I'm going deeper into diagnosing why my CTS won't start and bought a VCX nano USB cable on vxdiagshop. Arrived yesterday. Followed a couple of Youtube videos and the Tech 2 software works fine* (mostly) and I was able to flash the ECM today with an updated program via the ACDelco TDS SPS2 programming system. I read numerous horror stories about computer compatibility and trouble with the software but I really didn't have any issues after following LobuckLS (Tech2Win) and ElPro Garage (ACDelcoTDS) videos. I am using fresh clean OS installs on 2 different laptops (one for Tech2 with the... ahem... sketchy software, and one for the VXDiag driver and installed all of the genuine Techline software from the ACDelco web site). For what it's worth, AC Delco costs $45 for 2 years of programming ability for one vehicle, so it cost me $48 (incl tax) to program my ECM using the ACDelco software.

I followed the software install sequence and it looks like it will work. I'll try connecting to the car tomorrow.
1. Install MDI first
2. install VM Manager
3. While VM Manager is running in the background, Auto load GM software with Tech 2.
No errors when launching Tech 2 software this time.

Using the VCX Nano as a J2534 pass-thru for Delco TDS/SPS works quite well. Granted

I originally purchased the Tech2 in hopes of "turning on" features on my SSV but could not get it to work in a way I could update modules or communicate with anything from a programming perspective. Took a step back and bought a VX diag module that worked with a laptop and after quite a bit of trial and error, I was able to get it working. I have used it to "update" the various existing modules in my truck using the laptop.

I like the vcx nano because I can run tech 2 and GDS with one system. Just start a different program depending on the year.

I used this device a few times with both my former Volt and Bolt to check battery health and look at other settings and parameters, and it works very well. current software is available for download at vxdiagshop.com. Installation and use videos are also available on YouTube.

Worked for me but I had to buy a 3 day license from GM to reprogram a vin number to my ecm. I also had to fully reset my computer to factory settings twice to get this thing to work right but I was able to use it properly after I got the programs to sync up.

After you figure out the software install it works great. Recommend to all motor heads.

hands down the best tool available allows use of virtual Tech 2, For more you can access programming control modules and updates with service from ACDelco TDS subscription, you can do almost anything a dealership can do. ACDelco TDS $45 for 2 years per VIN. I won't use a motive bleeder, junk bleeders IMO, they can't deliver the volume and pressure needed for most ABS bleeding procedures via tech 2 or scan tools. I bleed my brakes @ 2 bar with tool above. lastly make sure you got a good battery charger running, key on engine off and running ABS eats power.

Saved me a lot of time, keeping me out of the dealership.

It does what it is supposed to do. Not sure if it accomplished everything I wanted to do but it did work, kinda. Lots of steps involved in accessing auto software.

I was able to fix my car using this tool plus the tech 2 win software to bleed my ABS system, and I could also see that none of my ABS wheel speed sensors were working.

worked just fine the first shot on my Win10 pro Thinkpad, WITH defender disabled *grumble*.
I followed your pdf instruction:
in summary:
1. GDS2AutoInstall.
2. Tech2Win Autoinstall.
3. install VXMANAGER.
4. open VXmanager.
4.1. Install (update) passthru app.
4.2. Install (update) GDS2/T2W app.
4.3. Upgrade firmware.
4.4. Upgrade License.
When you launch GDS2, click 'MDI2'.
When you launch Tech2Win, select 'GM - MDI,'.

Get it worked. Here's my setup tips.
Install VX manager, then go click on the VX manager license and firmware icons to install/update them so the Nano is showing up in VX manger and working.
Next, Install Tech2win using the auto.exe install with VX manager open and the VX nano attached to the machine, and watch for defenders to block something during the installs. If defenders blocks, the go into defender to allow the needed file to run, then go back and re run autoinstall again for tech2 win..
Now go into VX manger, click on the top diagnostic tab, automative tab left hand side, and install Passthru, GM gds2/tech2w, SM RDS one at time. Note, if you update VX manager, after the update, liscence and firmware updates, go back and uninstall and reinstall these three again (don't just use the update button).
Note, will get that a few items have already been installed during the above steps, so just click and allow the installs to continue as needed. Now at this point, do a restart of the entire laptop, and should have your problems solved.
As for tech2win, delete the quick start tech2win on the desktop since your never going to use it, and once you click the normal tech2win icon, select North America in the first screen, MDI1 in the second screen, then usb device in the third screen. If you do not get the third screen USB device with the nano connected, it because when you first went to install Tech2win on the machine, VX manger was not open with the Nano connectors, so the auto install could over write a few files needed in VX manager to make the software work. So start from the above steps with VX manager open and the VX connected to the machine, and nana showing up in VX manager.
As for once you are into Tech2win , pretty straight forward for the most part, and the Vet is a Y body type. For 2005 vet, use that year for all modules, while if you need to get to the BCM setting for a 2006 to 2013 Vet, use the 2013 year alone (the rest of the modules you can just use the car actual year isntead). Hope it helps.

I have used VCX Nano. It is small, very compact in size, and works fast with GM software Tech2Win, GDS2, SPS, etc.... And also the one that cost me more cheap to purchase. So is always my go-to tool in my toolbox.

the new techline connect SPS2 stuff for flashing modules I am doing natively Win 10 x64. For GDS2 diagnostics and bi-directional controls I am using a Win 7 x86 VM with the software and drivers provided by VCX Diag. I initially tried to use the VM with techline connect but it wanted to update everything (including drivers, wrapper and the hacked GDS2) so it was pointless to let it continue.

I installed Techline on my pc for a VCX Nano setup to my laptop, updated Java, stopped antivirus/defender/vpn etc and managed to update my Holden VF Calais Mylink no probs. The radio update I treated as an intro for me, so I could familiarise myself with the software and ensure glitches etc were sorted.

OK, so I installed and run in the following order.
1)GDS2AutoInstall.exe
2) vcredist_x86.exe
3) The latest VX manager
4) Updated firmware and license in VX manager
5) updated/installed the drivers in the diagnostic tab
6) ran GDS2 from patch.
it works with ac delco sps and from my quick search, I have found updated software for a few modules.

Can confirm, using GDS2. Personally I've done EPB calibration, release etc, I've done steering angle reset and can control everything the BCM does too e.g. unlatch boot, lock/unlock, etc. etc. I have seen the ability to do the brake bleed but I haven't actually done it myself. Reprogramming requires TDS subscription.

dont bother with the wifi version of vxdiag because you never want to use wifi, a solid cable connection is what you want when playing around with the vehicle. it works with techline and the gds2 works great, i have used it on both gm and opel vehicles to program and diagnose.