Published: November 24, 2024 · Last updated: October 26, 2026
From my experience testing GM vehicles, most basic scanners only show engine faults and miss important systems like transmission, ABS, or body control. If you want real diagnostics on Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac, you need a tool that can access every control unit, perform active tests, and support ECU coding or adaptations. The best scanners for GM give you access close to the official Tech2 or GDS2 systems used by dealerships.
I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes get tools for free (full disclosure). It never affects my scoring.
Quick recommendations for GM cars
GM Tech2 / VXDIAG VCX Nano 7.3 / 10
VX interface with dedicated GM software scanner that gives you full-system access, bi-directional testing, and service resets.
- ✓Dealer-level functionality
- ✕Harder installation like every clone software
Foxwell NT710 for GM 6.6 / 10
dedicated GM scanner that gives you full-system access, bi-directional testing, and service resets.
- ✓Good value and has everything you need for DIY work
- ✕Not great to use on all cars (only global OBD for other brands)
Launch Creader GM 8 / 10
handheld one-brand scanner made for GM vehicles. It supports full-system diagnostics, bi-directional testing, and basic ECU coding.
- ✓All features you need for your GM car
- ✕Only global OBD for other brands
Mucar 892BT 9.4 / 10
My personal favourite go-to scanner for diagnosing, checking used cars. service resets or even coding new features. Unless I need special tool I am using this one.
- ✓Small for tablet scan tool so it's easy to carry around
- ✓Good interface for coding features
- ✓Overall great UX
- ✓Magnetic handle for dongle on the back is gold = no need to always search for dongle
- ✓Allows custom background image
- ✕No topology yet (might come later with update)
Youcanic UCAN-II full-system 8.4 / 10
full system scanner that works completely without internet connection (except update and setup). Works very good and does service/coding as well.
- ✓Full-system bidirectional
- ✓ECU coding
- ✓Wide vehicle coverage
- ✓Lifetime updates
- ✓Good to check and log live data
- ✓30 days no question asked return
- ✕Less known brand with smaller community
XTool D8s 8.3 / 10
pro-level mid-range tablet with full-system diagnostics, bidirectional tests and moderate coding depth tested on VAG platform
- ✓Full-system diagnostics
- ✓Bidirectional tests
- ✓Service procedures
- ✓Topology features on supported cars
- ✕Vehicle coverage varies for advanced resets
Quick recommendations for GM cars
I'm Juraj Lukacko and I work as an auto electrician. On this site I share what I learn from real work on real cars, to help you pick the right tools for diagnostics, programming and tuning and get the job done.
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Hi, which scanner can I use for the Opel? I don’t see Opel brand on your list…
Hi any Thinkcar/Mucar scanner will be good.
I need a scanner that will graph the resistance test for A and B on the throttle body with a P02135 GMC Envoy.
I am not sure if you can read it with OBD2 scanner. ECU knows resistance for A/B but not sure if that is included in live data parameters. If not, then you will not be able to graph it with any scanner. On the other hand if it is in live data, you can use any of these (except vgate)