OBDSTAR DC706 Honest Review

 Here comes the user unbaised review of OBDSTAR DC706 ECU and TCU cloning tool.

Credit to Brian Todd.

 

“I picked up this dc706 tool a few weeks ago and have spent some time testing it’s capabilities. The DC706 is a tablet based ECM, TCM, and BCM cloning tool, advertised as being able to read and write memory areas (eeprom, D-Flash, P-Flash) of supported contol units, as well as some pin code extraction, all through OBD or bench mode (mostly bench).

The tool this most closely resembles is IO Terminal. I am not labeling this as comparison because I have never used IO Terminal, nor do I wish to open a debate on who cracks or pirates who’s software, that’s above my pay grade. I’ll stop short of calling this a review, because I haven’t fixed any cars with it yet, I’ve only tested it on various modules.

I had been considering the purchase of I/O Terminal for some time for in house use. As an independent repair facility, where I see the benefit of this type of tool would mostly be on the GM global A stuff, TCM’s in particular. As we all know, GM’s transmissions are a weak link. One of the running jokes in the shop when a 6L80 equipped GM is towed into the shop… is it here for it’s 100,000 mile tranmission replacement? Thus far we have been able to sell a factory or Jasper remanufactured transmission only requiring SPS2 programming. But as these vehicles age I envision used replacements will become an option for some based upon financial means and vehicle depreciation. Also in today’s world of hit and miss module availability, this type of tool can provide another option. Tooling and software from Kess, Flex, PCMflash and the like are not financially practical for sporadic in house use, and I’m not likely to market module cloning as a sublet service anytime soon. The cost of IO terminal hardware and the various software packages can add up and has kept me on the fence about purchasing it, unsure of the return on investment.

I saw this tool from OBDStar and it seemed intriguing. OBDStar makes some immobilizer and odometer correction tools, as well as motorcycle and marine scan tools. This a new tool offering from OBDStar and has been on the market for about 6 months.

Checking the module coverage list it was pretty much identical to IO Terminal. The price point was good at about $1,400 for the full software version (ECM, TCM, and Body/other) plus another $149 for their P003 adapter for certain modules. It seems like the subscription fee will be a couple of hundred dollars a year to keep it current. So I decided to roll the dice and give it a try.

The first thing I noticed after activation of the tool was an version update that now includes ZF 8HP TCM’s on all makes, including Dodge and GPEC-4 PCM’s. In boot mode. In addition I turned the tool on a few days ago to discover another update that amongst other things included GPEC-2, 2A, and 3 PCM’s. It’s encouraging to see regular updates and expanded coverage.

I gathered a bunch of modules to test: E39A and E92 GM PCM’s, 2 FCA RF Hubs, a Ford continental BCM, a GM Bosch BCM, and a GPEC-2 PCM. Guide and pin out diagrams are clear and accurate. Performed all reading and writing on all of these modules easily and successfully. VIN’s were visible on eeprom and d-flash sectors, as well as pin codes.

Some other tests:

Read Opel Simens D52 without issue
Cloed Fiat 9gv Lifting eeprom decript, Not opening any screws
did a good job on BMW Zf 8hp 45 transmission.
read and write 2015 Chrysler 300 8speed

 

The DC706 is a good tool especially for the money. It is a bit clunky to work with the files. Otherwise a very formidable tool. We use it often on the DPS6 Ford TCMs as it is easy to connect when working mobile.

 

Deciphering some of the verbage while using can be a challenge. An example of this in photo while reading a GM Bosch BCM in bench mode. It gave me pause when I first saw it, but I speculate it was telling me not to wake up the BCM with ignition source voltage during read and write operations. I proceeded and successfully read and write the BCM.

Pros:

• Similar to I/O Terminal, but much cheaper (1/3 price of full version)
• Stand-alone, don’t need PC as IO terminal
• Frequently update
• gives wiring diagram and instructions
• with built-in hex editor
• very good tool to clone and virgin GM controller

 

Cons:

• a bit clunky to work with the files (check how to backup dc706 file from tablet to PC)
• English description is challenge for native speakers

 

No tool like this is perfect, I’m sure holes and flaws will be discovered, but at this point my confidence level is pretty high. I just hope it comes through when I need to use it “for real”.

I wanted to share this for those who maybe in a similar situation, it may be worth considering this tool.