Quantcast
Jump to content


What's Your Favorite Scan Tool


Recommended Posts

  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

I have mine on order now. I will let you all know what I think of it. I got the domestic and Asian kit as well. Dont' do enough German to bother with that one yet.

 

 

I as well am looking into this tool, I found that you can buy it on ebay from the manufacturer/supplier for about 220.00, but its really hard to do decipher what all is included. I personally do allot of foreign car repair. It does seem that you have to buy the adaptors for SRS, ABS. The blue tooth to PDA seems nice but cumbersome, although i do like the idea of the wireless add on.

 

Let me know what add ons you got, and what you think.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can buy the generic tool for around $220 but it won't have any of the advanced "enhanced" features as they call them. If you look on AutoEnginuity's site it will explain the different options that they offer. I decided to buy it straight from them instead of from someone on ebay and since mine has had problems I am glad I bought it straight from them. My machine works well for domestic applications but for some reason I have not been able to make it work on any Asian cars at all. I have been dealing with them for about a month now and finally sent my adapter back to them because I was doing everything right. They figure I have a hardware problem. I will let you know more when I get it working properly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please keep us posted!

 

 

Well hope they get it fixed for you in a timely manner. I just lost my Genysis EVO 4 due to my dad's old shop re opening, and have no scanner. I'm really not wanting to go after a Snap On, Mac, etc... And just recently had issues comunicating with a 99 A4 with the Genisys, and out of desperation I drove it down to Autozone and used there scanner and it pulled the codes, ehhh how frustrating that was. Snap On wants an arm and a leg, and to me there only good for there hand tools anymore. As far as the Genisys I loved it price wise, and bang for buck.

 

I'm looking into autoenginuity deal,... But will be waiting to hear back on your dealings with the company before making any decisions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well so far impressed with the service. They got my connector and tested it and was amazed that I was correct. It was not working and it had their engineering department stumped. That made me feel better that I wasn't the one that was crazy. They made me a new connector and tested it before they shipped it to make sure that it was working. I will give more info as I get the chance to test the new one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have a SnapOn Verus & an older version of Vantage(use it mostly for multimeter function), & a basic OBD2 scan tool. Traded in our Modis to get the Verus. The thing about SnapOn is they never have had any support for Volvo or Saab. We do work on a few of them but not enough to buy a specialized tool just for them.

The thing I like best about the Verus is that it's a combination scanner/lab scope/ignition analyzer and laptop computer. Can store all information for each car we scan in it. Pretty good tool.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Verus is a step up from the Modis. The Modis combines the scanner features of the Solis with the lab scope/multimeter features of the Vantage. So I would say the next step up from the Solis would be the Modis.

Edited by Richard
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
  • 4 months later...

Dealer level scanners... without a doubt.

Tech 2, NGS, IDS, DRB

I use a MasterTech for most everything for quick code reads or mode 6 info. The MasterTech can do a lot, some programming and some air bag reset stuff. Nice scanner.

GM - ya gotta have a Tech 2 easy to read, easy to understand... sometimes hard to navigate thru the maze of info... but very, very good

NGS - a little dated, but easy to use. Good PID sections... wish it had a misfire graph like the Tech 2... I'll use the O2 PID along with the injector pulse readings to determine misfires.

IDS - expensive... nice, takes a little practice to work it... nice though

DRB - another dated machine... farely easy... Up to 05 it's effective... after that... sorry

 

I've looked at the Snap-on machines... sorry guys, not impressed. To many cords, clips, and small parts. The info is somewhat sketchy... on all models.

 

I guess the best way to put it is... The customer wants it fixed... they don't care how ya do it...as long as it's cheap. So if you have the wrong scanner or not enough info incorporated into that scanner... you're screwed...

 

I think of scanners like this.... They give you a rope, a tree, and a three legged horse... "You've got almost all the info you need, but some scanners will leave just that last little bit out... and sure enough that horse is going to hang ya... "

\

 

Taking a poll. Let me know your favorite scan tool or tools. Most of us work on just about what ever rolls thru the bay doors. That can be an issue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree oem is the way to go but tech 2, drb and ids are not current any longer. They are all switching to vci format (laptop based). I like the idea one laptop and many vci modules. To bad bosch cant make there vci work. Im in a wait mode right now as to which one to get next.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Totally agree with ya. As a matter of fact, I wrote an article about using the J2534 (crap)... not impressed... If I was in a push/shove delimea... I think I would try ... but honestly... I'd go with the OEM.

The VCI modules is the latest greatest... But I'm sure that will all change in a bit too.

My Tech 2 gets a work out around here. But so does the IDS... I hardly pull the NGS out these days, but it's nice to have.

The DRB is really only there for reprogramming and or HVAC solutions. (very dated)

 

Thanx for your insight... you're right on the money... Gonzo

 

I agree oem is the way to go but tech 2, drb and ids are not current any longer. They are all switching to vci format (laptop based). I like the idea one laptop and many vci modules. To bad bosch cant make there vci work. Im in a wait mode right now as to which one to get next.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We use a Snap-On Verus with every option, topped around $8k for it and I would not recommend it at all. The development of snap-on electrical tools and the feedback to their development staff is terrible. We are now on our 3rd brand new unit, a dozen or so software updates and the tool still does not work as it should. There are lots of bugs in the way the program works and snap-on support has no way of getting these problems fixed when you call the tech line to report them. I have gone through a handful of contacts with snap-on diagnostics all of them give terrible feedback. The new update to 10.4 software brought countless bugs. The system simply isn't stable and in many cases simply does not work. The scope leaves much to be desired too. Sampling rate and display response of the scope is terribly slow. Options to configure triggers often do not work. I've had issues where I couldn't do something simple like scope an injector. Even had the snap-on tech guy here and left him with the car for a whole afternoon and they couldn't get it to work. I pulled out my old bluepoint scope on an extension cord (batteries are no longer available or I'd still use this thing) and had a waveform in less than a minute. We also bought the low amp probe for the Verus, it doesn't work at all. It will read up to a half amp draw if you just wave the thing around in the air. Still waiting on a replacement for that, its been a month.

 

The tool is far to expensive for its shortcomings and as the main tool used in our shop it can grind work to a stop when it fails which is at least weekly. We do a lot of VW/Audi work and I have a Ross-Tech for that. I also have the German package for the Verus but it will crash every time you're in expert mode, making it entirely useless. Luckily I can use the Ross-Tech as a OBD-II generic tool which helps a lot as a backup to the Verus. We are unfortunately already heavily invested in snap-on diagnostic equipment but will never buy anything from them again. The hand tools I think are generally worth the premium price but the diagnostic tools are not nearly worth the money and simply do not work as advertised.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am not a Snap-On fans. If you want a good overall scan tool that has scope and gas analyzer, the OTC Genesys is the most cost effective. We are also very happy with Auto Enginuity, which is the best Euro scan tool we used aside from the Autologic (which is the Bugatti of scan tools.) The Auto Enginuity is the best bang for your buck by far, it is very good on US and Euro, not as much on Asian (though it is just behind Launch or Carman Scan on Asian.)

 

 

On youtube there was a good scan tool shoot out on VW that gets into the real-world specifics of what these tools do. It goes along with what I know from real world experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have the Auto Enginuity and really haven't been happy with it. It doesn't have the testing functions that I think it should. When you use that scanner for Ford it has all the output tests but Chevy it doesn't offer it? Either that or I don't know how to use it well enough and the info it came with is pretty much useless.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have the Auto Enginuity and really haven't been happy with it. It doesn't have the testing functions that I think it should. When you use that scanner for Ford it has all the output tests but Chevy it doesn't offer it? Either that or I don't know how to use it well enough and the info it came with is pretty much useless.

The AE is not user friendly at all. It hides bi directionals under the name "activation tests" that you need to side click on to get. For VW, it uses a totally different terminology and process to access the same thing. Real stupid.

 

But, the functionality is there and that's what I care about.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I just took a look at a Bosch KTS 340 yesterday. The tools looks pretty good, european coverage is tremendously better than the Verus, Asian coverage looks very good too. The rep said that they are a little behind in GM coverage, primarily since they also sell the Tech2 specifically for GM. I guess the GM software (old vetronix) iis being merged with the Bosch software on the KTS line over the next year, at least that was the salesman's pitch. Is anyone using the Bosch tools. It runs linux and is significantly faster than the verus. I didn't have time to get into that many cars. We are thinking about selling our Verus and might get into this tool or another like it. The Verus is just to many headaches, especially for the ultimate premium price tag we spent on it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use bosch and like the master tech(have had a few) and the lab scope(have had a few also) but I have the new vci and they cannot get it to work right and are offerign little to no assistance. Im not pleased with there help. I would makeit a point to bring it up to your rep. Our rep is not good. He tells me just to use mine plugged in? I bought it cause its wireless? Good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use the OTC Genysis and find it OK. It does most of what I need. Some bidirectional controls. At times it is VERY slow to update PIDs, seconds behind what the sensors are actually reading. I have even reverted to my cheap autoxray for faster response at times. I miss the TechII from the dealer. I am always looking for something bigger, better, and more bang for the buck. The Autoenginuity seems very appealing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...
  • 1 year later...

I currently use the Hanatech Ultra scan, for the price I'm pretty impressed cost around 3800 has a wide coverage of vehicle, very fast and has good bidirectional control, updates are not expensive, free for two years. Of course is not perfect the o-scope I don't like it us not color screen not self powered. Has anyone else played with this scan tool?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 9 months later...

My scanner choices are plenty... I have a lot of them.

 

My first choice is something that will read and define the codes (for all makes and models) that would be the DOL from Autoland.

 

Its simple to operate and wireless. This scanner doesn't do much more than read codes, but it does have some graphing abilities as well as key code, oil reminder resets, and a few other features.

After the car is coded, then it depends on the model and the exact problem I'm dealing with.

 

From that point I usually will reach for a manufacturer's scanner. Mainly for better PID and graphing capabilities.

 

I find it a lot easier to stick with one scanner for code reading and then move onto the manufacturer's scanners for detailed info.

 

In some cases all I need is the codes and then a scope. So there is no need in the next step up with a scanner.

 

I also have other specialty scanners for TPMS, Air Bag, etc... those of course, are for the purpose they are designed for. One feature that I use quite a bit on my TPMS scanner is the ability to see the strength of the key fob signal. (A good way to upsell a replacement battery for them.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      Matt Fanslow emphasizes the importance of taking control of one’s life and career, especially during challenging times. Using the analogy of flying a plane, he stresses the need for focus and decisive action. Drawing from his mentor Robert "Dutch" Silverstein's advice to "fly the darn plane," Matt discusses personal and professional development in the automotive industry. He highlights the value of self-assessment, hard work, and continuous learning, and underscores the significance of training and mentorship.
      Flying the Plane Analogy (00:01:34) Facing Life's Challenges (00:02:47) Making Intentional Decisions (00:04:01) Learning from Tough Situations (00:05:21) The Sully Incident (00:06:30) Gathering Information (00:09:01) Career Planning and Self-Assessment (00:10:25) The Role of Mentorship (00:11:35) Honesty in Self-Assessment (00:12:41) Value of Continuous Learning (00:15:01) Reality of Career Aspirations (00:16:07) Finding Your Niche (00:19:36) Mastering Skills (00:20:55) Misunderstanding Career Potential (00:22:07) Value as a Worker vs. Human (00:23:24) Understanding Skills and Passion (00:24:53) Flying the Plane Analogy (00:26:09) Encouragement and Gratitude (00:27:14)  
       
       
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com
      Email Matt: [email protected]
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE
      Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Welcome to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Brian Walker. In this solo episode, Brian discusses the importance of taking massive action during slow business periods. 
      Drawing from a recent conversation with a shop owner, he shares strategies to combat slow times, including leveraging networking groups like BNI, using your CRM effectively, creating engaging video content, and offering incentives.
      Brian also highlights the importance of personal health and well-being, emphasizing that a healthy business owner is crucial for a thriving business. 
      Tune in for practical tips to help fill your bays and keep your business thriving.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Greg Buckley at Buckley's Auto Center : https://www.youtube.com/@BuckleysAutoCare/featured
      Charlie's Foreign Car
      https://www.youtube.com/@fixingcars
      Royalty Auto Service
      https://www.youtube.com/@theroyaltyautoservice
      Dave’s Auto Center
      https://www.youtube.com/@DavesAutoCenterCenterville
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network "Research has shown that people forget 90% of what they "learn" in 30 days unless it's reinforced. But reinforcement isn't enough. Today's Class training uses forced recall, a method that creates pathways in a learner's brain, helping them retain information more effectively." David Boyes, from Today's Class, discusses how daily gamification on Today's Class' app can enhance engagement and learning through individual and team-based competitions, rewards points, and prizes. “It’s microdosing of training. It’s a set of daily questions on a daily basis." David Boyes, President of ‘Today’s Class”  An online learning organization that has been supporting the automotive industry for more than 20 years. David's previous episodes HERE Show Notes
      Daily Dose of Top Tier Training: Today’s Class [THA 371]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a371/ Today’s Class: Adaptive Learning Technology [RR 879]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e879/ Training Platform (00:01:52) David Boyes talks about his training platform, Today's Class, and its relevance in the industry. Gamification and Engagement (00:02:08) The discussion on how gamification can be used to encourage engagement and learning in the automotive industry. Gamification Features (00:03:03) The various forms of gamification and its role in enhancing the overall learning experience. Rewards Points and Competition (00:04:01) The use of rewards points and individual/ team-based competition as default gamification features. Customizing Gamification (00:05:15) How Today's Class can be tailored to fit the unique needs and culture of each organization. Incentives and Prizes (00:09:06) The potential for using awards, prizes, and bragging rights to drive desired behaviors. Team-Based Engagement (00:07:13) The power of team-based engagement and how it can benefit the overall team dynamic. Training Platform Overview (00:07:54) A brief explanation of Today's Class as a training platform with a different approach to traditional online training. Variety in Gamification Goals (00:09:06) The importance of variety in gamification goals to keep the learning experience fresh and engaging. Innovative Gamification Ideas (00:10:55) Creative ideas and examples of gamification rewards and incentives used by different groups. Leaderboards and Competition (00:12:36) The visibility of leaderboards and the inter-competitive play between different shops. Collaboration and Contributions (00:17:16) The involvement of parts providers or tool trucks in providing rewards and incentives for gamification. Duration of Competitions (00:19:10) The duration of gamification competitions, whether they typically last monthly or quarterly. Gamification Reset Frequency (00:19:31) David explains the importance of resetting the scoreboard monthly for a fresh competition. Setting Up Gamification Groups (00:22:46) David explains the process for onboarding new shops into gamification groups and the 90-day training cycle. Gamification as a Benefit (00:24:16) David emphasizes that gamification is a benefit but not enough to drive the platform's usage, highlighting the importance of learning and development. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                    
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments By setting realistic expectations, providing necessary support and training, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining transparency and honesty, business owners can create a more productive and harmonious workplace. Implementing these actionable tips from Kevin Eckler can help reduce turnover, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a more successful business. Kevin Eckler, Foreign Car Specialists, Poughkeepsie, NY. Listen to Kevin’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
      The challenges in the automotive industry (00:00:06) Discussion about the struggles and shortcomings in hiring and managing employees in the automotive industry. Setting up employees for failure (00:01:01) The tendency to bring in new employees without realistic expectations and necessary support, leading to repeated failures. Lack of support and training for new employees (00:02:43) Failure to equip new employees with the tools, support, and training needed for success in their positions. Creating a toxic work environment (00:03:40) The impact of avoiding confrontations and failing to address issues on creating a toxic work environment and setting employees up to fail. Self-awareness and accountability (00:06:34) The importance of self-awareness in how one's actions and words influence the atmosphere and attitude in the workplace. Honesty about the challenges and vision of the business (00:08:08) The importance of being honest about the difficulties and vision of the business when bringing in new employees and setting realistic expectations. Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners, for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...