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Posted

I know we already have a similar thread on your favorite scan tool, but this one is a tad different. I am looking for your opinion on what you think is the best ob2 scanner for the buck. Nothing very expensive, more or less something for a small shop that would do 10-15 cars a month. Maybe something ob1 and ob2, or maybe just ob2. Ideally I would like to spend less then $300. So lets hear it, shoot me some advice and let me know why you picked it.

Posted

I have an older Snap On scanner that I really like. I went to the auto parts store and bought one for about $300 which I didn't really like. It worked well but someone decided they needed it more than me and stole it out of a car. I have been eying this one very closely. What this kit has and can do and the hard molded case makes this one a great price for what you are getting. If you have access to a snap on truck it might be an easy way to get it or just order it online.

 

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=diagnostics&item_ID=80798&group_ID=16815&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Posted

I know we already have a similar thread on your favorite scan tool, but this one is a tad different. I am looking for your opinion on what you think is the best ob2 scanner for the buck. Nothing very expensive, more or less something for a small shop that would do 10-15 cars a month. Maybe something ob1 and ob2, or maybe just ob2. Ideally I would like to spend less then $300. So lets hear it, shoot me some advice and let me know why you picked it.

 

I understand you are looking for a limited capability generic/universal scanner not an OE level professional tool so I will refrain from that recommendation. I am sorry to burst your bubble or pee in your wheaties but for $300.00 you will get nothing but a toy. Sure you can get a generic tool that will pull codes, sometime meaningless codes, but codes just the same. And you can get a few that will read the datastream but all of this is GENERIC! Nothing manufacturer specific and typically ONLY engine related so you will be missing a ton of information. Example, 2000 Dodge Stratus (Any FWD Chrysler really), the customer came in and asked how much for a Transmission Control Module (TCM). He had a little code reader and it said P0700 Trans Controller Fault. So it need a TCM, right? Wrong If he had been able to access the TCM he would have gotten the codes for the Output Speed Sensor and Gear Ratio Error in First. But without the capability to access the TCM he didn't know what he didn't know. Do it right the first time, because it doesn't pay for beans the second time.

 

If you want to tool up on the cheap try eBay or Craigslist and look for the newest used Snap-On scanner you can find. It isn't perfect, it really (in my opinion) isn't great but for the money for a good used scanner you can't do much better. I have a SoluPro (essentially the same coverage) for my shop and it works very well for what it does. It has a lot of holes in the coverage but for most Domestic and Japanese powertrain applications it is very good. The cheaper old red brick, (the MT/MTG2500) series is no longer supported and you can't get updates but if you find one make sure it has the BLACK cartridges. Also make sure it comes with all of the personality keys.

 

If you want to play with the big boys, you need big toys, otherwise if you just want to be a pretender or a hack, go for the Autozoner toy scanner. Knowledge is power my friend, and without a professional grade scanner you won't know (bleep). So to really be capable to fix yoru 10-15 cars a month you will need to spend probably $800-$1500 on a scanner instead.

Posted

After my last post I was reading the February issue of TechShop (techshopmag.com) and read a "Product Previews" of the Launch CReader 6. If you are still looking to buy a cheap handicapped tool this may be an option. I have the MAC Tools ET97 (a CReader IV?) and it is nice as quick code scanner with a limited datstream. I would NEVER pretend it was a scanner and try to diagnose a car with it but it is good for what it does. It is a CODE READER that just happens to have a datastream function. Good luck and happy wrenching.

Posted

Many independent repair shops work on many car lines. Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all scanner”. AND, there is absolutely nothing out there for $300.00. You can get a generic code reader, but that’s not really going to help you. You need to figure out what car lines you want to market to and what level of diagnosis you want to perform. To be a player in this business, you will need top level equipment. OE is always the best, but there are others. We just bought the new Snap-On Verus, it’s a real nice tool with a lot of options. We also have the Launch, Mastertech and a few others. We are looking into OE for Toyota and other car makes.

Posted

For $800 you can get an ATS Escan that decodes mode 6, graphs , does volumetric efficiency, catalytic efficiency, etcetera.

 

Or, if you just want codes, drive to the nearest Auto Zone and the 16 year old twerp that works there can get a code for you for free.

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  • 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.
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