a case is a worthwhile investment.
Do be aware that the Service manuals do not walk you through how to use a Tech 2 - this is assumed knowledge, though you can figure it out by playing with it long enough.
Counts: Analog voltages (measured in volts) need to be converted into digital signals for the Tech 2 (a digital device) to read. The sensors (potentiometers) output an analog voltage value as their resistance changes when the folding top moves. These voltages are expressed as counts (a decimal number).
If your top is operating, read all of the switch status conditions and sensor count values in both the closed and open (lowered/raised) top positions for future reference. If the top starts acting up, you can compare the switch status and count values and usually tell exactly which component is the problem. All count readings have a window (tolerance) for the open and closed positions that the final position must fall into. As the sensor ages or becomes misaligned, the window size will change, (or disappear altogether if the sensor completely fails) and the Tech 2 will gift you with a DTC.
Knowing the original (working) count values makes troubleshooting a lot easier. You need to update your cheat sheet every time a re-learn is performed as the FTC module gets new open and closed count values. The window size is a set value (widened in 2006, I think to minimize down on failures) and the tolerances are described in the Service manuals. This is one reason the '04's and '05 seem to have more top issues. GM got smart and changed the count tolerance, but not all owners have had the latest software programmed into their FTC to cut down on failures, and not all techs know it needs to be done. This is a major reason why you want a trained/certified XLR tech working on your car if you can find one; -they know what to look for.
Ask one of the Tech 2 owners here who own a later model (2008-2009) XLR what their FTC software revision is to ensure yours is the latest release. If your memory card is current, it should have the released version installed, but verifying the firmware version will give you a warm fuzzy feeling that it's current when you read your FTC module's ID.
CC
