Does M-VCI firmware matter? (1 Viewer)

[bulax99]

I have spent two days trying to get Techstream 12 (and as a troubleshooting measure 7,8,9, and 10) to work. When I purchased the vehicle there was a M-vci cable included but no disc. I bought another one off amazon so that I could get the disc. I have tried both. I am running Windows 7 64 and followed the directions to a T so that the driver is installed properly and will communicate with the cable. It initially installed on COM(4) and I tried COM(5) which was the port in the tech tutorial. Regardless of either COM port I use all is OK there. I have Techstream installed correctly and registered. I keep getting an error saying "cannot connect to VIM" regardless of which Interface setup I choose (Xhorse or TIS Techstream VIM).

I have researched further and read some (not a lot) of resources that say 1.4.1 will not connect to '99-'04 year models, but I have also heard that upgrading the firmware could brick the cable. I have an extra one and will try to update it to see.

Any suggestions? I have also searched the forum repeatedly and cannot find any further information, so could someone in the know or one who knows a forum link provide help? I have also read that TIS 12.10.019 has bugs but I have tried all the other versions and get the same result.

HELP!

 

[PADDO]

Are you powering your device via an inverter connected to the vehicle or are you using its onboard battery/mains power? Reason I ask is that if you use an inverter you can experience what’s referred to as a ground loop where you get parallel signal ground paths between the inverter/laptop/USB and the signal ground of the DLC3/VCI. Parallel grounds and other signal ground reference issues can cause connection failures and potentially damage the mVCI. I know my old dell platform refuses to connect when powered via an onboard inverter but is flawless when powered via its internal battery or mains, and has been for years. I know of others who experience connectivity issues when powered via inverter too.
***There are several variables at play here and no doubt there are many out there who have no connection issues when on onboard inverter power - but some do.

 

[bulax99]

I am running solely on the laptop battery. Thank you for the tip tho

 

[PabloCruise]

Are you powering your device via an inverter connected to the vehicle or are you using its onboard battery/mains power? Reason I ask is that if you use an inverter you can experience what’s referred to as a ground loop where you get parallel signal ground paths between the inverter/laptop/USB and the signal ground of the DLC3/VCI. Parallel grounds and other signal ground reference issues can cause connection failures and potentially damage the mVCI. I know my old dell platform refuses to connect when powered via an onboard inverter but is flawless when powered via its internal battery or mains, and has been for years. I know of others who experience connectivity issues when powered via inverter too.
***There are several variables at play here and no doubt there are many out there who have no connection issues when on onboard inverter power - but some do.

Interesting...