Getting Ready for Techline Connect

Currently being rolled out to select dealerships in the U.S., Techline Connect brings together all the common resources technicians use every day for diagnosis and repairs in one simple application. The all-new application has a single sign-on for access to nine applications — integrating Service Information, reprogramming, diagnostics, vehicle information and other features — to help technicians efficiently and accurately manage the information available to them in the service department. (Fig. 6)

 

Fig. 6

 

To help technicians get up and running quickly with Techline Connect (TLC), here are a few tips about some of the key features of the application.

 

TLC TIPS

Techline Connect Icon

Once Techline Connect has been installed on the PC, a Techline Connect icon will be placed on the desktop that will allow direct access to the application without having to log in to GlobalConnect.

 

Select VCI Device

Choosing Select VCI Device at the top of the dashboard screen (Fig. 7) will display any connected MDI tools (USB connection) or MDI tools that are wirelessly connected and active.

 

Fig. 7

 

Selecting an MDI tool will establish the MDI connection and attempt to establish a vehicle connection, retrieving the VIN. (Fig. 8)

 

Fig. 8

 

Starting a Search

Always start by clicking Select Vehicle at the top of the dashboard screen. (Fig. 9) From here, you can:

• Enter a VIN by typing or copy and paste
• Select a Year/Make/Model
• Select a previous search from history

 

Fig. 9

 

Search SI

After entering a VIN or selecting Year/Make/Model from the Select Vehicle function, select the Service Information (SI) application at the top of the dashboard to begin using the Service Information. (Fig. 10) The VIN and year/make/model will be populated automatically. Enter a keyword or phrase in the quick search field at the top of the dashboard and Techline Connect automatically performs an SI search for the connected vehicle.

If you’d like to perform another SI search not related to the connected vehicle while still maintaining the connection on the dashboard, select the Search Another Vehicle option under the SI menu.

 

Fig. 10

 

Panel Management

The multi panel view function allows up to four panels to be shown on the screen at one time, which can be helpful, for example, when using GDS 2 while viewing diagnostic information and a schematic in SI. (Fig. 11) Right-click on a link and select Open in a New Page to open it in a new panel. Click and drag the top of the panel to move its location or grab the border to resize the window.

 

Fig. 11

 

To enable the multi panel view function, go to the Profile section under the User I.D. menu at the top right of the dashboard and select the desired screen mode. (Fig. 12) If the maximum number of panels are currently in use when opening a new panel or application, Techline Connect will ask which panel to replace with the new panel or app. Also, any panel can be selected to be viewed full screen. Click the X at the top of each panel to close it.

 

Fig. 12

 

Sign Out (Standalone)

The standalone sign out option under the Profile menu allows you to log out of Techline Connect (no connection to the Service Information and SPS) but still use GDS 2 diagnostics during a test drive. (Fig. 13)

 

Fig. 13

 

Printing

To view the printing options, right-click in any panel to access the print dialog box. The Service Information (SI) page will open in the default browser to print. If viewing an image in SI, use the Print button available in the image viewer. Plug-ins are no longer needed when viewing SI using Techline Connect.

 

Screen Resolution

Change the screen resolution based on the size of the monitor being used to make it easier to view and use the apps. The resolution can be changed on the PC under the display settings. Right click on the desktop to access the settings.

 

DTC Check

Use the GDS 2 app to perform a vehicle-wide DTC scan from the Techline Connect dashboard. (Fig. 14) This feature is only available to use on vehicles with a global electrical architecture (Global A and Next Generation Digital Vehicle Platform vehicles). Vehicles that use all other protocols (GMLAN, Class II) require the Tech 2.

In order to use the GDS 2 DTC check, an active MDI/VCI and vehicle connection is required.

The DTC check will report communication with vehicle control modules and any DTCs detected.

• A green box indicates successful communication with the module but no DTCs.
• A red box indicates successful communication with the module and that DTCs were detected. Select each red box to view the related DTCs.
• A grey box indicates no communication with the module, which can mean that the module does not exist on the vehicle or that the module is not responding.

 

Fig. 14

 

Clearing All DTCs

After programming using the SPS application, go to the Techline Connect dashboard and use GDS 2 to clear all DTCs vehicle-wide. When using GDS 2, it clears all DTCs, while using SPS does not.

 

Application Updates

The new Update Manager that is part of Techline Connect will perform all updates needed to keep the applications up to date when logging in to Techline Connect, including GDS 2 and MDI updates and large calibration files (if configured in the Profile Preferences). (Fig. 15) To ensure all updates are downloaded properly, make sure your dealership’s IT department correctly configures all of the Techline PC’s security settings.

 

Fig. 15

 

If the PC’s security settings do not allow updates to occur or be seen by the user, Techline Connect will continue the log in process. As a result, the app may not be up to date at all times. If a core update for Techline Connect is not made, it will affect all of the component apps.

TIP: Many dealership networks have elevated administrative rights. If Techline Connect on your PC is not getting updates, try to run as admin. Right-click the Techline Connect icon, and then select Run as Administrator. (Fig. 16)

 

Fig. 16

 

Updates for Techline Connect are typically released on weekends. If an app works on Friday, but does not on Monday, it may be due to the PC security settings not allowing the update.

Check the Messages box at the top of the Techline Connect dashboard to see if an update has been released and should have been downloaded. A message will be sent out when all updates are released. If the download did not occur, it may be necessary to contact your dealership’s IT department or the Techline Customer Support Center.

 

Mail Icon

The mail icon at the top of the Techline Connect dashboard can be used to send an email to the Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) with any questions about an application. For troubleshooting-related questions, it’s recommended to contact TCSC directly. For vehicle-related issues, contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

 

Rollout

The rollout of Techline Connect began in September and will be phased in by state throughout the Fall until all dealerships receive the invitation to install the new application.  As of mid-October, phase 7 of the rollout has been completed. (Fig. 16A) The invitation to download Techline Connect will appear as a tab in TIS2Web and an icon on the TIS home page.

 

Fig. 16A

 

Questions?

If you have any questions on Techline Connect, contact the Techline Customer Support Center at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French).

 

– Thanks to Mike Waszczenko

 

Updated October 17, 2019